osce--2020-06-16--Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on info

Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 16 June 2020

KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 20 permanent international staff members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between the shifts at the border checkpoints and adherence to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities , the OM is faced with certain difficulties , but is still able to continue to fulfill its mandate without any limitations in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage .
• Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
The average number of entries/exits increased from 1050 to 1217 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine , with an average net flow of seven per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
Responding to the COVID-19 situation , the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March .
Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border ( which entered into force on 19 March ) , are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine .
In addition , reportedly , due to the threat of the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was suspended .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was two compared to four last week , one of them crossed into the Russian Federation and one into Ukraine .
These individuals crossed the border on foot .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During this reporting week , one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when no families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation , while only one family crossed into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation were stopped from 10 April .
During the reporting period , no buses were observed at the two BCPs .
During the reporting period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 932 compared to 1078 during the previous reporting week ) ; 548 at the Gukovo BCP and 384 at the Donetsk BCP , 593 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 339 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Belarus , Lithuania , Azerbaijan , Georgia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting week , the number of tanker trucks slightly decreased from 47 to 43 .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could include an X-ray check .
Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks .
Compared to the previous week , the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP significantly increased from 91 to 167 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 142 trucks ( 85 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine : the remaining 25 trucks ( 15 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation .
The OM continued to observe passenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the border in both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans slightly decreased from 77 to 64 vehicles ; 35 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 29 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 42 occasions ; the OTs assessed that 22 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 20 trains were travelling to Ukraine ( more details are provided in the sections “ trends and figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP .
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates .
A significant number of vehicles with “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Poland and Georgia .
On 11 June at 18:30 , the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a group of 12 brand-new public utility vehicles type “ Gazel ” and “ UAZ ” entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking in the customs control zone .
The vehicles had no licence plates and were painted in white and orange .
All the vehicles underwent customs control procedures and at 19:45 left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 09:28 , the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with “ LPR ” plates arriving to the BCP from Ukraine .
After undergoing the border control procedures , the ambulance left the BCP into the Russian Federation with two paramedics on board .
The same day at 17:26 , the same ambulance entered the BCP from the Russian Federation and parked near the main building .
After a quick border control procedure , at 17:32 the ambulance left the border for Ukraine .
For trends and figures at a glance covering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
KAMENSK-SHAKHTINSKIY, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 20 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between the shifts at the border checkpoints and adherence to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfill its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage. Persons in military-style outfits. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits increased from 1050 to 1217 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of seven per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was suspended.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military style outfits crossing the border was two compared to four last week, one of them crossed into the Russian Federation and one into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when no families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while only one family crossed into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation were stopped from 10 April. During the reporting period, no buses were observed at the two BCPs.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (932 compared to 1078 during the previous reporting week); 548 at the Gukovo BCP and 384 at the Donetsk BCP, 593 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 339 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Georgia and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks slightly decreased from 47 to 43. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane.
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP significantly increased from 91 to 167. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 142 trucks (85 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 25 trucks (15 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans slightly decreased from 77 to 64 vehicles; 35 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 29 into Ukraine.
Trains
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP. During the reporting week, the OTs heard trains on 42 occasions; the OTs assessed that 22 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 20 trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed cars with licence plates registered in Poland and Georgia.
On 11 June at 18:30, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed a group of 12 brand-new public utility vehicles type “Gazel” and “UAZ” entering the BCP from the Russian Federation and parking in the customs control zone. The vehicles had no licence plates and were painted in white and orange. All the vehicles underwent customs control procedures and at 19:45 left the border for Ukraine.
On 15 June at 09:28, the OT at Donetsk BCP observed an ambulance with “LPR” plates arriving to the BCP from Ukraine. After undergoing the border control procedures, the ambulance left the BCP into the Russian Federation with two paramedics on board. The same day at 17:26, the same ambulance entered the BCP from the Russian Federation and parked near the main building. After a quick border control procedure, at 17:32 the ambulance left the border for Ukraine.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 12 May to 16 June 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-06-16--Including women in decision-making key to effective and gender-sensitive COVID-19 responses, partici

Including women in decision-making key to effective and gender-sensitive COVID-19 responses, participants say in OSCE Parliamentary Assembly webinar

COPENHAGEN , 15 June 2020 – Governments should ensure that the gendered impacts of COVID-19 are prioritized in their responses to the crisis , participants said in a webinar organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly today .
To prevent the pandemic from exacerbating inequalities among men and women and reversing many of the gains countries have made regarding gender equality , it was stressed that women must be equally represented in all COVID-19 response planning and decision-making .
Participants noted that policymakers should utilize women ’ s civil society organizations ’ wealth of experience , which is important not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also to achieve gender equality in the long term .
To address the impacts of COVID-19 on women ’ s health , speakers said that attention must be paid to the needs of women health care workers , including through the provision of personal protective equipment and the continuation of standard health services for women .
The webinar included the participation of nearly 100 people including some 35 parliamentarians , as well as representatives of a number of OSCE institutions .
It featured remarks from OSCE PA Special Representative on Gender Issues Hedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella , Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir , Inter-Parliamentary Union President Gabriela Cuevas Barron , and Françoise Girard , President of the International Women ’ s Health Coalition .
Special Representative Fry presented her new report , “ The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 , ” which details the ways in which the pandemic is affecting issues including gender-based violence , economic security , access to women ’ s health services , the gender wage gap , women ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as issues related to the women , peace and security agenda and women ’ s political leadership .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic represents a significant threat to gender equality , ” Fry said .
“ Not only does this pandemic threaten to stall progress towards gender equality , it could roll back many of the rights we ’ ve fought so hard to gain .
However , I believe that OSCE participating States can tackle this enormous challenge : together throughout the OSCE region , and in our own countries , we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incorporate the voices and perspectives of women from all different groups.
” IPU President Cuevas called attention to the problem of gender-based violence , noting that an average of 137 women across the world are killed by a partner or family member every day , and that parliaments can play a role in combating this trend through gender mainstreaming practices .
“ A gender-sensitive parliament is one that ensures equal participation of men and women in the relevant oversight committees that are monitoring and guiding the state ’ s response to the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a parliament that ensures women ’ s voices are heard in the discussions that shape our emergency responses and policy priorities ; one that requests sex disaggregated data and monitoring and requires prioritization of the prevention and response to gender-based violence.
” Director Gisladottir said that equal and meaningful participation of women and men in decision-making is essential for effective functioning of democratic institutions and policies .
She regretted that there is a lack of women ’ s representation in decision-making at the political level , which can limit the inclusion of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , noting the role in this regard of parliamentarians .
“ National legislative bodies must ensure the effective oversight of governments ’ response and transparency in adopting emergency legislation , ” she said .
The COVID-19 crisis makes clear the urgent need to reconsider approaches to health care , said Girard , urging policies that improve access to critical services and empower women and girls to take greater control of their health care .
“ In addressing our current crisis , we must prioritize the rights of women , girls , and marginalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path to an equal and just society , ” she said .
In the discussion , OSCE parliamentarians stressed the urgency of addressing the gender aspects of COVID-19 and highlighted a number of important areas for governments and parliaments to focus on to ensure an effective response to the pandemic that takes into account the needs of women and girls .
Parliamentarians described the impacts seen in their countries and pointed to measures being taken by national legislatures .
Attention must be paid to ensuring the representation of women in health care decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be given to victims of gender-based violence , including by fully prosecuting the perpetrators .
Providing financial assistance to families has also been effective in alleviating domestic violence , it was noted .
Monday ’ s webinar was the latest in a series of thematic Parliamentary Web Dialogues organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly .
Previous webinars have been held on the economic fallout of the pandemic , maintaining democratic control during states of emergency , COVID ’ s impact on conflicts in the OSCE region , environmental aspects of the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
For more on the OSCE PA ’ s response to the COVID-19 crisis , please click here .
To read Hedy Fry ’ s report , “ The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 , ” please click here .

