osce--2020-10-09--Tajik rescuers complete the first round of OSCE-EU organized training course on emergency responses

Twenty rescuers of Tajikistan ’ s Committee of Emergency Situation and Civil Defence completed a four-week training course on 10 October 2020 to improve their skills on conducting field-based emergency response operations in challenging conditions , which they commonly face while performing their duties .
The course funded by the European Union was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in co-operation with the Committee .
During the course they covered legal , gender and human rights aspects of conducting search and rescue operations ; the use of mountaineering equipment and techniques ; skills to enhance their reading of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; and search and rescue techniques in rivers , mudflows and mountainous areas .
The Committee ’ s representatives and OSCE experts conducted the training course .
“ We are pleased to see that civil protection capacity is further strengthened through this enhanced co-operation in the region .
In particular between Tajikistan and Afghanistan , where security and civil protection co-operation is crucial for mobilizing an effective emergency response in the shared border areas .
I am confident that these kinds of training courses help in making rescue- and emergency operations both more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives and livelihoods on both sides of the borders , ” said Ambassador Marilyn Josefson , Head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan .
`` I thank the leadership of Tajikistan ’ s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence for their support in organizing this training course , which helped 20 rescuers to enhance their skills in emergency response , ” said Valeriu Chiveri , Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe .
“ At the same time I look forward to our Office ’ s co-operation with the Committee on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the framework of this project , which is being conducted thanks to the financial support of the European Union.
” This was the first in a series of training courses within the 18-month EU-funded project , “ Stabilization of Tajikistan ’ s southern border region with Afghanistan ” , which is designed to strengthen the capacity of the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence .
The aim of the project is to address various threats and risks related to natural disasters , which Tajikistan frequently faces across the country and - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The project is implemented by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe .
The EU has promoted security and effective border management in Tajikistan since 2003 , notably through the regional Border Management Central Asia Programme ( BOMCA ) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme ( CADAP ) .
Through the EU ’ s Foreign Policy Instrument contributing to Peace and Stability , the EU helps build critical infrastructure in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region , helps stabilize border regions , promote cross-border dialogue for tolerance and peace , and support activities aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Twenty rescuers of Tajikistan’s Committee of Emergency Situation and Civil Defence completed a four-week training course on 10 October 2020 to improve their skills on conducting field-based emergency response operations in challenging conditions, which they commonly face while performing their duties. The course funded by the European Union was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in co-operation with the Committee.
During the course they covered legal, gender and human rights aspects of conducting search and rescue operations; the use of mountaineering equipment and techniques; skills to enhance their reading of military and topographic maps; trace tracking; and search and rescue techniques in rivers, mudflows and mountainous areas.
The Committee’s representatives and OSCE experts conducted the training course.
“We are pleased to see that civil protection capacity is further strengthened through this enhanced co-operation in the region. In particular between Tajikistan and Afghanistan, where security and civil protection co-operation is crucial for mobilizing an effective emergency response in the shared border areas. I am confident that these kinds of training courses help in making rescue- and emergency operations both more efficient, and contribute to saving additional lives and livelihoods on both sides of the borders,” said Ambassador Marilyn Josefson, Head of the EU Delegation to Tajikistan.
"I thank the leadership of Tajikistan’s Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence for their support in organizing this training course, which helped 20 rescuers to enhance their skills in emergency response,” said Valeriu Chiveri, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe. “At the same time I look forward to our Office’s co-operation with the Committee on the second round of the training course within the framework of this project, which is being conducted thanks to the financial support of the European Union.”
This was the first in a series of training courses within the 18-month EU-funded project, “Stabilization of Tajikistan’s southern border region with Afghanistan”, which is designed to strengthen the capacity of the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence. The aim of the project is to address various threats and risks related to natural disasters, which Tajikistan frequently faces across the country and - in particular - along its southern border. The project is implemented by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe.
The EU has promoted security and effective border management in Tajikistan since 2003, notably through the regional Border Management Central Asia Programme (BOMCA) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme (CADAP). Through the EU’s Foreign Policy Instrument contributing to Peace and Stability, the EU helps build critical infrastructure in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, helps stabilize border regions, promote cross-border dialogue for tolerance and peace, and support activities aimed at preventing violent extremism and disinformation.


osce--2020-10-09--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 241/2020 issued on 9 October 2020

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osce--2020-10-09--OSCE Chairmanship appeals to all parties to refrain from violence and calls for a peaceful solution

OSCE Chairmanship appeals to all parties to refrain from violence and calls for a peaceful solution to the current situation in Kyrgyzstan

VIENNA/TIRANA , 9 October 2020 – The Albanian Chairmanship has issued a call for unity in Kyrgyzstan , noting its @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We call on all political leaders and on the citizens of Kyrgyzstan to @ @ @ @ @ in the interest of maintaining stability in the country.
” Albania ’ s OSCE Chairmanship @ @ @ @ @ be pursued within the framework of the constitution and existing national legislation .
The Chairmanship @ @ @ @ @ closely .

VIENNA/TIRANA, 9 October 2020 – The Albanian Chairmanship has issued a call for unity in Kyrgyzstan, noting its concern with the worsening situation. “We call on all political leaders and on the citizens of Kyrgyzstan to refrain from violence and act in the interest of maintaining stability in the country.”
Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship encouraged a peaceful solution to be pursued within the framework of the constitution and existing national legislation.
The Chairmanship will continue to follow developments closely.


osce--2020-10-09--OSCE launches guidebook on non-custodial rehabilitation and reintegration measures for those who par

OSCE launches guidebook on non-custodial rehabilitation and reintegration measures for those who participated in violent extremism activity in South-Eastern Europe

Effective rehabilitation and reintegration of those who participated in violent extremism activity is the focus of a new guidebook launched at a webinar organized by the Action against Terrorism Unit ( ATU ) of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department for more than 80 participants from civil society , governments , academia and international organizations based in South-Eastern Europe on 6 October 2020 .
ATU representatives presented their new guidebook , Non-custodial Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization That Lead to Terrorism : A Guidebook for Policymakers and Practitioners in South-Eastern Europe .
“ The OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resource to existing tools and efforts that exist on reintegration of violent extremist offenders in prison settings , ” said Georgia Holmer , Head of ATU in her opening remarks .
Expert practitioners from South-Eastern Europe discussed their experiences from working with communities in various capacities from policymaking to psychiatric care .
This demonstrated the ‘ whole-of-society approach ’ to effective rehabilitation and reintegration of persons involved with violent extremism and terrorism .
Lejdi Dervishi , Executive Director of the CVE ( Countering Violent Extremism ) Centre-Albania added : “ The CVE Centre-Albania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further extend the network of stakeholders at the central and local levels in order to establish a wide network of front-line professionals consisting of state and non-state actors responsible and engaged on preventing and countering violent extremism in close co-operation with local communities , civil society and the private sector to fight these phenomena .
We need partners and we need partnerships and we are committed stronger than ever to make this collaboration fruitful and efficient.
” Borche Petrevski of North Macedonia ’ s National Co-ordinator for Countering Violent Extremism and Combating Terrorism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aligns with the policies of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia envisaged in the National Plan for Reintegration , Resocialization and Rehabilitation of Returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters and members of their families , women and children .
Only through co-ordination and meaningful partnership between the government , religious and local communities , civil society at large as well as international partners , will it be possible to address these security challenges and develop meaningful policies to counter and prevent violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism ( P/CVERLT ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in what they said constitutes a highly relevant and timely topic .
The OSCE is a pioneer in advancing preventative approaches to violent extremism and terrorism .
It works to support the development and implementation of impactful and safe P/CVERLT policies and programmes in the OSCE ’ s participating States and Partners for Co-operation .
In addition to today ’ s guidebook launch , the guideook series on P/CVERLT includes : • Understanding the Role of Gender in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization That Lead to Terrorism - Good Practices for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Society in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism .
A Guidebook for South-Eastern Europe • Understanding Referral Mechanisms in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization That Lead to Terrorism Navigating Challenges and Protecting Human Rights A Guidebook for South-Eastern Europe • Preventing Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism : A Community-Policing Approach • A whole-of-society approach to preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism .
A guidebook for Central Asia

