osce--2020-06-04--OSCE-supported project on asset seizure, management and re-use in fight against organized crime and

OSCE-supported project on asset seizure, management and re-use in fight against organized crime and corruption in South-Eastern Europe continues

The Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network ( BAMIN ) Steering Group held an online meeting , supported by the OSCE , on 3 June 2020 .
The participants discussed the BAMIN 2020 plan and ways in which the Network could adapt and maintain full operationalization under the new challenging conditions .
While many of the activities have been affected by the current circumstances , the Network continues active internal and external co-operation .
Romania will be joining BAMIN as an observer state .
Georgia and Armenia also expressed interest in the Network and are exploring possibilities for close co-operation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Strategic Police Matters Unit ( TNTD ) , and Iris Pilika , Programme Officer , Economic Co-operation and Governance ( OCEEA ) , who attended the meeting , commended BAMIN for keeping the Network active and open for other interested OSCE participating States for co-operation .
They presented the activities the OSCE is carrying out to help the participating States fight organized crime and corruption through effectively managing assets seized from organized crime and corruption cases .
Following the meeting , a workshop on managing crypto assets was held .
The workshop offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case studies .
The participants discussed how to harmonize the management of crypto assets across BAMIN jurisdictions and advanced crypto assets for BAMIN Practitioners .
The workshop was open to all BAMIN members , observer and associate states .
The OSCE supports BAMIN through the extra-budgetary project “ Strengthening the fight against transnational crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure , confiscation , management and re-use.
” The OSCE Transnational Threats Department ( TNTD ) and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities ( OCEEA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross-dimensional initiative adopts a comprehensive approach by providing support during the entire cycle of asset seizure , management and re-use .
The project is financially supported by the U.S. Department of State , Italy and Germany .

The Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network (BAMIN) Steering Group held an online meeting, supported by the OSCE, on 3 June 2020.
The participants discussed the BAMIN 2020 plan and ways in which the Network could adapt and maintain full operationalization under the new challenging conditions.
While many of the activities have been affected by the current circumstances, the Network continues active internal and external co-operation. Romania will be joining BAMIN as an observer state. Georgia and Armenia also expressed interest in the Network and are exploring possibilities for close co-operation.
Denise Mazzolani, Deputy Head of the Strategic Police Matters Unit (TNTD), and Iris Pilika, Programme Officer, Economic Co-operation and Governance (OCEEA), who attended the meeting, commended BAMIN for keeping the Network active and open for other interested OSCE participating States for co-operation.
They presented the activities the OSCE is carrying out to help the participating States fight organized crime and corruption through effectively managing assets seized from organized crime and corruption cases.
Following the meeting, a workshop on managing crypto assets was held. The workshop offered an insight into their management through operational case studies.
The participants discussed how to harmonize the management of crypto assets across BAMIN jurisdictions and advanced crypto assets for BAMIN Practitioners. The workshop was open to all BAMIN members, observer and associate states.
The OSCE supports BAMIN through the extra-budgetary project “Strengthening the fight against transnational crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use.”
The OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD) and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) are implementing the project. The cross-dimensional initiative adopts a comprehensive approach by providing support during the entire cycle of asset seizure, management and re-use.
The project is financially supported by the U.S. Department of State, Italy and Germany.


osce--2020-06-04--OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina donates IT equipment to Home for Children without Parental Ca

OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina donates IT equipment to Home for Children without Parental Care “Dom porodica” in Zenica

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) , as part of its wider initiative to support the @ @ @ @ @ , on 4 June 2020 in Zenica , provided IT equipment for the social protection @ @ @ @ @ , a home for children without parental care .
The home was given PCs to @ @ @ @ @ by their beneficiaries .
Glorija Alic , National Programme Officer for Human Rights at the @ @ @ @ @ said that the OSCE Mission to BiH recognized the efforts of “ Dom porodica ” @ @ @ @ @ currently accommodated in the institution have adequate living conditions during the pandemic , including access @ @ @ @ @ “ This donation will help the institution organize the learning process in situations like the @ @ @ @ @ facing and also improve their learning prospects by giving them better access to online sources @ @ @ @ @ activities , ” said Alic .

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as part of its wider initiative to support the country in its pandemic response, on 4 June 2020 in Zenica, provided IT equipment for the social protection institution “Dom porodica”, a home for children without parental care.
The home was given PCs to be used for learning purposes by their beneficiaries.
Glorija Alic, National Programme Officer for Human Rights at the OSCE Field Office Travnik, said that the OSCE Mission to BiH recognized the efforts of “Dom porodica” Zenica to ensure that children currently accommodated in the institution have adequate living conditions during the pandemic, including access to the education process.
“This donation will help the institution organize the learning process in situations like the one that we are currently facing and also improve their learning prospects by giving them better access to online sources for regular education and extracurricular activities,” said Alic.


osce--2020-06-03--OSCE SMM Spot Report 29/2020: Small-arms fire damages SMM camera system near Petrivske disengagement

OSCE SMM Spot Report 29/2020: Small-arms fire damages SMM camera system near Petrivske disengagement area

On 3 June , an SMM patrol was tasked with maintenance of the SMM camera system located about 200m east of the north-eastern corner of the disengagement area near Petrivske ( non-government-controlled , 41km south of Donetsk ) after the Mission had lost video feeds from the camera system at about 14:30 on 2 June .
The system consists of a daylight and a thermal camera and is generally directed south-west towards the disengagement area .
The patrol saw that both boxes housing the cameras had sustained damage , assessed as caused by small-arms fire .
The Mission observed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes in the east-facing back panel of the box housing the thermal camera .
It also observed that the east-facing back panel of the box housing the daytime camera was lying on the ground , about 2m north-east of the camera mast , with one hole assessed as a bullet hole , and one corner missing due to another bullet impact .
The Mission saw several shards of glass , assessed as pieces of camera lenses , on the ground about 1.5m north-west of the camera mast .
The SMM assessed that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction .
Footage from a security camera also installed at the site revealed the sounds of four shots recorded between 14:27 and 14:29 .
It also revealed that at the moment of the first shot being heard , the camera faced south-west ; and that , when the next three shots were being heard , it faced west-north-west .
Immediately after the last shot was heard , the SMM lost video feeds from both the thermal and the daylight camera .

On 3 June, an SMM patrol was tasked with maintenance of the SMM camera system located about 200m east of the north-eastern corner of the disengagement area near Petrivske (non-government-controlled, 41km south of Donetsk) after the Mission had lost video feeds from the camera system at about 14:30 on 2 June. The system consists of a daylight and a thermal camera and is generally directed south-west towards the disengagement area. The patrol saw that both boxes housing the cameras had sustained damage, assessed as caused by small-arms fire.
The Mission observed at least two holes assessed as exit bullet holes in the east-facing back panel of the box housing the thermal camera. It also observed that the east-facing back panel of the box housing the daytime camera was lying on the ground, about 2m north-east of the camera mast, with one hole assessed as a bullet hole, and one corner missing due to another bullet impact. The Mission saw several shards of glass, assessed as pieces of camera lenses, on the ground about 1.5m north-west of the camera mast. The SMM assessed that all bullets had been fired from a west-north-westerly direction.
Footage from a security camera also installed at the site revealed the sounds of four shots recorded between 14:27 and 14:29. It also revealed that at the moment of the first shot being heard, the camera faced south-west; and that, when the next three shots were being heard, it faced west-north-west. Immediately after the last shot was heard, the SMM lost video feeds from both the thermal and the daylight camera.


osce--2020-06-03--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 131/2020 issued on 3 June 2020

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osce--2020-06-03--Students of Max van der Stoel Award from Jajce invest in their schools

On 3 June 2020 , high school students from the Municipality of Jajce , represented by the Student Council of the Secondary Vocational School Jajce , handed over IT equipment for the Secondary Vocational School and “ Nikola Sop ” Secondary School , with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) .
These students , the 2018 Max van der Stoel Award winners , decided to invest the award in improving the education process at the Secondary Vocational School and the “ Nikola Sop ” Secondary School .
After discussions on what could help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and improve learning process , they decided to purchase IT equipment , interactive boards , smart benches , and window blinds .
They also decided to organize summer camp for students .
Mladen Marijanac , Acting Head of the OSCE Field Office Travnik , praised the efforts of the high school students for deciding to spend the award on a common good .
“ Today , we are here to handover IT equipment as it was a priority because of the exit exams .
Other goods will be delivered as soon as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be proud of these students , because of their continued engagement in local community .
They are examples of how individuals can contribute to creating a better future for all , ” concluded Marijanac .

