osce--2020-03-16--Press statement by the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions

TIRANA / BRUSSELS / GENEVA , 16 March 2020 - After carefully reviewing circumstances related to the rapid spread of @ @ @ @ @ Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions ( GID ) , UN Representative Cihan Sultanoglu , @ @ @ @ @ Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus Rudolf Michalka , and EU Special Representative for the South @ @ @ @ @ Georgia Toivo Klaar have today decided to postpone the 51st GID round , which was @ @ @ @ @ 31 March -1 April 2020 .
The Co-Chairs will take every effort to closely keep @ @ @ @ @ participants using available tools to adequately address pertinent security and humanitarian related issues , among @ @ @ @ @ agenda .
The Co-Chairs will closely follow developments related to COVID-19 and consider next steps @ @ @ @ @ in due course .

TIRANA / BRUSSELS / GENEVA, 16 March 2020 - After carefully reviewing circumstances related to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Co-Chairs of the Geneva International Discussions (GID), UN Representative Cihan Sultanoglu, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus Rudolf Michalka, and EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia Toivo Klaar have today decided to postpone the 51st GID round, which was due to take place on 31 March -1 April 2020.
The Co-Chairs will take every effort to closely keep contact and engage with all participants using available tools to adequately address pertinent security and humanitarian related issues, among others, on the GID agenda.
The Co-Chairs will closely follow developments related to COVID-19 and consider next steps in organizing the 51st round in due course.


osce--2020-03-17--OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes today’s release of journalist Afgan Mukhtarli i

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes today’s release of journalist Afgan Mukhtarli in Azerbaijan

VIENNA , 17 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , welcomed today the decision by the authorities in Azerbaijan to free independent journalist Afgan Mukhtarli , who was previously sentenced to six years imprisonment .
“ I welcome the long awaited release of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Mukhtarli today .
I intervened many times on his behalf to the authorities , expressed my serious concerns about his situation and called to drop the criminal charges and release him , ” states Désir .
“ I am relieved that he can now reunite with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany , where he will join them.
” Mukhtarli , an independent investigative journalist , was abducted in Tbilisi in May 2017 and brought to Baku .
He was convicted of `` smuggling '' , `` illegal crossing of the border '' and `` resisting an official representative '' .
Previous interventions by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media regarding Afgan Mukhtarli can be found here : https : //www.osce.org/fom/366346 ; www.osce.org/fom/363206 and www.osce.org/fom/347741 The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments .
Learn more at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter : @ OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom

VIENNA, 17 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, welcomed today the decision by the authorities in Azerbaijan to free independent journalist Afgan Mukhtarli, who was previously sentenced to six years imprisonment.
“I welcome the long awaited release of Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Mukhtarli today. I intervened many times on his behalf to the authorities, expressed my serious concerns about his situation and called to drop the criminal charges and release him,” states Désir. “I am relieved that he can now reunite with his wife Leyla Mustafayeva and daughter in Germany, where he will join them.”
Mukhtarli, an independent investigative journalist, was abducted in Tbilisi in May 2017 and brought to Baku. He was convicted of "smuggling", "illegal crossing of the border" and "resisting an official representative".
Previous interventions by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media regarding Afgan Mukhtarli can be found here: https://www.osce.org/fom/366346; www.osce.org/fom/363206 and www.osce.org/fom/347741
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom


osce--2020-03-17--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 64/2020 issued on 17 March 2020

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osce--2020-03-17--OSCE’s preventative measures against COVID-19

The OSCE , together with other international organizations , continues to undertake preventative measures against the COVID-19 outbreak , in line with guidance from the authorities of host countries .
The OSCE welcomes the efforts of the World Health Organization to raise awareness and provide guidance to national authorities and individuals .
The OSCE ’ s Executive Structures , including its Field Operations , have contingency plans in place , and are implementing preventative measures as appropriate .
They continue to monitor the situation regarding the virus outbreak and remain in close contact with host government authorities .
The OSCE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Austrian host authorities and the OSCE Troika of current , previous and incoming Chairmanships ( Albania , Slovakia and Sweden respectively ) , has asked staff to work from home , cancelled non-essential duty travel , postponed events and temporarily suspended its visiting group programme for the coming weeks .
The Albanian OSCE Chairmanship has also cancelled meetings of the Permanent Council and Forum for Security Co-operation , in line with guidance from the Austrian host authorities , until 3 April .
In the meantime , the OSCE ’ s essential work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans .
The OSCE Secretary General is in contact with the OSCE Troika officials and heads of Executive Structures on a regular basis with the aim of minimising disruption to the Organization ’ s operations during this challenging time .

The OSCE, together with other international organizations, continues to undertake preventative measures against the COVID-19 outbreak, in line with guidance from the authorities of host countries.
The OSCE welcomes the efforts of the World Health Organization to raise awareness and provide guidance to national authorities and individuals.
The OSCE’s Executive Structures, including its Field Operations, have contingency plans in place, and are implementing preventative measures as appropriate. They continue to monitor the situation regarding the virus outbreak and remain in close contact with host government authorities.
The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, in consultation with the Austrian host authorities and the OSCE Troika of current, previous and incoming Chairmanships (Albania, Slovakia and Sweden respectively), has asked staff to work from home, cancelled non-essential duty travel, postponed events and temporarily suspended its visiting group programme for the coming weeks.
The Albanian OSCE Chairmanship has also cancelled meetings of the Permanent Council and Turkey, Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation has cancelled meetings of the Forum for Security Co-operation, in line with guidance from the Austrian host authorities, until further notice.
In the meantime, the OSCE’s essential work continues in accordance to its business continuity plans. The OSCE Secretary General is in contact with the OSCE Troika officials and heads of Executive Structures on a regular basis with the aim of minimising disruption to the Organization’s operations during this challenging time.


osce--2020-03-17--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 17 March 2020

