osce--2020-11-19--Unhindered access to, and free flow of, information remain essential during public health emergencie

Unhindered access to, and free flow of, information remain essential during public health emergencies, concludes South Caucasus Media Conference

VIENNA , 19 November 2020 – The promotion of freedom of information during health crises and the state of media freedom in Armenia , Azerbaijan and Georgia were the focus of the two-day 17th OSCE South Caucasus Media Conference , which concluded today .
The annual event , which was held online and organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media ( RFoM ) , brought together journalists , media experts , civil society and government representatives to discuss prospects and challenges in the media landscape in the South Caucasus region .
In particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to , and the free flow of , information resulting from emergency measures undertaken by governments in the region to protect human health and counter “ fake news ” .
Participants emphasized that the media has a crucial role to play in providing information on public health issues , especially in times of a pandemic , and to counter false information .
They said that the authorities should avoid taking disproportionate steps that would impede the work of journalists .
“ We have been living in times when the whole world is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic having caused serious disruptions to our everyday lives , ” said Jürgen Heissel , Director of the Office of the OSCE RFoM .
“ Although the effects of the pandemic and their implications for our societies are far-reaching and may last into the coming years , it is important to ensure that the measures to protect human safety conform strictly to international human rights standards , including those on freedom of expression and freedom of the media , and comply with the principles of legality and proportionality.
” Among other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of safety and security of media workers ; the influence of the internet on the continued changes in media landscape ; and other developments affecting media pluralism and diversity , as well as the ability of media outlets to fulfil their activities freely .
More information on the conference can be found here : https : //www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/470367

VIENNA, 19 November 2020 – The promotion of freedom of information during health crises and the state of media freedom in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia were the focus of the two-day 17th OSCE South Caucasus Media Conference, which concluded today.
The annual event, which was held online and organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), brought together journalists, media experts, civil society and government representatives to discuss prospects and challenges in the media landscape in the South Caucasus region.
In particular, participants exchanged views concerning the implications for access to, and the free flow of, information resulting from emergency measures undertaken by governments in the region to protect human health and counter “fake news”. Participants emphasized that the media has a crucial role to play in providing information on public health issues, especially in times of a pandemic, and to counter false information. They said that the authorities should avoid taking disproportionate steps that would impede the work of journalists.
“We have been living in times when the whole world is affected by a health crisis, with the COVID-19 pandemic having caused serious disruptions to our everyday lives,” said Jürgen Heissel, Director of the Office of the OSCE RFoM. “Although the effects of the pandemic and their implications for our societies are far-reaching and may last into the coming years, it is important to ensure that the measures to protect human safety conform strictly to international human rights standards, including those on freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and comply with the principles of legality and proportionality.”
Among other things, participants also discussed the issues of safety and security of media workers; the influence of the internet on the continued changes in media landscape; and other developments affecting media pluralism and diversity, as well as the ability of media outlets to fulfil their activities freely.
More information on the conference can be found here: https://www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/470367


osce--2020-11-19--OSCE Mission in Kosovo trains teachers on stress management during COVID-19

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA , 19 November 2020 – The OSCE Mission concluded today the first phase of its project `` Mental Health of Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic . ''
The project , implemented in co-operation with Education and Management in Kosovo ( EDUMEN-K ) , a non-governmental organization specialized in providing support to the education sector , included training for teachers on how to alleviate mental health issues among students as a consequence of school closures and isolation due to public health measures .
According to research conducted by the University of Pristina on the effects of COVID-19 in education , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels due to the lockdown in the spring , whereas 26.9 % reported high-stress levels .
The Association of Psychiatrists also stated that COVID-19 might have long-term negative effects on human psychology in Kosovo .
“ The rapid closure of educational facilities as well as the urgent need to shift from classroom to online learning was one of the biggest challenges the education sector has ever faced .
Moreover , students of all ages , both young women and men , had their in-person contact discontinued and lost the physical presence of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and inevitably caused stress and possible mental and emotional health problems , ” said Jan Braathu , Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo .
“ Through training the teachers on how to deal with students ’ stress during the COVID-19 pandemic , we aim to minimize the level of consequences that potentially students might have later , ” said Braathu .
Over 400 teachers from all municipalities and communities Kosovo-wide were trained in this first phase .
Training sessions included : basic knowledge about stress , stress management and strategies for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 pandemic .
Upon completion of the training , selected teachers will be able to organize and lead stress management activities for students in their schools .
The second phase of the project is underway and will be completed by December 2020 .