On 3 June 2020, high school students from the Municipality of Jajce, represented by the Student Council of the Secondary Vocational School Jajce, handed over IT equipment for the Secondary Vocational School and “Nikola Sop” Secondary School, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
These students, the 2018 Max van der Stoel Award winners, decided to invest the award in improving the education process at the Secondary Vocational School and the “Nikola Sop” Secondary School.
After discussions on what could help students in their everyday life in school and improve learning process, they decided to purchase IT equipment, interactive boards, smart benches, and window blinds. They also decided to organize summer camp for students.
Mladen Marijanac, Acting Head of the OSCE Field Office Travnik, praised the efforts of the high school students for deciding to spend the award on a common good. “Today, we are here to handover IT equipment as it was a priority because of the exit exams. Other goods will be delivered as soon as they arrive,” said Marijanac.
“Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be proud of these students, because of their continued engagement in local community. They are examples of how individuals can contribute to creating a better future for all,” concluded Marijanac.


osce--2020-06-03--UN Office on Drugs and Crime and OSCE deliver online training course to enhance Turkmenistan’s capac

UN Office on Drugs and Crime and OSCE deliver online training course to enhance Turkmenistan’s capacities in countering terrorist financing

A three-day online training course aimed at strengthening the capacity of Turkmenistan to counter terrorist financing was organized from 1 to 3 June 2020 .
Eighteen experts and practitioners from the Financial Monitoring Service under the Ministry of Finance and Economy , the Ministries of Internal Affairs and of National Security , and the Prosecutor ’ s Office of Turkmenistan participated in the course .
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) organized the course at the Financial Monitoring Service of Turkmenistan , in co-operation with the OSCE ’ s Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Turkmenistan ’ s compliance with international standards , UN Security Council Resolutions , in particular Resolution 2462 ( 2019 ) , the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering ( FATF ) ’ s standards , and UN norms and OSCE commitments to promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing .
The course emphasized the key role of inter-agency co-operation and of involving all relevant stakeholders , from public and private sectors , in efforts aimed at countering terrorist financing .
Participants worked on exercises highlighting specific instruments and techniques that play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ One of the UNODC Regional Office in Central Asia ’ s primary objective is to increase the capacity of the national law enforcement , financial intelligence units ( FIU ) and financial institutions to detect and combat terrorist financing , disrupt terrorist networks and recover proceeds of crime , ” said Ashita Mittal , UNODC Regional Representative in Central Asia .
“ Currently , government bodies and the private sector are actively working to prepare the Republic of Turkmenistan for its mutual assessment for compliance with the FATF international standards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve the effectiveness of the national framework for Anti-money laundering and Combating terrorism financing we are implementing the training programme on Countering the Financing of Terrorism.
” Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat , said : “ The OSCE developed comprehensive measures to contribute to international efforts aimed at preventing and combating terrorist financing .
Today ’ s event offers an excellent opportunity to share unique expertise accumulated by the OSCE and UNODC , and we believe it will contribute to the efforts of the Government of Turkmenistan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financing in line with international standards and requirements of relevant international bodies ” .
Fejzo Numanaj , Acting Head of the Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE ’ s Transnational Threats Department , said : “ The OSCE-UNODC ’ s innovative multi-annual capacity-building programme to support national efforts on countering terrorist financing in Central Asia brings more real-life cases and exercises , more team work and interaction than other training programmes .
It also allows for more local ownership since the curriculum can be updated based on suggestions from national experts.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNODC Programme Office in Turkmenistan added : “ The UNODC Programme Office in Turkmenistan supports joint efforts and initiatives in the field of countering transnational organized crime and terrorist financing .
The implementation of the OSCE-UNODC multi-annual training programme will help relevant national authorities to be more effective in achieving common goals and addressing common threats such as the financing of terrorism .
”

A three-day online training course aimed at strengthening the capacity of Turkmenistan to counter terrorist financing was organized from 1 to 3 June 2020. Eighteen experts and practitioners from the Financial Monitoring Service under the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministries of Internal Affairs and of National Security, and the Prosecutor’s Office of Turkmenistan participated in the course.
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organized the course at the Financial Monitoring Service of Turkmenistan, in co-operation with the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
It aimed at strengthening Turkmenistan’s compliance with international standards, UN Security Council Resolutions, in particular Resolution 2462 (2019), the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF)’s standards, and UN norms and OSCE commitments to promote human rights-based approaches in countering terrorist financing.
The course emphasized the key role of inter-agency co-operation and of involving all relevant stakeholders, from public and private sectors, in efforts aimed at countering terrorist financing. Participants worked on exercises highlighting specific instruments and techniques that play an important role in countering this threat.
“One of the UNODC Regional Office in Central Asia’s primary objective is to increase the capacity of the national law enforcement, financial intelligence units (FIU) and financial institutions to detect and combat terrorist financing, disrupt terrorist networks and recover proceeds of crime,” said Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative in Central Asia. “Currently, government bodies and the private sector are actively working to prepare the Republic of Turkmenistan for its mutual assessment for compliance with the FATF international standards. In order to provide technical assistance and improve the effectiveness of the national framework for Anti-money laundering and Combating terrorism financing we are implementing the training programme on Countering the Financing of Terrorism.”
Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, said: “The OSCE developed comprehensive measures to contribute to international efforts aimed at preventing and combating terrorist financing. Today’s event offers an excellent opportunity to share unique expertise accumulated by the OSCE and UNODC, and we believe it will contribute to the efforts of the Government of Turkmenistan to enhance the national system of combating terrorist financing in line with international standards and requirements of relevant international bodies”.
Fejzo Numanaj, Acting Head of the Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department, said: “The OSCE-UNODC’s innovative multi-annual capacity-building programme to support national efforts on countering terrorist financing in Central Asia brings more real-life cases and exercises, more team work and interaction than other training programmes. It also allows for more local ownership since the curriculum can be updated based on suggestions from national experts.”
Chary Atayev, Acting Head of the UNODC Programme Office in Turkmenistan added: “ The UNODC Programme Office in Turkmenistan supports joint efforts and initiatives in the field of countering transnational organized crime and terrorist financing. The implementation of the OSCE-UNODC multi-annual training programme will help relevant national authorities to be more effective in achieving common goals and addressing common threats such as the financing of terrorism.”


osce--2020-06-03--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 2 June 2020