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international staff members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
During the reporting period , the OM has been subject to developing restrictions on both air travel and international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel by the OM ’ s international observers .
At the moment , the Mission ’ s area is not affected by any COVID-19 cases , and the CO has maintained constant working contacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the topic .
On 13 March the CO decided to apply extraordinary measures : official and private travels were stopped and internal measures were strengthened .
The Mission will keep the situation under close review , in contact with the Secretariat and Chairmanship but is capable of continuing to fulfil its mandate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage ; • Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
The average number of entries/exits increased from 9,583 to 10,523 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was 14 , compared to 17 last week , eight of them crossed into the Russian Federation , and six into Ukraine ( 57 per cent of this category ’ s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP ) .
They continued to cross the border individually or in groups .
Most individuals crossed on foot , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buses or minivans , making it more difficult for the observer teams ( OTs ) to observe their movement across the border , especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows , and buses and minivans had drawn curtains .
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 , five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to the previous reporting period when four families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation and five families into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
In addition to regular bus connections , the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes .
Often the buses did not state their route ; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “ irregular ” .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buses crossing the border at both BCPs ( 447 compared to 409 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 230 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 217 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 and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period , the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 793 compared to 688 during the previous reporting week ) ; 382 at the Gukovo BCP and 411 at the Donetsk BCP , 408 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 385 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 Belarus , Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ LPR ” plates .
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting week , the number of tanker trucks increased from 36 to 49 .
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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , which could include an X-ray check .
Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks .
Compared to the previous week , the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from 130 to 140 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 115 trucks ( 82 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine : the remaining 25 trucks ( 18 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation ) The OM continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] 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 frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans significantly increased from 118 to 195 vehicles ; 90 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 105 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OTs heard trains on 23 occasions ; the OTs assessed that 13 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and ten 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 “ LPR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed vehicles with “ DPR ” plates and vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates .
On 11 March at 18:49 , an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates entered the Donetsk BCP from Ukraine .
The vehicle underwent border control procedures and left to the Russian Federation .
On 12 March at 09:32 , the OT observed a police minivan arriving at Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building .
At 09:46 , the vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On 16 March at 04:31 , a group of six vehicles entered the Donetsk BCP area from the Russian Federation .
The group consisted of three vehicles with Russian Federation licence plates ( one police car , one white minivan and one black car with flashing light – turned off ) and three black SUVs with `` Republic of South Ossetia '' plates .
The police car and the white minivan stopped on the side of the main building , the group of SUVs underwent border control procedures and crossed into Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flashing light ( off ) escorted the SUVs to the Ukrainian side of the BCP and returned at 04:54 .
At 05:01 , the police car , the white minivan and the black car with flashing light ( off ) returned to the Russian Federation .
On the same day at 23:36 , a group of three black SUVs arrived from Ukraine .
All three vehicles had `` Republic of South Ossetia '' plates and quickly underwent border control procedures .
These black SUVs crossed into the Russian Federation escorted by a black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minivan which had arrived at 23:28 at the BCP from the Russian Federation .
On 16 March , a Russian police car visited the Gukovo BCP on two separate occasions , at 14:34 and at 20:36 .
In both cases two policemen had short conversations with the border guards and then left to the Russian Federation .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 11 February to 17 March 2020 , please see the attachment here [ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
During the reporting period, the OM has been subject to developing restrictions on both air travel and international and local measures, which limit the travel by the OM’s international observers. At the moment, the Mission’s area is not affected by any COVID-19 cases, and the CO has maintained constant working contacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the topic. On 13 March the CO decided to apply extraordinary measures: official and private travels were stopped and internal measures were strengthened. The Mission will keep the situation under close review, in contact with the Secretariat and Chairmanship but is capable of continuing to fulfil its mandate under the current circumstances.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage; Persons in military-style outfits; Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits increased from 9,583 to 10,523 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 252 per day for both BCPs.
The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs was 14, compared to 17 last week, eight of them crossed into the Russian Federation, and six into Ukraine (57 per cent of this category’s crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP). They continued to cross the border individually or in groups. Most individuals crossed on foot, however, some made use of private vehicles, buses or minivans, making it more difficult for the observer teams (OTs) to observe their movement across the border, especially since some of the private vehicles had tinted windows, and buses and minivans had drawn curtains.
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, five families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and 10 families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when four families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation and five families 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. In addition to regular bus connections, the OTs continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses did not state their route; instead they had a sign on the windshield stating “irregular”.
During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (447 compared to 409 observed during the previous week). There were 230 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 217 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 and “LPR” plates.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (793 compared to 688 during the previous reporting week); 382 at the Gukovo BCP and 411 at the Donetsk BCP, 408 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 385 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 Belarus, Georgia, the Russian Federation and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased from 36 to 49. 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 Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from 130 to 140. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 115 trucks (82 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 25 trucks (18 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation)
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also frequently saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans significantly increased from 118 to 195 vehicles; 90 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 105 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 23 occasions; the OTs assessed that 13 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and ten 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 “DPR” plates and vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates.
On 11 March at 18:49, an ambulance with Russian Federation licence plates entered the Donetsk BCP from Ukraine. The vehicle underwent border control procedures and left to the Russian Federation.
On 12 March at 09:32, the OT observed a police minivan arriving at Donetsk BCP from the Russian Federation and parking behind the main building. At 09:46, the vehicle left the BCP towards the Russian Federation.
On 16 March at 04:31, a group of six vehicles entered the Donetsk BCP area from the Russian Federation. The group consisted of three vehicles with Russian Federation licence plates (one police car, one white minivan and one black car with flashing light – turned off) and three black SUVs with "Republic of South Ossetia" plates. The police car and the white minivan stopped on the side of the main building, the group of SUVs underwent border control procedures and crossed into Ukraine at 04:45. The black car with flashing light (off) escorted the SUVs to the Ukrainian side of the BCP and returned at 04:54. At 05:01, the police car, the white minivan and the black car with flashing light (off) returned to the Russian Federation.
On the same day at 23:36, a group of three black SUVs arrived from Ukraine. All three vehicles had "Republic of South Ossetia" plates and quickly underwent border control procedures. These black SUVs crossed into the Russian Federation escorted by a black car with flashing lights and a white minivan which had arrived at 23:28 at the BCP from the Russian Federation.
On 16 March, a Russian police car visited the Gukovo BCP on two separate occasions, at 14:34 and at 20:36. In both cases two policemen had short conversations with the border guards and then left to the Russian Federation.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 11 February to 17 March 2020, please see the attachment here
[1] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-03-17--OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses serious concern following indictment on terrorism charge

OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses serious concern following indictment on terrorism charges of journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia

VIENNA , 17 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , expressed his serious concerns today at the ongoing prosecution of Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia , after the regional prosecutor in Pskov signed , on 13 March , her indictment with grave charges of “ publicly justifying terrorism ” and submitted it to the Regional Military Court in Moscow .
Prokopyeva , a journalist with Radio Ekho Moskvy ( Echo of Moscow ) in Pskov , is a contributor to various other media , including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty ’ s Russian Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison sentence of up to seven years , stem from Prokopyeva ’ s comments on the radio following a terrorist attack in the Russian city of Arkhangelsk in October 2018 .
The transcript of the programme was later published on the Pskovskaya Lenta Novostei online news portal .
“ I reiterate my call to the authorities to drop the charges brought against Prokopyeva , who had no involvement in any terrorist activity or an intention to condone terrorism , ” Désir said .
`` Her comments , however critical , had nothing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrorism . ''
The Representative recalled the statement , in October 2019 , by Russia ’ s Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights on this matter .
According to the statement , the Council ’ s Standing Committee on Freedom of Information and the Rights of Journalists did not find any signs of condoning terrorism in this case .
The OSCE Representative has intervened on different occasions in the case of Svetlana Prokopyeva , whom he met last autumn in Moscow during the conference on Freedom of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian Federation and in the OSCE region , organized by his Office with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States .
He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments .
Learn more at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter : @ OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom .

