osce--2020-10-28--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 27 October 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 decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) and one first responder [ 1 ] .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 adhering 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 fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 decreased from 7,888 to 7,067 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 2 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of nine per day for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was five , compared to six last week .
One person crossed into the Russian Federation while another four persons crossed 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , no families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while three families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when six families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation , while three families crossed into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to 276 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 128 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 117 bound for Ukraine .
On some occasions , the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses , while some buses did not display their route at all .
The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossing the border at both BCPs ( 885 compared to 871 during the previous reporting week ) ; 576 at the Gukovo BCP and 309 at the Donetsk BCP , 535 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 350 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 and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 36 compared to 47 during the previous reporting week ) .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
During the reporting period , the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing construction activities ; consequently , no X-ray checks were observed by the OTs .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 3 ] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs ( 154 compared to 156 observed during the previous week ) ; 79 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 75 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trains on 25 occasions ; the OTs assessed that 11 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 14 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 22 September to 27 October 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time .
[ 2 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 3 ] Cargo minivans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 decreased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. 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 adhering 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 fulfil 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 decreased from 7,888 to 7,067 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of nine 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 temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was five, compared to six last week. One person crossed into the Russian Federation while another four persons crossed 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, no families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while three families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when six families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while three families crossed into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (245 compared to 276 observed during the previous week). There were 128 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 117 bound for Ukraine.
On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (885 compared to 871 during the previous reporting week); 576 at the Gukovo BCP and 309 at the Donetsk BCP, 535 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 350 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 and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (36 compared to 47 during the previous reporting week). 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.
During the reporting period, the X-ray vehicle at the Donetsk BCP was not operating due to the ongoing construction activities; consequently, no X-ray checks were observed by the OTs.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[3] 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. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (154 compared to 156 observed during the previous week); 79 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 75 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 25 occasions; the OTs assessed that 11 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 14 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 vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 22 September to 27 October 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.
[2] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[3] 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--2020-10-27--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 256/2020 issued on 27 October 2020

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osce--2020-11-10--OSCE Mission to Montenegro completes two training sessions as part of “LIVE” programme

As part of the “ Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism – LIVE ” programme , the OSCE Mission to Montenegro , together with Forum MNE , conducted two online training workshops for seven young participants from several Montenegrin cities from 7 to 11 September and 2 to 6 November 2020 .
“ Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism – LIVE ” is a multi-sectoral programme of the OSCE aimed at building the capacity of civil society – youth , women and community leaders – to support the community in preventing terrorism and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online training course in September , participants acquired necessary knowledge and skills to develop project ideas related to P/C VERLT .
Over the two-month interim period , the participants , in consultation with the trainers , defined their project ideas , which they finalized in project proposals at the second workshop in November .
These young leaders now have the skills to effectively and safely promote and undertake local P/CVERLT projects to raise their community ’ s awareness and promote peace and tolerance .
They will implement their projects with the support of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross-sectoral approach , the LIVE initiative promotes grassroots awareness-raising to build resilience and promote alternative narratives and opportunities for positive change .
Nikola B. Šaranović , the Mission 's National Project Officer for LIVE Programme , who was a co-facilitator with Elvira Hadžibegović Bubanja , Executive Director of Forum MNE , pointed out that “ in Montenegrin CVE Strategy and Action plan , young people are recognized as a particular target group and their activism as a special contribution in this field . ''
Speaking at the November workshop , Dragan Pejanović , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although the threats from violent extremism and terrorism are at the low level in Montenegro , the country has been building capacity for facing this challenge continuously .
“ Montenegro has a systematic approach to the problem of radicalization and violent extremism , establishing a quality strategic , legislative and institutional framework for recognizing , preventing and combating these global phenomena .
The 2019 and 2020 European Commission Progress Reports recognized these results.
” Presenters at the workshops included Dragan Koprivica , executive director of the Centre for Democratic Transition , Dragica Rajković @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Directorate for Execution of Criminal Sanctions , Milica Bogdanović , director of the “ Road without Return ” movie and Anđelija Lučić , manager at the Youth Forum for Non-Formal Education .

As part of the “Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism – LIVE” programme, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, together with Forum MNE, conducted two online training workshops for seven young participants from several Montenegrin cities from 7 to 11 September and 2 to 6 November 2020.
“Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism – LIVE” is a multi-sectoral programme of the OSCE aimed at building the capacity of civil society – youth, women and community leaders – to support the community in preventing terrorism and countering violent extremism leading to terrorism (P/C VERLT).
During the first online training course in September, participants acquired necessary knowledge and skills to develop project ideas related to P/C VERLT. Over the two-month interim period, the participants, in consultation with the trainers, defined their project ideas, which they finalized in project proposals at the second workshop in November.
These young leaders now have the skills to effectively and safely promote and undertake local P/CVERLT projects to raise their community’s awareness and promote peace and tolerance. They will implement their projects with the support of the Mission
By using a multi-dimensional and cross-sectoral approach, the LIVE initiative promotes grassroots awareness-raising to build resilience and promote alternative narratives and opportunities for positive change. Nikola B. Šaranović, the Mission's National Project Officer for LIVE Programme, who was a co-facilitator with Elvira Hadžibegović Bubanja, Executive Director of Forum MNE, pointed out that “in Montenegrin CVE Strategy and Action plan, young people are recognized as a particular target group and their activism as a special contribution in this field."
Speaking at the November workshop, Dragan Pejanović, National Co-ordinator for P/CVERLT, said that although the threats from violent extremism and terrorism are at the low level in Montenegro, the country has been building capacity for facing this challenge continuously. “Montenegro has a systematic approach to the problem of radicalization and violent extremism, establishing a quality strategic, legislative and institutional framework for recognizing, preventing and combating these global phenomena. The 2019 and 2020 European Commission Progress Reports recognized these results.”
Presenters at the workshops included Dragan Koprivica, executive director of the Centre for Democratic Transition, Dragica Rajković, head of the Treatment Department in the Directorate for Execution of Criminal Sanctions, Milica Bogdanović, director of the “Road without Return” movie and Anđelija Lučić, manager at the Youth Forum for Non-Formal Education.


osce--2020-11-10--Innovation and technology in addressing security challenges and crises across OSCE and Asian Partner

Innovation and technology in addressing security challenges and crises across OSCE and Asian Partners for Co-operation focus of OSCE roundtable