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 20 permanent international staff members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between the shifts at the border checkpoints and adherence to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities , the OM is faced with certain difficulties , but is still able to continue to fulfill its mandate without any limitations in its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage .
• Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
The average number of entries/exits increased from 686 to 873 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 1 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine , with an average net flow of eight per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
Responding to the COVID-19 situation , the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March .
Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border ( which entered into force on 19 March ) , are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine .
In addition , reportedly , due to the threat of the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was suspended .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was nine compared to eight last week , eight of them crossed into the Russian Federation and one into Ukraine at the Donetsk BCP .
These individuals crossed the border on foot .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and one family was observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when two families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation , while four families crossed into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation were stopped from 10 April .
During the reporting period , no buses were observed at the two BCPs .
During the reporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 994 compared to 1001 during the previous reporting week ) ; 458 at the Gukovo BCP and 536 at the Donetsk BCP , 575 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 419 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Belarus , Lithuania and trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting week , the number of tanker trucks increased from 49 to 70 .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 162 to 193 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 156 trucks ( 81 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine : the remaining 37 trucks ( 19 per cent ) crossed into the Russian Federation .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
Compared to the previous week , the number of cargo minivans increased from 76 to 82 vehicles ; 42 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 40 into Ukraine .
The OTs continued to pick up the sound of trains on the railway tracks located approximately 150m south-west of the Gukovo BCP .
During the reporting week , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the OTs assessed that 18 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 17 trains were travelling to Ukraine ( more details are provided in the sections “ trends and figures at a glance ” below ) .
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP .
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates .
A significant number of vehicles with “ LPR ” plates were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directions on a daily basis .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 28 April to 2 June 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 2 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 20 permanent international staff members, including the Chief Observer (CO). The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are applying a self-isolation regime between the shifts at the border checkpoints and adherence to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfill its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage. Persons in military-style outfits. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits increased from 686 to 873 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[1].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to Ukraine, with an average net flow of eight per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was suspended.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was nine compared to eight last week, eight of them crossed into the Russian Federation and one into Ukraine at the Donetsk BCP. These individuals crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, one family was observed crossing into the Russian Federation and one family was observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when two families were observed crossing to the Russian Federation, while four families crossed into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation were stopped from 10 April. During the reporting period, no buses were observed at the two BCPs.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight decrease in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (994 compared to 1001 during the previous reporting week); 458 at the Gukovo BCP and 536 at the Donetsk BCP, 575 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 419 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting week, the number of tanker trucks increased from 49 to 70. These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane.
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP increased from 162 to 193. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 156 trucks (81 per cent) were bound for Ukraine: the remaining 37 trucks (19 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[2] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. Compared to the previous week, the number of cargo minivans increased from 76 to 82 vehicles; 42 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 40 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 35 occasions; the OTs assessed that 18 trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining 17 trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 28 April to 2 June 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1]Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[2] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-06-02--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 130/2020 issued on 2 June 2020


osce--2020-06-02--OSCE PA human rights leaders call for open campaign in advance of presidential election in Belarus

COPENHAGEN , 2 June 2020 - Following reports of the detention of numerous political activists engaged in activities related to the upcoming presidential election in Belarus , the leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly 's human rights committee , Chair Kyriakos Hadjiyianni ( Cyprus ) , Vice-Chair Michael Link ( Germany ) , and Rapporteur and Kari Henriksen ( Norway ) , released the following statement : “ With an important election just two months away , it is crucial that the authorities in Belarus do all they can to enable a thorough and open campaign environment .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political activists not only inhibits the work of potential campaigns , but has a chilling effect on society .
We therefore call on the authorities to exercise utmost restraint in the run-up to the important 9 August presidential election , and hope for a more free environment than we have previously witnessed.
” Election observation missions deployed by the OSCE PA and partners have previously expressed concern about restrictions on fundamental freedoms of assembly , association and expression .
Media reports indicate that activists were detained on 29 and 30 May in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to collect signatures in support of potential presidential candidates .
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe , Central Asia and North America .
The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy , monitors elections , and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political , security , economic , environmental and human rights issues .

COPENHAGEN, 2 June 2020 - Following reports of the detention of numerous political activists engaged in activities related to the upcoming presidential election in Belarus, the leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's human rights committee, Chair Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), Vice-Chair Michael Link (Germany), and Rapporteur and Kari Henriksen (Norway), released the following statement:
“With an important election just two months away, it is crucial that the authorities in Belarus do all they can to enable a thorough and open campaign environment. We are very concerned that the detention of prominent political activists not only inhibits the work of potential campaigns, but has a chilling effect on society. We therefore call on the authorities to exercise utmost restraint in the run-up to the important 9 August presidential election, and hope for a more free environment than we have previously witnessed.”
Election observation missions deployed by the OSCE PA and partners have previously expressed concern about restrictions on fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression.
Media reports indicate that activists were detained on 29 and 30 May in several cities around Belarus in conjunction with their efforts to collect signatures in support of potential presidential candidates.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.


osce--2020-06-02--OSCE online training aims to strengthen capacities of youth leaders in North Macedonia to prevent vi

OSCE online training aims to strengthen capacities of youth leaders in North Macedonia to prevent violent extremism

Seventeen young men and women from across North Macedonia participated in an online capacity-building training course for youth leaders on preventing violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism ( P/CVERLT ) .
The OSCE Mission to Skopje organized the course , held from 19 May to 2 June 2020 , with technical support provided by the Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department .
The course builds on a module delivered in February .
This second module focused on the online dimension of preventing and countering violent extremism , and media literacy .
It was designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the first module , which explored topics such as understanding and addressing violent extremism and human rights .
The training , co-funded by the EU , forms part of the OSCE ’ s Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism ( LIVE ) initiative , which seeks to promote efforts against violent extremism across the OSCE area developed and led by civil society at the grassroots level to address local specifics .
`` The OSCE ’ s LIVE initiative is one of the rare projects that offers lifetime learning , ” said Risto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Perhaps one can not change the water current , but drop by drop one can make a change .
LIVE focuses on those local initiatives , which together can bring a new wave .
By putting youth leaders at the helm against radicalization and extremism in our society , a domino effect can be initiated , that will one day in the future break the chain in the ecosystems of violence and extremism . ''
The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje Clemens Koja said that the Mission is committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremism in North Macedonia .
“ I strongly believe there is no better investment in building community resilience to violent extremism than empowering young people , the best advocates and promoters of the ideas of peace , tolerance and mutual understanding .
And that is what the LIVE Project stands for - investing in young people ’ s knowledge and building trust , ” he said .

Seventeen young men and women from across North Macedonia participated in an online capacity-building training course for youth leaders on preventing violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT). The OSCE Mission to Skopje organized the course, held from 19 May to 2 June 2020, with technical support provided by the Action against Terrorism Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department. The course builds on a module delivered in February.
This second module focused on the online dimension of preventing and countering violent extremism, and media literacy. It was designed to expand youth leaders’ skills gained from the first module, which explored topics such as understanding and addressing violent extremism and human rights.
The training, co-funded by the EU, forms part of the OSCE’s Leaders against Intolerance and Violent Extremism (LIVE) initiative, which seeks to promote efforts against violent extremism across the OSCE area developed and led by civil society at the grassroots level to address local specifics.
"The OSCE’s LIVE initiative is one of the rare projects that offers lifetime learning,” said Risto Saveski, participant of the LIVE Project. “Perhaps one cannot change the water current, but drop by drop one can make a change. LIVE focuses on those local initiatives, which together can bring a new wave. By putting youth leaders at the helm against radicalization and extremism in our society, a domino effect can be initiated, that will one day in the future break the chain in the ecosystems of violence and extremism."
The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje Clemens Koja said that the Mission is committed to contributing to prevention and countering violent extremism in North Macedonia.
“I strongly believe there is no better investment in building community resilience to violent extremism than empowering young people, the best advocates and promoters of the ideas of peace, tolerance and mutual understanding. And that is what the LIVE Project stands for - investing in young people’s knowledge and building trust,” he said.


osce--2020-06-02--OSCE provides expert support in media digitalization in Turkmenistan