VIENNA, 17 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his serious concerns today at the ongoing prosecution of Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia, after the regional prosecutor in Pskov signed, on 13 March, her indictment with grave charges of “publicly justifying terrorism” and submitted it to the Regional Military Court in Moscow. Prokopyeva, a journalist with Radio Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) in Pskov, is a contributor to various other media, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Russian Service.
The charges, punishable by a prison sentence of up to seven years, stem from Prokopyeva’s comments on the radio following a terrorist attack in the Russian city of Arkhangelsk in October 2018. The transcript of the programme was later published on the Pskovskaya Lenta Novostei online news portal.
“I reiterate my call to the authorities to drop the charges brought against Prokopyeva, who had no involvement in any terrorist activity or an intention to condone terrorism,” Désir said. "Her comments, however critical, had nothing to do with the promotion or support of terrorism."
The Representative recalled the statement, in October 2019, by Russia’s Presidential Council for the Development of Civil Society and Human Rights on this matter. According to the statement, the Council’s Standing Committee on Freedom of Information and the Rights of Journalists did not find any signs of condoning terrorism in this case.
The OSCE Representative has intervened on different occasions in the case of Svetlana Prokopyeva, whom he met last autumn in Moscow during the conference on Freedom of the Media and Safety of Journalists in the Russian Federation and in the OSCE region, organized by his Office with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
See: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/411116; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/434678; https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/411116.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.


osce--2020-03-18--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 65/2020 issued on 18 March 2020


osce--2020-03-18--Press statement by Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt w

Press statement by Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference Andrzej Kasprzyk

TBILISI , 18 March 2020 - The Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt with by the @ @ @ @ @ Andrzej Kasprzyk , has issued the following statement : “ The ongoing situation following the @ @ @ @ @ to the closure of international borders throughout the region , travel restrictions for international and @ @ @ @ @ as restrictions put in place to avoid face-to-face contact to reduce the risk of infection @ @ @ @ @ above , and following consultations with the sides , monitoring exercises will be suspended until @ @ @ @ @ In the meantime , I continue to be in contact with the relevant military authorities @ @

TBILISI, 18 March 2020 - The Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, has issued the following statement:
“The ongoing situation following the spread of COVID-19 has led to the closure of international borders throughout the region, travel restrictions for international and local staff, as well as restrictions put in place to avoid face-to-face contact to reduce the risk of infection. In view of the above, and following consultations with the sides, monitoring exercises will be suspended until these restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, I continue to be in contact with the relevant military authorities.”


osce--2020-03-18--OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns brutal attack on journalist Angelov in Bulgaria

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns brutal attack on journalist Angelov in Bulgaria, calls on authorities to investigate the crime

VIENNA , 18 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , condemned today the brutal attack on Bulgarian journalist Slavi Angelov , editor of the weekly newspaper and related website “ 168 chasa ” , in Sofia .
“ I strongly condemn the violent attack today against Slavi Angelov in Sofia , '' said Désir .
“ This is an unacceptable act of intimidation against the journalist , which could have ended in his death .
Angelov is known for his investigative reporting on political and environmental corruption issues .
Such an attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I will closely follow the investigation opened by the authorities .
I urge them to swiftly identify and bring those responsible to justice.
” Three masked individuals attacked Angelov last night near his home in the centre of Sofia .
They beat him with iron rods until he lost consciousness .
He was immediately hospitalized and is now conscious .
His condition remains serious but stable with a broken leg from the attack .
No valuables were stolen .
One of the three individuals filmed the attack .
According to the authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his work .
The police took swift action to investigate the crime .
The Representative noted that such brutal and bold attacks , if left unpunished , may create an atmosphere of fear within the media community .
This incident comes amid the backdrop of Bulgaria sliding down in media freedom indices .
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States .
He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : @ OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom .

VIENNA, 18 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, condemned today the brutal attack on Bulgarian journalist Slavi Angelov, editor of the weekly newspaper and related website “168 chasa”, in Sofia.
“I strongly condemn the violent attack today against Slavi Angelov in Sofia," said Désir. “This is an unacceptable act of intimidation against the journalist, which could have ended in his death. Angelov is known for his investigative reporting on political and environmental corruption issues. Such an attack against the press cannot be tolerated. I will closely follow the investigation opened by the authorities. I urge them to swiftly identify and bring those responsible to justice.”
Three masked individuals attacked Angelov last night near his home in the centre of Sofia. They beat him with iron rods until he lost consciousness. He was immediately hospitalized and is now conscious. His condition remains serious but stable with a broken leg from the attack. No valuables were stolen. One of the three individuals filmed the attack.
According to the authorities, the attack is probably linked to his work. The police took swift action to investigate the crime.
The Representative noted that such brutal and bold attacks, if left unpunished, may create an atmosphere of fear within the media community. This incident comes amid the backdrop of Bulgaria sliding down in media freedom indices.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.


osce--2020-03-20--Societies that stand together are more resilient in times of crisis, say human rights heads on Inter

Societies that stand together are more resilient in times of crisis, say human rights heads on International Anti-Racism Day

WARSAW/VIENNA/STRASBOURG , 20 March 2020 – While ever more countries introduce measures to counter the current health risks , it is important to remember that societies based on solidarity and inclusion are more resilient to fast-changing circumstances , said the heads of three European human rights institutions on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination .
The rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus between continents and countries must not be used as an excuse for racial discrimination or hate crime , while victims must be speedily assisted , said the heads of the OSCE Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ODIHR ) , the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights ( FRA ) , and the Council of Europe ’ s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance ( ECRI ) .
“ In the current situation , intolerance and discrimination are not only unacceptable but also counterproductive , ” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir .
“ Migrants , minorities and their families are suffering as much as the rest of us from the chaos and distress caused by the new illness that is stalking our countries .
We will overcome this difficult time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but only if we work with and for each other.
” Civil society and community organizations have an important role to play in combating prejudice .
Nevertheless , it is governments who are primarily responsible for ensuring that victims of hatred are protected and can receive the support they need , particularly in this difficult period .
“ Without question , we need strong well informed public health responses right now .
But equally , we have to ensure these responses respect everyone ’ s human rights and do not disproprotionately affect certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O ’ Flaherty , FRA Director .
“ We are currently looking at the human rights impact of the public health measures countries are taking and will publish our findings soon .
I remain confident we can deliver on both the human right to health of our people while also respecting everyone ’ s human rights.
” Victims of hate crime often belong to groups that already face discrimination on a daily basis , both off- and online .
At the same time , victims often feel misunderstood and marginalised by the criminal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to ensure appropriate and sensitive treatment to ensure that victims neither feel ignored nor forced to re-live the experience of the crime itself .
“ In some respects , racism is like the coronavirus .
It is a contageous disease which lurks unseen until it suddenly spreads and causes severe damage to individuals , families , communities , and the whole of society .
In these difficult times , we need to join forces to build robust defences against racism and to curb its spread through strong legislation , effective equality bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , said ECRI ’ s Chair Maria Marouda .
“ Politicians and citizens need to speak out against hate speech that is triggered by today ’ s pandemic .
The authorities and equality bodies should reach out to help all the communities concerned.
” Recognising the importance of assistance to national authorities and civil society in order to deal with hatred and its consequences for victims , ODIHR has developed a number of practical guides for use by law enforcement agencies as well as also teachers and NGOs .
At the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help countries to understand gaps in their laws and policies to combat hate crime and suggests ways forward .
FRA ’ s compendium of practices for combating hate crime collected from across the EU offers further guidance to governments as they seek more effective means of countering hatred .
These solutions do not only offer hope to victims for a safer future , but also for more resilient societies based on inclusion , tolerance , and mutual understanding .
The United Nations designated 21 March the International Day for the Elimination of Racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 69 people killed six years earlier in Sharpeville , South Africa , during a peaceful demonstration to protest the apartheid system .