Analysis of the complex security challenges , currently being faced , as well as sharing best practices and innovative approaches was the focus of the OSCE roundtable discussion .
The event titled “ Leveraging innovation and technology to address 21st century security challenges and crises across the OSCE and Asian Partners for Co-operation ” was held on 09 and 10 November 2020 online and in Vienna .
Organized by the OSCE Border Security and Management Unit/Transnational Threats Department , the Slovak Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group , the OSCE Border Management Staff College , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered some 180 participants from the OSCE region and beyond .
“ The COVID-19 health crisis illustrates the complex nature of security .
The repercussions of this pandemic will affect and have an impact , directly or indirectly , on most sectors of our society , ” said Alena Kupchyna , OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats .
“ A co-ordinated response , co-operation and concerted efforts across the OSCE and its Asian Partners for Co-operation is expected , sought and feasible.
” The event provided a platform to share innovative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the OSCE and Asian Partners for Co-operation .
Experts from Australia ’ s Department of Home Affairs , EUROPOL , the International Organization for Migration Japan , Border Services of Afghanistan as well as the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings shared their expertise .
Together with the Head of OSCE ’ s Action Against Terrorism Unit , representatives from the EU , as well as of state agencies and international organisation of Afghanistan , Australia , Japan and the Republic of Korea , and Thailand have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in enhancing international co-operation against terrorism .
Combining existing and new technologies such as biometrics , API/PNR systems , e-passports and automated border gates to facilitate cross-border movement and prevent transnational crimes and terrorism , were also discussed .
This roundtable discussion was the first of its kind and was held in the context of the 25th anniversary of the OSCE Asian Partnership for Co-operation .

Analysis of the complex security challenges, currently being faced, as well as sharing best practices and innovative approaches was the focus of the OSCE roundtable discussion. The event titled “Leveraging innovation and technology to address 21st century security challenges and crises across the OSCE and Asian Partners for Co-operation” was held on 09 and 10 November 2020 online and in Vienna.
Organized by the OSCE Border Security and Management Unit/Transnational Threats Department, the Slovak Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group, the OSCE Border Management Staff College, and the OSCE External Co-operation Section, the discussion gathered some 180 participants from the OSCE region and beyond.
“The COVID-19 health crisis illustrates the complex nature of security. The repercussions of this pandemic will affect and have an impact, directly or indirectly, on most sectors of our society,” said Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats. “A co-ordinated response, co-operation and concerted efforts across the OSCE and its Asian Partners for Co-operation is expected, sought and feasible.”
The event provided a platform to share innovative practices in preventing and combating Human Trafficking across the OSCE and Asian Partners for Co-operation. Experts from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, EUROPOL, the International Organization for Migration Japan, Border Services of Afghanistan as well as the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings shared their expertise.
Together with the Head of OSCE’s Action Against Terrorism Unit, representatives from the EU, as well as of state agencies and international organisation of Afghanistan, Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea, and Thailand have elaborated on good practices and innovative tools in enhancing international co-operation against terrorism.
Combining existing and new technologies such as biometrics, API/PNR systems, e-passports and automated border gates to facilitate cross-border movement and prevent transnational crimes and terrorism, were also discussed.
This roundtable discussion was the first of its kind and was held in the context of the 25th anniversary of the OSCE Asian Partnership for Co-operation.


osce--2020-11-10--OSCE Media Freedom Office publishes new edition of Safety of Journalists Guidebook

The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media published today the third edition of its Safety of @ @ @ @ @ contains recommendations on how to better protect the media and create an enabling environment for @ @ @ @ @ OSCE region .
The Guidebook also takes into account good practices and events undertaken by @ @ @ @ @ non-governmental organizations to create a safer environment for members of the media since the second @ @ @ @ @ published in 2014 .
The guidebook is available in English and Russian here : https @ @

The Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media published today the third edition of its Safety of Journalists Guidebook.
The Guidebook contains recommendations on how to better protect the media and create an enabling environment for unhindered press freedom in the OSCE region.
The Guidebook also takes into account good practices and events undertaken by international organizations, governments and non-governmental organizations to create a safer environment for members of the media since the second edition of the Guidebook was published in 2014.
The guidebook is available in English and Russian here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/469758


osce--2020-11-10--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 10 November 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 slightly increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) and one first responder [ 1 ] .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 adhering 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 fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 slightly increased from 7,076 to 7,118 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 2 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of 133 per day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was nine , compared to five last week .
Five persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another four persons crossed 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , three families were 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 into both directions .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous week ) .
There were 139 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 137 bound for Ukraine .
On some occasions , the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses , while some buses did not display their route at all .
The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 822 compared to 896 during the previous reporting week ) ; 474 at the Gukovo BCP and 348 at the Donetsk BCP , 506 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 316 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 and trucks with “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also continued to observe tanker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 38 compared to 52 during the previous reporting week ) .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 slightly decreased from 162 to 159 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 130 trucks ( 82 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine , the remaining 29 trucks ( 18 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation .
The OM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 3 ] 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 .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs ( 137 compared to 170 observed during the previous week ) ; 66 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 71 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting week , the OTs heard trains on 18 occasions ; the OTs assessed that nine trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining nine 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates .
On 3 November at 12:40 , the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a black funeral minivan , with Russian Federation licence plates towing a black trailer , entering the BCP from Ukraine .
The vehicle had an inscription “ Funeral Services ” ( in Russian ) on the side .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After undergoing customs control procedures , the minivan crossed the border into the Russian Federation .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 6 October to 10 November 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time .
[ 2 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 3 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 slightly increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. 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 adhering 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 fulfil 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 slightly increased from 7,076 to 7,118 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 133 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 temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was nine, compared to five last week. Five persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another four persons crossed 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, three families were 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 into both directions.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (276 compared to 272 observed during the previous week). There were 139 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 137 bound for Ukraine.
On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (822 compared to 896 during the previous reporting week); 474 at the Gukovo BCP and 348 at the Donetsk BCP, 506 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 316 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 and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (38 compared to 52 during the previous reporting week). 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 slightly decreased from 162 to 159. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 130 trucks (82 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, the remaining 29 trucks (18 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[3] 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. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a decrease in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (137 compared to 170 observed during the previous week); 66 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 71 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 18 occasions; the OTs assessed that nine trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining nine 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 vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates.
On 3 November at 12:40, the OT at the Donetsk BCP observed a black funeral minivan, with Russian Federation licence plates towing a black trailer, entering the BCP from Ukraine. The vehicle had an inscription “Funeral Services” (in Russian) on the side. The OT noticed only the driver on board. After undergoing customs control procedures, the minivan crossed the border into the Russian Federation.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 6 October to 10 November 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.
[2] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[3] 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--2020-11-10--Implementation of electoral recommendations in the Western Balkans discussed at OSCE/ODIHR regional