Effective rehabilitation and reintegration of those who participated in violent extremism activity is the focus of a new guidebook launched at a webinar organized by the Action against Terrorism Unit (ATU) of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department for more than 80 participants from civil society, governments, academia and international organizations based in South-Eastern Europe on 8 October 2020.
ATU representatives presented their new guidebook, Non-custodial Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization That Lead to Terrorism: A Guidebook for Policymakers and Practitioners in South-Eastern Europe.
“The OSCE has developed this guidebook as a complimentary resource to existing tools and efforts that exist on reintegration of violent extremist offenders in prison settings,” said Georgia Holmer, Head of ATU in her opening remarks.
Expert practitioners from South-Eastern Europe discussed their experiences from working with communities in various capacities from policymaking to psychiatric care. This demonstrated the ‘whole-of-society approach’ to effective rehabilitation and reintegration of persons involved with violent extremism and terrorism.
Lejdi Dervishi, Executive Director of the CVE (Countering Violent Extremism) Centre-Albania added: “The CVE Centre-Albania will continue to encourage all efforts to further extend the network of stakeholders at the central and local levels in order to establish a wide network of front-line professionals consisting of state and non-state actors responsible and engaged on preventing and countering violent extremism in close co-operation with local communities, civil society and the private sector to fight these phenomena. We need partners and we need partnerships and we are committed stronger than ever to make this collaboration fruitful and efficient.”
Borche Petrevski of North Macedonia’s National Co-ordinator for Countering Violent Extremism and Combating Terrorism, said: “The OSCE Guidebook aligns with the policies of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia envisaged in the National Plan for Reintegration, Resocialization and Rehabilitation of Returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters and members of their families, women and children. Only through co-ordination and meaningful partnership between the government, religious and local communities, civil society at large as well as international partners, will it be possible to address these security challenges and develop meaningful policies to counter and prevent violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT).”
Participants expressed great interest and engagement in what they said constitutes a highly relevant and timely topic.
The OSCE is a pioneer in advancing preventative approaches to violent extremism and terrorism. It works to support the development and implementation of impactful and safe P/CVERLT policies and programmes in the OSCE’s participating States and Partners for Co-operation.
In addition to today’s guidebook launch, the guideook series on P/CVERLT includes:


osce--2020-10-09--OSCE/ODIHR continues election observation in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine but in limited format

Based on a shortfall in the number of short-term observers provided by OSCE states due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel and health restrictions , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) has decided to limit its missions in Georgia , Moldova and Ukraine to long-term observation .
The three missions will continue their work and deliver preliminary assessments of the electoral processes after each election day .
Following invitations , ODIHR deployed Election Observation Missions ( EOMs ) for the forthcoming elections in Georgia , Moldova and Ukraine , starting from mid-September .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts and long-term observers seconded by OSCE participating States .
In line with its standard methodology for EOMs , ODIHR requested states to second short-term observers to join these EOMs closer to election day .
The extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and existing travel restrictions throughout the OSCE region have negatively affected the ability of the OSCE participating States to second short-term observers .
This has resulted in a significant shortfall , which makes infeasible the deployment of short-term observers in sufficient numbers for meaningful observation of election day procedures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic .
Accordingly , ODIHR has decided to change the format of the three deployed observation activities from EOMs to Limited Election Observation Missions ( LEOMs ) , with core teams of experts and long-term observers .
ODIHR is grateful to the national and local authorities in the three countries for the support they continue to provide to the ODIHR LEOMs , including the facilitation of entry and operations of the election observers deployed by ODIHR .

Based on a shortfall in the number of short-term observers provided by OSCE states due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel and health restrictions, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has decided to limit its missions in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine to long-term observation. The three missions will continue their work and deliver preliminary assessments of the electoral processes after each election day.
Following invitations, ODIHR deployed Election Observation Missions (EOMs) for the forthcoming elections in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, starting from mid-September. ODIHR EOMs comprise a core team of experts and long-term observers seconded by OSCE participating States. In line with its standard methodology for EOMs, ODIHR requested states to second short-term observers to join these EOMs closer to election day.
The extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and existing travel restrictions throughout the OSCE region have negatively affected the ability of the OSCE participating States to second short-term observers. This has resulted in a significant shortfall, which makes infeasible the deployment of short-term observers in sufficient numbers for meaningful observation of election day procedures, especially given the logistical difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accordingly, ODIHR has decided to change the format of the three deployed observation activities from EOMs to Limited Election Observation Missions (LEOMs), with core teams of experts and long-term observers.
ODIHR is grateful to the national and local authorities in the three countries for the support they continue to provide to the ODIHR LEOMs, including the facilitation of entry and operations of the election observers deployed by ODIHR.


osce--2020-10-09--Participants of annual Central Asia Media Conference highlight need to uphold OSCE media freedom com

Participants of annual Central Asia Media Conference highlight need to uphold OSCE media freedom commitments while countering ‘harmful content’

VIENNA , 9 October 2020 – The 22nd Central Asia Media Conference , organized online by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media ( RFoM ) , concluded today .
Over the course of the three-day conference , around 150 journalists , representatives of NGOs , academia , international experts , and government agencies from Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Tajikistan , Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan as well as Mongolia , discussed a broad range of issues related to freedom of the media and freedom of information in the region , with a special focus on the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year focused on “ Strengthening Media Diversity and Pluralism in Central Asia ” , and consisted of three plenary sessions .
The first session addressed recent steps taken by governments and social media platforms in regulating so-called ‘ harmful content ’ , and responses by media rights organizations and editorial houses to these steps .
Participants , together with regional and international experts , discussed ways to counter disinformation , hate speech and other forms of what is broadly referred to as ‘ harmful content ’ offline and online , while upholding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitments and the rule of law .
Opportunities and challenges brought on by the use of Artificial Intelligence and various automated systems when countering online hate speech were also discussed .
The second session focused on promoting diversity in the mainstream media .
In particular , the session addressed the importance of ensuring balanced and representational reporting on societal matters , without racial or ethnic bias .
At the third session , civil society and government representatives from Central Asia and Mongolia presented an overview of media freedom developments in their respective countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially on the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic , including current legislation and policies , which might have a chilling effect on freedom of the media .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the media hard and has had a grave impact on the freedom to report .
It is paramount to ensure the free flow of reliable information while fighting disinformation , ” said Jürgen Heissel , Director of the Office of the OSCE RFoM .
“ Let us remember that international law provides guidance for the delicate balance between States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlawful and ‘ harmful content ’ , such as hate speech or incitement to terrorism on the one hand , and freedom of expression and free media on the other hand , ” he added .
Discussions also highlighted the need to enhance regional efforts in promoting media literacy , strengthening effective media accountability systems , and achieving greater adherence to ethical standards .
More information on the conference , including keynote speeches and background materials , can be found here : https : //www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/464190