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized a two-day online presentation of expert recommendations for the digital transformation of print media in Turkmenistan , which started 2 June 2020 .
The presentation was facilitated by international experts from the Russian Federation who developed a comprehensive set of recommendations for the digitalization of print media .
The event brought together representatives from national media and institutions involved in the process of media digitalization .
Discussion topics included digital economy of the media , audience and digital content , newspaper websites in the digital environment as well as the transformation of editorial offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat , referred to the 14th Central Asia Media Conference “ From traditional to online media : best practices and perspectives ” , held in Ashgabat in 2012 , which welcomed the fact that online media allows for more diversity and pluralism .
“ Indeed , while the internet offers broad opportunities for the media , the new technological environment places a great responsibility on media managers and journalists as well as on governments , which should contribute to ensuring media pluralism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre in Ashgabat initiated the development of recommendations to provide expert support to the government of Turkmenistan in the process of the digital transformation of print media and we stand ready to continue our partnership in the area of media reform , ” added Drozd .
The event offered the participants an opportunity to get insights into multimedia formats and digital instruments and to discuss optimal models of the digital subscription , monetization and funding of newspaper websites .
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the development of online media was also discussed @

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized a two-day online presentation of expert recommendations for the digital transformation of print media in Turkmenistan, which started 2 June 2020.
The presentation was facilitated by international experts from the Russian Federation who developed a comprehensive set of recommendations for the digitalization of print media. The event brought together representatives from national media and institutions involved in the process of media digitalization.
Discussion topics included digital economy of the media, audience and digital content, newspaper websites in the digital environment as well as the transformation of editorial offices and the challenges for managers and journalists.
Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, referred to the 14th Central Asia Media Conference “From traditional to online media: best practices and perspectives”, held in Ashgabat in 2012, which welcomed the fact that online media allows for more diversity and pluralism.
“Indeed, while the internet offers broad opportunities for the media, the new technological environment places a great responsibility on media managers and journalists as well as on governments, which should contribute to ensuring media pluralism,” Drozd said.
“The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat initiated the development of recommendations to provide expert support to the government of Turkmenistan in the process of the digital transformation of print media and we stand ready to continue our partnership in the area of media reform,” added Drozd.
The event offered the participants an opportunity to get insights into multimedia formats and digital instruments and to discuss optimal models of the digital subscription, monetization and funding of newspaper websites. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the development of online media was also discussed.


osce--2020-06-02--OSCE Presence in Albania holds activities in support of Master’s Programme in Criminology establishm

OSCE Presence in Albania holds activities in support of Master’s Programme in Criminology establishment at Law Faculty in Tirana

On 28 and 29 May 2020 in Tirana , the OSCE Presence in Albania , in co-operation with the Law Faculty at the University of Tirana , organized a workshop with the academic staff of the new Master Programme in Criminology , aimed to improve capacities of professionals , academics and policy-makers to identify root causes of crime .
Professor Kimberly McCabe , an international expert in criminology , University of Lynchburg , Virginia , shared her experiences with some 30 academics from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Social Sciences .
Professor McCabe also held an open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the participation of about 90 students from the Master ’ s Programme in Criminal Justice , from the Law Faculty .
The activity aims to assess the needs and challenges of the lecturers and provide concepts , tools and skills for the new master programme .
It also shaped future training sessions for the same target group scheduled to take place September - October 2020 .
“ Well-planned crime prevention strategies not only prevent crime and victimization , but also promote community safety and contribute to the sustainable development of countries , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Presence ’ s Rule of Law and Human Rights Department .
Prof. Dr. Artan Hoxha , Dean of the Law Faculty , said : `` We are all involved in the process of establishing this master programme , a challenging commitment , but we have had constant support from the OSCE Presence and the academic staff itself .
Thanks to the long and continuous preparation , we will implement this programme successfully . ''
Professor Vasilika Hysi , a veteran criminology expert and part-time lecturer , shared how she feels responsible for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been dreaming about it for 20 years now.
” A collection of papers on the protection of victims of crime , the role of the state in human trafficking ; factors that influence adolescent criminal behavior , and the impact of alternative criminal punishment measures in Albanian can be found here : https : //www.osce.org/presence-in-albania/453195 The United States Government financially supported these activities , implemented in close co-operation with Tirana ’ s Law Faculty , and the support of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs @

On 28 and 29 May 2020 in Tirana, the OSCE Presence in Albania, in co-operation with the Law Faculty at the University of Tirana, organized a workshop with the academic staff of the new Master Programme in Criminology, aimed to improve capacities of professionals, academics and policy-makers to identify root causes of crime.
Professor Kimberly McCabe, an international expert in criminology, University of Lynchburg, Virginia, shared her experiences with some 30 academics from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Social Sciences. Professor McCabe also held an open lecture in Victimology on 20 May with the participation of about 90 students from the Master’s Programme in Criminal Justice, from the Law Faculty.
The activity aims to assess the needs and challenges of the lecturers and provide concepts, tools and skills for the new master programme. It also shaped future training sessions for the same target group scheduled to take place September - October 2020.
“Well-planned crime prevention strategies not only prevent crime and victimization, but also promote community safety and contribute to the sustainable development of countries,” said Claudio Pala, Head of the Presence’s Rule of Law and Human Rights Department.
Prof. Dr. Artan Hoxha, Dean of the Law Faculty, said: "We are all involved in the process of establishing this master programme, a challenging commitment, but we have had constant support from the OSCE Presence and the academic staff itself. Thanks to the long and continuous preparation, we will implement this programme successfully."
Professor Vasilika Hysi, a veteran criminology expert and part-time lecturer, shared how she feels responsible for the Master’s programme. “I have been dreaming about it for 20 years now.”
A collection of papers on the protection of victims of crime, the role of the state in human trafficking; factors that influence adolescent criminal behavior, and the impact of alternative criminal punishment measures in Albanian can be found here: https://www.osce.org/presence-in-albania/453195
The United States Government financially supported these activities, implemented in close co-operation with Tirana’s Law Faculty, and the support of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs.


osce--2020-06-01--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 129/2020 issued on 1 June 2020


osce--2020-06-01--OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned about violence against journalists covering protests in

OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned about violence against journalists covering protests in USA, calls for protection of journalists