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 19 November 2020 – The OSCE Mission concluded today the first phase of its project "Mental Health of Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic." The project, implemented in co-operation with Education and Management in Kosovo (EDUMEN-K), a non-governmental organization specialized in providing support to the education sector, included training for teachers on how to alleviate mental health issues among students as a consequence of school closures and isolation due to public health measures.
According to research conducted by the University of Pristina on the effects of COVID-19 in education, 65.4% of students reported moderate stress levels due to the lockdown in the spring, whereas 26.9% reported high-stress levels. The Association of Psychiatrists also stated that COVID-19 might have long-term negative effects on human psychology in Kosovo.
“The rapid closure of educational facilities as well as the urgent need to shift from classroom to online learning was one of the biggest challenges the education sector has ever faced. Moreover, students of all ages, both young women and men, had their in-person contact discontinued and lost the physical presence of their peers. These challenges have burdened young people and inevitably caused stress and possible mental and emotional health problems,” said Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.
“Through training the teachers on how to deal with students’ stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to minimize the level of consequences that potentially students might have later,” said Braathu.
Over 400 teachers from all municipalities and communities Kosovo-wide were trained in this first phase. Training sessions included: basic knowledge about stress, stress management and strategies for preventing the consequences of stress after the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon completion of the training, selected teachers will be able to organize and lead stress management activities for students in their schools.
The second phase of the project is underway and will be completed by December 2020.


osce--2020-11-19--OSCE webinar addresses modern instruments of communication in Turkmenistan

An OSCE-organized webinar on the use of modern instruments in the digital information environment took place on 19 November 2020 in Ashgabat .
The event brought together representatives of Turkmenistan ’ s key ministries and state institutions as well as journalists from the country ’ s leading print , broadcast and online media .
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the webinar to contribute to advancing the knowledge of communication specialists and media professionals about opportunities available on the digital information market and enhance their skills in using modern instruments of communication in their daily work .
“ Access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizen participation in public life , ” said Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre .
“ It is our hope that such webinars will equip communication specialists and journalists with modern instruments which will help them enhance the channels of communication , increase their coverage and better understand the target audiences.
” During the webinar , experts from Poland and the Russian Federation provided an overview of media channels in digital markets and instruments for different stakeholders , , including media , companies and press services , and relations between participants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for interaction with the public on the Internet .
Participants reviewed the distinctive features of the digital information age and public expectations from different participants of the information market .
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Discussions were also held on how journalists and press officers use social media networks and messengers in their work .
Experts stressed the important role of press services and media in providing information about COVID-19 pandemic and relevant preventive measures , including through the use .of modern instruments of communication , The event was organized as part of the Centre ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of journalists and communications specialists from state institutions ” .

An OSCE-organized webinar on the use of modern instruments in the digital information environment took place on 19 November 2020 in Ashgabat. The event brought together representatives of Turkmenistan’s key ministries and state institutions as well as journalists from the country’s leading print, broadcast and online media.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the webinar to contribute to advancing the knowledge of communication specialists and media professionals about opportunities available on the digital information market and enhance their skills in using modern instruments of communication in their daily work.
“Access to information is an important pre-condition for strengthening citizen participation in public life,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre. “It is our hope that such webinars will equip communication specialists and journalists with modern instruments which will help them enhance the channels of communication, increase their coverage and better understand the target audiences.”
During the webinar, experts from Poland and the Russian Federation provided an overview of media channels in digital markets and instruments for different stakeholders, , including media, companies and press services, and relations between participants of the digital communication market and instruments for interaction with the public on the Internet.
Participants reviewed the distinctive features of the digital information age and public expectations from different participants of the information market. . Discussions were also held on how journalists and press officers use social media networks and messengers in their work.
Experts stressed the important role of press services and media in providing information about COVID-19 pandemic and relevant preventive measures, including through the use .of modern instruments of communication,
The event was organized as part of the Centre’s project “Support in strengthening professional skills of journalists and communications specialists from state institutions”.