VIENNA, 9 October 2020 – The 22nd Central Asia Media Conference, organized online by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), concluded today. Over the course of the three-day conference, around 150 journalists, representatives of NGOs, academia, international experts, and government agencies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan as well as Mongolia, discussed a broad range of issues related to freedom of the media and freedom of information in the region, with a special focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference this year focused on “Strengthening Media Diversity and Pluralism in Central Asia”, and consisted of three plenary sessions. The first session addressed recent steps taken by governments and social media platforms in regulating so-called ‘harmful content’, and responses by media rights organizations and editorial houses to these steps. Participants, together with regional and international experts, discussed ways to counter disinformation, hate speech and other forms of what is broadly referred to as ‘harmful content’ offline and online, while upholding human rights, freedom of the media commitments and the rule of law. Opportunities and challenges brought on by the use of Artificial Intelligence and various automated systems when countering online hate speech were also discussed.
The second session focused on promoting diversity in the mainstream media. In particular, the session addressed the importance of ensuring balanced and representational reporting on societal matters, without racial or ethnic bias. At the third session, civil society and government representatives from Central Asia and Mongolia presented an overview of media freedom developments in their respective countries over the past year. They focused especially on the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, including current legislation and policies, which might have a chilling effect on freedom of the media.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the media hard and has had a grave impact on the freedom to report. It is paramount to ensure the free flow of reliable information while fighting disinformation,” said Jürgen Heissel, Director of the Office of the OSCE RFoM. “Let us remember that international law provides guidance for the delicate balance between States’ obligations to protect their citizens against unlawful and ‘harmful content’, such as hate speech or incitement to terrorism on the one hand, and freedom of expression and free media on the other hand,” he added.
Discussions also highlighted the need to enhance regional efforts in promoting media literacy, strengthening effective media accountability systems, and achieving greater adherence to ethical standards.
More information on the conference, including keynote speeches and background materials, can be found here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/464190


osce--2020-10-09--Bosnia and Herzegovina prosecutors explore challenges in processing human trafficking and war crimes

Bosnia and Herzegovina prosecutors explore challenges in processing human trafficking and war crimes cases

The Annual Prosecutorial Symposium , which , due to the pandemic , took place in an online format on 8 and 9 October 2020 , gathered some 150 prosecutors , judges and other criminal justice professionals who took part in a number of panel discussions on criminal matters .
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) supported the organization of two panel discussions on the processing of cases related to trafficking in human beings ( THB ) and war crimes .
The panels were an opportunity for prosecutors and experts to discuss issues and share experiences in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human beings is one of the OSCE ’ s priorities as THB affects virtually all its participating States , either as countries of origin , transit or destinations .
This modern form of slavery is an affront to human dignity , often involving psychological terror and physical violence .
The human rights of trafficked persons have to be at the centre of all efforts to combat human trafficking , prosecute traffickers and provide redress to victims of trafficking , ” said Boris Topić , National Anti-trafficking Officer at the OSCE Mission to BiH @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jointly organized with Trial International , focused on the overview of progress and challenges still facing Bosnia and Herzegovina judiciary in processing of war crimes cases , particularly the distribution of cases in line with the goals of the Revised National Strategy for War Crimes Processing .
The panel also addressed legal and procedural challenges in prosecuting and sentencing sexual violence cases , as well as appeal processes related to these types of crimes .
Šeila Heljić , President of the FBiH Association of Prosecutors stated : “ The Annual Prosecutorial Symposium has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opportunities for prosecutors and other criminal justice professionals .
The symposium and the panels provide participants with insight into the present state in this field and enable the exchange of experiences .
Continuous training is of crucial importance for enhancing the capacity of the criminal justice sector , including its effective processing of THB-related and war crimes cases.
” The panel discussion on THB was jointly supported by the OSCE Mission to BiH , the Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Centres of the entities , the USAID BiH through International Organization for Migration Mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council of Europe Joint Project Horizontal Facility , the US Embassy and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development , Assistance and Training , and the International Forum of Solidarity-Emmaus

The Annual Prosecutorial Symposium, which, due to the pandemic, took place in an online format on 8 and 9 October 2020, gathered some 150 prosecutors, judges and other criminal justice professionals who took part in a number of panel discussions on criminal matters.
The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) supported the organization of two panel discussions on the processing of cases related to trafficking in human beings (THB) and war crimes. The panels were an opportunity for prosecutors and experts to discuss issues and share experiences in these areas.
“Combating trafficking in human beings is one of the OSCE’s priorities as THB affects virtually all its participating States, either as countries of origin, transit or destinations. This modern form of slavery is an affront to human dignity, often involving psychological terror and physical violence. The human rights of trafficked persons have to be at the centre of all efforts to combat human trafficking, prosecute traffickers and provide redress to victims of trafficking,” said Boris Topić, National Anti-trafficking Officer at the OSCE Mission to BiH.
The war crimes panel discussion, jointly organized with Trial International, focused on the overview of progress and challenges still facing Bosnia and Herzegovina judiciary in processing of war crimes cases, particularly the distribution of cases in line with the goals of the Revised National Strategy for War Crimes Processing. The panel also addressed legal and procedural challenges in prosecuting and sentencing sexual violence cases, as well as appeal processes related to these types of crimes.
Šeila Heljić, President of the FBiH Association of Prosecutors stated: “The Annual Prosecutorial Symposium has become one of the most important training opportunities for prosecutors and other criminal justice professionals. The symposium and the panels provide participants with insight into the present state in this field and enable the exchange of experiences. Continuous training is of crucial importance for enhancing the capacity of the criminal justice sector, including its effective processing of THB-related and war crimes cases.”
The panel discussion on THB was jointly supported by the OSCE Mission to BiH, the Judicial and Prosecutorial Training Centres of the entities, the USAID BiH through International Organization for Migration Mission in BiH, the European Union and Council of Europe Joint Project Horizontal Facility, the US Embassy and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training, and the International Forum of Solidarity-Emmaus


osce--2020-10-09--Parliamentary oversight of the security sector discussed at OSCE workshop for deputies of Uzbekistan

Parliamentary oversight of the security sector discussed at OSCE workshop for deputies of Uzbekistan’s parliament