VIENNA , 1 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media , Harlem Désir , expressed his concern today regarding the wave of violence against journalists covering protests across the United States of America in recent days .
“ I am deeply concerned by the number of incidents and attacks by police and demonstrators against journalists covering protests in the United States over the past few days , ” said Representative Désir .
“ Many of these incidents involved arrests and the use of force by police , including rubber bullets , pepper bullets , tear gas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts of violence by protesters .
I call on the authorities to exercise restraint and to ensure that journalists can work safely while reporting on public protests .
The role of a free press must be safeguarded at all times and journalists must be free to report without facing violence , arrest or intimidation.
” Protests erupted in Minneapolis on 25 May , following the killing of a black man , George Floyd , and have since spread across the country .
According to media reports , over the past few days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the press by wearing armbands , press cards or vests , were injured by police firing rubber bullets , pepper bullets , and tear gas .
These included Reuters camera operator Julio-Cesar Chavez and his security advisor ( Minneapolis ) ; photographer Hyoung Chang and journalist Elise Schmelzer , both from the Denver Post ( Colorado ) ; photojournalist Jan Czernik of Denver 7 News , who also had his camera broken ( Denver ) ; reporter Kaitlin Rust and photojournalist James Dobson of WAVE3 News ( Louisville ) ; freelance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanently blind in one eye ( Minneapolis ) ; and Swedish Expressen journalist Nina Svanberg , and Norwegian photographer Thomas Nilsson of Verdens Gang ( Minneapolis ) .
Police also fired pepper spray against other journalists , including Molly Hennessy-Fiske , a Los Angeles Times journalist ( Minneapolis ) ; Michael Adams , a VICE News journalist ( New York City ) ; and RIA Novosti correspondent Mikhail Turgiev ( Minneapolis ) .
Alongside this , police also reportedly arrested or detained several journalists .
These included Review-journal photographer Ellen Schmidt , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assignment for AFP ( Los Angeles ) ; photographer Tom Aviles of WCCO , a local CBS station ( Minneapolis ) ; Huffington Post reporter Chris Mathias ( New York City ) ; Adam Gray , a New York-based British photojournalist for SWNS ( New York City ) ; Amandine Atalaya and Mathieu Derrien from French TV TF1 ( Minneapolis ) ; and Tim Arvier and his crew from Nine News Australia ( Minneapolis ) .
A number of incidents involving attacks by protesters against journalists were also recorded .
Paul Ahmann of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters , suffering a concussion and having to be taken to hospital ( Louisville ) ; Leland Vitter and his crew from Fox News were attacked and chased by protesters ( Washington , D.C. ) ; Ian Smith , a photojournalist for KDA TV , was beaten by protesters and had his equipment destroyed ( Pittsburgh ) ; and Briana Whitney of CBS was harassed by a protester who pushed her and attempted to grab her microphone ( Phoenix ) .
In addition , several TV crews had their equipment or vehicles damaged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rocks at a WSB-TV news van ( Atlanta ) , while two vehicles belonging to WLKY News and one belonging to WAVE3 News were also vandalized ( Louisville ) .
The Representative recalled his Office ’ s “ Special Report on Handling of the Media during Political Demonstrations : Observations and Recommendations ” , which states that “ law-enforcement officials have a constitutional responsibility not to prevent or obstruct the work of journalists during public demonstrations , and journalists have a right to expect fair and restrained treatment by the police.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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, 1 June 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today regarding the wave of violence against journalists covering protests across the United States of America in recent days.
“I am deeply concerned by the number of incidents and attacks by police and demonstrators against journalists covering protests in the United States over the past few days,” said Representative Désir. “Many of these incidents involved arrests and the use of force by police, including rubber bullets, pepper bullets, tear gas and pepper spray, as well as acts of violence by protesters. I call on the authorities to exercise restraint and to ensure that journalists can work safely while reporting on public protests. The role of a free press must be safeguarded at all times and journalists must be free to report without facing violence, arrest or intimidation.”
Protests erupted in Minneapolis on 25 May, following the killing of a black man, George Floyd, and have since spread across the country.
According to media reports, over the past few days, several journalists, who identified themselves as members of the press by wearing armbands, press cards or vests, were injured by police firing rubber bullets, pepper bullets, and tear gas. These included Reuters camera operator Julio-Cesar Chavez and his security advisor (Minneapolis); photographer Hyoung Chang and journalist Elise Schmelzer, both from the Denver Post (Colorado); photojournalist Jan Czernik of Denver 7 News, who also had his camera broken (Denver); reporter Kaitlin Rust and photojournalist James Dobson of WAVE3 News (Louisville); freelance journalist Linda Tirado, who was left permanently blind in one eye (Minneapolis); and Swedish Expressen journalist Nina Svanberg, and Norwegian photographer Thomas Nilsson of Verdens Gang (Minneapolis). Police also fired pepper spray against other journalists, including Molly Hennessy-Fiske, a Los Angeles Times journalist (Minneapolis); Michael Adams, a VICE News journalist (New York City); and RIA Novosti correspondent Mikhail Turgiev (Minneapolis).
Alongside this, police also reportedly arrested or detained several journalists. These included Review-journal photographer Ellen Schmidt, and Bridget Bennett, a freelance journalist on assignment for AFP (Los Angeles); photographer Tom Aviles of WCCO, a local CBS station (Minneapolis); Huffington Post reporter Chris Mathias (New York City); Adam Gray, a New York-based British photojournalist for SWNS (New York City); Amandine Atalaya and Mathieu Derrien from French TV TF1 (Minneapolis); and Tim Arvier and his crew from Nine News Australia (Minneapolis).
A number of incidents involving attacks by protesters against journalists were also recorded. Paul Ahmann of WLKY was knocked over and beaten by protesters, suffering a concussion and having to be taken to hospital (Louisville); Leland Vitter and his crew from Fox News were attacked and chased by protesters (Washington, D.C.); Ian Smith, a photojournalist for KDA TV, was beaten by protesters and had his equipment destroyed (Pittsburgh); and Briana Whitney of CBS was harassed by a protester who pushed her and attempted to grab her microphone (Phoenix).
In addition, several TV crews had their equipment or vehicles damaged. According to reports, protesters threw rocks at a WSB-TV news van (Atlanta), while two vehicles belonging to WLKY News and one belonging to WAVE3 News were also vandalized (Louisville).
The Representative recalled his Office’s “Special Report on Handling of the Media during Political Demonstrations: Observations and Recommendations”, which states that “law-enforcement officials have a constitutional responsibility not to prevent or obstruct the work of journalists during public demonstrations, and journalists have a right to expect fair and restrained treatment by the police.”
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--2020-06-01--OSCE-supported report on civil society monitoring of children’s rights protection presented in Kyiv

A vast majority of Ukrainian civil and administrative court cases concerning the interests of a minor are being examined without involving the minor in question .
This is one of the key findings of monitoring and research conducted by civil society on the initiative of Ukraine ’ s Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights .
The research was supported by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine .
The report , available in Ukrainian , was presented at an online event on 1 June 2020 , the International Day for the Protection of Children .
The event brought together more than 200 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil society and human rights activists , and other justice sector stakeholders .
The event was also streamed live for the general audience ( streaming available here ) .
The monitoring was conducted in autumn 2019 and covered court hearings and meetings of the guardianship authorities in the regions of Kyiv , Lviv , Sumy , Lugansk , Zakarpattya , Khmelnytsk and Chernivtsi as well as the city of Kyiv .
The monitoring was complemented by analysis of official court statistics related to non-criminal cases as well as a review of court judgments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rights and interests of the child .
Additionally , interviews with judges , advocates , jurors and guardianship authorities ’ representatives were also conducted .
Of the 109 hearings monitored , children were personally present in a courtroom in only 5 % of the cases .
In only 14 % of the cases , they attended respective sessions of the guardianship authorities .
For only 34 % of the cases , the monitors recorded information that the child ’ s opinion was asked by the guardianship authorities , and in 12 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The analysis of the court decisions found evidence that the child personally expressed his/her opinion in the court hearing only in 10 % of the examined court judgements .
Half of the respondents of stakeholder interviews acknowledged that the child ’ s opinion does not have due weight and a decisive effect , although recognizing that it is important and deserves consideration .
“ The judicial system should be adapted to the needs and vulnerability of children ; child ’ s right to be heard should be respected at every stage of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report will be useful for all professionals in making the justice system more child-friendly , ” said Henrik Villadsen , OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine .
To enable the analysis , the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine helped to adapt the OSCE ODIHR methodologies on trial monitoring for the local context , trained monitors to use it and provided funding for this research .
“ The presented research is the first comprehensive analytical document in Ukraine , which covers issues of implementation of the right of children to have their best interests as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or affecting them in non-criminal cases .
The obtained results provide good reasoning for the improvement of state policy in this field , ” said Lyudmyla Denisova , Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights .
The report also provides recommendations to address the identified issues by codifying legislation on children ’ s rights and producing a law on child-friendly justice ; developing training programmes for judges , lawyers , custody and guardianship authorities ’ representatives on child-friendly justice standards , as well as ensuring court buildings and courtrooms are designed with due considerations for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presentation was organized as part of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine project “ Supporting Civil Society Trial Monitoring ” in co-operation with Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights , the NGOs “ Centre for Policy and Legal Reform ” and “ Human Rights Vector ” .