osce--2020-11-19--OSCE Mission to Montenegro donates a set of desktop computers to Portal Analitika

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro delivered a set of desktop computers with additional equipment to the media outlet Portal Analitika on 19 November 2020 in Podgorica .
This is only a part of the donation planned , with a second part to be delivered when the epidemiological situation in the country will allow .
The activity is part of the Mission ’ s efforts to strengthen private media in Montenegro and contribute to their further professionalization and adaption to the challenges of digitalization .
“ In a rapidly digitalizing world , it is of utmost importance for journalists to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to further improve their journalistic work through use of digital tools to provide the public with high quality content , ” said Maryse Daviet , Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro .
She underlined that there are a myriad of media formats and for media houses to stay competitive , they need technological tools to produce relevant and reliable information .
“ The Mission supports private and public service media in Montenegro in their efforts to stay competitive and sustainable , ” said Daviet .
Tinka Đuranović , Executive Director of Portal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation and described it as extremely important and useful for the editorial office .
“ Computers with a quality configuration will enable journalists and editors to use more advanced platforms and services for creating and placing visual content , ” said Đuranović .
The challenges to working conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic make using new platforms and upgrading technical equipment even more important .
The Mission remains committed to supporting media professionalization in Montenegro .

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro delivered a set of desktop computers with additional equipment to the media outlet Portal Analitika on 19 November 2020 in Podgorica. This is only a part of the donation planned, with a second part to be delivered when the epidemiological situation in the country will allow. The activity is part of the Mission’s efforts to strengthen private media in Montenegro and contribute to their further professionalization and adaption to the challenges of digitalization.
“In a rapidly digitalizing world, it is of utmost importance for journalists to keep up with the latest technological trends, to further improve their journalistic work through use of digital tools to provide the public with high quality content,” said Maryse Daviet, Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.
She underlined that there are a myriad of media formats and for media houses to stay competitive, they need technological tools to produce relevant and reliable information. “The Mission supports private and public service media in Montenegro in their efforts to stay competitive and sustainable,” said Daviet.
Tinka Đuranović, Executive Director of Portal Analitika, expressed her gratitude for the donation and described it as extremely important and useful for the editorial office. “Computers with a quality configuration will enable journalists and editors to use more advanced platforms and services for creating and placing visual content,” said Đuranović.
The challenges to working conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic make using new platforms and upgrading technical equipment even more important. The Mission remains committed to supporting media professionalization in Montenegro.


osce--2020-11-19--OSCE organizes lectures for future diplomats in Turkmenistan ahead of 25th anniversary of the countr

OSCE organizes lectures for future diplomats in Turkmenistan ahead of 25th anniversary of the country’s permanent neutrality

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized an event to mark the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality status gained by Turkmenistan back in 1995 .
The first in a series of OSCE-organized online lectures for university students in Turkmenistan took place from 18 to 20 November 2020 .
Over 30 students and teaching staff of the International Relations and Law Departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ’ Institute of International Relations and International University for Humanity and Development attended lectures delivered by a professor from the Netherlands .
The lectures focused on the history of neutrality and security of small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and negotiation .
International expert introduced participants to the profession of diplomacy and facilitated discussions on how culture and language can influence the negotiation process .
“ By maintaining friendly , impartial , and mutually beneficial relations , neutral Turkmenistan has made many significant achievements within this status , one of the pillars of which is preventive diplomacy , ” said Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat .
“ We organized this course to introduce future diplomats to insightful perspectives on neutrality and preventive diplomacy ” .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ principles is crucial as it will enhance the country ’ s valued contribution to stability and sustainable development in the region and beyond , ” added Drozd .
A high-level career diplomat from Italy will deliver the second series , which will take place from 24 to 26 November 2020 .
Topics will include the evolution of European security following the Cold War , the value of neutrality , and protracted conflicts in the OSCE region .
Students will discuss issues of national minorities and challenges of integrating diverse societies .