Implementation of electoral recommendations in the Western Balkans discussed at OSCE/ODIHR regional conference

The follow-up to the recommendations of election observation missions in the Western Balkans topped the agenda of an online conference organized by the OSCE Office Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) on 10 November 2020 .
The conference focused on the extent and modalities of the follow-up of ODIHR ’ s electoral recommendations in the process of bringing the conduct of elections closer in line with OSCE commitments , and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections .
Participants shared ideas on different methods , identified good practices from across the region and proposed recommendations for future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ODIHR for the continuous improvement of the Montenegro electoral legislation has been very productive and we are grateful for that .
Now , additional support is needed for the implementation of legal regulations , ” said Branimir Gvozdenović , Member of Montenegrin Parliament , former Vice President of the Parliament and Chairperson of the Committee on Comprehensive Reform of Electoral and Other Legislation .
“ I hope that ODIHR will continue cooperation will our recently elected parliament , with the aim of further improving the election legislation in accordance with international election standards.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ between ODIHR , local authorities , civil society and other organizations .
Discussions also centred on sharing good practices , challenges and recommendations ; and on the inclusion of national minorities , women , and people with disabilities in electoral processes .
Renata Deskoska , Professor of Constitutional Law and Political System at the Law Faculty in Skopje , former Minister of Justice of North Macedonia , and former Chairperson of the Working Group on Electoral Code , said : “ The first step toward free , fair and credible elections is consensus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards for democratic elections .
The recent changes of the Electoral Code of North Macedonia were prepared by an inclusive working group , which consisted of representatives of political parties , state institutions , civil society organizations and experts .
The proficient support offered by ODIHR , including via its Electoral Recommendations Database , in the process of implementing the recommendations and improving our legislative framework was significant for the progress we have achieved.
” The event marked the final stages of ODIHR ’ s project Support to Elections in the Western Balkans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Austrian Development Agency .
Between 2017 and 2020 , the project actively supported the process of political reform , legal review activities and sustainable electoral-management capacities through public consultation and inclusion .
The online conference brought together participants from the Balkans representing election management bodies , government structures , working groups on electoral legal reform , media regulators , public broadcasters , journalists associations and civil society organizations and people with disabilities .
When the project closes at the end of 2020 , ODIHR looks forward to continuing to support OSCE participating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendations .

The follow-up to the recommendations of election observation missions in the Western Balkans topped the agenda of an online conference organized by the OSCE Office Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 10 November 2020.
The conference focused on the extent and modalities of the follow-up of ODIHR’s electoral recommendations in the process of bringing the conduct of elections closer in line with OSCE commitments, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections. Participants shared ideas on different methods, identified good practices from across the region and proposed recommendations for future follow-up.
“The concrete support of ODIHR for the continuous improvement of the Montenegro electoral legislation has been very productive and we are grateful for that. Now, additional support is needed for the implementation of legal regulations,” said Branimir Gvozdenović, Member of Montenegrin Parliament, former Vice President of the Parliament and Chairperson of the Committee on Comprehensive Reform of Electoral and Other Legislation. “I hope that ODIHR will continue cooperation will our recently elected parliament, with the aim of further improving the election legislation in accordance with international election standards.”
Key topics included cooperation and partnership between ODIHR, local authorities, civil society and other organizations. Discussions also centred on sharing good practices, challenges and recommendations; and on the inclusion of national minorities, women, and people with disabilities in electoral processes.
Renata Deskoska, Professor of Constitutional Law and Political System at the Law Faculty in Skopje, former Minister of Justice of North Macedonia, and former Chairperson of the Working Group on Electoral Code, said:
“The first step toward free, fair and credible elections is consensus on the legislative frame that implements international standards for democratic elections. The recent changes of the Electoral Code of North Macedonia were prepared by an inclusive working group, which consisted of representatives of political parties, state institutions, civil society organizations and experts. The proficient support offered by ODIHR, including via its Electoral Recommendations Database, in the process of implementing the recommendations and improving our legislative framework was significant for the progress we have achieved.”
The event marked the final stages of ODIHR’s project Support to Elections in the Western Balkans, funded by the European Union and the Austrian Development Agency. Between 2017 and 2020, the project actively supported the process of political reform, legal review activities and sustainable electoral-management capacities through public consultation and inclusion.
The online conference brought together participants from the Balkans representing election management bodies, government structures, working groups on electoral legal reform, media regulators, public broadcasters, journalists associations and civil society organizations and people with disabilities.
When the project closes at the end of 2020, ODIHR looks forward to continuing to support OSCE participating States in their follow-up efforts to electoral recommendations.


osce--2020-11-09--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 267/2020 issued on 9 November 2020


osce--2020-11-09--Leaders of election mission to Georgia concerned about recent protests, urge restraint

COPENHAGEN , 9 November 2020 – Following reports of protests against the results of the 31 October parliamentary elections and clashes with the police in recent days in Tbilisi , Georgia , OSCE Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE election mission Elona Gjebrea Hoxha ( MP , Albania ) and Head of the OSCE PA Delegation Pia Kauma ( MP , Finland ) called on the protesters to refrain from violence and on the authorities to respect the fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression .
“ While reiterating that the 31 October parliamentary elections were competitive and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have been following the recent protests taking place in Georgia with concern , ” Hoxha said .
“ I welcome people exercising their right to freedom of expression but acts of violence can not be tolerated .
I call for the protests to be peaceful .
At the same time , while I emphasize that the police have a duty to exercise restraint in responding to demonstrators , it is important for the authorities to listen to the voices of the protesters and to respect fundamental freedoms.
” “ I urge all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to overcome the current polarization and to work together for stable political framework , while paying attention to the messages recently received by the international stakeholders ” said Pia Kauma .
`` I would like to express my support to the Central Election Commission for an inclusive process in addressing alleged electoral violations , '' she added .
Secretary General Roberto Montella also stated : “ Having observed elections in Georgia and followed the political developments in the country in the last two decades , I am confident that all stakeholders will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of responsibility and their commitment to the common good , with the goal of building stronger democratic institutions and enhance public confidence.
” The OSCE PA deployed an election observation mission to Georgia for the 31 October parliamentary elections .
The observation mission , a joint undertaking of the OSCE/ ODIHR , the OSCE PA , PACE , and the NATO PA , said that the technical aspects of the elections were managed efficiently , despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic , but the dominance of the ruling party in the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impartiality and independence , especially at the lower levels .
The elections were conducted under a substantially revised legal framework , following broad public consultations that brought some improvements for the holding of democratic elections , but further efforts to address shortcomings are needed , the statement says .
According to the Central Election Commission , the recount process is underway to verify and clarify the precinct summary protocols ’ data .
As of 8 November 2020 , results of 24 polling stations are already recounted in the District Election Commissions .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusions , please click here .