A vast majority of Ukrainian civil and administrative court cases concerning the interests of a minor are being examined without involving the minor in question. This is one of the key findings of monitoring and research conducted by civil society on the initiative of Ukraine’s Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. The research was supported by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.
The report, available in Ukrainian, was presented at an online event on 1 June 2020, the International Day for the Protection of Children. The event brought together more than 200 judges, representatives of state authorities, civil society and human rights activists, and other justice sector stakeholders. The event was also streamed live for the general audience (streaming available here).
The monitoring was conducted in autumn 2019 and covered court hearings and meetings of the guardianship authorities in the regions of Kyiv, Lviv, Sumy, Lugansk, Zakarpattya, Khmelnytsk and Chernivtsi as well as the city of Kyiv. The monitoring was complemented by analysis of official court statistics related to non-criminal cases as well as a review of court judgments in civil and administrative cases related to the rights and interests of the child. Additionally, interviews with judges, advocates, jurors and guardianship authorities’ representatives were also conducted.
Of the 109 hearings monitored, children were personally present in a courtroom in only 5% of the cases. In only 14% of the cases, they attended respective sessions of the guardianship authorities. For only 34% of the cases, the monitors recorded information that the child’s opinion was asked by the guardianship authorities, and in 12% of the cases – by courts. The analysis of the court decisions found evidence that the child personally expressed his/her opinion in the court hearing only in 10% of the examined court judgements. Half of the respondents of stakeholder interviews acknowledged that the child’s opinion does not have due weight and a decisive effect, although recognizing that it is important and deserves consideration.
“The judicial system should be adapted to the needs and vulnerability of children; child’s right to be heard should be respected at every stage of the court proceedings. We hope that this report will be useful for all professionals in making the justice system more child-friendly,” said Henrik Villadsen, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.
To enable the analysis, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine helped to adapt the OSCE ODIHR methodologies on trial monitoring for the local context, trained monitors to use it and provided funding for this research.
“The presented research is the first comprehensive analytical document in Ukraine, which covers issues of implementation of the right of children to have their best interests as a primary consideration in all matters involving or affecting them in non-criminal cases. The obtained results provide good reasoning for the improvement of state policy in this field,” said Lyudmyla Denisova, Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights.
The report also provides recommendations to address the identified issues by codifying legislation on children’s rights and producing a law on child-friendly justice; developing training programmes for judges, lawyers, custody and guardianship authorities’ representatives on child-friendly justice standards, as well as ensuring court buildings and courtrooms are designed with due considerations for needs of visitors with children.
The presentation was organized as part of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine project “Supporting Civil Society Trial Monitoring” in co-operation with Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, the NGOs “Centre for Policy and Legal Reform” and “Human Rights Vector”.


osce--2020-06-02--Statement of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President on the policing of protests in the United Sta

Statement of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President on the policing of protests in the United States

COPENHAGEN , 1 June 2020 – Today , the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly , Georgian parliamentarian George Tsereteli , issued the following statement on the situation in the United States : “ I have been following the protests taking place in cities across the United States and the at times heavy-handed police response with concern .
While incidents of criminal behavior on the part of certain protesters can not be tolerated , I emphasize that the police have a duty to exercise restraint and to respect the rights of citizens voicing their grievances .
Especially considering that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police brutality and the tragic death of George Floyd in Minnesota , overzealous policing of demonstrations may only serve to fuel the anger and could lead to more violence and unrest .
“ Rather than responding with force , it is important that authorities listen to the message of the protesters , particularly their demands for accountability and an end to violent policing tactics , especially in minority communities .
“ I ’ ve also been concerned by reports of journalists covering the demonstrations being arrested or hit with less-lethal munitions such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right – and indeed a responsibility – to cover any demonstrations and police must refrain from targeting these individuals who are providing a vital service to the public.
” The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe , Central Asia and North America .
The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy , monitors elections , and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political , security , economic , environmental and human rights issues .

COPENHAGEN, 1 June 2020 – Today, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Georgian parliamentarian George Tsereteli, issued the following statement on the situation in the United States:
“I have been following the protests taking place in cities across the United States and the at times heavy-handed police response with concern. While incidents of criminal behavior on the part of certain protesters cannot be tolerated, I emphasize that the police have a duty to exercise restraint and to respect the rights of citizens voicing their grievances. Especially considering that the protests were initially motivated by anger over police brutality and the tragic death of George Floyd in Minnesota, overzealous policing of demonstrations may only serve to fuel the anger and could lead to more violence and unrest.
“Rather than responding with force, it is important that authorities listen to the message of the protesters, particularly their demands for accountability and an end to violent policing tactics, especially in minority communities.
“I’ve also been concerned by reports of journalists covering the demonstrations being arrested or hit with less-lethal munitions such as rubber-coated bullets. The press has a right – and indeed a responsibility – to cover any demonstrations and police must refrain from targeting these individuals who are providing a vital service to the public.”
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 323 parliamentarians from 57 countries spanning Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international co-operation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.


osce--2020-06-01--OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina donates IT equipment to Una Sana Canton Ministry of Education

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) , as part of its wider initiative to support Bosnia @ @ @ @ @ response , on 1 June 2020 in Bihac , provided IT equipment for the Una @ @ @ @ @ .
The Ministry was given laptops , tablets and PCs to be distributed to students @ @ @ @ @ of the OSCE Field Office Drvar , praised the endeavours of the Ministry of Education @ @ @ @ @ conditions for all students in the Una Sana Canton to have access to online education @ @ @ @ @ students can not follow distance learning due to the lack of technical equipment , ” @ @ @ @ @ donation will allow the students regular access to audio and video applications teachers use in @ @ @ @ @ with the adequate tools to conclude the school year and accomplish their education goals .
@

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as part of its wider initiative to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in its pandemic response, on 1 June 2020 in Bihac, provided IT equipment for the Una Sana Canton Ministry of Education.
The Ministry was given laptops, tablets and PCs to be distributed to students.
Christopher Blair, Head of the OSCE Field Office Drvar, praised the endeavours of the Ministry of Education to provide all the necessary conditions for all students in the Una Sana Canton to have access to online education.
“Unfortunately, certain students cannot follow distance learning due to the lack of technical equipment,” said Blair. “This donation will allow the students regular access to audio and video applications teachers use in online education thus equipping them with the adequate tools to conclude the school year and accomplish their education goals.”


osce--2020-05-30--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 128/2020 issued on 30 May 2020


osce--2020-06-02--Lessons learned from COVID-19 crisis should help revitalize multilateralism, OSCE Secretary General

Lessons learned from COVID-19 crisis should help revitalize multilateralism, OSCE Secretary General Greminger tells PA leaders

COPENHAGEN , 29 May 2020 – Addressing the leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in an online forum today , OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger discussed the challenges that COVID-19 is posing to multilateral diplomacy and highlighted how the OSCE has responded with flexibility and resilience in the face of the crisis .
Stressing that the lessons learned from this experience can help ensure that the OSCE is well prepared to deal with future crises , Greminger pointed out that COVID-19 has demonstrated the need to revitalize multilateralism and build a co-operative international order .
“ It is now clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geopolitical event of historical proportions , ” Greminger said .
“ A pandemic is never welcome , but this one has arrived at a very delicate juncture .
The multilateral system was already under enormous strain , with tensions and mistrust already growing for quite some time.
” Greminger regretted that despite UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ’ s call for a global ceasefire , the window of opportunity for peace is quickly closing .
“ In our region , the pandemic is having an impact on conflicts , on the civilian populations affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formats attempting to address them .
Conflict resolution has become harder , and progress has slowed , ” he said .
Nevertheless , he noted that the organization has adapted well to new realities , with videoconferencing continuing to provide a platform for inclusive diplomatic dialogue .
OSCE field operations have also quickly adapted to the new situation , offering both a range of short-term and medium-term support to their host countries , he said .
Emerging themes for support include crisis management and preparedness , corruption prevention , gender-related impacts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trafficking , and in Central Asia , border management issues related to COVID-19 .
In his remarks , OSCE PA President George Tsereteli ( Georgia ) noted that the OSCE has demonstrated its effectiveness during the pandemic , highlighting in particular the areas in which the institutions of the OSCE have collaborated .
He said that going forward , the OSCE must be even more united .
He also noted that COVID has highlighted the need to consider reforms of rules and working procedures in order to adjust for possible crises in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discussion with SG Greminger , with questions posed about connectivity , protracted conflicts , fake news , and how to ensure that the OSCE remains relevant through the promotion of an approach to COVID-19 based on the three dimensions of security .
Greminger said that the pandemic has highlighted gaps in digital connectivity , which the OSCE is addressing through a number of projects , including in the Caspian Sea basin .
Regarding mediation efforts on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict , the Secretary General said that the sides in the conflict are participating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to resume in-person meetings for real progress to be made .
Greminger discussed how the OSCE is working to determine a multidimensional approach to addressing the COVID-19 crisis , including by ensuring that any restrictions governments take on fundamental freedoms are proportionate and time-bound .
Taking note that the OSCE budget was adopted yesterday , PA Secretary General Roberto Montella pointed out that the OSCE does an extraordinary amount of work with limited financial resources .
Lord Peter Bowness , OSCE PA Vice-President and Chair of the Sub-Committee on Rules of Procedure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the advisability of reviewing the OSCE PA ’ s Rules of Procedure , including finding ways to ensure the continuity of Assembly functions during times of crisis .
In the general discussion , OSCE PA leaders agreed that the COVID-19 crisis offered a good opportunity to make a general review of the OSCE PA ’ s working procedures .