COPENHAGEN, 15 June 2020 – Governments should ensure that the gendered impacts of COVID-19 are prioritized in their responses to the crisis, participants said in a webinar organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly today. To prevent the pandemic from exacerbating inequalities among men and women and reversing many of the gains countries have made regarding gender equality, it was stressed that women must be equally represented in all COVID-19 response planning and decision-making.
Participants noted that policymakers should utilize women’s civil society organizations’ wealth of experience, which is important not only in the immediate response to COVID-19 but also to achieve gender equality in the long term. To address the impacts of COVID-19 on women’s health, speakers said that attention must be paid to the needs of women health care workers, including through the provision of personal protective equipment and the continuation of standard health services for women.
The webinar included the participation of nearly 100 people including some 35 parliamentarians, as well as representatives of a number of OSCE institutions. It featured remarks from OSCE PA Special Representative on Gender Issues Hedy Fry, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli, OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Inter-Parliamentary Union President Gabriela Cuevas Barron, and Françoise Girard, President of the International Women’s Health Coalition.
Special Representative Fry presented her new report, “The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19,” which details the ways in which the pandemic is affecting issues including gender-based violence, economic security, access to women’s health services, the gender wage gap, women’s unpaid care work, as well as issues related to the women, peace and security agenda and women’s political leadership.
“The COVID-19 pandemic represents a significant threat to gender equality,” Fry said. “Not only does this pandemic threaten to stall progress towards gender equality, it could roll back many of the rights we’ve fought so hard to gain. However, I believe that OSCE participating States can tackle this enormous challenge: together throughout the OSCE region, and in our own countries, we can ensure that our responses to this pandemic incorporate the voices and perspectives of women from all different groups.”
IPU President Cuevas called attention to the problem of gender-based violence, noting that an average of 137 women across the world are killed by a partner or family member every day, and that parliaments can play a role in combating this trend through gender mainstreaming practices.
“A gender-sensitive parliament is one that ensures equal participation of men and women in the relevant oversight committees that are monitoring and guiding the state’s response to the crisis,” she said. “It is a parliament that ensures women’s voices are heard in the discussions that shape our emergency responses and policy priorities; one that requests sex disaggregated data and monitoring and requires prioritization of the prevention and response to gender-based violence.”
Director Gisladottir said that equal and meaningful participation of women and men in decision-making is essential for effective functioning of democratic institutions and policies. She regretted that there is a lack of women’s representation in decision-making at the political level, which can limit the inclusion of gender-sensitive perspectives in the COVID-19 recovery strategies, noting the role in this regard of parliamentarians. “National legislative bodies must ensure the effective oversight of governments’ response and transparency in adopting emergency legislation,” she said.
The COVID-19 crisis makes clear the urgent need to reconsider approaches to health care, said Girard, urging policies that improve access to critical services and empower women and girls to take greater control of their health care. “In addressing our current crisis, we must prioritize the rights of women, girls, and marginalized communities, and set ourselves on the path to an equal and just society,” she said.
In the discussion, OSCE parliamentarians stressed the urgency of addressing the gender aspects of COVID-19 and highlighted a number of important areas for governments and parliaments to focus on to ensure an effective response to the pandemic that takes into account the needs of women and girls.
Parliamentarians described the impacts seen in their countries and pointed to measures being taken by national legislatures. Attention must be paid to ensuring the representation of women in health care decisions, it was stressed, and support must be given to victims of gender-based violence, including by fully prosecuting the perpetrators. Providing financial assistance to families has also been effective in alleviating domestic violence, it was noted.
Monday’s webinar was the latest in a series of thematic Parliamentary Web Dialogues organized by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Previous webinars have been held on the economic fallout of the pandemic, maintaining democratic control during states of emergency, COVID’s impact on conflicts in the OSCE region, environmental aspects of the crisis, and protecting refugees and migrants during the pandemic.
For more on the OSCE PA’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, please click here.
To read Hedy Fry’s report, “The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19,” please click here.


osce--2020-06-15--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 141/2020 issued on 15 June 2020

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osce--2020-06-15--Albanian OSCE Chair leads discussion on role of multi-stakeholder initiatives and public-private par

Albanian OSCE Chair leads discussion on role of multi-stakeholder initiatives and public-private partnerships in strengthening cyber resilience

VIENNA , 15 June 2020 – How multi-stakeholder approaches and public-private partnerships can strengthen cyber/ICT security in the OSCE ’ s 57 participating States was the focus of today ’ s “ Cyber/ICT Security Day ” event , organized by Albania ’ s 2020 OSCE Chair in Vienna .
The online event brought together 165 representatives and experts of the participating States , public and private sectors , academia as well as from other international organizations .
“ Amid the COVID-19 restrictions , the number of opportunities offered by ICT has never been clearer .
Indeed , today ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Agron Tare , Albania ’ s Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs .
“ But this crisis has also highlighted the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure and essential services , nowhere more obviously than in the healthcare sector .
Our reliance on technology and our growing inter-connectedness can be exploited .
So , it is now more crucial than ever to foster dialogue and co-operation to ensure a safe and reliable cyber environment.
” The priority of Albania ’ s OSCE Chairmanship is to strengthen the implementation of the OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence-building measures ( CBMs ) throughout the OSCE region , despite the unusual circumstances , he added .
“ We know from experience that capacity-building , through the development of institutions ’ capabilities and specialized knowledge is a core prerequisite for the implementation of CBMs , ” said Tare , referring to Albania ’ s own efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity .
“ Cyber security therefore requires engagement , collaboration and co-ordination amongst all relevant stakeholders to preserve a functioning and stable cyber/ICT environment.
” Thomas Greminger , OSCE Secretary General , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibilities that multi-stakeholder initiatives provide by enhancing collaboration across sectors – including in our own Organization .
In times of uncertainty , it is more important than ever to work together to make cyberspace more predictable , which will make it safer for us all .
Public-private partnership and multi-stakeholder approaches open the door for innovative , inclusive and state-of-the-art approaches.
” Earlier the discussions were opened with video messages by Ambassador Károly Dán , Permanent Representative of Hungary to the OSCE and Chair of an OSCE Informal Working Group , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBMs , and Alena Kupchyna , Co-ordinator of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department .
They explained that through the adoption of 16 CBMs , the OSCE has come to play a unique and pioneering role in reducing the risks of inter-State conflict stemming from the use of ICTs .
Subsequent sessions of the “ Cyber/ICT Security Day ” heard from experts on practical aspects of public-private partnerships , and inter-agency co-operation and co-ordination in the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT CBMs at a national level .
The final session , organized in co-operation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an opportunity to exchange views and best practices on how to create and implement a national severity scale for cyber incidents to strengthen co-operation on critical infrastructure protection .