WARSAW/VIENNA/STRASBOURG, 20 March 2020 – While ever more countries introduce measures to counter the current health risks, it is important to remember that societies based on solidarity and inclusion are more resilient to fast-changing circumstances, said the heads of three European human rights institutions on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus between continents and countries must not be used as an excuse for racial discrimination or hate crime, while victims must be speedily assisted, said the heads of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), and the Council of Europe’s European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI).
“In the current situation, intolerance and discrimination are not only unacceptable but also counterproductive,” said ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir. “Migrants, minorities and their families are suffering as much as the rest of us from the chaos and distress caused by the new illness that is stalking our countries. We will overcome this difficult time as we have overcome many others, but only if we work with and for each other.”
Civil society and community organizations have an important role to play in combating prejudice. Nevertheless, it is governments who are primarily responsible for ensuring that victims of hatred are protected and can receive the support they need, particularly in this difficult period.
“Without question, we need strong well informed public health responses right now. But equally, we have to ensure these responses respect everyone’s human rights and do not disproprotionately affect certain groups in society,” said Michael O’Flaherty, FRA Director. “We are currently looking at the human rights impact of the public health measures countries are taking and will publish our findings soon. I remain confident we can deliver on both the human right to health of our people while also respecting everyone’s human rights.”
Victims of hate crime often belong to groups that already face discrimination on a daily basis, both off- and online. At the same time, victims often feel misunderstood and marginalised by the criminal justice system. Police and prosecutors therefore need to ensure appropriate and sensitive treatment to ensure that victims neither feel ignored nor forced to re-live the experience of the crime itself.
“In some respects, racism is like the coronavirus. It is a contageous disease which lurks unseen until it suddenly spreads and causes severe damage to individuals, families, communities, and the whole of society. In these difficult times, we need to join forces to build robust defences against racism and to curb its spread through strong legislation, effective equality bodies, ambitious action plans and inclusive education”, said ECRI’s Chair Maria Marouda. “Politicians and citizens need to speak out against hate speech that is triggered by today’s pandemic. The authorities and equality bodies should reach out to help all the communities concerned.”
Recognising the importance of assistance to national authorities and civil society in order to deal with hatred and its consequences for victims, ODIHR has developed a number of practical guides for use by law enforcement agencies as well as also teachers and NGOs. At the same time, ECRI’s country monitoring help countries to understand gaps in their laws and policies to combat hate crime and suggests ways forward. FRA’s compendium of practices for combating hate crime collected from across the EU offers further guidance to governments as they seek more effective means of countering hatred. These solutions do not only offer hope to victims for a safer future, but also for more resilient societies based on inclusion, tolerance, and mutual understanding.
The United Nations designated 21 March the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966, in memory of the 69 people killed six years earlier in Sharpeville, South Africa, during a peaceful demonstration to protest the apartheid system.


osce--2020-03-19--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 66/2020 issued on 19 March 2020


osce--2020-03-19--COVID-19: Governments must promote and protect access to and free flow of information during pandemi

COVID-19: Governments must promote and protect access to and free flow of information during pandemic, say international media freedom experts

GENEVA / WASHINGTON / VIENNA , 19 March 2020 – In light of the growing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , the monitors for freedom of expression and freedom of the media for the United Nations , the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights , and the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe issued the following joint statement : “ We share the grave concern of people everywhere in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic .
At a moment of such gravity , we fully understand and support the efforts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and implement strategies to protect human health and human life .
The fundamental and non-derogable right to life is at stake , and governments are obligated to ensure its protection .
“ Human health depends not only on readily accessible health care .
It also depends on access to accurate information about the nature of the threats and the means to protect oneself , one ’ s family , and one ’ s community .
The right to freedom of expression , which includes the right to seek , receive and impart information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of frontiers , through any media , applies to everyone , everywhere , and may only be subject to narrow restrictions .
In this connection , we urge the following : “ First , it is essential that governments provide truthful information about the nature of the threat posed by the coronavirus .
Governments everywhere are obligated under human rights law to provide reliable information in accessible formats to all , with particular focus on ensuring access to information by those with limited internet access or where disability makes access challenging .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time of crisis .
It is essential that governments refrain from blocking internet access ; in those situations where internet has been blocked , governments should , as a matter of priority , ensure immediate access to the fastest and broadest possible internet service .
Especially at a time of emergency , when access to information is of critical importance , broad restrictions on access to the internet can not be justified on public order or national security grounds .
“ Third , the right of access to information means that governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work of journalists .
Journalism serves a crucial function at a moment of public health emergency , particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions .
We urge all governments to robustly implement their freedom of information laws to ensure that all individuals , especially journalists , have access to information .
“ Fourth , we share the concern that false information about the pandemic could lead to health concerns , panic and disorder .
In this connection , it is essential that governments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance by themselves providing reliable information .
That may come in the form of robust public messaging , support for public service announcements , and emergency support for public broadcasting and local journalism ( for instance , through government health advertisements ) .
Resorting to other measures , such as content take-downs and censorship , may result in limiting access to important information for public health and should only be undertaken where they meet the standards of necessity and proportionality .
Any attempts to criminalise information relating to the pandemic may create distrust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliable information and have a chilling effect on freedom of expression .
“ Fifth , we are aware of growing use of tools of surveillance technology to track the spread of the coronavirus .
While we understand and support the need for active efforts to confront the pandemic , it is also crucial that such tools be limited in use , both in terms of purpose and time , and that individual rights to privacy , non-discrimination , the protection of journalistic sources and other freedoms be rigorously protected .
States must also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We strongly urge that any use of such technology abide by the strictest protections and only be available according to domestic law that is consistent with international human rights standards .
“ We close by thanking all the medical and health care professionals putting themselves at the frontline of treating the unwell.
” * The experts : David Kaye , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression ; Harlem Désir , OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and Edison Lanza , IACHR Special @ @ @ @ @

GENEVA / WASHINGTON / VIENNA, 19 March 2020 – In light of the growing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the monitors for freedom of expression and freedom of the media for the United Nations, the Inter-American Commission for Human Rights, and the Representative on Freedom of the Media of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe issued the following joint statement:
“We share the grave concern of people everywhere in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a moment of such gravity, we fully understand and support the efforts of public health professionals and governments to develop and implement strategies to protect human health and human life. The fundamental and non-derogable right to life is at stake, and governments are obligated to ensure its protection.
“Human health depends not only on readily accessible health care. It also depends on access to accurate information about the nature of the threats and the means to protect oneself, one’s family, and one’s community. The right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, through any media, applies to everyone, everywhere, and may only be subject to narrow restrictions. In this connection, we urge the following:
“First, it is essential that governments provide truthful information about the nature of the threat posed by the coronavirus. Governments everywhere are obligated under human rights law to provide reliable information in accessible formats to all, with particular focus on ensuring access to information by those with limited internet access or where disability makes access challenging.
“Second, internet access is critical at a time of crisis. It is essential that governments refrain from blocking internet access; in those situations where internet has been blocked, governments should, as a matter of priority, ensure immediate access to the fastest and broadest possible internet service. Especially at a time of emergency, when access to information is of critical importance, broad restrictions on access to the internet cannot be justified on public order or national security grounds.
“Third, the right of access to information means that governments must be making exceptional efforts to protect the work of journalists. Journalism serves a crucial function at a moment of public health emergency, particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions. We urge all governments to robustly implement their freedom of information laws to ensure that all individuals, especially journalists, have access to information.
“Fourth, we share the concern that false information about the pandemic could lead to health concerns, panic and disorder. In this connection, it is essential that governments and internet companies address disinformation in the first instance by themselves providing reliable information. That may come in the form of robust public messaging, support for public service announcements, and emergency support for public broadcasting and local journalism (for instance, through government health advertisements).
Resorting to other measures, such as content take-downs and censorship, may result in limiting access to important information for public health and should only be undertaken where they meet the standards of necessity and proportionality. Any attempts to criminalise information relating to the pandemic may create distrust in institutional information, delay access to reliable information and have a chilling effect on freedom of expression.
“Fifth, we are aware of growing use of tools of surveillance technology to track the spread of the coronavirus. While we understand and support the need for active efforts to confront the pandemic, it is also crucial that such tools be limited in use, both in terms of purpose and time, and that individual rights to privacy, non-discrimination, the protection of journalistic sources and other freedoms be rigorously protected. States must also protect the personal information of patients. We strongly urge that any use of such technology abide by the strictest protections and only be available according to domestic law that is consistent with international human rights standards.
“We close by thanking all the medical and health care professionals putting themselves at the frontline of treating the unwell.”
* The experts: David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression; Harlem Désir, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and Edison Lanza, IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression


osce--2020-03-19--Press Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group