COPENHAGEN, 29 May 2020 – Addressing the leaders of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in an online forum today, OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger discussed the challenges that COVID-19 is posing to multilateral diplomacy and highlighted how the OSCE has responded with flexibility and resilience in the face of the crisis.
Stressing that the lessons learned from this experience can help ensure that the OSCE is well prepared to deal with future crises, Greminger pointed out that COVID-19 has demonstrated the need to revitalize multilateralism and build a co-operative international order.
“It is now clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is a major geopolitical event of historical proportions,” Greminger said. “A pandemic is never welcome, but this one has arrived at a very delicate juncture. The multilateral system was already under enormous strain, with tensions and mistrust already growing for quite some time.”
Greminger regretted that despite UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s call for a global ceasefire, the window of opportunity for peace is quickly closing.
“In our region, the pandemic is having an impact on conflicts, on the civilian populations affected by them, and on the various formats attempting to address them. Conflict resolution has become harder, and progress has slowed,” he said.
Nevertheless, he noted that the organization has adapted well to new realities, with videoconferencing continuing to provide a platform for inclusive diplomatic dialogue. OSCE field operations have also quickly adapted to the new situation, offering both a range of short-term and medium-term support to their host countries, he said. Emerging themes for support include crisis management and preparedness, corruption prevention, gender-related impacts of the crisis; increased focus on combatting human trafficking, and in Central Asia, border management issues related to COVID-19.
In his remarks, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia) noted that the OSCE has demonstrated its effectiveness during the pandemic, highlighting in particular the areas in which the institutions of the OSCE have collaborated. He said that going forward, the OSCE must be even more united. He also noted that COVID has highlighted the need to consider reforms of rules and working procedures in order to adjust for possible crises in the future.
Members raised numerous issues in the discussion with SG Greminger, with questions posed about connectivity, protracted conflicts, fake news, and how to ensure that the OSCE remains relevant through the promotion of an approach to COVID-19 based on the three dimensions of security.
Greminger said that the pandemic has highlighted gaps in digital connectivity, which the OSCE is addressing through a number of projects, including in the Caspian Sea basin. Regarding mediation efforts on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Secretary General said that the sides in the conflict are participating in online meetings, but it is important to resume in-person meetings for real progress to be made. Greminger discussed how the OSCE is working to determine a multidimensional approach to addressing the COVID-19 crisis, including by ensuring that any restrictions governments take on fundamental freedoms are proportionate and time-bound.
Taking note that the OSCE budget was adopted yesterday, PA Secretary General Roberto Montella pointed out that the OSCE does an extraordinary amount of work with limited financial resources.
Lord Peter Bowness, OSCE PA Vice-President and Chair of the Sub-Committee on Rules of Procedure and Working Practices, made a presentation on the advisability of reviewing the OSCE PA’s Rules of Procedure, including finding ways to ensure the continuity of Assembly functions during times of crisis.
In the general discussion, OSCE PA leaders agreed that the COVID-19 crisis offered a good opportunity to make a general review of the OSCE PA’s working procedures.


osce--2020-06-12--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 139/2020 issued on 12 June 2020


osce--2020-06-12--OSCE SMM Spot Report 31/2020: Members of the armed formations continued to deny SMM patrols passage

OSCE SMM Spot Report 31/2020: Members of the armed formations continued to deny SMM patrols passage at checkpoints in Donetsk and Luhansk regions

From 6 to 12 June , members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes : six times in Donetsk region and three times in Luhansk region , while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied , twice in Donetsk region and four times in Luhansk region .
On 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 June , at a checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge ( 15km north-east of Luhansk ) , members of the armed formations continued to deny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three occasions , and passage towards government-controlled areas on four other occasions , each time referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19 .
On 6 and 10 June , at a checkpoint near Olenivka ( non-government-controlled , 23km south-west of Donetsk ) , members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas on two occasions , once stating that “ the SMM did not have permission to pass ” and on the second occasion referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 .
On the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denied the Mission passage towards non-government-controlled areas , both times referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 .
On 8 and 12 June , at a checkpoint 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske ( formerly Oktiabr , non-government-controlled , 85km south of Donetsk ) , members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas , referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19 .
On 9 June , at a checkpoint near Oleksandrivka ( non-government-controlled , 20km south-west of Donetsk ) , members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions due to COVID-19 .
On 10 June , members of the armed formations denied the Mission access to the area of their checkpoint east of Kreminets ( located on the same crossing route as the above-mentioned checkpoint near Oleksandrivka ) from where the Mission wanted to monitor civilians queuing to travel to government-control areas , referring to the ongoing closure of the checkpoint .
In addition , on 7 June , the Mission was again unable to proceed towards non-government-controlled at a checkpoint near Horlivka ( non-government-controlled , 39km north-east of Donetsk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid across the road and of a mine hazard sign at the same checkpoint .
The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March and Luhansk region on 23 March ( see previous SMM Spot Reports ) .
They restrict the SMM ’ s freedom of movement across the contact line , thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country .
With regard to COVID-19 , the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors , daily temperature checks , use of PPE and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles .

From 6 to 12 June, members of the armed formations again denied SMM attempts to cross into non-government-controlled areas along official crossing routes: six times in Donetsk region and three times in Luhansk region, while further attempts to cross into government-controlled areas were also denied, twice in Donetsk region and four times in Luhansk region.
On 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 June, at a checkpoint south of the Stanytsia Luhanska bridge (15km north-east of Luhansk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas on three occasions, and passage towards government-controlled areas on four other occasions, each time referring to the closure of the checkpoint due to COVID-19.
On 6 and 10 June, at a checkpoint near Olenivka (non-government-controlled, 23km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards government-controlled areas on two occasions, once stating that “the SMM did not have permission to pass” and on the second occasion referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19. On the same days, members of the armed formations denied the Mission passage towards non-government-controlled areas, both times referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.
On 8 and 12 June, at a checkpoint 600m west of Verkhnoshyrokivske (formerly Oktiabr, non-government-controlled, 85km south of Donetsk), members of the armed formations continued to deny the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19.
On 9 June, at a checkpoint near Oleksandrivka (non-government-controlled, 20km south-west of Donetsk), members of the armed formations denied the SMM passage towards non-government-controlled areas, referring to quarantine restrictions due to COVID-19. On 10 June, members of the armed formations denied the Mission access to the area of their checkpoint east of Kreminets (located on the same crossing route as the above-mentioned checkpoint near Oleksandrivka) from where the Mission wanted to monitor civilians queuing to travel to government-control areas, referring to the ongoing closure of the checkpoint.
In addition, on 7 June, the Mission was again unable to proceed towards non-government-controlled at a checkpoint near Horlivka (non-government-controlled, 39km north-east of Donetsk) due to the presence of spikes laid across the road and of a mine hazard sign at the same checkpoint.
The Mission began facing repeated denials when attempting to cross into non-government-controlled areas at checkpoints of the armed formations in Donetsk region on 21 March and Luhansk region on 23 March (see previous SMM Spot Reports). They restrict the SMM’s freedom of movement across the contact line, thus impeding the implementation of its mandate throughout the country.
***
With regard to COVID-19, the SMM has introduced a number of stringent mitigation measures into its operational procedures. These include strict adherence to social distancing rules both internally and with external interlocutors, daily temperature checks, use of PPE and minimizing the number of personnel in vehicles.