The role of parliament in oversight of the security sector in Uzbekistan was the focus of an OSCE event in Tashkent on 8 October 2020 .
Twenty members of the Oliy Majlis ( parliament ) , coming from both the Legislative Chamber and the Senate , took part in the event .
The workshop was organized , in a blended format , jointly by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan , and supported by speakers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly .
Participants , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offices earlier this year , were briefed on the work of the OSCE , the main actors and principles of good security sector governance , the role of human rights , and the rule of law and gender equality in this regard .
Concrete tools and instruments for parliamentary oversight of the security sector were also presented .
“ The OSCE has a long track record in supporting participating States in strengthening the governance of their security sectors .
Experience shows that an accountable , effective and inclusive security sector with full respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rule of law can effectively provide security to a State and its people , thereby promoting stability , ” said John MacGregor , OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan .
Participants discussed existing instruments and mechanisms for the security sector oversight in the context of Uzbekistan ’ s 2016 Law on Parliamentary Oversight and how the role of the parliament in this area could be further strengthened .
They also shared their experiences on human rights oversight and gender equality in the security sector , and debated existing challenges in this area and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chairperson of the Committee on International Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis , said : “ Today 's event is indeed timely as the national parliament of Uzbekistan aims to strengthen its oversight functions .
At the same time , we are aware of our main mission : enforcing the law along with the protection of the rights , freedoms , and the lawful interests of citizens .
This is the foundation of security.
” The event was implemented through the OSCE extra-budgetary project “ Support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governance and Reform within the OSCE : Phase II ” , financially supported by Austria , Germany , Norway , Slovakia , and Switzerland .

The role of parliament in oversight of the security sector in Uzbekistan was the focus of an OSCE event in Tashkent on 8 October 2020. Twenty members of the Oliy Majlis (parliament), coming from both the Legislative Chamber and the Senate, took part in the event. The workshop was organized, in a blended format, jointly by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, and supported by speakers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
Participants, many of whom were newly elected to their offices earlier this year, were briefed on the work of the OSCE, the main actors and principles of good security sector governance, the role of human rights, and the rule of law and gender equality in this regard. Concrete tools and instruments for parliamentary oversight of the security sector were also presented.
“The OSCE has a long track record in supporting participating States in strengthening the governance of their security sectors. Experience shows that an accountable, effective and inclusive security sector with full respect for human rights, gender equality and the rule of law can effectively provide security to a State and its people, thereby promoting stability,” said John MacGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.
Participants discussed existing instruments and mechanisms for the security sector oversight in the context of Uzbekistan’s 2016 Law on Parliamentary Oversight and how the role of the parliament in this area could be further strengthened. They also shared their experiences on human rights oversight and gender equality in the security sector, and debated existing challenges in this area and how to address them.
Dilorom Fayzieva, Chairperson of the Committee on International Affairs and Inter-parliamentary Relations of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, said: “Today's event is indeed timely as the national parliament of Uzbekistan aims to strengthen its oversight functions. At the same time, we are aware of our main mission: enforcing the law along with the protection of the rights, freedoms, and the lawful interests of citizens. This is the foundation of security.”
The event was implemented through the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Support, capacity-building and awareness-raising for Security Sector Governance and Reform within the OSCE: Phase II”, financially supported by Austria, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, and Switzerland.


osce--2020-10-09--Arbitrary capital punishment at odds with the right to life, ODIHR reminds OSCE states

WARSAW , 9 October 2020 – Ahead of tomorrow ’ s World Day against the Death Penalty , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) emphasized in its new report that individuals facing the death penalty must have access to fair trial guarantees , the right of pardon or commutation , and equal protection of the law without discrimination .
Safeguards that guarantee the rights of people on death row and prevent arbitrary deprivation of life are critical where capital punishment is still in use .
However , some cases that end in the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fair trial , like the presumption of innocence or effective defence counsel .
This is particularly concerning when considering the irreversibility of any miscarriage of justice in capital cases .
This year , ODIHR ’ s Background Paper on the Death Penalty in the OSCE Area discusses ways in which the death penalty can be arbitrary .
It highlights that the application of the death penalty can not be reconciled with full respect for the right to life , as it is often arbitrary and inconsistent .
Capital punishment also disproportionately affects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their race , gender or socioeconomic status .
ODIHR has repeated on many occasions that the death penalty is a cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment .
It is particularly deplorable to sentence to death individuals who face specific barriers in defending themselves , such as persons with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities .
OSCE participating States have committed to exchanging information about abolishing the death penalty and its use .
Transparency in all aspects of the application of the death penalty is crucial to ensuring due process rights and freedom from torture and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or punishment .

WARSAW, 9 October 2020 – Ahead of tomorrow’s World Day against the Death Penalty, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) emphasized in its new report that individuals facing the death penalty must have access to fair trial guarantees, the right of pardon or commutation, and equal protection of the law without discrimination.
Safeguards that guarantee the rights of people on death row and prevent arbitrary deprivation of life are critical where capital punishment is still in use. However, some cases that end in the death penalty lack the certain basic elements for a fair trial, like the presumption of innocence or effective defence counsel. This is particularly concerning when considering the irreversibility of any miscarriage of justice in capital cases.
This year, ODIHR’s Background Paper on the Death Penalty in the OSCE Area discusses ways in which the death penalty can be arbitrary. It highlights that the application of the death penalty cannot be reconciled with full respect for the right to life, as it is often arbitrary and inconsistent. Capital punishment also disproportionately affects people in situations of vulnerability because of their race, gender or socioeconomic status. ODIHR has repeated on many occasions that the death penalty is a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It is particularly deplorable to sentence to death individuals who face specific barriers in defending themselves, such as persons with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities.
OSCE participating States have committed to exchanging information about abolishing the death penalty and its use. Transparency in all aspects of the application of the death penalty is crucial to ensuring due process rights and freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.


osce--2020-10-08--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 240/2020 issued on 8 October 2020


osce--2020-10-08--Political will can yield concrete results on the ground, OSCE SMM Chief Monitor tells Permanent Coun

Political will can yield concrete results on the ground, OSCE SMM Chief Monitor tells Permanent Council

VIENNA , 8 October 2020 – The recent reduction in violence , following the Trilateral Contact Group ’ s adoption of additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire on 22 July , shows once again that with political will , concrete results can be achieved on the ground , said Yaşar Halit Çevik , Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine , in his address to the OSCE Permanent Council today in Vienna .
While mines and unexploded ordnance have continued to claim lives since the measures came into effect on 27 July , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians had been killed or injured because of shelling or small-arms fire after 27 July .
Other measures agreed by the TCG , however , remained to be implemented , he said .
“ The SMM can support further co-ordination between the sides , under its dialogue facilitation function , if the sides so request , ” he said .
“ However , the SMM can not become an adjudicator.
” Although somewhat improved since July , restrictions imposed by the armed formations on the contact line remain , which substantially hinder the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlled by the Government , the Chief Monitor said .
Combined with persistent freedom-of-movement restrictions , mostly in areas not controlled by the Government , and repeated electronic interference with , and live-fire targeting of , SMM unmanned aerial vehicles , the Chief Monitor said impediments to SMM monitoring of and reporting on the security situation remained .
The dangers of COVID-19 remain very much present , the Chief Monitor said .
Having introduced a range of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures , the SMM will continue to strive to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety and well-being of Mission members , he emphasized .