VIENNA, 15 June 2020 – How multi-stakeholder approaches and public-private partnerships can strengthen cyber/ICT security in the OSCE’s 57 participating States was the focus of today’s “Cyber/ICT Security Day” event, organized by Albania’s 2020 OSCE Chair in Vienna.
The online event brought together 165 representatives and experts of the participating States, public and private sectors, academia as well as from other international organizations.
“Amid the COVID-19 restrictions, the number of opportunities offered by ICT has never been clearer. Indeed, today’s virtual meeting would be impossible otherwise,” said Agron Tare, Albania’s Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. “But this crisis has also highlighted the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure and essential services, nowhere more obviously than in the healthcare sector. Our reliance on technology and our growing inter-connectedness can be exploited. So, it is now more crucial than ever to foster dialogue and co-operation to ensure a safe and reliable cyber environment.”
The priority of Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship is to strengthen the implementation of the OSCE’s existing, ground- breaking cyber confidence-building measures (CBMs) throughout the OSCE region, despite the unusual circumstances, he added.
“We know from experience that capacity-building, through the development of institutions’ capabilities and specialized knowledge is a core prerequisite for the implementation of CBMs,” said Tare, referring to Albania’s own efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity. “Cyber security therefore requires engagement, collaboration and co-ordination amongst all relevant stakeholders to preserve a functioning and stable cyber/ICT environment.”
Thomas Greminger, OSCE Secretary General, said: “It is worth exploring the possibilities that multi-stakeholder initiatives provide by enhancing collaboration across sectors – including in our own Organization. In times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to work together to make cyberspace more predictable, which will make it safer for us all. Public-private partnership and multi-stakeholder approaches open the door for innovative, inclusive and state-of-the-art approaches.”
Earlier the discussions were opened with video messages by Ambassador Károly Dán, Permanent Representative of Hungary to the OSCE and Chair of an OSCE Informal Working Group, which is supporting States in implementing the cyber/ICT security CBMs, and Alena Kupchyna, Co-ordinator of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department.
They explained that through the adoption of 16 CBMs, the OSCE has come to play a unique and pioneering role in reducing the risks of inter-State conflict stemming from the use of ICTs.
Subsequent sessions of the “Cyber/ICT Security Day” heard from experts on practical aspects of public-private partnerships, and inter-agency co-operation and co-ordination in the implementation of OSCE cyber/ICT CBMs at a national level.
The final session, organized in co-operation with the Government of France, provided participants with an opportunity to exchange views and best practices on how to create and implement a national severity scale for cyber incidents to strengthen co-operation on critical infrastructure protection.


osce--2020-06-13--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 140/2020 issued on 13 June 2020


osce--2020-06-22--ODIHR opens special election assessment mission in North Macedonia

SKOPJE , 22 June 2020 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) today formally opened a special election assessment mission ( SEAM ) for the 15 July 2020 early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia .
The deployment follows an official invitation from the authorities of North Macedonia .
Laima Andrikiene ( Lithuania ) heads the mission , which consists of a core team of eight international experts based in Skopje .
The ODIHR SEAM will continue the observation that began with an election observation mission ( EOM ) to the early parliamentary elections scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections , as well as with national legislation .
Observers will follow fundamental aspects of the election such as voter registration , candidate registration , campaign activities and the media coverage of the campaign , the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies , implementation of the legal framework , and the resolution of election disputes .
In addition , the ODIHR SEAM will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign .
Meetings with representatives of state authorities and political parties , civil society , the media and the international community are also planned .
The ODIHR SEAM will co-operate closely with the health authorities of North Macedonia and follow the health protocols they have established .
The ODIHR SEAM will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting , counting and tabulation proceedings on election day , in line with ODIHR ’ s methodology for election assessment missions .
Mission members will , however , visit a limited number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day after the elections , ODIHR will publish its preliminary conclusions about the electoral process and present its findings at a press conference .
An invitation to participate will follow separately .
A final report with an assessment of the entire election process , containing recommendations , will be published approximately two months after the end of the election process .
For further information , please visit https : //www.osce.org/odihr/elections/north-macedonia/ or contact Egor Tilpunov , Media Analyst , at +38972443697 , or egor.tilpunov @ odihr.mk

SKOPJE, 22 June 2020 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) today formally opened a special election assessment mission (SEAM) for the 15 July 2020 early parliamentary elections in North Macedonia. The deployment follows an official invitation from the authorities of North Macedonia.
Laima Andrikiene (Lithuania) heads the mission, which consists of a core team of eight international experts based in Skopje. The ODIHR SEAM will continue the observation that began with an election observation mission (EOM) to the early parliamentary elections scheduled for 12 April 2020, which were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The mission will assess the elections for their compliance with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. Observers will follow fundamental aspects of the election such as voter registration, candidate registration, campaign activities and the media coverage of the campaign, the work of the election administration and relevant state bodies, implementation of the legal framework, and the resolution of election disputes. In addition, the ODIHR SEAM will monitor the media coverage of the election campaign.
Meetings with representatives of state authorities and political parties, civil society, the media and the international community are also planned. The ODIHR SEAM will co-operate closely with the health authorities of North Macedonia and follow the health protocols they have established.
The ODIHR SEAM will not carry out systematic or comprehensive observation of the voting, counting and tabulation proceedings on election day, in line with ODIHR’s methodology for election assessment missions. Mission members will, however, visit a limited number of polling stations on election day.
The day after the elections, ODIHR will publish its preliminary conclusions about the electoral process and present its findings at a press conference. An invitation to participate will follow separately.
A final report with an assessment of the entire election process, containing recommendations, will be published approximately two months after the end of the election process.
For further information, please visit https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/north-macedonia/ or contact Egor Tilpunov, Media Analyst, at +38972443697, or egor.tilpunov@odihr.mk
or
Katya Andrusz, ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48609522266 (Warsaw mobile), or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl.


osce--2020-06-22--OSCE Head of Mission Kavalec on reforms with Brcko District BiH officials

Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) , had online meetings with Brcko District BiH Mayor , Sinisa Milic and Assembly Speaker , Esed Kadric on 22 June 2020 .
The importance of adoption of key Brcko District legislation before the upcoming elections , such as the Law on Associations and Foundations , Law on Public Assemblies and Law on National Minorities , were the focus of the discussions .
Kavalec expressed her hope to see the adoption of Laws on Peaceful Assembly , Minorities and Associations and Foundations at the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with final adoption by September .
The Mission supports District authorities in their endeavor in drafting a Law on Conflict of Interest as well as other measures to combat corruption .
“ As BiH is facing local elections in November this year , the Mission is working with the District to support free and fair elections that are issue-based , constructive and inclusive .
It is encouraging major political parties to ensure ethic and gender-balanced campaigning , ” said Kavalec .
The upcoming project to clean up the voter registry by overseeing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced during the meetings .
The project activities are aimed at limiting the possibilities for electoral fraud and shifting the political narrative in BD during the official 2020 election campaign from negative and ethno-nationalistic to more constructive , inclusive and interest-based .
The OSCE Mission to BiH remains dedicated to co-operating in the future modernization of the District ’ s Institutions work and the implementation of reforms .
Also discussed was the importance of establishing the Brcko District Anti-corruption Office and appointing its Acting Director .
“ Such an office would have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws in the District , ” said Kavalec .

Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), had online meetings with Brcko District BiH Mayor, Sinisa Milic and Assembly Speaker, Esed Kadric on 22 June 2020.
The importance of adoption of key Brcko District legislation before the upcoming elections, such as the Law on Associations and Foundations, Law on Public Assemblies and Law on National Minorities, were the focus of the discussions. Kavalec expressed her hope to see the adoption of Laws on Peaceful Assembly, Minorities and Associations and Foundations at the first reading of the law in July, with final adoption by September.
The Mission supports District authorities in their endeavor in drafting a Law on Conflict of Interest as well as other measures to combat corruption.
“As BiH is facing local elections in November this year, the Mission is working with the District to support free and fair elections that are issue-based, constructive and inclusive. It is encouraging major political parties to ensure ethic and gender-balanced campaigning,” said Kavalec.
The upcoming project to clean up the voter registry by overseeing the process of verification of residence status was announced during the meetings. The project activities are aimed at limiting the possibilities for electoral fraud and shifting the political narrative in BD during the official 2020 election campaign from negative and ethno-nationalistic to more constructive, inclusive and interest-based.
The OSCE Mission to BiH remains dedicated to co-operating in the future modernization of the District’s Institutions work and the implementation of reforms.
Also discussed was the importance of establishing the Brcko District Anti-corruption Office and appointing its Acting Director. “Such an office would have a positive impact on the implementation of anti-corruption laws in the District,” said Kavalec.


osce--2020-06-22--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 147/2020 issued on 22 June 2020


osce--2020-06-22--Serbian parliamentary elections well run, but ruling party dominance and lack of media diversity lim

Serbian parliamentary elections well run, but ruling party dominance and lack of media diversity limited voters’ choice, international observers say

BELGRADE , 22 June 2020 – While contestants in Serbia ’ s parliamentary elections were able to campaign and fundamental freedoms were respected , voter choice was limited by the governing party ’ s overwhelming advantage and the promotion of government policies by most major media outlets , international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) concluded in a statement of their preliminary findings and conclusions today .
“ The Serbian authorities organized the elections efficiently in difficult circumstances , but voters were left under-informed and frustrated by the opposition ’ s lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Urszula Gacek , head of ODIHR ’ s special election assessment mission .
“ The dominance of the ruling party risks the neutrality of the country ’ s democratic institutions , and dialogue is needed to bridge the deep political divisions and protect pluralism.
” Some 6.5 million people were eligible to vote in yesterday ’ s parliamentary elections , which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
On election day , voting appeared to go smoothly with procedures generally followed , but ODIHR observers noted cases and received reports of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ruling party .
While the legal framework enables democratic elections to be held , numerous recommendations previously made by ODIHR remain unaddressed , including areas such as election administration , media , campaign finance , dispute resolution and sanctions for electoral violations .
The election was characterized by intense political polarization , amidst a boycott by a considerable section of the opposition .
In addition , the dual role of the president as leader of the ruling party has increasingly blurred the line between his official duties and the election campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all OSCE countries to keep a clear separation between the state and political parties .
Physical campaigning was low key following the declaration of the state of emergency , with few mass rallies being organized because of health concerns .
At the same time , the campaign was dynamic in the traditional media and online , with many candidates turning to Facebook and Twitter to connect with voters .
However , most major TV channels and newspapers promoted government policy , and the few media outlets offering alternative views have limited outreach and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counterbalance .
Despite travel and other restrictions in response to the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , ODIHR was able to deploy a Special Election Assessment Mission ( SEAM ) to Serbia , which took up its work on 5 June and will end on 29 June .
The SEAM focused on issues identified by ODIHR ’ s needs assessment mission in order to assess the extent to which the elections were held in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections , as well as with national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact :

BELGRADE, 22 June 2020 – While contestants in Serbia’s parliamentary elections were able to campaign and fundamental freedoms were respected, voter choice was limited by the governing party’s overwhelming advantage and the promotion of government policies by most major media outlets, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) concluded in a statement of their preliminary findings and conclusions today.
“The Serbian authorities organized the elections efficiently in difficult circumstances, but voters were left under-informed and frustrated by the opposition’s lack of access to the media,” said Urszula Gacek, head of ODIHR’s special election assessment mission. “The dominance of the ruling party risks the neutrality of the country’s democratic institutions, and dialogue is needed to bridge the deep political divisions and protect pluralism.”
Some 6.5 million people were eligible to vote in yesterday’s parliamentary elections, which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On election day, voting appeared to go smoothly with procedures generally followed, but ODIHR observers noted cases and received reports of violations of the campaign silence that benefitted the ruling party. While the legal framework enables democratic elections to be held, numerous recommendations previously made by ODIHR remain unaddressed, including areas such as election administration, media, campaign finance, dispute resolution and sanctions for electoral violations.
The election was characterized by intense political polarization, amidst a boycott by a considerable section of the opposition. In addition, the dual role of the president as leader of the ruling party has increasingly blurred the line between his official duties and the election campaign, in breach of the commitment made by all OSCE countries to keep a clear separation between the state and political parties.
Physical campaigning was low key following the declaration of the state of emergency, with few mass rallies being organized because of health concerns. At the same time, the campaign was dynamic in the traditional media and online, with many candidates turning to Facebook and Twitter to connect with voters. However, most major TV channels and newspapers promoted government policy, and the few media outlets offering alternative views have limited outreach and were therefore unable to provide an effective counterbalance.
Despite travel and other restrictions in response to the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ODIHR was able to deploy a Special Election Assessment Mission (SEAM) to Serbia, which took up its work on 5 June and will end on 29 June. The SEAM focused on issues identified by ODIHR’s needs assessment mission in order to assess the extent to which the elections were held in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.
For further information, please contact:
Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl


osce--2020-06-22--Media freedom lies at the heart of modern democracies, OSCE experts say

VIENNA , 22 June 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to the freedoms of expression , information and the media , highlighting the need to find new approaches to digital technologies if we are to safeguard these freedoms that lie at the heart of the OSCE commitments to human rights and democracy .
These topics will be discussed intensively during a two-day OSCE meeting starting today .
“ Modern media offer an unprecedented opportunity for humans throughout the world to enjoy the right of freedom of expression and to exercise their right to seek , impart and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Head of the 2020 Albanian OSCE Chairmanship Task Force .
“ It is critically important that the benefits of new platforms are open to all and that we strive to have many different voices heard on any available media.
” Some 320 participants from across the OSCE region are registered to take part in the online meeting , including participating States , intergovernmental organizations , journalist associations , and civil society .
The meeting offers an opportunity to discuss the vital role of free media in informing the public , countering disinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including during crisis situations .
Freedom of expression and access to information are prerequisites for media freedom , which is essential to build free and open societies .
” Freedom of expression , media and information , both online and offline , are indispensable conditions for the development and well-being of our society .
This holds true even more when hit by a crisis as the one we are currently facing .
Restricting information is never the proper answer to addressing our safety concerns , ” said Harlem Désir , OSCE Representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Well-informed people make well-informed decisions , which is the indispensable foundation for modern democracies to build upon.
” Societies in which information is shared freely and openly and where a diverse and independent media are free to report on issues of public interest are more resilient during periods of crisis .
Tools and resources to help countries to abide by their commitments to freedom of expression and free media can be found here .
“ The states of emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have brought up new challenges for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir .
“ The general public relies to a great extent on information they obtain from the government and from the media .
This is not a time to clamp down on the media , but on the contrary to ensure that all citizens have the information they need to keep themselves safe.
” Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings are a platform for the OSCE ’ s participating States and OSCE institutions , as well as international organizations and civil society , to exchange views and good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the challenges facing societies across the OSCE region.Organizations speaking at today ’ s meeting include ARTICLE 19 , Access Info Europe , the International Press Institute , and the European Federation of Journalists , as well as the Council on Freedom of Speech and Protection of Journalists at the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Council of Europe .