MOSCOW / PARIS / WASHINGTON , D.C. , 19 March 2020 - Noting the current suspension of monitoring exercises by @ @ @ @ @ OSCE Chairperson-in-Office due to the exceptional situation created by the spread of COVID-19 , the @ @ @ @ @ Igor Popov of the Russian Federation , Stéphane Visconti of France , and Andrew Schofer @ @ @ @ @ America ) appeal to the sides to reaffirm their commitment to observe the ceasefire strictly @ @ @ @ @ action that could further raise tensions during this period .
Recognizing that the region ’ @ @ @ @ @ dedicated exclusively to combating the spread of the virus and treating those affected , we @ @ @ @ @ the greatest possible restraint to lessen the risk of escalation including by making maximum use @ @ @ @ @ links .
Despite the heavy restrictions on international travel , the Co-Chairs will continue their @ @ @ @ @ remaining in close contact with each other and with the sides .

MOSCOW / PARIS / WASHINGTON, D.C., 19 March 2020 - Noting the current suspension of monitoring exercises by the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office due to the exceptional situation created by the spread of COVID-19, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stéphane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) appeal to the sides to reaffirm their commitment to observe the ceasefire strictly and refrain from any provocative action that could further raise tensions during this period.
Recognizing that the region’s medical resources should be dedicated exclusively to combating the spread of the virus and treating those affected, we urge the sides to exercise the greatest possible restraint to lessen the risk of escalation including by making maximum use of the existing direct communication links.
Despite the heavy restrictions on international travel, the Co-Chairs will continue their mediation efforts without interruption, remaining in close contact with each other and with the sides.


osce--2020-03-21--Let’s Talk About Discrimination! OSCE virtually marked International Day for Elimination of Racial D

Let’s Talk About Discrimination! OSCE virtually marked International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination and digitally launches Discrimination in BiH report

SARAJEVO , 21 March 2020 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) marked 21 March - the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by digitally launching the report on “ Discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina : Public Perceptions , Attitudes , and Experiences ” .
According to the Report , a vast majority of the population ( 87 % ) see discrimination as a widespread problem in BiH .
Discrimination was perceived in several places of employment ( 75 % ) , such as employment in public institutions , as well as payments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment , profession and self-employment and work conditions .
Rampant discrimination was reported against groups such as Roma ( 81 % ) migrants ( 73 % ) and LGBTIQ persons ( 70 % ) .
The report paints a meaningful if troubling picture of the status in BiH concerning discrimination .
“ The Mission is dedicated to fighting discrimination – a phenomenon which our survey shows BiH citizens believe is omnipresent in many areas of life , ” said Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Kathleen Kavalec .
“ This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of building an inclusive society that can work together to solve urgent challenges , in the interests of all citizens .
Indeed , the need for this kind of broad co-operation has never been clearer than it is today .
OSCE continues to play a crucial role in working with authorities and citizens to tackle discrimination – in the interest of all in BiH.
” Kavalec added .
Starting from the support for adoption of the BiH Law on Prohibition of Discrimination in 2009 , the Mission has supported numerous efforts aiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Efforts included supporting the BiH Judiciary , Ombudsman Institution , and Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees in exercising their respective anti-discrimination mandates .
In 2016 , the Mission also supported the adoption of amendments to the BiH Law on Prohibition of Discrimination and helped train more than 800 judges and legal professionals on international and European anti-discrimination standards and mechanisms .
Other efforts to combat discrimination include multimedia awareness raising , and educational project “ On the Margins ” .
The project is aimed at challenging stereotypes surrounding the Roma community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in BiH , and encompasses initiatives for inter-religious dialogue and increasing access of vulnerable groups to their social and economic rights .
“ Unfortunately , discrimination against persons with disabilities in BiH is still widespread , ” said Alma Mujanović , president and co-founder of the Sign for a Word Association and a member of the Youth Advisory Group at the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina .
“ I say this as an MA student , as a citizen of this country , and as a deaf person fighting for her rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in BiH .
Awareness of sign language is very low and therefore the information around us is not adapted to this group .
That is why I actively advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities , for raising awareness of the sign language , as well as for the equal inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.
” The report was based on the first survey on discrimination conducted in BiH since 2011 , which provides unique , up-to-date , and comparable insights into the attitudes towards , and forms and prevalence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also measured individual experiences with discrimination and attitudes towards others .
Overall , the report showed a negative picture of the prevalence of discrimination in BiH , but some more positive indicators did surface : 77 % of those queried supported the desegregation of schools , more than 72 % have no problem to work with colleague with a serious disability , and almost 99 % indicated they would not avoid those with a lower education than themselves .
“ Some people say that Roma are ‘ the people who live next to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that , ” said Dalibor Tanić , journalist , activist , and editor of the Roma portal “ UDAR ” .
“ We actually live with you and we are part of the identity of BiH and every other country we live in .
Even though our existence in this region reaches far into the past , we remain the most discriminated minority community .
Prejudices are much stronger than any success we achieve .
The only way to change your attitude about us is to get to know us better and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live with you.
” This OSCE Mission report showed that work is needed to ensure non-discrimination in BiH , for the benefit of all people in the country .
The Mission ’ s continued work on combatting discrimination and promoting human rights has an important role to play going forward .
The report provides a great basis to shape projects and programmes and develop fact based policies aimed at combatting discrimination .