VIENNA, 8 October 2020 – The recent reduction in violence, following the Trilateral Contact Group’s adoption of additional measures to strengthen the ceasefire on 22 July, shows once again that with political will, concrete results can be achieved on the ground, said Yaşar Halit Çevik, Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, in his address to the OSCE Permanent Council today in Vienna.
While mines and unexploded ordnance have continued to claim lives since the measures came into effect on 27 July, the Chief Monitor in particular noted that no civilians had been killed or injured because of shelling or small-arms fire after 27 July. Other measures agreed by the TCG, however, remained to be implemented, he said. “The SMM can support further co-ordination between the sides, under its dialogue facilitation function, if the sides so request,” he said. “However, the SMM cannot become an adjudicator.”
Although somewhat improved since July, restrictions imposed by the armed formations on the contact line remain, which substantially hinder the movement of the Mission in areas not controlled by the Government, the Chief Monitor said. Combined with persistent freedom-of-movement restrictions, mostly in areas not controlled by the Government, and repeated electronic interference with, and live-fire targeting of, SMM unmanned aerial vehicles, the Chief Monitor said impediments to SMM monitoring of and reporting on the security situation remained.
The dangers of COVID-19 remain very much present, the Chief Monitor said. Having introduced a range of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures, the SMM will continue to strive to ensure that its mandate is fulfilled while ensuring the safety and well-being of Mission members, he emphasized.


osce--2020-10-08--Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro Maryse Daviet meets newly appointed Speaker of Parliament Aleksa

Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro Maryse Daviet meets newly appointed Speaker of Parliament Aleksa Bečić

Maryse Daviet , Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro , met with the newly appointed Speaker of the Parliament , Aleksa Bečić , on 7 October 2020 in Podgorica .
Daviet congratulated Bečić on his appointment and said that the Parliament has been a long-standing partner of the Mission .
“ In close co-ordination with the Parliament ’ s Office of the Secretary General , the Mission has focused on strengthening the service staff , as they are the backbone of a strong democratic institution .
The Mission stands ready to continue with its technical assistance to the Parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team to ensure that the Mission responds to the specific needs of the Parliament , of its committees , and service staff , ” said Daviet .
She recalled that since 2006 , the Mission has worked in partnership with the Parliament to implement projects focusing on strengthening the capacity of the committees , building the capacity of the service staff , supporting co-operation amongst parliaments and promoting a more gender sensitive parliament .
President Bečić expressed gratitude for the continued good co-operation between the Parliament of Montenegro and the Mission and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through future reform processes .
He commented on the significant contribution of the OSCE Mission during the work of the Committee for Further Reform of Electoral and Other Legislation and welcomed the engagement of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights during the monitoring of the election process .

Maryse Daviet, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, met with the newly appointed Speaker of the Parliament, Aleksa Bečić, on 7 October 2020 in Podgorica.
Daviet congratulated Bečić on his appointment and said that the Parliament has been a long-standing partner of the Mission.
“In close co-ordination with the Parliament’s Office of the Secretary General, the Mission has focused on strengthening the service staff, as they are the backbone of a strong democratic institution. The Mission stands ready to continue with its technical assistance to the Parliament in close co-ordination with you and your team to ensure that the Mission responds to the specific needs of the Parliament, of its committees, and service staff,” said Daviet.
She recalled that since 2006, the Mission has worked in partnership with the Parliament to implement projects focusing on strengthening the capacity of the committees, building the capacity of the service staff, supporting co-operation amongst parliaments and promoting a more gender sensitive parliament.
President Bečić expressed gratitude for the continued good co-operation between the Parliament of Montenegro and the Mission and said that he expects good relations to continue through future reform processes.
He commented on the significant contribution of the OSCE Mission during the work of the Committee for Further Reform of Electoral and Other Legislation and welcomed the engagement of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights during the monitoring of the election process.


osce--2020-10-07--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 239/2020 issued on 7 October 2020


osce--2020-10-07--Serbia parliamentary elections 2020: ODIHR Special election assessment mission final report

The parliamentary elections in Serbia were administered efficiently despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic , but dominance of the ruling party , including in the media , was a cause for concern .
These are some of the main conclusions from the 21 June 2020 elections , as detailed in the final report published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) .
The report offers 29 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections , and increase the transparency of and public confidence in the electoral process .
• Revising the legal framework - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broad , inclusive and timely consultation - to ensure legal certainty and compliance with OSCE commitments and international standards • Putting in place measures to prevent misuse of office and state resources , and ensuring effective monitoring of compliance , including through proportionate sanctions • Preventing the practice of pressuring voters by ensuring that cases of alleged constraint are thoroughly investigated • Introducing reporting and disclosure requirements of campaign income and expenditure prior to election day • Making voter lists available for public scrutiny while ensuring both data privacy and lawful access • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Electronic Media and explicitly defining its responsibilities during the campaign period , including the possibility to take timely actions based on systematic monitoring of election coverage • Ensuring prompt publication by polling stations of all scanned protocols and results , including those corrected later in the process or determined by repeat elections ODIHR deployed a Special Election Assessment Mission on 6 June 2020 to observe the parliamentary elections in Serbia .
All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR ’ s election assessments and @ @

The parliamentary elections in Serbia were administered efficiently despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but dominance of the ruling party, including in the media, was a cause for concern. These are some of the main conclusions from the 21 June 2020 elections, as detailed in the final report published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).
The report offers 29 recommendations to improve the conduct of elections, and increase the transparency of and public confidence in the electoral process.
Recommendations
Key recommendations include:
Revising the legal framework - in a public procedure, following a broad, inclusive and timely consultation - to ensure legal certainty and compliance with OSCE commitments and international standards
Putting in place measures to prevent misuse of office and state resources, and ensuring effective monitoring of compliance, including through proportionate sanctions
Preventing the practice of pressuring voters by ensuring that cases of alleged constraint are thoroughly investigated
Introducing reporting and disclosure requirements of campaign income and expenditure prior to election day
Making voter lists available for public scrutiny while ensuring both data privacy and lawful access
Strengthening the independence of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media and explicitly defining its responsibilities during the campaign period, including the possibility to take timely actions based on systematic monitoring of election coverage
Ensuring prompt publication by polling stations of all scanned protocols and results, including those corrected later in the process or determined by repeat elections
ODIHR deployed a Special Election Assessment Mission on 6 June 2020 to observe the parliamentary elections in Serbia.
All 57 countries across the OSCE region have formally committed to follow up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.


osce--2020-10-07--Role of Parliament in enhancing the framework of the National Preventive Mechanism in Uzbekistan dis

Role of Parliament in enhancing the framework of the National Preventive Mechanism in Uzbekistan discussed at OSCE-supported event