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized an event to mark the 25th anniversary of permanent neutrality status gained by Turkmenistan back in 1995. The first in a series of OSCE-organized online lectures for university students in Turkmenistan took place from 18 to 20 November 2020.
Over 30 students and teaching staff of the International Relations and Law Departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Institute of International Relations and International University for Humanity and Development attended lectures delivered by a professor from the Netherlands.
The lectures focused on the history of neutrality and security of small states, the nature of preventive diplomacy, and negotiation. International expert introduced participants to the profession of diplomacy and facilitated discussions on how culture and language can influence the negotiation process.
“By maintaining friendly, impartial, and mutually beneficial relations, neutral Turkmenistan has made many significant achievements within this status, one of the pillars of which is preventive diplomacy,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat. “We organized this course to introduce future diplomats to insightful perspectives on neutrality and preventive diplomacy”.
“Turkmenistan’s adherence to preventive diplomacy principles is crucial as it will enhance the country’s valued contribution to stability and sustainable development in the region and beyond,” added Drozd.
A high-level career diplomat from Italy will deliver the second series, which will take place from 24 to 26 November 2020. Topics will include the evolution of European security following the Cold War, the value of neutrality, and protracted conflicts in the OSCE region. Students will discuss issues of national minorities and challenges of integrating diverse societies.


osce--2020-11-18--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 275/2020 issued on 18 November 2020

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osce--2020-11-18--Political parties, coalitions, independent candidates in Mostar promise to ensure fair election afte

Political parties, coalitions, independent candidates in Mostar promise to ensure fair election after signing pledge supported by OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Political parties , coalitions , and independent candidates participating in the 2020 local elections in the City of Mostar scheduled on 20 December 2020 signed an election pledge on 18 November 2020 , promising to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process .
The election pledge was developed by representatives of the Mostar City Election Commissions , civil society organizations and political subjects registered for 2020 local elections in Mostar , with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) .
The political subjects agreed to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fairness , and upholds several key democratic principles , such as respecting the legality of elections , avoiding exerting political pressure on voters , and refraining from using inflammatory rhetoric .
“ I am happy to see that citizens of Mostar will finally have an opportunity to exercise their democratic right .
Local elections are especially important because this level of authority is usually the one that has the most impact on BiH citizens ’ daily lives , ” said Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support all reform processes and initiatives aimed at enhancing democracy , but true progress depends on the willingness of politicians to compromise and reach consensus to the benefit of all citizens .
It is up to the signatories to bring the promises in these pledges to life and to stand by the promises they make with them.
” Political subjects in 26 local communities [ 1 ] across BiH have previously signed the election pledge .
This initiative is part of the wider efforts of the OSCE Mission , within its mandate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credible elections in the country .
[ 1 ] The 26 communities where election pledges have been signed are : Bihać , Bijeljina , Bileća , Brčko , Foča , Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje , Gradačac , Istočna Ilidža , Jajce , Kiseljak , Kostajnica , Livno , Novi Travnik , Odžak , Prijedor , Prozor , Sanski Most , Srebrenica , Srebrenik , Stolac , Teslić , Tomislavgrad , Trebinje , Visoko , Višegrad and Zenica .

Political parties, coalitions, and independent candidates participating in the 2020 local elections in the City of Mostar scheduled on 20 December 2020 signed an election pledge on 18 November 2020, promising to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process. The election pledge was developed by representatives of the Mostar City Election Commissions, civil society organizations and political subjects registered for 2020 local elections in Mostar, with the support of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
The political subjects agreed to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process, which adheres to the basic principles of integrity and fairness, and upholds several key democratic principles, such as respecting the legality of elections, avoiding exerting political pressure on voters, and refraining from using inflammatory rhetoric.
“I am happy to see that citizens of Mostar will finally have an opportunity to exercise their democratic right. Local elections are especially important because this level of authority is usually the one that has the most impact on BiH citizens’ daily lives,” said Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission. “The OSCE Mission to BiH remains ready to support all reform processes and initiatives aimed at enhancing democracy, but true progress depends on the willingness of politicians to compromise and reach consensus to the benefit of all citizens. It is up to the signatories to bring the promises in these pledges to life and to stand by the promises they make with them.”
Political subjects in 26 local communities[1] across BiH have previously signed the election pledge. This initiative is part of the wider efforts of the OSCE Mission, within its mandate, to support free, fair, and credible elections in the country.
[1] The 26 communities where election pledges have been signed are: Bihać, Bijeljina, Bileća, Brčko, Foča, Gornji Vakuf-Uskoplje, Gradačac, Istočna Ilidža, Jajce, Kiseljak, Kostajnica, Livno, Novi Travnik, Odžak, Prijedor, Prozor, Sanski Most, Srebrenica, Srebrenik, Stolac, Teslić, Tomislavgrad, Trebinje, Visoko, Višegrad and Zenica.