VIENNA, 22 June 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to the freedoms of expression, information and the media, highlighting the need to find new approaches to digital technologies if we are to safeguard these freedoms that lie at the heart of the OSCE commitments to human rights and democracy. These topics will be discussed intensively during a two-day OSCE meeting starting today.
“Modern media offer an unprecedented opportunity for humans throughout the world to enjoy the right of freedom of expression and to exercise their right to seek, impart and receive information,” said Inid Milo, Head of the 2020 Albanian OSCE Chairmanship Task Force. “It is critically important that the benefits of new platforms are open to all and that we strive to have many different voices heard on any available media.”
Some 320 participants from across the OSCE region are registered to take part in the online meeting, including participating States, intergovernmental organizations, journalist associations, and civil society. The meeting offers an opportunity to discuss the vital role of free media in informing the public, countering disinformation and ensuring the free flow of information, including during crisis situations. Freedom of expression and access to information are prerequisites for media freedom, which is essential to build free and open societies.
”Freedom of expression, media and information, both online and offline, are indispensable conditions for the development and well-being of our society. This holds true even more when hit by a crisis as the one we are currently facing. Restricting information is never the proper answer to addressing our safety concerns,” said Harlem Désir, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. “Well-informed people make well-informed decisions, which is the indispensable foundation for modern democracies to build upon.”
Societies in which information is shared freely and openly and where a diverse and independent media are free to report on issues of public interest are more resilient during periods of crisis. Tools and resources to help countries to abide by their commitments to freedom of expression and free media can be found here.
“The states of emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have brought up new challenges for the freedoms of expression, media and information,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “The general public relies to a great extent on information they obtain from the government and from the media. This is not a time to clamp down on the media, but on the contrary to ensure that all citizens have the information they need to keep themselves safe.”
Supplementary Human Dimension Meetings are a platform for the OSCE’s participating States and OSCE institutions, as well as international organizations and civil society, to exchange views and good practices in order to find common solutions for the challenges facing societies across the OSCE region.Organizations speaking at today’s meeting include ARTICLE 19, Access Info Europe, the International Press Institute, and the European Federation of Journalists, as well as the Council on Freedom of Speech and Protection of Journalists at the Office of the President of Ukraine and the Council of Europe.


osce--2020-06-20--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 146/2020 issued on 20 June 2020


osce--2020-06-20--OSCE media Representative concerned by detention of journalists in Belarus, calls on authorities to

OSCE media Representative concerned by detention of journalists in Belarus, calls on authorities to ensure right of media to cover public gatherings

VIENNA , 20 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , expressed his concern over a series of detentions of journalists on 19 June , who were covering public gatherings in Belarus .
“ The journalists play a crucial role in covering events of public interest , particularly those related to elections .
Obstruction of media activities negatively affects media freedom and the free flow of information , and is a matter of great concern , ” Désir said .
“ I call on the authorities to ensure that journalists are able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report on public gatherings without fear of being detained.
” According to reports , on 19 June , law enforcement representatives detained at least ten media workers , including from Radio Svaboda ( part of RFE/RL ) , Reuters , Euroradio.fm , Tut.by , Onliner.by , Belsat TV and Bobr.by , in the capital Minsk and the cities of Gomel and Bobruisk .
The journalists were detained while covering public gatherings on the last day of collecting signatures in support of the nomination of presidential candidates .
Reportedly , the detained media workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed concern regarding the detention and imprisonment of journalists and freelance reporters ( see : https : //www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/452161 The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States .
He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments .
Learn more at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter : @ OSCE_RFoM and at www.facebook.com/osce.rfom .

VIENNA, 20 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern over a series of detentions of journalists on 19 June, who were covering public gatherings in Belarus.
“The journalists play a crucial role in covering events of public interest, particularly those related to elections. Obstruction of media activities negatively affects media freedom and the free flow of information, and is a matter of great concern,” Désir said. “I call on the authorities to ensure that journalists are able to do their work, to cover and report on public gatherings without fear of being detained.”
According to reports, on 19 June, law enforcement representatives detained at least ten media workers, including from Radio Svaboda (part of RFE/RL), Reuters, Euroradio.fm, Tut.by, Onliner.by, Belsat TV and Bobr.by, in the capital Minsk and the cities of Gomel and Bobruisk. The journalists were detained while covering public gatherings on the last day of collecting signatures in support of the nomination of presidential candidates. Reportedly, the detained media workers were later released.
Previously, Désir expressed concern regarding the detention and imprisonment of journalists and freelance reporters (see:https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/452161
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and at www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.


osce--2020-06-20--Improving conditions for refugees from arrival to integration is key to overcoming COVID-19, OSCE hu

Improving conditions for refugees from arrival to integration is key to overcoming COVID-19, OSCE human rights head says

Warsaw , 20 June 2020 – On World Refugee Day , the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated .
Governments need to make greater efforts to guarantee the right to seek asylum is respected and ensure refugees are afforded protection , a vital condition for their integration into the societies of their host countries , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) said today .
“ Refugees make up a small percentage of the world ’ s population .
But those who have been forced to leave their countries because of conflict or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their protection and wellbeing , ” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir .
“ We need to ensure that they settle in well for the duration of their stay , however short or long that ends up being .
It is encouraging to see that despite the challenges of the last few months , many countries across the OSCE region have made an effort to ensure that asylum procedures can continue and that refugee communities are protected during the pandemic .
Numerous countries have been thinking and acting innovatively to reduce overcrowding in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk.
” At the same time , a failure to protect some of the most vulnerable people worldwide as they seek safety in other countries has continued to result in the tragic and unnecessary loss of life across the OSCE region .
As borders begin to reopen and international travel resumes , it is crucial that governments coordinate and carry out search and rescue operations , guarantee the right to apply for international protection and ensure the dignified treatment of everyone entering their countries , whatever their status .
In many OSCE countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by intolerance , systemic racism and xenophobia , and hate crime .
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased these barriers to inclusion , with refugees in some states subjected to racist abuse and unjustifiably blamed for the spread of the virus .
OSCE countries must do more to implement their commitments to address discrimination , racism , xenophobia , and hate crimes targeting refugees , as well as the civil society organizations working to assist them .
Successful integration in turn helps asylum seekers and refugees contribute to building open , tolerant and prosperous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the OSCE to help defend migrant rights , and ensure that migration policies and legislation are in line with international law and effective in protecting all those seeking protection .
Building tolerant societies by documenting and combating discrimination and hate crime is also a key aspect of ODIHR ’ s work .

Warsaw, 20 June 2020 – On World Refugee Day, the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated. Governments need to make greater efforts to guarantee the right to seek asylum is respected and ensure refugees are afforded protection, a vital condition for their integration into the societies of their host countries, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today.
“Refugees make up a small percentage of the world’s population. But those who have been forced to leave their countries because of conflict or persecution depend on all of us for their protection and wellbeing,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “We need to ensure that they settle in well for the duration of their stay, however short or long that ends up being.
It is encouraging to see that despite the challenges of the last few months, many countries across the OSCE region have made an effort to ensure that asylum procedures can continue and that refugee communities are protected during the pandemic. Numerous countries have been thinking and acting innovatively to reduce overcrowding in reception centres and protect those most at risk.”
At the same time, a failure to protect some of the most vulnerable people worldwide as they seek safety in other countries has continued to result in the tragic and unnecessary loss of life across the OSCE region. As borders begin to reopen and international travel resumes, it is crucial that governments coordinate and carry out search and rescue operations, guarantee the right to apply for international protection and ensure the dignified treatment of everyone entering their countries, whatever their status.
In many OSCE countries, the integration of refugees is hampered by intolerance, systemic racism and xenophobia, and hate crime. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased these barriers to inclusion, with refugees in some states subjected to racist abuse and unjustifiably blamed for the spread of the virus. OSCE countries must do more to implement their commitments to address discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and hate crimes targeting refugees, as well as the civil society organizations working to assist them. Successful integration in turn helps asylum seekers and refugees contribute to building open, tolerant and prosperous societies.
ODIHR works with countries across the OSCE to help defend migrant rights, and ensure that migration policies and legislation are in line with international law and effective in protecting all those seeking protection. Building tolerant societies by documenting and combating discrimination and hate crime is also a key aspect of ODIHR’s work.