On 6 October 2020 , the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supported the organization of an online seminar on the role of the Parliament in enhancing the legal framework on the prevention of torture within the National Preventive Mechanism .
This activity is part of the broader framework of the National Strategy for Human Rights , adopted this year by Uzbekistan .
The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the National Human Rights Centre , in co-operation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event .
Members of the Senate and deputies of the Legislative Chamber , representatives of ministries , departments , law-enforcement agencies , civil society institutions , as well as representatives of international organizations and the diplomatic corps in Uzbekistan participated in the seminar .
International experts , including Ilya Novikov , Representative of the Inter-Parliamentary Union ; Debra Long , Senior Research Fellow at the Human Rights Implementation Centre at the University of Bristol ( UK ) ; Victor Zakharia , Deputy Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Torture ; Georgi Tugushi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Against Torture ; and Laura Jaffrey , ODIHR Adviser on Torture Prevention , attended the event .
“ There are multiple OSCE commitments related to torture prevention and the operation of National Preventative Mechanisms ” , said John MacGregor , OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan .
“ The organization of this event by Uzbekistan ’ s National Human Rights Centre , with a high level involvement of Parliamentarians , is a clear evidence of the firm position of Uzbekistan in the fight against torture .
I am particularly pleased to note the eagerness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Parliamentarians and the international experts , particularly Debra Long from Bristol University .
”

On 6 October 2020, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan supported the organization of an online seminar on the role of the Parliament in enhancing the legal framework on the prevention of torture within the National Preventive Mechanism. This activity is part of the broader framework of the National Strategy for Human Rights, adopted this year by Uzbekistan.
The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the National Human Rights Centre, in co-operation with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and the UN Country Team organized the event.
Members of the Senate and deputies of the Legislative Chamber, representatives of ministries, departments, law-enforcement agencies, civil society institutions, as well as representatives of international organizations and the diplomatic corps in Uzbekistan participated in the seminar.
International experts, including Ilya Novikov, Representative of the Inter-Parliamentary Union; Debra Long, Senior Research Fellow at the Human Rights Implementation Centre at the University of Bristol (UK); Victor Zakharia, Deputy Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Torture; Georgi Tugushi, former member of the UN Committee Against Torture; and Laura Jaffrey, ODIHR Adviser on Torture Prevention, attended the event.
“There are multiple OSCE commitments related to torture prevention and the operation of National Preventative Mechanisms”, said John MacGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. “The organization of this event by Uzbekistan’s National Human Rights Centre, with a high level involvement of Parliamentarians, is a clear evidence of the firm position of Uzbekistan in the fight against torture. I am particularly pleased to note the eagerness, involvement, and intense dialogue between the Parliamentarians and the international experts, particularly Debra Long from Bristol University.”


osce--2020-10-07--OSCE and Ukraine’s Central Election Commission launch chatbot to ease access to information in advan

OSCE and Ukraine’s Central Election Commission launch chatbot to ease access to information in advance of 25 October local elections

As of today , 7 October 2020 , a chatbot called “ CEC about elections ” , is available for election commissioners on the ground , candidates and ordinary voters who would like immediate information on various aspects of the upcoming local elections in Ukraine .
The chatbot is an artificial intelligence-based application , developed with the support of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator for the country ’ s Central Election Commission .
The chatbot provides responses tailored to the users ’ needs on a wide range of questions and is available via Telegram ( @ cvk_elections_bot ) with a Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later date .
These local elections are taking place under the recently amended legislation ; the candidates are competing for offices in new administrative territorial divisions , introduced as part of the decentralization reform .
This transformation delegates powers from the centre to the local level , among other changes , it combined settlements , villages and towns into 1,470 communities and changed territorial divisions from 490 smaller rayons to 136 larger ones .
“ Local officials , to be elected this autumn , will have much wider possibilities to change their communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine .
“ That is why it is important that every element of the electoral process is smooth , transparent and clear to everyone .
We hope that the use of new e-governance tools , such as this chatbot , will help preserve and enhance trust in elections and support the legitimacy of the officials elected , ” he added .
The chatbot will guide election commissioners , of various levels , to relevant instructions and legal provisions .
Responses to frequently asked questions on administration of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be available .
Candidates running for various offices will get up-to-date notifications on documents they need to provide or actions they need to take in the run-off .
The chatbot also proposes a useful option of an electoral calendar , which enables advance notification of important electoral dates and deadlines .
Voters will be able to get to know the location of their polling station quickly by entering their registration address , which is important because those locations may be different from previous elections , due to recent reforms .
In view of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also inform users on the measures taken at the polling stations to ensure safety of voters , as well as advise on precautions to take while going to vote .
This effort is part of a project implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine in partnership with the Central Election Commission and with financial support from the US Mission to the OSCE , the Permanent Mission of Slovakia to the OSCE , the Government of Germany and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway .

As of today, 7 October 2020, a chatbot called “CEC about elections”, is available for election commissioners on the ground, candidates and ordinary voters who would like immediate information on various aspects of the upcoming local elections in Ukraine. The chatbot is an artificial intelligence-based application, developed with the support of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator for the country’s Central Election Commission.
The chatbot provides responses tailored to the users’ needs on a wide range of questions and is available via Telegram (@cvk_elections_bot) with a Facebook Messanger version to become available at a later date.
These local elections are taking place under the recently amended legislation; the candidates are competing for offices in new administrative territorial divisions, introduced as part of the decentralization reform. This transformation delegates powers from the centre to the local level, among other changes, it combined settlements, villages and towns into 1,470 communities and changed territorial divisions from 490 smaller rayons to 136 larger ones.
“Local officials, to be elected this autumn, will have much wider possibilities to change their communities for the better.” noted Henrik Villadsen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. “That is why it is important that every element of the electoral process is smooth, transparent and clear to everyone. We hope that the use of new e-governance tools, such as this chatbot, will help preserve and enhance trust in elections and support the legitimacy of the officials elected,” he added.
The chatbot will guide election commissioners, of various levels, to relevant instructions and legal provisions. Responses to frequently asked questions on administration of the electoral process on the ground will also be available. Candidates running for various offices will get up-to-date notifications on documents they need to provide or actions they need to take in the run-off. The chatbot also proposes a useful option of an electoral calendar, which enables advance notification of important electoral dates and deadlines.
Voters will be able to get to know the location of their polling station quickly by entering their registration address, which is important because those locations may be different from previous elections, due to recent reforms. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the chatbot will also inform users on the measures taken at the polling stations to ensure safety of voters, as well as advise on precautions to take while going to vote.
This effort is part of a project implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine in partnership with the Central Election Commission and with financial support from the US Mission to the OSCE, the Permanent Mission of Slovakia to the OSCE, the Government of Germany and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway.


osce--2020-10-06--Statement of the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions

TIRANA / BRUSSELS / GENEVA – 6 October 2020 .
The Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions ( GID ) inform with regret that it was not possible to hold the scheduled round of discussions on 6-7 October in Geneva as previously announced , since not all participants were able to attend .
We strongly believe that face-to-face meetings are critical to prevent security incidents and respond to humanitarian needs , especially at a time when there are worrying developments in the region and a surge of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide .
We intend to continue virtual and when possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare for the 51st round , which has now been re-scheduled for early December 2020 .
In these consultations , we will reiterate our call on all participants to engage in constructive dialogue and to cooperate across the conflict divides , to provide safety and improve livelihoods , as part of the GID mandate .
We count on the commitment of all participants to the Geneva Discussions and urge all to start preparing as soon as possible so that it can take place .
We look forward to continuing the discussions with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a view to organizing the 51st GID round in Geneva in December 2020 .