COPENHAGEN, 9 November 2020 – Following reports of protests against the results of the 31 October parliamentary elections and clashes with the police in recent days in Tbilisi, Georgia, OSCE Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE election mission Elona Gjebrea Hoxha (MP, Albania) and Head of the OSCE PA Delegation Pia Kauma (MP, Finland) called on the protesters to refrain from violence and on the authorities to respect the fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression.
“While reiterating that the 31 October parliamentary elections were competitive and, overall, fundamental freedoms were respected, I have been following the recent protests taking place in Georgia with concern,” Hoxha said. “I welcome people exercising their right to freedom of expression but acts of violence cannot be tolerated. I call for the protests to be peaceful. At the same time, while I emphasize that the police have a duty to exercise restraint in responding to demonstrators, it is important for the authorities to listen to the voices of the protesters and to respect fundamental freedoms.”
“I urge all actors to engage in a constructive dialogue, to overcome the current polarization and to work together for stable political framework, while paying attention to the messages recently received by the international stakeholders” said Pia Kauma. "I would like to express my support to the Central Election Commission for an inclusive process in addressing alleged electoral violations," she added.
Secretary General Roberto Montella also stated: “Having observed elections in Georgia and followed the political developments in the country in the last two decades, I am confident that all stakeholders will exercise maximum restraint and demonstrate high sense of responsibility and their commitment to the common good, with the goal of building stronger democratic institutions and enhance public confidence.”
The OSCE PA deployed an election observation mission to Georgia for the 31 October parliamentary elections. The observation mission, a joint undertaking of the OSCE/ ODIHR, the OSCE PA, PACE, and the NATO PA, said that the technical aspects of the elections were managed efficiently, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the dominance of the ruling party in the election commissions negatively affected the perception of their impartiality and independence, especially at the lower levels.
The elections were conducted under a substantially revised legal framework, following broad public consultations that brought some improvements for the holding of democratic elections, but further efforts to address shortcomings are needed, the statement says.
According to the Central Election Commission, the recount process is underway to verify and clarify the precinct summary protocols’ data. As of 8 November 2020, results of 24 polling stations are already recounted in the District Election Commissions.
For the full statement of preliminary findings and conclusions, please click here.


osce--2020-11-09--OSCE conference throws a spotlight on freedom of religion or belief in the digital age

VIENNA/WARSAW , 9 November 2020 – As freedom of religion or belief comes increasingly under pressure , the need to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by digital technologies and at the same time minimize the dangers they pose is becoming ever more important .
This topic is the focus of the OSCE ’ s final human rights conference of the year , beginning today .
“ We are experiencing grave threats to peace and security across the OSCE area , with people being targeted for their religious beliefs or simply for their way of life , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Albanian OSCE Chairmanship Task Force .
“ We are therefore delighted to see so many participants today .
We look forward to an open dialogue on ways of furthering the right to freedom of religion for all , sharing good practices and providing concrete recommendations that we can all learn from and emulate.
” The online meeting , organized by the OSCE ’ s 2020 Albanian Chairmanship together with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) , brings together more than 300 participants from governments , civil society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations from across the OSCE region .
As well as discussing recent trends in national legal frameworks and government policies , they will debate the role of civil society both in promoting and protecting this right and helping to build more tolerant societies .
A particular focus of the meeting will be on the challenges brought by the insidious spread of hatred over digital platforms , but also the opportunities of rapid technological development for creating a culture of mutual respect and breaking down the inequalities and barriers that have stood in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We don ’ t often associate freedom of religion or belief with the digital world , but in fact digitization offers many opportunities , particularly during the difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic when communities are unable to meet in person , ” said ODIHR ’ s First Deputy Director Katarzyna Gardapkhadze .
“ However , greater effort is needed to combat the use of digital tools as a platform for intolerance and hatred against people simply because of their religion or belief.
” With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries that have sped up digitization in many spheres of life .
At the same time , they have contributed to growing restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in some places , often introduced in the name of ‘ national security ’ and beyond the limitations stipulated in international law .
This has intensified prejudices against members of faith communities , which in some places has spilled over into hate crime .
“ The lockdowns have not only enhanced the status of the internet as the premier global public forum , offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities , but also highlighted many forms of digital divides , ” said Dr Ahmed Shaheed , the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief .
“ These divides are imposed not only due issues of access , but are also driven by hate mongers and cyberbullies , and call for a multi-stakeholder response to guarantee digital inclusion to all .
”

VIENNA/WARSAW, 9 November 2020 – As freedom of religion or belief comes increasingly under pressure, the need to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by digital technologies and at the same time minimize the dangers they pose is becoming ever more important. This topic is the focus of the OSCE’s final human rights conference of the year, beginning today.
“We are experiencing grave threats to peace and security across the OSCE area, with people being targeted for their religious beliefs or simply for their way of life,” said Inid Milo, Head of the 2020 Albanian OSCE Chairmanship Task Force. “We are therefore delighted to see so many participants today. We look forward to an open dialogue on ways of furthering the right to freedom of religion for all, sharing good practices and providing concrete recommendations that we can all learn from and emulate.”
The online meeting, organized by the OSCE’s 2020 Albanian Chairmanship together with the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), brings together more than 300 participants from governments, civil society, religious or belief communities and international organizations from across the OSCE region. As well as discussing recent trends in national legal frameworks and government policies, they will debate the role of civil society both in promoting and protecting this right and helping to build more tolerant societies.
A particular focus of the meeting will be on the challenges brought by the insidious spread of hatred over digital platforms, but also the opportunities of rapid technological development for creating a culture of mutual respect and breaking down the inequalities and barriers that have stood in the way of faith communities in the past.
“We don’t often associate freedom of religion or belief with the digital world, but in fact digitization offers many opportunities, particularly during the difficult circumstances caused by the pandemic when communities are unable to meet in person,” said ODIHR’s First Deputy Director Katarzyna Gardapkhadze. “However, greater effort is needed to combat the use of digital tools as a platform for intolerance and hatred against people simply because of their religion or belief.”
With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, emergency measures were imposed in many countries that have sped up digitization in many spheres of life. At the same time, they have contributed to growing restrictions on freedom of religion or belief in some places, often introduced in the name of ‘national security’ and beyond the limitations stipulated in international law. This has intensified prejudices against members of faith communities, which in some places has spilled over into hate crime.
“The lockdowns have not only enhanced the status of the internet as the premier global public forum, offering many solutions including to religious and belief communities, but also highlighted many forms of digital divides,” said Dr Ahmed Shaheed, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief. “These divides are imposed not only due issues of access, but are also driven by hate mongers and cyberbullies, and call for a multi-stakeholder response to guarantee digital inclusion to all.”