osce--2020-06-29--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 153/2020 issued on 29 June 2020


osce--2020-06-29--OSCE hands over equipment to Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina

SARAJEVO , 29 June 2020 – The OSCE Mission to BiH delivered today , in Sarajevo , laptops and photo cameras to the BiH Central Election Commission ’ s ( CEC ) Financial Audit Department .
“ It is our pleasure to be able to donate additional equipment that will increase the technical capacities of the CEC and lead to more transparency of the electoral processes in BiH , ” said Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH .
The Mission previously provided equipment for the live streaming of the CEC sessions .
It also provided an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform for processing complaints and appeals .
“ The CEC remains a strong partner in bringing democracy to the citizens of BiH .
We commend them for all the efforts to prepare for elections , despite the current delay in receiving required funding .
Now that the BiH Presidency has approved the budget , we encourage the BiH Parliamentary Assembly to act expeditiously to secure funding for the local elections in 2020 without any further delay , ” said Kavalec .
The handover of the equipment is part of the Mission ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina in conducting general elections in BiH in compliance with international standards on democratic elections ” .

SARAJEVO, 29 June 2020 – The OSCE Mission to BiH delivered today, in Sarajevo, laptops and photo cameras to the BiH Central Election Commission’s (CEC) Financial Audit Department.
“It is our pleasure to be able to donate additional equipment that will increase the technical capacities of the CEC and lead to more transparency of the electoral processes in BiH,” said Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH.
The Mission previously provided equipment for the live streaming of the CEC sessions. It also provided an asset declaration IT platform and an IT platform for processing complaints and appeals.
“The CEC remains a strong partner in bringing democracy to the citizens of BiH. We commend them for all the efforts to prepare for elections, despite the current delay in receiving required funding. Now that the BiH Presidency has approved the budget, we encourage the BiH Parliamentary Assembly to act expeditiously to secure funding for the local elections in 2020 without any further delay,” said Kavalec.
The handover of the equipment is part of the Mission’s project: “Supporting the Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina in conducting general elections in BiH in compliance with international standards on democratic elections”.


osce--2020-06-29--Polish presidential election managed well despite legal uncertainties, but intolerance and public me

Polish presidential election managed well despite legal uncertainties, but intolerance and public media bias tarnished campaign, international observers say

WARSAW , 29 June 2020 – Poland ’ s presidential election was administered professionally despite the lack of legal clarity as solutions were sought to hold the election during the COVID-19 pandemic .
The campaign was characterised by intolerant rhetoric and a public broadcaster that failed in its duty to offer balanced and impartial coverage , international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) said in a statement today .
“ We saw a first round that was professionally run even in these challenging times and in a sharply polarised political environment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ODIHR ’ s special election assessment mission .
“ It ’ s clear that emotions are running high , but intolerance or media bias can never be part of a truly vibrant democracy.
” Some 30 million people were eligible to take part in yesterday ’ s election .
The election administration met all legal deadlines and carried out its activities professionally , and procedures were followed well in the polling stations visited by the observers .
Protective equipment was consistently used by both polling staff and voters .
The legislation that enabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in haste and without adequate public debate , at odds with the commitments made by all countries of the OSCE region .
The changes had implications for candidate registration , campaigning and campaign finance , voting methods , and the resolution of election disputes .
The way in which they were made jeopardised the stability and clarity of the legislation .
The campaign itself was characterised by negative rhetoric by the leading candidates that further aggravated the already confrontational atmosphere .
Inflammatory language by the incumbent and his campaign was at times xenophobic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided the legally mandated free airtime to all candidates and organised the only joint televised debate held during the campaign , this did not allow for any substantial discussion that would help voters to make an informed judgement .
In the run-up to the election , the public broadcaster became a campaign tool for the incumbent , while some reporting had clear xenophobic and anti-Semitic undertones .
Despite travel and other restrictions in response to the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , ODIHR was able to deploy a Special Election Assessment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which took up its work on 16 June and will remain in Poland to continue its observation .
The SEAM focused on issues identified by ODIHR ’ s needs assessment mission in order to assess the extent to which the elections were held in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections , as well as with national legislation .
For further information , please contact :

WARSAW, 29 June 2020 – Poland’s presidential election was administered professionally despite the lack of legal clarity as solutions were sought to hold the election during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign was characterised by intolerant rhetoric and a public broadcaster that failed in its duty to offer balanced and impartial coverage, international observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said in a statement today.
“We saw a first round that was professionally run even in these challenging times and in a sharply polarised political environment,” said Thomas Boserup, head of ODIHR’s special election assessment mission. “It’s clear that emotions are running high, but intolerance or media bias can never be part of a truly vibrant democracy.”
Some 30 million people were eligible to take part in yesterday’s election. The election administration met all legal deadlines and carried out its activities professionally, and procedures were followed well in the polling stations visited by the observers. Protective equipment was consistently used by both polling staff and voters. The legislation that enabled the election to take place was adopted in haste and without adequate public debate, at odds with the commitments made by all countries of the OSCE region. The changes had implications for candidate registration, campaigning and campaign finance, voting methods, and the resolution of election disputes. The way in which they were made jeopardised the stability and clarity of the legislation.
The campaign itself was characterised by negative rhetoric by the leading candidates that further aggravated the already confrontational atmosphere. Inflammatory language by the incumbent and his campaign was at times xenophobic and homophobic.
While the public broadcaster provided the legally mandated free airtime to all candidates and organised the only joint televised debate held during the campaign, this did not allow for any substantial discussion that would help voters to make an informed judgement. In the run-up to the election, the public broadcaster became a campaign tool for the incumbent, while some reporting had clear xenophobic and anti-Semitic undertones.
Despite travel and other restrictions in response to the health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ODIHR was able to deploy a Special Election Assessment Mission (SEAM) to Poland, which took up its work on 16 June and will remain in Poland to continue its observation. The SEAM focused on issues identified by ODIHR’s needs assessment mission in order to assess the extent to which the elections were held in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation.
For further information, please contact:
Katya Andrusz, ODIHR: +48 609 522 266 or katya.andrusz@odihr.pl


osce--2020-06-29--OSCE promotes use of information and communications technologies in teaching process in Turkmenistan

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat online roundtable discussion on the exchange of best practices on integrating the use of information and communications technologies ( ICT ) into the teaching process started on 29 June 2020 in Ashgabat .
The three-day roundtable discussion brings together representatives from the Border Management Institute , the Military Institute and the Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan .
The event aims to exchange experiences and best practices with the teaching staff on the design and development of E-learning courses using modern ICT .
The training course will acquaint the participants with frequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems , thereby contributing to the increase of the level of their knowledge and skills for further digitalization of the teaching process .
“ In the digital age , the use of modern means of information technology , such as distance learning , electronic textbooks , and training programmes becomes an integral part of the entire teaching process at a high school , ” said Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat .
“ In 2017 , the Government of Turkmenistan adopted the Concept of the Development of the Digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing support to the host country in its efforts to implement the Concept.
” The training course will present various ICT and online tools for designing learning material and conducting teaching process in the digital environment .
The event will also address digital competency assessment models that are important for both students and teachers in effectively measuring the learning outcome .
The roundtable discussion is organized within the framework of the OSCE Centre ’ s extra-budgetary project on “ Strengthening State Border Service Capacities in Turkmenistan ” .
In 2018 and 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events and study visits aimed at sharing best practices and experiences on the development and use of digital learning resource network and portals The training is financially supported by the Government of Germany .