osce--2020-11-18--OSCE Mission presents report on responses to COVID 19 pandemic

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina ( BiH ) digitally launched the report “ Responses to COVID 19 pandemic - Human Rights and Gender Analysis ” today , 18 November 2020 .
This report examines whether gender and human rights considerations were sufficiently taken into account when developing the crisis response and looks into the negative consequences of certain measures on vulnerable communities .
The report also discusses the impact of the crisis response on human rights and fundamental freedoms , the economic activity of citizens , and on rights to social protection .
“ The battle to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups have been more impacted by pandemic-related restrictions than others , ” said Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina .
“ In tackling the pandemic , certain policy decisions taken by BiH authorities had a disproportionate impact on more vulnerable sectors of the population .
It is critical to learn from this experience to guide the development and implementation of future measures.
” The report shows that some emergency measures in BiH raised serious human rights concerns – concerns that have also tested other democracies .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for persons over 65 years of age and , in the Federation of BiH , under 18 , was found to be a violation of the right of freedom of movement and declared unconstitutional by the BiH Constitutional Court on 22 April 2020 .
In an urgent pandemic situation , it is not unreasonable to temporarily curtail certain freedoms in the interest of bringing the disease under control .
However , the potential unintended consequences of certain measures on vulnerable populations was not sufficiently taken into account .
For example , the disproportionate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not considered , nor what their impact on different categories of men and women would be .
These outcomes suggest an insufficient understanding of human rights-based responses and the lack of proper gender analysis , as well as a general lack of awareness on the need for more systemic inclusion of cross-cutting issues in an emergency response .
The OSCE Mission report provides recommendations for how to improve an emergency response in the future .
This complex situation calls upon experts , practitioners , and academia to continue to collaborate , record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiences BiH is going through .
This report is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH wider efforts in increasing awareness of the importance of gender , diversity , and human rights in the official pandemic response .

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) digitally launched the report “Responses to COVID 19 pandemic - Human Rights and Gender Analysis” today, 18 November 2020.
This report examines whether gender and human rights considerations were sufficiently taken into account when developing the crisis response and looks into the negative consequences of certain measures on vulnerable communities. The report also discusses the impact of the crisis response on human rights and fundamental freedoms, the economic activity of citizens, and on rights to social protection.
“The battle to contain COVID-19 has impacted everyone, but certain groups have been more impacted by pandemic-related restrictions than others,” said Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “In tackling the pandemic, certain policy decisions taken by BiH authorities had a disproportionate impact on more vulnerable sectors of the population. It is critical to learn from this experience to guide the development and implementation of future measures.”
The report shows that some emergency measures in BiH raised serious human rights concerns – concerns that have also tested other democracies. For instance, the complete prohibition on movement for persons over 65 years of age and, in the Federation of BiH, under 18, was found to be a violation of the right of freedom of movement and declared unconstitutional by the BiH Constitutional Court on 22 April 2020. In an urgent pandemic situation, it is not unreasonable to temporarily curtail certain freedoms in the interest of bringing the disease under control. However, the potential unintended consequences of certain measures on vulnerable populations was not sufficiently taken into account. For example, the disproportionate effects these measures had on gender equality was not considered, nor what their impact on different categories of men and women would be.
These outcomes suggest an insufficient understanding of human rights-based responses and the lack of proper gender analysis, as well as a general lack of awareness on the need for more systemic inclusion of cross-cutting issues in an emergency response.
The OSCE Mission report provides recommendations for how to improve an emergency response in the future. This complex situation calls upon experts, practitioners, and academia to continue to collaborate, record, analyse, and learn from the experiences BiH is going through.
This report is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH wider efforts in increasing awareness of the importance of gender, diversity, and human rights in the official pandemic response.