osce--2020-11-09--OSCE supports International Conference in Uzbekistan on contemporary military conflicts and ways to

OSCE supports International Conference in Uzbekistan on contemporary military conflicts and ways to prevent them

The OSCE-supported international conference `` Contemporary military conflicts and ways to prevent them '' was held on 4 and 5 November 2020 in a blended format at the Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan .
The conference provided a platform for exchanging views and experiences on international and regional security issues .
New forms of modern military conflicts and effective mechanisms to combat transnational threats were studied and discussed , as well as the possibility of expanding co-operation between foreign universities and research centers .
Materials and proposals of the academic conference will contribute to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the development of military art in modern military conflicts , the study of innovative methods and approaches in the educational process and the expansion of knowledge and personal enrichment of military personnel .
“ The adoption of the defense doctrine of the Republic of Uzbekistan in December 2017 will make a significant contribution to the future of Uzbekistan .
Fifty-seven OSCE participating States have recognized the need for supporting reform priorities and have shown a historical level of interest in events and actions in Uzbekistan .
Today 's event is a vivid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan and the OSCE , ” noted John MacGregor , Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan .
Over 300 participants and experts from international organizations attended the event , including experts from the OSCE , the International Committee of the Red Cross , the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation , the North Atlantic Treaty Organization , the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies , as well as educational institutions from the Russian Federation , Turkey , the United States of America , the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India , Italy , China , Republic of Korea , Pakistan , Belarus , Kazakhstan , and Kyrgyzstan .

The OSCE-supported international conference "Contemporary military conflicts and ways to prevent them" was held on 4 and 5 November 2020 in a blended format at the Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The conference provided a platform for exchanging views and experiences on international and regional security issues. New forms of modern military conflicts and effective mechanisms to combat transnational threats were studied and discussed, as well as the possibility of expanding co-operation between foreign universities and research centers.
Materials and proposals of the academic conference will contribute to the study of best practices and new trends in the development of military art in modern military conflicts, the study of innovative methods and approaches in the educational process and the expansion of knowledge and personal enrichment of military personnel.
“The adoption of the defense doctrine of the Republic of Uzbekistan in December 2017 will make a significant contribution to the future of Uzbekistan. Fifty-seven OSCE participating States have recognized the need for supporting reform priorities and have shown a historical level of interest in events and actions in Uzbekistan. Today's event is a vivid example of effective co-operation between the Academy of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan and the OSCE,” noted John MacGregor, Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.
Over 300 participants and experts from international organizations attended the event, including experts from the OSCE, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, as well as educational institutions from the Russian Federation, Turkey, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Ukraine, India, Italy, China, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.


osce--2020-11-09--OSCE Presence in Albania finalizes first cycle of Women Municipal Excellence Programme

Seventeen women councillors from all across Albania successfully finalized the two-day final module of the OSCE Presence ’ s Women Municipal Excellence Programme ( WoMEP ) held in person with strict adherence to the COVID-19 safety rules and protocols from 6 to 7 November 2020 .
The module aimed at linking capacity-building and local development with gender equality .
The programme combined on-the-job advice and direct training .
This was the third module of the programme with two previous ones taking place in December 2019 and October 2020 .
WoMEP assisted women councillors in identifying challenges and setbacks in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance their performance in the councils .
Participants learned to strategically link gender-sensitive policies with municipal budgets as a primary source for funding initiatives with a direct impact on the different needs of women and men at the local level .
The councillors learned how to develop individual projects to be presented to the municipal councils , as part of a practical training exercise to complement theory with proposals that can be used in their day-to-day-work .
“ WoMEP helped me get acquainted with how local development works .
It helped me bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular engagement at the council , ” said Edlira Kapllanaj from the Vlora Municipal Council .
Using skills acquired during the module , Kapllanaj has started a project on tackling violent extremism by establishing contacts with the municipal administration and showcasing the importance of her initiative with the head of the council and council members .
The councillors ’ individual proposals seek to address important areas of municipal development , ranging from monitoring post-earthquake relief efforts in Durrës to establishing social grant schemes for women in need in Selenica .
There are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and environmental education in Tirana and initiatives aimed at fundraising for the construction of a new kindergarten in Cërrik .
Over the last weeks , participants worked on preparing their projects and initiatives to be presented to the Municipal Councils to be considered for financial support in the 2021 community budgets .
Following the success of its first Women Municipal Excellence Programme , the OSCE Presence in Albania will launch a call for the second WoMEP generation in mid-November looking for 25 more motivated , creative and proactive women councillors from all over @ @

Seventeen women councillors from all across Albania successfully finalized the two-day final module of the OSCE Presence’s Women Municipal Excellence Programme (WoMEP) held in person with strict adherence to the COVID-19 safety rules and protocols from 6 to 7 November 2020. The module aimed at linking capacity-building and local development with gender equality. The programme combined on-the-job advice and direct training. This was the third module of the programme with two previous ones taking place in December 2019 and October 2020.
WoMEP assisted women councillors in identifying challenges and setbacks in their daily work and setting individual targets and advance their performance in the councils. Participants learned to strategically link gender-sensitive policies with municipal budgets as a primary source for funding initiatives with a direct impact on the different needs of women and men at the local level.
The councillors learned how to develop individual projects to be presented to the municipal councils, as part of a practical training exercise to complement theory with proposals that can be used in their day-to-day-work.
“WoMEP helped me get acquainted with how local development works. It helped me bridge the gap between long-term planning and my regular engagement at the council,” said Edlira Kapllanaj from the Vlora Municipal Council. Using skills acquired during the module, Kapllanaj has started a project on tackling violent extremism by establishing contacts with the municipal administration and showcasing the importance of her initiative with the head of the council and council members.
The councillors’ individual proposals seek to address important areas of municipal development, ranging from monitoring post-earthquake relief efforts in Durrës to establishing social grant schemes for women in need in Selenica. There are also projects supporting transparency initiatives, anti-bullying programmes and environmental education in Tirana and initiatives aimed at fundraising for the construction of a new kindergarten in Cërrik.
Over the last weeks, participants worked on preparing their projects and initiatives to be presented to the Municipal Councils to be considered for financial support in the 2021 community budgets.
Following the success of its first Women Municipal Excellence Programme, the OSCE Presence in Albania will launch a call for the second WoMEP generation in mid-November looking for 25 more motivated, creative and proactive women councillors from all over Albania.