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat online roundtable discussion on the exchange of best practices on integrating the use of information and communications technologies (ICT) into the teaching process started on 29 June 2020 in Ashgabat.
The three-day roundtable discussion brings together representatives from the Border Management Institute, the Military Institute and the Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan. The event aims to exchange experiences and best practices with the teaching staff on the design and development of E-learning courses using modern ICT.
The training course will acquaint the participants with frequently used service platforms and digital learning management systems, thereby contributing to the increase of the level of their knowledge and skills for further digitalization of the teaching process.
“In the digital age, the use of modern means of information technology, such as distance learning, electronic textbooks, and training programmes becomes an integral part of the entire teaching process at a high school,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “In 2017, the Government of Turkmenistan adopted the Concept of the Development of the Digital Education System and the Centre has been providing support to the host country in its efforts to implement the Concept.”
The training course will present various ICT and online tools for designing learning material and conducting teaching process in the digital environment. The event will also address digital competency assessment models that are important for both students and teachers in effectively measuring the learning outcome.
The roundtable discussion is organized within the framework of the OSCE Centre’s extra-budgetary project on “Strengthening State Border Service Capacities in Turkmenistan”. In 2018 and 2019, the Centre organized a number of training events and study visits aimed at sharing best practices and experiences on the development and use of digital learning resource network and portals
The training is financially supported by the Government of Germany.


osce--2020-06-27--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 152/2020 issued on 27 June 2020


osce--2020-06-27--Spot Report 34/2020: Members of the armed formations continued to deny SMM patrols passage at checkp

Spot Report 34/2020: Members of the armed formations continued to deny SMM patrols passage at checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions

From 20 to 26 June , members of the armed formations again denied the SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes : six times in Donetsk region and twice in Luhansk region , while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied four times in Luhansk region .
On 20 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 and 26 June , at a checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge ( 15km north-east of Luhansk ) , members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas on two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on four other occasions – three times referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19 and three times , stating that “ the SMM did not have permission to pass ” .
On 23 June , at a checkpoint near Olenivka ( non-government-controlled , 23km south-west of Donetsk ) , members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas , referring to a “ lack of permission from their superiors ” .
On 22 and on 26 June , at a checkpoint west of Verkhnoshyrokivske ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Donetsk ) , members of the armed formations ( some visibly armed ) denied the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas , both times referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 .
On 21 , 23 and 26 June , at a checkpoint near Horlivka ( non-government-controlled , 39km north-east of Donetsk ) , the Mission was again unable to travel towards non-government-controlled areas due to the presence of a metal barrier and spikes laid across the road , and of a mine hazard sign .
In addition , on 26 June , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas referring to a “ lack of permission from their superiors ” .
The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March and Luhansk region on 23 March ( see previous SMM Spot Reports ) .
They restrict the SMM ’ s freedom of movement across the contact line , thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country .
With regard to COVID-19 , the SMM has introduced a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors , daily temperature checks , use of PPE and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles .

From 20 to 26 June, members of the armed formations again denied the SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: six times in Donetsk region and twice in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied four times in Luhansk region.
On 20, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 June, at a checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas on two occasions, and passage towards government-controlled areas on four other occasions – three times referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19 and three times, stating that “the SMM did not have permission to pass”.
On 23 June, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to a “lack of permission from their superiors”.
On 22 and on 26 June, at a checkpoint west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), members of the armed formations (some visibly armed) denied the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas, both times referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.
On 21, 23 and 26 June, at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk), the Mission was again unable to travel towards non-government-controlled areas due to the presence of a metal barrier and spikes laid across the road, and of a mine hazard sign. In addition, on 26 June, members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas referring to a “lack of permission from their superiors”.
The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March and Luhansk region on 23 March (see previous SMM Spot Reports). They restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.
***
With regard to COVID-19, the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures. These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors, daily temperature checks, use of PPE and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles.


osce--2020-06-26--Montenegro State Election Commission Chair meets municipal electoral commissions

A delegation led by Aleksa Ivanović , Chair of the State Election Commission , and including Darko Brajović , National Programme Officer at the OSCE Mission to Montenegro , met with representatives of municipal election commissions .
The meetings aimed to review election readiness , voting procedures , accessibility of polling stations , and new challenges in administering elections during the pandemic .
With parliamentary elections set for 30 August 2020 , the discussions were held in Podgorica , Nikšić , Bar , Tivat , Bijelo Polje , Berane , Andrijevica and Mojkovac from 16 to 25 June 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Aleksa Ivanović , emphasised that : “ One of the essential matters prior , during and after an election is for election management bodies to be transparent.
” He invited municipal election commissions to regularly post all relevant documents on their websites .
Municipal commissions welcomed the guidance provided by the State Election Commission and expressed frustration with the tendency of political parties to appoint polling station staff only few days before an election , hindering the opportunity for them to be trained on election administration .
Nikola Mugoša , legal advisor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality training workshops for polling station staff are the key to administering fair elections .
He suggested that the municipal commissions should start to liaise with political parties and invite them to appoint polling station staff as early as possible , in order for staff to receive training on how to administer elections .
The Chair of the State Election Commission explained how his Commission is collaborating with the Association of Youth with Disabilities and Montenegro Union of the Blind and inviting the municipal commissions to ensure that their polling stations are accessible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , National Programme Officer at the OSCE Mission to Montenegro , added that municipal commissions should work to eliminate obstacles that discourage and prevent persons with disabilities from voting independently .

A delegation led by Aleksa Ivanović, Chair of the State Election Commission, and including Darko Brajović, National Programme Officer at the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, met with representatives of municipal election commissions. The meetings aimed to review election readiness, voting procedures, accessibility of polling stations, and new challenges in administering elections during the pandemic.
With parliamentary elections set for 30 August 2020, the discussions were held in Podgorica, Nikšić, Bar, Tivat, Bijelo Polje, Berane, Andrijevica and Mojkovac from 16 to 25 June 2020.
The Chair of the State Election Commission, Aleksa Ivanović, emphasised that: “One of the essential matters prior, during and after an election is for election management bodies to be transparent.” He invited municipal election commissions to regularly post all relevant documents on their websites.
Municipal commissions welcomed the guidance provided by the State Election Commission and expressed frustration with the tendency of political parties to appoint polling station staff only few days before an election, hindering the opportunity for them to be trained on election administration.
Nikola Mugoša, legal advisor at the State Election Commission said that quality training workshops for polling station staff are the key to administering fair elections. He suggested that the municipal commissions should start to liaise with political parties and invite them to appoint polling station staff as early as possible, in order for staff to receive training on how to administer elections.
The Chair of the State Election Commission explained how his Commission is collaborating with the Association of Youth with Disabilities and Montenegro Union of the Blind and inviting the municipal commissions to ensure that their polling stations are accessible for persons with disabilities. Darko Brajović, National Programme Officer at the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, added that municipal commissions should work to eliminate obstacles that discourage and prevent persons with disabilities from voting independently.


osce--2020-06-26--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 151/2020 issued on 26 June 2020


osce--2020-06-26--To do justice to victims, rooting out the causes of law enforcement violence must become a priority,