TIRANA / BRUSSELS / GENEVA – 6 October 2020. The Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID) inform with regret that it was not possible to hold the scheduled round of discussions on 6-7 October in Geneva as previously announced, since not all participants were able to attend.
We strongly believe that face-to-face meetings are critical to prevent security incidents and respond to humanitarian needs, especially at a time when there are worrying developments in the region and a surge of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.
We intend to continue virtual and when possible, in-person consultations with all participants to prepare for the 51st round, which has now been re-scheduled for early December 2020.
In these consultations, we will reiterate our call on all participants to engage in constructive dialogue and to cooperate across the conflict divides, to provide safety and improve livelihoods, as part of the GID mandate.
We count on the commitment of all participants to the Geneva Discussions and urge all to start preparing as soon as possible so that it can take place. We look forward to continuing the discussions with the participants in the coming weeks, with a view to organizing the 51st GID round in Geneva in December 2020.


osce--2020-10-20--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 20 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 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 7,709 to 7,888 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 32 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 six , compared to two last week .
Three persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another three 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 , six families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while three families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when nine families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation , while five 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 276 compared to 302 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 144 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 132 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 871 compared to 935 during the previous reporting week ) ; 496 at the Gukovo BCP and 375 at the Donetsk BCP , 452 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 419 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ( 47 compared to 60 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 3 ] crossing the border in both directions at both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs ( 156 compared to 135 observed during the previous week ) ; 84 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 72 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 31 occasions ; the OTs assessed that 17 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 Belarusian licence plates .
During the reporting week , the OTs at the Donetsk BCP observed ambulances on two separate occasions : On 13 October at 14:15 , an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates , entered the BCP from the Russian Federation and parked behind the main building .
At 14:35 , the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation with one patient on board .
The OT was unable to notice any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 October at 12:26 , an ambulance entered the BCP from the Russian Federation side and after undergoing border control procedures crossed into Ukraine at 12:33 .
The OT did not notice any other details from its position .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 15 September to 20 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ) .

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 7,709 to 7,888 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 32 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 six, compared to two last week. Three persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another three 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, six families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation while three families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when nine families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while five 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 (276 compared to 302 observed during the previous week). There were 144 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 132 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 (871 compared to 935 during the previous reporting week); 496 at the Gukovo BCP and 375 at the Donetsk BCP, 452 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 419 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 (47 compared to 60 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 an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (156 compared to 135 observed during the previous week); 84 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 72 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 31 occasions; the OTs assessed that 17 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 Belarusian licence plates.
During the reporting week, the OTs at the Donetsk BCP observed ambulances on two separate occasions:
On 13 October at 14:15, an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates, entered the BCP from the Russian Federation and parked behind the main building. At 14:35, the ambulance drove back to the Russian Federation with one patient on board. The OT was unable to notice any other details from its position.
On 15 October at 12:26, an ambulance entered the BCP from the Russian Federation side and after undergoing border control procedures crossed into Ukraine at 12:33. The OT did not notice any other details from its position.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 15 September to 20 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--2020-10-20--OSCE Mission to BiH supports “STOP! Hate Speech” campaign in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) supports the Press Council ’ s “ STOP !
Hate Speech ” campaign launched on 16 October 2020 .
The aim of this campaign is to identify and respond to hate speech in online commentary during the 2020 local election campaign .
From 16 October to 16 November , the “ STOP !
Hate Speech ” campaign aims to monitor and analyse user comments across 15 internet web portals in BiH .
“ Hate speech , discriminatory and inciting rhetoric do not represent freedom of speech , but rather an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liability .
It is an editorial obligation to remove any such comment from a website , and in extreme cases co-operate with the police and prosecutors ’ offices in order to determine the identity of persons abusing this freedom , ” said Dzenana Burek , Executive Director of the Press Council in BiH .
Stressing the fact that hate speech increased on internet portals in recent years , Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH said : “ It is important to unite our efforts and to combat spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflict in local communities .
We call upon all candidates , politicians and citizens to refrain from using offensive , divisive or humiliating language .
Use of such language is reckless and dangerous .
”

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) supports the Press Council’s “STOP! Hate Speech” campaign launched on 16 October 2020. The aim of this campaign is to identify and respond to hate speech in online commentary during the 2020 local election campaign.
From 16 October to 16 November, the “STOP! Hate Speech” campaign aims to monitor and analyse user comments across 15 internet web portals in BiH.
“Hate speech, discriminatory and inciting rhetoric do not represent freedom of speech, but rather an abuse, which is subject to criminal liability. It is an editorial obligation to remove any such comment from a website, and in extreme cases co-operate with the police and prosecutors’ offices in order to determine the identity of persons abusing this freedom,” said Dzenana Burek, Executive Director of the Press Council in BiH.
Stressing the fact that hate speech increased on internet portals in recent years, Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH said: “It is important to unite our efforts and to combat spreading views that could nourish intolerance or spark conflict in local communities. We call upon all candidates, politicians and citizens to refrain from using offensive, divisive or humiliating language. Use of such language is reckless and dangerous.”


osce--2020-10-19--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 249/2020 issued on 19 October 2020


osce--2020-10-19--OSCE organizes training on oratory skills mastery for media trainers in Uzbekistan

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan ( PCUz ) , in co-operation with the Public Foundation for Support and Development @ @ @ @ @ is organizing a training course from 19 to 22 October 2020 to enhance the skills @ @ @ @ @ media representatives in Uzbekistan .
The training course consists of six units and will enable @ @ @ @ @ discuss topics such as preparation for public speaking , the structure of speech , speech @ @ @ @ @ of speech , non-verbal communication and psychological techniques .
Participants will be able to share @ @ @ @ @ refresh their skills .
“ Today ’ s training is the latest in a series @ @ @ @ @ while working together with the Public Foundation , the PCUz has undertaken to assist the @ @ @ @ @ bloggers in Uzbekistan , ” said Richard Wheeler , OSCE Project Officer .

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), in co-operation with the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media, is organizing a training course from 19 to 22 October 2020 to enhance the skills of media trainers and other media representatives in Uzbekistan.
The training course consists of six units and will enable media trainers to study and discuss topics such as preparation for public speaking, the structure of speech, speech technique, methods of presentation of speech, non-verbal communication and psychological techniques. Participants will be able to share experiences, receive training and refresh their skills.
“Today’s training is the latest in a series of activities in which, while working together with the Public Foundation, the PCUz has undertaken to assist the professional development of journalists and bloggers in Uzbekistan,” said Richard Wheeler, OSCE Project Officer.


osce--2020-10-17--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 248/2020 issued on 17 October 2020

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osce--2020-10-16--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 247/2020 issued on 16 October 2020


osce--2020-10-16--OSCE PA leaders call for enhancing political commitment, revitalizing trust and co-operation on the

OSCE PA leaders call for enhancing political commitment, revitalizing trust and co-operation on the eve of the Paris Charter’s 30th anniversary