osce--2020-11-07--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 266/2020 issued on 7 November 2020


osce--2020-11-06--Bosnia and Herzegovina marks 20th anniversary of the UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security

SARAJEVO , 6 November 2020 – The Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) of the BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees , the OSCE Mission to BiH , the Office of the European Union in BiH and the UN Women BiH marked the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women , Peace and Security by organizing an online conference today .
The conference provided key actors with an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved and recommit to the accelerated implementation of the Resolution in the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserve peace and security in BiH .
“ The UN Secretary-General recently presented the vision for women , peace and security for the new decade , with clear future priorities - tangible results in women ’ s equal and meaningful participation in peacemaking , peacekeeping and peacebuilding ; non-conditional defense of women ’ s rights and standing with women human rights defenders ; and dedicated investment in gender equality in post-conflict recovery , ” said Ingrid Macdonald , UN Resident Co-ordinator in BiH .
“ A critical aspect of realizing sustainable peace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) , is the need to succeed in achieving gender equality .
We face numerous challenges in BiH , but we are also presented with a once-in-a-generation opportunity : with women making up 51 % of BiH ’ s population , they have a fundamental right to participate in decisions affecting their future .
Women must not just be consulted : their voices must be reflected in emerging policies and political decisions .
They should not simply be invited ; they should be included ; not just engaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s political processes , ” she continued .
Miloš Lučić , BiH Minister of Human Rights and Refugees , highlighted the importance of the Women , Peace and Security agenda in BiH stating : “ UNSCR 1325 is a special resolution that , for the first time , highlights the special impact , needs , interests and contribution of women in and following armed conflicts .
By adopting this resolution in 2000 , the UN Security Council confirmed the changed nature of the contemporary armed conflicts , in which civilians are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excluded from peace negotiations and decision-making in relation to the post-conflict society building .
This resolution highlights that the efforts aimed towards peace , reconciliation and security are more sustainable when women are equal partners in prevention of violent conflicts , protection and provision of assistance , as well as in recovery from the conflict and building a permanent peace .
Higher participation of women is not only about fulfilling their human rights , but it is also a key to sustainable development .
Bosnia and Herzegovina already adopted its third Action Plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the period 2018–2022 , which demonstrates our commitment to its continuous and systemic implementation.
” “ The European Union has a long practice of promoting gender equality , advocating for a society in which women and girls claim their rights and are active participants rather than bystanders in peace-building processes .
Gender equality , as such , is an indispensable part of the European Union ’ s legal and political framework .
However , global and local challenges remain .
Ensuring that national budgets for the implementation for Women , Peace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and putting in place well-designed monitoring and accountability systems co-ordinating the activities of government bodies at all levels to a greater extent , remain priorities , ” said Ekaterina Dorodnova , Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to BiH .
Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH stressed the importance of ensuring that COVID-19 related responses are reflecting principles set in UNSCR 1325 : “ Today we are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the UNSCR 1325 , yet we are faced with a new challenge .
COVID-19 is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the globe whilst exposing deep societal inequalities .
Women , among other groups , have been disproportionately affected in the wake of the fight against this virus. We have to fully understand and address the gendered aspects of the pandemic and apply a gender lens when analyzing interventions .
The women , peace , and security framework should be fully integrated into our COVID-19 responses .
Furthermore , women need to be involved in the highest levels of decision-making to ensure their needs are taken seriously ” .
Organizers of the conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women ’ s role in peace and security for all , in their daily activities and strategies .

SARAJEVO, 6 November 2020 – The Agency for Gender Equality of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) of the BiH Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees, the OSCE Mission to BiH, the Office of the European Union in BiH and the UN Women BiH marked the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security by organizing an online conference today.
The conference provided key actors with an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved and recommit to the accelerated implementation of the Resolution in the future, which is to further build and preserve peace and security in BiH.
“The UN Secretary-General recently presented the vision for women, peace and security for the new decade, with clear future priorities - tangible results in women’s equal and meaningful participation in peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding; non-conditional defense of women’s rights and standing with women human rights defenders; and dedicated investment in gender equality in post-conflict recovery,” said Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Co-ordinator in BiH. “A critical aspect of realizing sustainable peace and development around the world, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), is the need to succeed in achieving gender equality. We face numerous challenges in BiH, but we are also presented with a once-in-a-generation opportunity: with women making up 51% of BiH’s population, they have a fundamental right to participate in decisions affecting their future. Women must not just be consulted: their voices must be reflected in emerging policies and political decisions. They should not simply be invited; they should be included; not just engaged but ensured a co-lead in the country’s political processes,” she continued.
Miloš Lučić, BiH Minister of Human Rights and Refugees, highlighted the importance of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in BiH stating: “UNSCR 1325 is a special resolution that, for the first time, highlights the special impact, needs, interests and contribution of women in and following armed conflicts. By adopting this resolution in 2000, the UN Security Council confirmed the changed nature of the contemporary armed conflicts, in which civilians are a more frequent target and women are still excluded from peace negotiations and decision-making in relation to the post-conflict society building. This resolution highlights that the efforts aimed towards peace, reconciliation and security are more sustainable when women are equal partners in prevention of violent conflicts, protection and provision of assistance, as well as in recovery from the conflict and building a permanent peace. Higher participation of women is not only about fulfilling their human rights, but it is also a key to sustainable development. Bosnia and Herzegovina already adopted its third Action Plan for the implementation of the UNSCR 1325 for the period 2018–2022, which demonstrates our commitment to its continuous and systemic implementation.”
“The European Union has a long practice of promoting gender equality, advocating for a society in which women and girls claim their rights and are active participants rather than bystanders in peace-building processes. Gender equality, as such, is an indispensable part of the European Union’s legal and political framework. However, global and local challenges remain. Ensuring that national budgets for the implementation for Women, Peace and Security National Action Plans are adequately funded and putting in place well-designed monitoring and accountability systems co-ordinating the activities of government bodies at all levels to a greater extent, remain priorities,” said Ekaterina Dorodnova, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to BiH.
Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH stressed the importance of ensuring that COVID-19 related responses are reflecting principles set in UNSCR 1325: “Today we are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the UNSCR 1325, yet we are faced with a new challenge. COVID-19 is a humanitarian crisis that has accelerated security threats across the globe whilst exposing deep societal inequalities. Women, among other groups, have been disproportionately affected in the wake of the fight against this virus. We have to fully understand and address the gendered aspects of the pandemic and apply a gender lens when analyzing interventions. The women, peace, and security framework should be fully integrated into our COVID-19 responses. Furthermore, women need to be involved in the highest levels of decision-making to ensure their needs are taken seriously”.
Organizers of the conference remain committed to promoting gender equality and women’s role in peace and security for all, in their daily activities and strategies.