SARAJEVO, 21 March 2020 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) marked 21 March - the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by digitally launching the report on “Discrimination in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Public Perceptions, Attitudes, and Experiences”.
According to the Report, a vast majority of the population (87%) see discrimination as a widespread problem in BiH. Discrimination was perceived in several places of employment (75%), such as employment in public institutions, as well as payments and career advancement, dismissals, access to employment, profession and self-employment and work conditions. Rampant discrimination was reported against groups such as Roma (81%) migrants (73%) and LGBTIQ persons (70%). The report paints a meaningful if troubling picture of the status in BiH concerning discrimination.
“The Mission is dedicated to fighting discrimination – a phenomenon which our survey shows BiH citizens believe is omnipresent in many areas of life,” said Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Kathleen Kavalec. “This is a serious problem because discrimination stands in the way of building an inclusive society that can work together to solve urgent challenges, in the interests of all citizens. Indeed, the need for this kind of broad co-operation has never been clearer than it is today. OSCE continues to play a crucial role in working with authorities and citizens to tackle discrimination – in the interest of all in BiH.” Kavalec added.
Starting from the support for adoption of the BiH Law on Prohibition of Discrimination in 2009, the Mission has supported numerous efforts aiming at strengthening mechanisms that address discrimination. Efforts included supporting the BiH Judiciary, Ombudsman Institution, and Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees in exercising their respective anti-discrimination mandates.
In 2016, the Mission also supported the adoption of amendments to the BiH Law on Prohibition of Discrimination and helped train more than 800 judges and legal professionals on international and European anti-discrimination standards and mechanisms. Other efforts to combat discrimination include multimedia awareness raising, and educational project “On the Margins”. The project is aimed at challenging stereotypes surrounding the Roma community, combatting discrimination against the most vulnerable communities in BiH, and encompasses initiatives for inter-religious dialogue and increasing access of vulnerable groups to their social and economic rights.
“Unfortunately, discrimination against persons with disabilities in BiH is still widespread,” said Alma Mujanović, president and co-founder of the Sign for a Word Association and a member of the Youth Advisory Group at the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I say this as an MA student, as a citizen of this country, and as a deaf person fighting for her rights and the rights of all marginalized groups in BiH. Awareness of sign language is very low and therefore the information around us is not adapted to this group. That is why I actively advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, for raising awareness of the sign language, as well as for the equal inclusion of persons with disabilities in society.”
The report was based on the first survey on discrimination conducted in BiH since 2011, which provides unique, up-to-date, and comparable insights into the attitudes towards, and forms and prevalence of discrimination in BiH. The survey also measured individual experiences with discrimination and attitudes towards others. Overall, the report showed a negative picture of the prevalence of discrimination in BiH, but some more positive indicators did surface: 77% of those queried supported the desegregation of schools, more than 72% have no problem to work with colleague with a serious disability, and almost 99% indicated they would not avoid those with a lower education than themselves.
“Some people say that Roma are ‘the people who live next to us’, but I would disagree with that,” said Dalibor Tanić, journalist, activist, and editor of the Roma portal “UDAR”. “We actually live with you and we are part of the identity of BiH and every other country we live in. Even though our existence in this region reaches far into the past, we remain the most discriminated minority community. Prejudices are much stronger than any success we achieve. The only way to change your attitude about us is to get to know us better and start looking at us as people who live with you.”
This OSCE Mission report showed that work is needed to ensure non-discrimination in BiH, for the benefit of all people in the country. The Mission’s continued work on combatting discrimination and promoting human rights has an important role to play going forward. The report provides a great basis to shape projects and programmes and develop fact based policies aimed at combatting discrimination.


osce--2020-03-20--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 67/2020 issued on 20 March 2020


osce--2020-03-20--First confirmed case of COVID-19 at the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna

The OSCE today has recorded its first case of COVID-19 involving a staff member at the Secretariat .
All necessary protocols have been followed as set out by the Austrian authorities , and the staff member ’ s condition is already improving .
Key areas within the Secretariat have been disinfected .
Further measures for accessing the building have been implemented and communicated internally to all staff .
The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna , in consultation with the Austrian host authorities and the OSCE Troika of current , previous and incoming Chairmanships ( Albania , Slovakia and Sweden respectively ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective 16 March , cancelled non-essential duty travel , postponed events and temporarily suspended its visiting group programme for the coming weeks .
The Albanian OSCE Chairmanship has also cancelled meetings of the Permanent Council and Turkey , Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation has cancelled the meetings of the Forum for Security Co-operation in line with guidance from the Austrian host authorities , until further notice .
In the meantime , the OSCE ’ s essential work continues in accordance to its business continuity plans .
The OSCE Secretary General is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and heads of Executive Structures on a regular basis with the aim of minimizing disruption to the Organization ’ s operations during this challenging time .

The OSCE today has recorded its first case of COVID-19 involving a staff member at the Secretariat. All necessary protocols have been followed as set out by the Austrian authorities, and the staff member’s condition is already improving.
Key areas within the Secretariat have been disinfected. Further measures for accessing the building have been implemented and communicated internally to all staff.
The OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, in consultation with the Austrian host authorities and the OSCE Troika of current, previous and incoming Chairmanships (Albania, Slovakia and Sweden respectively), has had staff work from home effective 16 March, cancelled non-essential duty travel, postponed events and temporarily suspended its visiting group programme for the coming weeks.
The Albanian OSCE Chairmanship has also cancelled meetings of the Permanent Council and Turkey, Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation has cancelled the meetings of the Forum for Security Co-operation in line with guidance from the Austrian host authorities, until further notice.
In the meantime, the OSCE’s essential work continues in accordance to its business continuity plans. The OSCE Secretary General is in contact with the OSCE Troika officials and heads of Executive Structures on a regular basis with the aim of minimizing disruption to the Organization’s operations during this challenging time.


osce--2020-03-20--OSCE SMM Chief Monitor welcomes extension of Mission mandate

KYIV , 20 March 2020 – The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission ( SMM ) to Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ welcomed today the extension of the SMM ’ s mandate for another year .
“ @ @ @ @ @ , Ukraine , and the OSCE participating States for taking this consensus decision , ” @ @ @ @ @ “ It is a mark of the continued support for the Mission ’ s work @ @ @ @ @ and fostering peace , stability and security in Ukraine .
”

KYIV, 20 March 2020 – The Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, Y. Halit Çevik, welcomed today the extension of the SMM’s mandate for another year. “I thank our host country, Ukraine, and the OSCE participating States for taking this consensus decision,” the Chief Monitor said. “It is a mark of the continued support for the Mission’s work in contributing to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security in Ukraine.”


osce--2020-03-20--OSCE Chairperson-in-Office welcomes renewal of mandate and approval of budget of OSCE SMM  – urges c

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office welcomes renewal of mandate and approval of budget of OSCE SMM  – urges continued support for Mission on the ground

TIRANA , 20 March 2020 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania , Edi Rama , welcomed yesterday ’ s OSCE Permanent Council decision to renew the mandate of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine ( SMM ) for another year until 31 March 2021 .
The mandate extension is also accompanied by an increase in the budget for the SMM .
“ The mandate renewal will ensure the SMM continues to make a huge difference on the ground .
The additional finance that participating States have committed will support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the safety and security of SMM staff , including through deploying and sustaining more monitoring officers , increasing its technical capabilities , and replacing its assets in accordance with the required standards , ” Rama said.Expressing gratitude to the Mission , the Chairperson-in-Office recalled that the SMM continues to work in a volatile and unpredictable environment , and encouraged support for its personnel to be able to fully implement its mandate.
“ The women and men of the SMM work tirelessly to fulfil their mandate with the aim of contributing to reducing tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and to monitoring and supporting the implementation of all OSCE principles and commitments , throughout Ukraine ” Rama added .
“ I had the privilege to see their work first hand on my recent trip to Ukraine .
They are our eyes and ears on the ground , helping also to prevent further escalation .
I am delighted that the OSCE participating States have supported this package to reinforce the Mission ’ s work .
This is a demonstration of their confidence in the valuable and indispensable work of the SMM , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground , ” Rama concluded .