To do justice to victims, rooting out the causes of law enforcement violence must become a priority, OSCE human rights head says

WARSAW , 26 June 2020 – The root causes of excessive violence by law enforcement agencies , including torture or other ill-treatment , must be addressed comprehensively in order to acknowledge the injustice done to victims and help their path to recovery , said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) , on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture today .
“ To counter police brutality effectively , countries across the OSCE region need to ensure independent , prompt and effective investigations of each and every case , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ But that is not enough .
States need to take a hard look at the root causes that lead to the use of violence by their law enforcement agencies , such as structural discrimination and racism , as well as institutional incentives for torture or ill-treatment.
” The global outcry caused by the death last month of George Floyd at the hands of police officers was only one example of disproportionate force used by law enforcement agents across the OSCE region .
Excessive violence by law enforcement agencies , including torture or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already marginalized by the various inequalities present in all our societies .
These are people who may be poor and underprivileged , belong to ethnic or religious minorities , or find themselves in a vulnerable position because they are migrants or asylum seekers .
“ I ’ m extremely concerned by ongoing reports of excessive use of force by law enforcement personnel against migrants at some borders around the OSCE region , ” the Director said .
“ While there is no question that countries have the right to protect their borders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are in line with international law .
This includes the absolute prohibition of torture or other ill-treatment and the need to guarantee that no one is returned to a country where they risk being persecuted .
All countries across the OSCE region must take action now to put an end to torture and other cruel , inhuman or degrading treatment , by undertaking reforms that root out systemic discrimination , and putting effective safeguards in place to prevent such acts of violence in the future.
” Torture or cruel , inhuman or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and ODIHR works closely with its partners to strengthen efforts in eradicating them entirely .
Most recent publications include a guide on monitoring places of detention during the COVID-19 pandemic .
More information on ODIHR ’ s tools and other work in this area can be found here .

WARSAW, 26 June 2020 – The root causes of excessive violence by law enforcement agencies, including torture or other ill-treatment, must be addressed comprehensively in order to acknowledge the injustice done to victims and help their path to recovery, said the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture today.
“To counter police brutality effectively, countries across the OSCE region need to ensure independent, prompt and effective investigations of each and every case,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “But that is not enough. States need to take a hard look at the root causes that lead to the use of violence by their law enforcement agencies, such as structural discrimination and racism, as well as institutional incentives for torture or ill-treatment.”
The global outcry caused by the death last month of George Floyd at the hands of police officers was only one example of disproportionate force used by law enforcement agents across the OSCE region. Excessive violence by law enforcement agencies, including torture or other ill-treatment, often disproportionately affects those already marginalized by the various inequalities present in all our societies. These are people who may be poor and underprivileged, belong to ethnic or religious minorities, or find themselves in a vulnerable position because they are migrants or asylum seekers.
“I’m extremely concerned by ongoing reports of excessive use of force by law enforcement personnel against migrants at some borders around the OSCE region,” the Director said. “While there is no question that countries have the right to protect their borders, they must ensure that all border management measures are in line with international law. This includes the absolute prohibition of torture or other ill-treatment and the need to guarantee that no one is returned to a country where they risk being persecuted.
All countries across the OSCE region must take action now to put an end to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, by undertaking reforms that root out systemic discrimination, and putting effective safeguards in place to prevent such acts of violence in the future.”
Torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are prohibited worldwide, and ODIHR works closely with its partners to strengthen efforts in eradicating them entirely. Most recent publications include a guide on monitoring places of detention during the COVID-19 pandemic. More information on ODIHR’s tools and other work in this area can be found here.


osce--2020-06-26--Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after the regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group

Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after the regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group on 25 June 2020

KYIV , 25 June 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group ( TCG ) , Ambassador Heidi Grau , made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing : “ The recent meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups were marked by constructive discussions .
This is an important stage towards results , but it requires also the sides ’ will to take appropriate decisions in order to bring about a settlement .
In this seventh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on both the sides of the contact line duly expect concrete solutions that would make their everyday life easier .
I regret to say that today the sides did not succeed to agree on the modalities regarding the provision of security guarantees for the preparatory works in view of the simultaneous opening of two additional entry-exit crossing points ( EECPs ) near Zolote and Schastya of the Luhansk region .
I welcome the first steps taken to re-open the temporarily closed EECPs .
However , far more efforts are required to facilitate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians in the context of the coronavirus pandemic .
I wish to point out the substantive discussions of the Security Working Group .
The participants achieved significant progress in discussing an updated demining plan , as well as with regard to the Addendum to the Framework Decision of the TCG that addresses the disengagement of forces and hardware .
The Working Group took note of incidents that have restricted the activities of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission , as defined by its mandate .
Those included regular cases of denial of access , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surveillance cameras near Petrivske and Shyrokyne on June 2 and 22 , respectively .
I join the appeal of the representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and the OSCE Secretary General to the sides to ensure the safety of the OSCE SMM ’ s technical equipment and as well as its staff , so that the OSCE SMM can continue its activities in accordance with its mandate .
The Economic Working Group debated current issues of water supplies across the line of contact , the provision of mobile communications by Vodafone-Ukraine , as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine ( CADLR ) .
Besides the topic of additional EECPs , the Humanitarian Working Group considered the issue of mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees .
The Political Working Group had a comprehensive and substantive discussion on certain aspects of the implementation of the ‘ Steinmeier formula ’ in Ukrainian legislation , as well as of the legal formalisation of CADLR 's special status after local elections are held in these territories as specified by the Minsk Agreements .
”

KYIV, 25 June 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG), Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press after the regular meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups held through video conferencing:
“The recent meetings of the TCG and its Working Groups were marked by constructive discussions. This is an important stage towards results, but it requires also the sides’ will to take appropriate decisions in order to bring about a settlement.
In this seventh year of conflict, the civilian population on both the sides of the contact line duly expect concrete solutions that would make their everyday life easier.
I regret to say that today the sides did not succeed to agree on the modalities regarding the provision of security guarantees for the preparatory works in view of the simultaneous opening of two additional entry-exit crossing points (EECPs) near Zolote and Schastya of the Luhansk region.
I welcome the first steps taken to re-open the temporarily closed EECPs. However, far more efforts are required to facilitate the crossing of the line of contact for civilians in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
I wish to point out the substantive discussions of the Security Working Group. The participants achieved significant progress in discussing an updated demining plan, as well as with regard to the Addendum to the Framework Decision of the TCG that addresses the disengagement of forces and hardware.
The Working Group took note of incidents that have restricted the activities of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, as defined by its mandate. Those included regular cases of denial of access, as well as damage to the SMM surveillance cameras near Petrivske and Shyrokyne on June 2 and 22, respectively.
I join the appeal of the representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and the OSCE Secretary General to the sides to ensure the safety of the OSCE SMM’s technical equipment and as well as its staff, so that the OSCE SMM can continue its activities in accordance with its mandate.
The Economic Working Group debated current issues of water supplies across the line of contact, the provision of mobile communications by Vodafone-Ukraine, as well as environmental issues in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine (CADLR).
Besides the topic of additional EECPs, the Humanitarian Working Group considered the issue of mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees.
The Political Working Group had a comprehensive and substantive discussion on certain aspects of the implementation of the ‘Steinmeier formula’ in Ukrainian legislation, as well as of the legal formalisation of CADLR's special status after local elections are held in these territories as specified by the Minsk Agreements.”


osce--2020-06-25--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 150/2020 issued on 25 June 2020