osce--2020-11-06--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 265/2020 issued on 6 November 2020


osce--2020-11-06--OSCE and UNODC train participants from Kazakhstan on the use of targeted financial sanctions to disr

OSCE and UNODC train participants from Kazakhstan on the use of targeted financial sanctions to disrupt terrorist networks

Strengthening the capacity of government officials from Kazakhstan to counter terrorism financing was the aim of an online training course that took place from 3 to 6 November .
The event was organized by the OSCE ’ s Transnational Threats Department , the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan , the UN Office on Drugs and Crime 's Global Programme against Money Laundering ( UNODC/GPML ) , the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia and the Monitoring Team of the UN Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 ( 1999 ) , 1989 ( 2011 ) and 2253 ( 2015 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Al-Qaida and associated individuals , groups undertakings and entities .
Fourteen participants from governmental agencies of Kazakhstan , such as the General Prosecutor ’ s Office , the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the Prosecutor General ’ s Office , the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market , the Financial Monitoring Committee of the Ministry of Finance , Ministry of Internal Affairs and other law enforcement agencies took part in the training course .
The training course focused on applying targeted financial sanctions to terrorists and terrorist organizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1267 ( 1999 ) and 1988 ( 2011 ) , to disrupt terrorist networks .
During the course , participants were actively engaged through a range of interactive exercises and knowledge tests .
The event aimed at enhancing the capacity of Kazakhstan to combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area .
In particular , UN Security Council Resolutions , the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering ( FATF ) ’ s standards , UN norms and OSCE commitments to promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OSCE-UNODC comprehensive capacity-building programme on countering terrorist financing for Central Asia .
It helped the participants to understand the key role of inter-agency co-operation , international co-operation and of multi-stakeholders approaches in identifying and disrupting terrorist financial networks .

Strengthening the capacity of government officials from Kazakhstan to counter terrorism financing was the aim of an online training course that took place from 3 to 6 November. The event was organized by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime's Global Programme against Money Laundering (UNODC/GPML), the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia and the Monitoring Team of the UN Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups undertakings and entities.
Fourteen participants from governmental agencies of Kazakhstan, such as the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Academy of Law Enforcement Agencies under the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market, the Financial Monitoring Committee of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Internal Affairs and other law enforcement agencies took part in the training course.
The training course focused on applying targeted financial sanctions to terrorists and terrorist organizations, pursuant to UN Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1988 (2011), to disrupt terrorist networks. During the course, participants were actively engaged through a range of interactive exercises and knowledge tests.
The event aimed at enhancing the capacity of Kazakhstan to combat terrorist financing and strengthen compliance with international standards in this area. In particular, UN Security Council Resolutions, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF)’s standards, UN norms and OSCE commitments to promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing.
The course is part of an OSCE-UNODC comprehensive capacity-building programme on countering terrorist financing for Central Asia. It helped the participants to understand the key role of inter-agency co-operation, international co-operation and of multi-stakeholders approaches in identifying and disrupting terrorist financial networks.


osce--2020-11-06--OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supports development of returned migrants, building their pr

OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supports development of returned migrants, building their professional and entrepreneurship capacities

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan ( PCUz ) held a three-week capacity-building training course to help re-integrate returning labour migrants , which concluded on 6 November 2020 .
The event was organized in co-operation with the Agency for External Labour Migration under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan ( the Agency ) , and took place at Westminster International University in Tashkent ( WIUT ) .
Some 75 returned labour migrants and 75 officers of the Agency from across Uzbekistan attended the course .
During the three-week course , which started on 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their entrepreneurship skills , while the officers of the Agency worked on methodological skills to strengthen the reintegration of the returned migrants into the domestic labour market .
Faculty members of the WIUT lectured participants on business management and business idea generation , fundamental marketing concepts and marketing strategies , and financial management .
The course also included a train-the-trainer component for Agency officers who learned how to pass on the knowledge they gained to others .
PCUz Senior Project Officer Hans-Ullrich Ihm underlined the importance of the OSCE ’ s priorities to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growth opportunities and strengthened skills of the returned migrants .
“ The PCUz acknowledges the increasing importance of effective labour migration management and the benefits it can provide for all countries involved , including those of origin , transit and destination .
Labour migration has the potential to foster economic growth and sustainable development , if managed and regulated properly , ” said Ihm .
All the participants were awarded certificates of completion .
The training course was organized under the extra-budgetary project “ Support to the improvement of labour migration policies in @ @ @ @ @ @

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz) held a three-week capacity-building training course to help re-integrate returning labour migrants, which concluded on 6 November 2020. The event was organized in co-operation with the Agency for External Labour Migration under the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations of the Republic of Uzbekistan (the Agency), and took place at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT).
Some 75 returned labour migrants and 75 officers of the Agency from across Uzbekistan attended the course.
During the three-week course, which started on 26 October, the returned labor migrants developed their entrepreneurship skills, while the officers of the Agency worked on methodological skills to strengthen the reintegration of the returned migrants into the domestic labour market.
Faculty members of the WIUT lectured participants on business management and business idea generation, fundamental marketing concepts and marketing strategies, and financial management. The course also included a train-the-trainer component for Agency officers who learned how to pass on the knowledge they gained to others.
PCUz Senior Project Officer Hans-Ullrich Ihm underlined the importance of the OSCE’s priorities to improve economic development through job creation, growth opportunities and strengthened skills of the returned migrants. “The PCUz acknowledges the increasing importance of effective labour migration management and the benefits it can provide for all countries involved, including those of origin, transit and destination. Labour migration has the potential to foster economic growth and sustainable development, if managed and regulated properly,” said Ihm.
All the participants were awarded certificates of completion.
The training course was organized under the extra-budgetary project “Support to the improvement of labour migration policies in Uzbekistan” funded by Germany.