osce--2020-06-12--OSCE organizes seminar on cyber security at home

An OSCE-supported seminar on staying safe in cyberspace was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan on 11 June @ @ @ @ @ hygiene , life in cyberspace after the quarantine and fraud on social media for an @ @ @ @ @ officials , civil society leaders , students and members of the general public .
The @ @ @ @ @ raise awareness of threats in cyberspace , including financial crimes and threats against children .
@ @ @ @ @ the general public is now spending more time online to socialize and work because of @ @ @ @ @ to stopping the spread of COVID-19 .
Participants attended via an online platform and submitted @ @ @ @ @ were addressed in real time .
The event is part of the Programme Office ’ @ @ @ @ @ of transnational threats , including those in cyberspace , to the general public .

An OSCE-supported seminar on staying safe in cyberspace was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan on 11 June 2020.
Experts discussed cyber hygiene, life in cyberspace after the quarantine and fraud on social media for an audience of over 50 government officials, civil society leaders, students and members of the general public.
The event was organized to help raise awareness of threats in cyberspace, including financial crimes and threats against children. It addressed the fact that the general public is now spending more time online to socialize and work because of the public health measure related to stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Participants attended via an online platform and submitted questions to the experts that were addressed in real time.
The event is part of the Programme Office’s efforts to promote awareness of transnational threats, including those in cyberspace, to the general public.


osce--2020-06-12--OSCE Mission in Kosovo presents report on children’s rights in court proceedings

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA , 12 June 2020 – The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched its report “ Children First : The Role of Centres for Social Work in Judicial Proceedings ” today .
The report looks into the protection of the rights of children , with a special focus on the role of Centres for Social Work ( CSW ) in judicial proceedings involving children .
The report provides an overview of the legal framework pertaining to the protection of children in Kosovo and emphasizes the importance of the principle of the best interests of the child , as reflected in both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report notes positive practices of the CSW , where staff have provided proactive support and instruction to parties ( including children ) in domestic violence cases .
However , it also highlights areas where the CSW have not engaged at an appropriate level in protecting the best interests of children , namely the absence of social workers in court hearings when summoned , inactivity during proceedings and submitting late or incomplete reports .
Monitoring of the courts between 2017 and 2019 revealed that CSW representatives were absent in 109 of 152 monitored hearings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ When judicial involvement is required in the life of a child , it can often be linked to traumatic circumstances and have highly significant consequences .
It is imperative that all relevant institutions are fully engaged in the protection of each child ’ s rights , with the best interests of the child as their paramount consideration , ” said Ambassador Jan Braathu , Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo .
The report concludes that the role of the CSW is crucial in providing expertise and information essential for courts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respecting the best interests of the child .
Courts should ensure that the role of the CSW is performed effectively and fully in line with the mandated legal requirements .
The report includes a set of recommendations for the promotion and advancement of children ’ s rights and best interests .
The full report can be found here : https : //www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/453780

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 12 June 2020 – The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched its report “Children First: The Role of Centres for Social Work in Judicial Proceedings” today. The report looks into the protection of the rights of children, with a special focus on the role of Centres for Social Work (CSW) in judicial proceedings involving children.
The report provides an overview of the legal framework pertaining to the protection of children in Kosovo and emphasizes the importance of the principle of the best interests of the child, as reflected in both Kosovo legislation and international law.
The report notes positive practices of the CSW, where staff have provided proactive support and instruction to parties (including children) in domestic violence cases. However, it also highlights areas where the CSW have not engaged at an appropriate level in protecting the best interests of children, namely the absence of social workers in court hearings when summoned, inactivity during proceedings and submitting late or incomplete reports. Monitoring of the courts between 2017 and 2019 revealed that CSW representatives were absent in 109 of 152 monitored hearings where their presence was required by law.
“When judicial involvement is required in the life of a child, it can often be linked to traumatic circumstances and have highly significant consequences. It is imperative that all relevant institutions are fully engaged in the protection of each child’s rights, with the best interests of the child as their paramount consideration,” said Ambassador Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
The report concludes that the role of the CSW is crucial in providing expertise and information essential for courts to bring final and fair judgments while respecting the best interests of the child. Courts should ensure that the role of the CSW is performed effectively and fully in line with the mandated legal requirements.
The report includes a set of recommendations for the promotion and advancement of children’s rights and best interests.
The full report can be found here: https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/453780


osce--2020-06-11--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 138/2020 issued on 11 June 2020


osce--2020-06-11--Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after first part of the regular Meeting of Trilateral

Press Statement of Special Representative Grau after first part of the regular Meeting of Trilateral Contact Group on 10 June 2020

KYIV , 10 June 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group , Ambassador Heidi Grau , made the following statement to the press : “ The meetings of the Trilateral Contact Group and its Working Groups were held through video conferencing .
According to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission , the number of ceasefire violations has considerably decreased since the previous TCG meeting two weeks ago .
Besides assessing the general situation in the conflict zone , the Security Working Group considered issues related to disengagement of forces and hardware @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , as tasked by the Normandy Four leaders in Paris in December 2019 .
The Political Working Group discussed aspects related to the consolidation of the special status of certain regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions ( CADR and CALR ) in the Ukrainian legislation .
The modalities of local elections in CADR and CALR were also considered , as stipulated by the Minsk Agreements .
The discussions of the Working Group on Humanitarian Issues focused on further mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees .
The participants also discussed the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preparatory works in view of the simultaneous opening of additional entry-exit crossing points ( ECCPs ) on the line of contact in the Luhansk region .
Besides , the Working Group debated issues related to re-opening of existing ECCPs in the course of lifting restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic .
I welcome the sides ’ readiness re-open ECCPs , which is for the benefit of the population .
I would like to emphasize that the relevant decisions shall be based on mutual understanding to ensure a smooth crossing of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the participants , the TCG meeting will continue on Monday , June 15 ” .

KYIV, 10 June 2020 – The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in Ukraine and in the Trilateral Contact Group, Ambassador Heidi Grau, made the following statement to the press:
“The meetings of the Trilateral Contact Group and its Working Groups were held through video conferencing.
According to the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, the number of ceasefire violations has considerably decreased since the previous TCG meeting two weeks ago.
Besides assessing the general situation in the conflict zone, the Security Working Group considered issues related to disengagement of forces and hardware, including the identification of additional disengagement areas, as tasked by the Normandy Four leaders in Paris in December 2019.
The Political Working Group discussed aspects related to the consolidation of the special status of certain regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (CADR and CALR) in the Ukrainian legislation. The modalities of local elections in CADR and CALR were also considered, as stipulated by the Minsk Agreements.
The discussions of the Working Group on Humanitarian Issues focused on further mutual release and exchange of conflict-related detainees. The participants also discussed the issue of providing the necessary security guarantees for the preparatory works in view of the simultaneous opening of additional entry-exit crossing points (ECCPs) on the line of contact in the Luhansk region.
Besides, the Working Group debated issues related to re-opening of existing ECCPs in the course of lifting restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
I welcome the sides’ readiness re-open ECCPs, which is for the benefit of the population. I would like to emphasize that the relevant decisions shall be based on mutual understanding to ensure a smooth crossing of the line of contact.
As agreed by the participants, the TCG meeting will continue on Monday, June 15”.


osce--2020-06-10--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 137/2020 issued on 10 June 2020

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