COPENHAGEN , 16 October 2020 – Leaders of the Parliamentary Assembly took part today in a timely event organized by the OSCE to mark the 30th anniversary of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe , which was adopted at a summit meeting in November 1990 .
Declaring that “ the era of confrontation and division of Europe has ended , ” the Charter envisioned “ a new era of democracy , peace and unity , ” and provided for the institutionalization of the OSCE .
Today ’ s event focused on the theme of “ Revitalizing Trust and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paris Charter ” and featured the participation of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic , Ivan Korčok , as well as other high-level officials and practitioners who were involved in the adoption of the Paris Charter 30 years ago .
Keynote speakers included James A. Baker III , former U.S. Secretary of State under President George H. W. Bush ; Ambassador Wolfgang Friedrich Ischinger , who was part of the German delegation at the Paris Summit ; Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä , OSCE Officer in Charge/SG ; Deputy Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Martin Povejšil , and Ambassador Igli Hasani , Chairperson of the Permanent Council .
Former OSCE Secretary General and High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier , who currently serves as OSCE PA High-Level Expert , spoke at Session 2 , “ The future of comprehensive and co-operative security in the OSCE area , three decades after the Paris Charter.
” Zannier noted that signs of dividing lines in the OSCE area began to emerge soon after the initially optimistic period in the early 1990s , with several groupings competing with each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decade with a security space that was not reflective of the original vision of the Paris Charter .
He pointed out however that there continued to be many examples of successful engagement .
Despite political divisions , the OSCE has been able to engage in areas where other international organizations could not , Amb .
Zannier pointed out , for example successfully facilitating dialogue in a number of hotspots and crisis situations over the years .
He argued that in order to continue to do so , greater political support is needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this regard his work with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to build a higher level of political attention to the organization .
“ It ’ s when ministers get engaged that things get done , ” Zannier said .
OSCE PA Vice-President Victor Paul Dobre ( Romania ) took the floor in the first session , held under the theme “ The Paris Charter as an inspiration : Highlights and turning points of the negotiations , which lead to the unprecedented convergence between East and West.
” Dobre spoke about enhancing the parliamentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to increase the political commitment to the OSCE at the ministerial level .
OSCE PA Vice-President Kristian Vigenin ( Bulgaria ) spoke at Session 3 , “ Lessons learned , best practices and future perspectives.
” Vigenin described the Parliamentary Assembly as vital a forum for sharing best practices and exercising oversight of policymaking .
He noted the important role played by parliamentarians , who facilitate dialogue between international and national levels and scrutinize their national governments for compliance with OSCE commitments .
He also noted that the Assembly has offered over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization , calling the PA a “ forward-looking driver of development of the OSCE.
” OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella also addressed the event , underlining the importance of finding creative ways to focus the attention of the foreign ministers on the OSCE .
He highlighted his own experience working in OSCE field operations and directly seeing the many benefits that the OSCE delivers to the “ end users of the OSCE product ” – i.e .
the citizens of OSCE participating States .
To watch the Security Days event , please @ @ @

COPENHAGEN, 16 October 2020 – Leaders of the Parliamentary Assembly took part today in a timely event organized by the OSCE to mark the 30th anniversary of the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, which was adopted at a summit meeting in November 1990. Declaring that “the era of confrontation and division of Europe has ended,” the Charter envisioned “a new era of democracy, peace and unity,” and provided for the institutionalization of the OSCE.
Today’s event focused on the theme of “Revitalizing Trust and Co-operation in Europe: Lessons of the Paris Charter” and featured the participation of the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Ivan Korčok, as well as other high-level officials and practitioners who were involved in the adoption of the Paris Charter 30 years ago. Keynote speakers included James A. Baker III, former U.S. Secretary of State under President George H. W. Bush; Ambassador Wolfgang Friedrich Ischinger, who was part of the German delegation at the Paris Summit; Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä, OSCE Officer in Charge/SG; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Martin Povejšil, and Ambassador Igli Hasani, Chairperson of the Permanent Council.
Former OSCE Secretary General and High Commissioner on National Minorities Lamberto Zannier, who currently serves as OSCE PA High-Level Expert, spoke at Session 2, “The future of comprehensive and co-operative security in the OSCE area, three decades after the Paris Charter.”
Zannier noted that signs of dividing lines in the OSCE area began to emerge soon after the initially optimistic period in the early 1990s, with several groupings competing with each other and resulting at the end of the decade with a security space that was not reflective of the original vision of the Paris Charter. He pointed out however that there continued to be many examples of successful engagement. Despite political divisions, the OSCE has been able to engage in areas where other international organizations could not, Amb. Zannier pointed out, for example successfully facilitating dialogue in a number of hotspots and crisis situations over the years.
He argued that in order to continue to do so, greater political support is needed from the OSCE participating States, highlighting in this regard his work with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to build a higher level of political attention to the organization. “It’s when ministers get engaged that things get done,” Zannier said.
OSCE PA Vice-President Victor Paul Dobre (Romania) took the floor in the first session, held under the theme “The Paris Charter as an inspiration: Highlights and turning points of the negotiations, which lead to the unprecedented convergence between East and West.” Dobre spoke about enhancing the parliamentary dimension of the OSCE and emphasized the need to increase the political commitment to the OSCE at the ministerial level.
OSCE PA Vice-President Kristian Vigenin (Bulgaria) spoke at Session 3, “Lessons learned, best practices and future perspectives.” Vigenin described the Parliamentary Assembly as vital a forum for sharing best practices and exercising oversight of policymaking. He noted the important role played by parliamentarians, who facilitate dialogue between international and national levels and scrutinize their national governments for compliance with OSCE commitments. He also noted that the Assembly has offered over the years many ideas for strengthening the organization, calling the PA a “forward-looking driver of development of the OSCE.”
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella also addressed the event, underlining the importance of finding creative ways to focus the attention of the foreign ministers on the OSCE. He highlighted his own experience working in OSCE field operations and directly seeing the many benefits that the OSCE delivers to the “end users of the OSCE product” – i.e. the citizens of OSCE participating States.
To watch the Security Days event, please click here.


osce--2020-10-16--OSCE and Tajik civil society meet to discuss co-operation for 2021

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe ( OSCE POiD ) organized a virtual meeting with representatives of Tajikistan ’ s @ @ @ @ @ October to highlight their recent major achievements and identify priorities for co-operation in 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ followed the Partnership Platform meeting between the OSCE POiD and the Government of Tajikistan to @ @ @ @ @ held online on 15 October .
Around 100 participants , including staff of the OSCE @ @ @ @ @ civil society , attended the event .
Participants discussed how the OSCE POiD could increase @ @ @ @ @ in all phases of project implementation , in line with its existing mandate and relevant @ @ @ @ @ .
This includes within all three dimensions of the OSCE ’ s comprehensive and co-operative @ @ @ @

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (OSCE POiD) organized a virtual meeting with representatives of Tajikistan’s civil society organizations on 16 October to highlight their recent major achievements and identify priorities for co-operation in 2021.
The meeting with Tajik NGOs followed the Partnership Platform meeting between the OSCE POiD and the Government of Tajikistan to outline strategic co-operation for 2021 held online on 15 October.
Around 100 participants, including staff of the OSCE POiD and representatives of Tajik civil society, attended the event. Participants discussed how the OSCE POiD could increase its engagement with Tajik NGOs in all phases of project implementation, in line with its existing mandate and relevant priorities of the host country. This includes within all three dimensions of the OSCE’s comprehensive and co-operative approach to security.