osce--2020-11-06--OSCE trains future trainers in rights and duties of journalists in Turkmenistan

On 6 November 2020 , journalists , representatives of the Bar Association and the Supreme Court of Turkmenistan , as well as representatives of the Institute of State , Law and Democracy successfully completed an OSCE-organized advanced online train-the-trainer course on the rights and duties of journalists .
The event was held in two parts from 29 October to 6 November .
Nine participants were selected from among the participants of the basic train-the-trainer course on the same topic that was organized by the Centre in Ashgabat two years ago .
“ The OSCE participating States are committed to undertaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profession .
As Turkmenistan included training courses on the rights and duties of journalists in the National Human Rights Action Plan of Turkmenistan ( NHRAP ) for 2016-2020 , the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat offered its support in introducing such trainings in practice ” said Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat .
The course aimed to prepare a pool of national experts to be able to deliver training courses on the rights and duties of journalists for court workers , lawyers and journalists as envisaged by the NHRAP .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights , journalists need to have a good understanding of different aspects of media law and relevant practices , and it is important to address issues of journalists ’ rights and duties that involve not only media professionals but other parties such as court workers and lawyers , ” added Drozd .
“ This is why we invited both journalists and representatives of the court and bar association as future trainers.
” Two international experts from the United Kingdom and Kyrgyzstan provided in-depth information on professional standards in journalists ’ work , legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to information and the concept of public interest .
Participants analyzed cases of defamation and libel in the legal practice as well as legal and ethical standards of using sources of information in journalists ’ work .
Special emphasis was put on hate speech and discriminatory language in the media and the relevant legal regulations and solutions in the digital age .
The second phase of the course focused on training methodology , planning and selection of training materials and instruments .
Future trainers learned about specific features of training versus teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to apply it to training courses .
International experts also presented a module of a training course they designed on the rights and duties of journalists for use by newly trained trainers .
The module includes the structure of the training course , comprehensive theoretical materials and practical assignments as well as recommended methodology and handouts .

On 6 November 2020, journalists, representatives of the Bar Association and the Supreme Court of Turkmenistan, as well as representatives of the Institute of State, Law and Democracy successfully completed an OSCE-organized advanced online train-the-trainer course on the rights and duties of journalists.
The event was held in two parts from 29 October to 6 November. Nine participants were selected from among the participants of the basic train-the-trainer course on the same topic that was organized by the Centre in Ashgabat two years ago.
“The OSCE participating States are committed to undertaking steps to ensure the freedom of journalistic profession. As Turkmenistan included training courses on the rights and duties of journalists in the National Human Rights Action Plan of Turkmenistan (NHRAP) for 2016-2020, the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat offered its support in introducing such trainings in practice” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
The course aimed to prepare a pool of national experts to be able to deliver training courses on the rights and duties of journalists for court workers, lawyers and journalists as envisaged by the NHRAP.
“To be able to protect their rights, journalists need to have a good understanding of different aspects of media law and relevant practices, and it is important to address issues of journalists’ rights and duties that involve not only media professionals but other parties such as court workers and lawyers,” added Drozd. “This is why we invited both journalists and representatives of the court and bar association as future trainers.”
Two international experts from the United Kingdom and Kyrgyzstan provided in-depth information on professional standards in journalists’ work, legal and social status of a journalist, access to information and the concept of public interest. Participants analyzed cases of defamation and libel in the legal practice as well as legal and ethical standards of using sources of information in journalists’ work. Special emphasis was put on hate speech and discriminatory language in the media and the relevant legal regulations and solutions in the digital age.
The second phase of the course focused on training methodology, planning and selection of training materials and instruments. Future trainers learned about specific features of training versus teaching and discussed the theory of change and how to apply it to training courses.
International experts also presented a module of a training course they designed on the rights and duties of journalists for use by newly trained trainers. The module includes the structure of the training course, comprehensive theoretical materials and practical assignments as well as recommended methodology and handouts.


osce--2020-11-05--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 264/2020 issued on 5 November 2020


osce--2020-11-05--Moscow Mechanism rapporteur reports to OSCE Permanent Council on alleged human rights violations in

Moscow Mechanism rapporteur reports to OSCE Permanent Council on alleged human rights violations in Belarus

The OSCE Moscow Mechanism rapporteur Wolfgang Benedek presented his report to the OSCE Permanent Council on 5 November 2020 concerning alleged human rights violations related to the 9 August presidential elections in Belarus .
Benedek , a professor of international law at the University of Graz , was appointed rapporteur by the 17 OSCE participating States that invoked the OSCE ’ s Moscow Mechanism in September following the presidential election in Belarus and widespread claims of a subsequent deterioration in the human rights situation there .
The Mechanism , agreed by consensus by the OSCE participating States , allows for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and independently of the OSCE Chairmanship , institutions and decision-making bodies if one State , supported by at least nine others , `` considers that a particularly serious threat to the fulfilment of the provisions of the [ OSCE ] human dimension has arisen in another participating State '' .
The Permanent Council is one of the OSCE ’ s main decision-making bodies , and convenes each week in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and make decisions on future activities .
The report , which includes numerous recommendations , is @ @ @

The OSCE Moscow Mechanism rapporteur Wolfgang Benedek presented his report to the OSCE Permanent Council on 5 November 2020 concerning alleged human rights violations related to the 9 August presidential elections in Belarus.
Benedek, a professor of international law at the University of Graz, was appointed rapporteur by the 17 OSCE participating States that invoked the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism in September following the presidential election in Belarus and widespread claims of a subsequent deterioration in the human rights situation there.
The Mechanism, agreed by consensus by the OSCE participating States, allows for an investigation to be launched without consensus and independently of the OSCE Chairmanship, institutions and decision-making bodies if one State, supported by at least nine others, "considers that a particularly serious threat to the fulfilment of the provisions of the [OSCE] human dimension has arisen in another participating State".
The Permanent Council is one of the OSCE’s main decision-making bodies, and convenes each week in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and make decisions on future activities.
The report, which includes numerous recommendations, is available here.