TIRANA, 20 March 2020 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, welcomed yesterday’s OSCE Permanent Council decision to renew the mandate of the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) for another year until 31 March 2021.
The mandate extension is also accompanied by an increase in the budget for the SMM. “The mandate renewal will ensure the SMM continues to make a huge difference on the ground. The additional finance that participating States have committed will support the Mission’s monitoring capacity and improve the safety and security of SMM staff, including through deploying and sustaining more monitoring officers, increasing its technical capabilities, and replacing its assets in accordance with the required standards,” Rama said.Expressing gratitude to the Mission, the Chairperson-in-Office recalled that the SMM continues to work in a volatile and unpredictable environment, and encouraged support for its personnel to be able to fully implement its mandate.“The women and men of the SMM work tirelessly to fulfil their mandate with the aim of contributing to reducing tensions and fostering peace, stability and security, and to monitoring and supporting the implementation of all OSCE principles and commitments, throughout Ukraine” Rama added. “I had the privilege to see their work first hand on my recent trip to Ukraine. They are our eyes and ears on the ground, helping also to prevent further escalation. I am delighted that the OSCE participating States have supported this package to reinforce the Mission’s work. This is a demonstration of their confidence in the valuable and indispensable work of the SMM, as the primary international monitoring presence on the ground,” Rama concluded.


osce--2020-03-21--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 68/2020 issued on 21 March 2020


osce--2020-03-22--OSCE SMM Spot Report 2/2020: Members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols passage at checkpoin

OSCE SMM Spot Report 2/2020: Members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols passage at checkpoints in Donetsk region

On 21 and 22 March , members of the armed formations at checkpoints in Donetsk region denied all SMM patrols travelling from government-controlled areas passage into non-government-controlled areas .
On the morning of 21 March at a checkpoint near Olenivka ( non-government-controlled , 23km south-west of Donetsk ) , an unarmed member of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and five members – passage into non-government-controlled areas , citing “ instructions from senior members of the armed formations ” .
On the same morning at a checkpoint about 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske ( formerly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donetsk ) , in southern Donetsk region , an armed member of the armed formations denied another SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and six members – passage into non-government-controlled areas , citing “ the closure of the checkpoint ” .
On the morning of 22 March at the same checkpoint west of Verkhnoshyrokivske , an armed member of the armed formations again denied another SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and six members – passage into non-government-controlled areas , citing reasons related to “ quarantine ” .
These denials restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the contact line and rendered it unable to access non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region , thus impeding the implementation of its Mandate throughout the country .

On 21 and 22 March, members of the armed formations at checkpoints in Donetsk region denied all SMM patrols travelling from government-controlled areas passage into non-government-controlled areas.
On the morning of 21 March at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), an unarmed member of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and five members – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “instructions from senior members of the armed formations”.
On the same morning at a checkpoint about 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), in southern Donetsk region, an armed member of the armed formations denied another SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and six members – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint”.
On the morning of 22 March at the same checkpoint west of Verkhnoshyrokivske, an armed member of the armed formations again denied another SMM patrol – consisting of two vehicles and six members – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing reasons related to “quarantine”.
These denials restricted the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line and rendered it unable to access non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region, thus impeding the implementation of its Mandate throughout the country.


osce--2020-03-23--OSCE SMM Spot Report 3/2020: Members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols passage at two check

OSCE SMM Spot Report 3/2020: Members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols passage at two checkpoints in Donetsk region and at one checkpoint in Luhansk region

On 23 March , members of the armed formations denied two attempts of the SMM to cross into non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region , as well as one attempt in Luhansk region , along official crossing routes .
The Mission was also delayed exit , for the first time , towards government-controlled areas , in Donetsk region .
At about 09:20 , at a checkpoint near Olenivka ( non-government-controlled , 23km south-west of Donetsk ) , members of the armed formations again denied an SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and four members coming from Mariupol ( government-controlled , 102km @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donetsk city – passage into non-government-controlled areas , citing “ the closure of the checkpoint ” .
At about 10:00 , at a checkpoint near Kreminets ( non-government-controlled , 16km south-west of Donetsk ) , members of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and four members coming from Pokrovsk ( formerly Krasnoarmiisk , government-controlled , 55km north-west of Donetsk ) and heading to Donetsk city – passage into non-government-controlled areas , citing “ the closure of the checkpoint ” .
At about 08:30 , at the checkpoint near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formations refused another SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and six members coming from Donetsk city and heading to Kramatorsk ( government-controlled , 83km north of Donetsk ) – passage , for the first time , towards government-controlled areas , citing “ the closure of the checkpoint ” .
While present , the Mission saw that all civilians travelling in both directions were denied passage , except those living in nearby villages , and factory workers .
At 09:10 , the SMM informed senior members of the armed formations of the situation – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was allowed to travel towards government-controlled areas .
At about 11:10 , at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge ( 15km north-east of Luhansk ) , members of the armed formation denied an SMM foot patrol – comprising three members – passage into non-government-controlled areas , saying “ no one is allowed access ” .
On 21 and 22 March , at checkpoints near Olenivka and Verkhnoshyrokivske ( formerly Oktiabr , non-government-controlled , 85km south of Donetsk ) , in Donetsk region , members of the armed formations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passage into non-government-controlled areas .
Today ’ s further denials and delay continued to restrict the SMM ’ s freedom of movement across the contact line , thus impeding the implementation of its Mandate throughout the country .

On 23 March, members of the armed formations denied two attempts of the SMM to cross into non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk region, as well as one attempt in Luhansk region, along official crossing routes. The Mission was also delayed exit, for the first time, towards government-controlled areas, in Donetsk region.
At about 09:20, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations again denied an SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and four members coming from Mariupol (government-controlled, 102km south of Donetsk) and heading to Donetsk city – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint”.
At about 10:00, at a checkpoint near Kreminets (non-government-controlled, 16km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations denied an SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and four members coming from Pokrovsk (formerly Krasnoarmiisk, government-controlled, 55km north-west of Donetsk) and heading to Donetsk city – passage into non-government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint”.
At about 08:30, at the checkpoint near Kreminets, a member of the armed formations refused another SMM patrol – comprising two vehicles and six members coming from Donetsk city and heading to Kramatorsk (government-controlled, 83km north of Donetsk) – passage, for the first time, towards government-controlled areas, citing “the closure of the checkpoint”. While present, the Mission saw that all civilians travelling in both directions were denied passage, except those living in nearby villages, and factory workers. At 09:10, the SMM informed senior members of the armed formations of the situation – and at 11:40, the SMM patrol was allowed to travel towards government-controlled areas.
At about 11:10, at the checkpoint of the armed formations south of Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formation denied an SMM foot patrol – comprising three members – passage into non-government-controlled areas, saying “no one is allowed access”.
On 21 and 22 March, at checkpoints near Olenivka and Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), in Donetsk region, members of the armed formations denied SMM patrols travelling from government-controlled areas passage into non-government-controlled areas.
Today’s further denials and delay continued to restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its Mandate throughout the country.


osce--2020-03-23--OSCE Media Freedom Representative and Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo condemn violent attack agai

OSCE Media Freedom Representative and Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo condemn violent attack against journalists in Mitrovica North

VIENNA/PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA , 23 MARCH 2020 - The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo , Jan Braathu , and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , condemned the physical attack that was reported earlier today in Mitrovica North against a journalist crew from Gazeta Blic that was covering the COVID-19 situation in this municipality .
“ As we stated today , it is important that people remain calm in these difficult times and that journalists are allowed to work without fear of violence , including in inter-ethnic contexts , ” said Jan Braathu , Head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I strongly denounce the attack against journalists Nebih Maxhuni and Diamant Bajra , as well as cameraman Arsim Rexhepi , while reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic in Mitrovica North today .
Freedom of the media needs to be guaranteed and protected at any time .
In the current circumstances , the media must be able to report and publish freely , without intimidation or violence , on issues related to the current health situation , ” Désir said .
The Representative added that the perpetrators of this attack need to face justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freedom of Media called for a swift investigation of this incident and on all societal actors to do their utmost to allow the unimpeded work of journalists under current difficult circumstances .
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States .
He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments .
Learn more at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter : @ OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom .

VIENNA/PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 23 March 2020 - The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Jan Braathu, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, condemned the physical attack that was reported earlier today in Mitrovica North against a journalist crew from Gazeta Blic that was covering the COVID-19 situation in this municipality.
“As we stated today, it is important that people remain calm in these difficult times and that journalists are allowed to work without fear of violence, including in inter-ethnic contexts,” said Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
“I strongly denounce the attack against journalists Nebih Maxhuni and Diamant Bajra, as well as cameraman Arsim Rexhepi, while reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic in Mitrovica North today. Freedom of the media needs to be guaranteed and protected at any time. In the current circumstances, the media must be able to report and publish freely, without intimidation or violence, on issues related to the current health situation,” Désir said. The Representative added that the perpetrators of this attack need to face justice.
The OSCE Mission and Representative on Freedom of Media called for a swift investigation of this incident and on all societal actors to do their utmost to allow the unimpeded work of journalists under current difficult circumstances.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.


osce--2020-03-23--Сoronavirus response bill should not impede the work of the media in Hungary, says OSCE Media Freedo

Сoronavirus response bill should not impede the work of the media in Hungary, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

VIENNA , 23 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , expressed his concerns today about provisions of the coronavirus response draft bill in Hungary that could negatively impact the work of the media reporting on the pandemic .
The bill , under examination by Parliament , would introduce – for an indefinite period – an amendment to the Criminal Code , which would make it punishable by a term of imprisonment between one to five years to distribute false facts in such a way that it obstructs or frustrates the effectiveness of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
“ I fully understand the need to combat false information during a health emergency , however , there is a great risk that the new regulation will not so much penalize the disseminators of harmful disinformation but instead make the work of independent journalism more difficult , ” Désir said .
“ In the current situation , the media has a crucial role to play in providing important information to the public and to counter ‘ fake news ’ on the pandemic , ” the Representative added .
“ The media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosecution for reporting on issues of public interest related to the COVID-19 pandemic .
While I acknowledge that the use of emergency powers is allowed by international law in response to significant threats , such as the current health crisis , I want to remind all OSCE participating States that any emergency response to the coronavirus must be proportionate , necessary and non-discriminatory.
” The Representative recalled the joint statement that he published last week with David Kaye , UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression , which emphasized that : “ Human health depends not only on readily accessible health care .
It also depends on access to accurate information about the nature of the threats and the means to protect oneself , one ’ s family , and one ’ s community ” .
The Representative and the Special Rapporteurs also stated that : “ The right of access to information means that governments must be making exceptional efforts to protect the work of journalists .
Journalism serves a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health emergency , particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions ” .
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States .
He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments .
Learn more at www.osce.org/fom , Twitter : @ OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom .

VIENNA, 23 March 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concerns today about provisions of the coronavirus response draft bill in Hungary that could negatively impact the work of the media reporting on the pandemic.
The bill, under examination by Parliament, would introduce – for an indefinite period – an amendment to the Criminal Code, which would make it punishable by a term of imprisonment between one to five years to distribute false facts in such a way that it obstructs or frustrates the effectiveness of the government’s response to the pandemic.
“I fully understand the need to combat false information during a health emergency, however, there is a great risk that the new regulation will not so much penalize the disseminators of harmful disinformation but instead make the work of independent journalism more difficult,” Désir said. “In the current situation, the media has a crucial role to play in providing important information to the public and to counter ‘fake news’ on the pandemic,” the Representative added. “The media should not fear the possibility of facing prosecution for reporting on issues of public interest related to the COVID-19 pandemic. While I acknowledge that the use of emergency powers is allowed by international law in response to significant threats, such as the current health crisis, I want to remind all OSCE participating States that any emergency response to the coronavirus must be proportionate, necessary and non-discriminatory.”
The Representative recalled the joint statement that he published last week with David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and Edison Lanza, IACHR Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, which emphasized that: “Human health depends not only on readily accessible health care. It also depends on access to accurate information about the nature of the threats and the means to protect oneself, one’s family, and one’s community”. The Representative and the Special Rapporteurs also stated that: “The right of access to information means that governments must be making exceptional efforts to protect the work of journalists. Journalism serves a crucial function at a moment of a public health emergency, particularly when it aims to inform the public of critical information and monitors government actions”.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.


osce--2020-03-23--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 69/2020 issued on 23 March 2020

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osce--2020-03-23--OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Rama and Secretary General Greminger call for immediate action about SMM

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Rama and Secretary General Greminger call for immediate action about SMM freedom of movement in eastern Ukraine

TIRANA/VIENNA , 23 March 2020 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office , Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania , Edi Rama , and OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger expressed their deep concern that in recent days , the armed formations have prevented the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine ( SMM ) from crossing the contact line into non-government-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine .
They called for urgent steps to ensure the safety of SMM staff and that the SMM is able to continue to operate , while taking into account the need to control the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the armed formations at checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions denied passage to SMM patrols travelling into non-government-controlled areas .
Prime Minister Rama said : “ We understand the need for strict measures being taken throughout the world in response to the impact of COVID-19 , and the SMM is already doing its utmost to protect its staff and the population in Ukraine .
But we are deeply concerned about the implications of this unprecedented step for SMM ’ s welfare , as well as the impact on the Mission ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I call for full respect of the Mission ’ s mandated freedom of movement throughout the country , and for respect of commitments undertaken in the Minsk agreements.
” OSCE Secretary General Greminger added : “ The safety and security of our staff and our duty of care to them is our top priority .
It is essential to have the ability to cross the contact line and have unimpeded access to staff who are working on both sides .
More than ever it is essential to ensure safe , secure and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Rama and Greminger also noted that ceasefire violations continued at an unacceptable level and renewed their repeated calls for restraint and full respect for the ceasefire , especially in view of the needs for all sides to focus on responding to the pandemic .
The closure of crossing points divides SMM from its many mission members on the eastern side of the contact line , undermining the safety and security of staff and hampering its continuing operations .

TIRANA/VIENNA, 23 March 2020 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, and OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger expressed their deep concern that in recent days, the armed formations have prevented the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) from crossing the contact line into non-government-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine. They called for urgent steps to ensure the safety of SMM staff and that the SMM is able to continue to operate, while taking into account the need to control the spread of COVID-19.
Starting from 21 March, members of the armed formations at checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions denied passage to SMM patrols travelling into non-government-controlled areas.
Prime Minister Rama said: “We understand the need for strict measures being taken throughout the world in response to the impact of COVID-19, and the SMM is already doing its utmost to protect its staff and the population in Ukraine. But we are deeply concerned about the implications of this unprecedented step for SMM’s welfare, as well as the impact on the Mission’s ability to carry out its mandate. I call for full respect of the Mission’s mandated freedom of movement throughout the country, and for respect of commitments undertaken in the Minsk agreements.”
OSCE Secretary General Greminger added: “The safety and security of our staff and our duty of care to them is our top priority. It is essential to have the ability to cross the contact line and have unimpeded access to staff who are working on both sides. More than ever it is essential to ensure safe, secure and unimpeded access for the Mission throughout Ukraine.”
Rama and Greminger also noted that ceasefire violations continued at an unacceptable level and renewed their repeated calls for restraint and full respect for the ceasefire, especially in view of the needs for all sides to focus on responding to the pandemic.
The closure of crossing points divides SMM from its many mission members on the eastern side of the contact line, undermining the safety and security of staff and hampering its continuing operations.