osce--2020-11-18--An OSCE-supported seminar discusses international standards in the protection of the rights of perso

An OSCE-supported seminar discusses international standards in the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities

The importance of the inclusion of persons with disabilities within society was focus of an online event held on 17 November 2020 .
The OSCE in Uzbekistan , in co-operation with the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan , the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) and several international experts on the field of rights of persons with disabilities organized the seminar .
The event gathered over 50 representatives from the civil society of Uzbekistan and from across the OSCE region , Experts and speakers exchanged their views and best practices on how to promote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be key in further strengthening their rights .
Oybek Isakov , Chairperson of the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan , said : “ This year , exactly 11 years passed since Uzbekistan signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities .
At the present time , the process of preparation for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is under way , and this process should not be delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first step towards creating an inclusive society.
” “ At the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ( ODIHR ) , we believe the right to equal participation of persons with disabilities has a prominent place in the OSCE Human Dimension Commitments , because inclusive , strong democracies depend on the active participation of all citizens ” , said Meaghan Fitzgerald , Acting Head of Democratization Department at ODIHR .
John MacGregor , OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan , said during his opening speech : “ The PCUz is gradually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights of persons with disabilities .
This year , on top of this very important event , for example , our office has translated OSCE/ODIHR materials into Uzbek language , which will enable persons with disabilities throughout Uzbekistan to better familiarize themselves with their rights .
We are also in the process of printing the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the newly-adopted law on the rights of persons with disabilities in the Braille format .
In partnership with ODIHR , the Association and a social scientist consultant , we are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the access to the Parliament for persons with disabilities.
” This activity was undertaken within the framework of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan ’ s project “ Support to the Promotion and Protection of the rights of persons with disabilities of Uzbekistan .
”

The importance of the inclusion of persons with disabilities within society was focus of an online event held on 17 November 2020. The OSCE in Uzbekistan, in co-operation with the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and several international experts on the field of rights of persons with disabilities organized the seminar.
The event gathered over 50 representatives from the civil society of Uzbekistan and from across the OSCE region, Experts and speakers exchanged their views and best practices on how to promote and protect persons with disabilities and how the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities can be key in further strengthening their rights.
Oybek Isakov, Chairperson of the Association of Disabled People of Uzbekistan, said: “This year, exactly 11 years passed since Uzbekistan signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At the present time, the process of preparation for the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is under way, and this process should not be delayed since the ratification of the convention is the first step towards creating an inclusive society.”
“At the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), we believe the right to equal participation of persons with disabilities has a prominent place in the OSCE Human Dimension Commitments, because inclusive, strong democracies depend on the active participation of all citizens”, said Meaghan Fitzgerald, Acting Head of Democratization Department at ODIHR.
John MacGregor, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, said during his opening speech: “The PCUz is gradually increasing its activities in the field of rights of persons with disabilities. This year, on top of this very important event, for example, our office has translated OSCE/ODIHR materials into Uzbek language, which will enable persons with disabilities throughout Uzbekistan to better familiarize themselves with their rights. We are also in the process of printing the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the newly-adopted law on the rights of persons with disabilities in the Braille format. In partnership with ODIHR, the Association and a social scientist consultant, we are also conducting a survey analysis on the question of the access to the Parliament for persons with disabilities.”
This activity was undertaken within the framework of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan’s project “Support to the Promotion and Protection of the rights of persons with disabilities of Uzbekistan.”


osce--2020-11-17--Political actors in Georgia should resolve deadlock and participate in the work of the new parliamen

Political actors in Georgia should resolve deadlock and participate in the work of the new parliament, OSCE PA leaders say

COPENHAGEN , 17 November 2020 – Amidst demands by the opposition for repeat parliamentary elections in Georgia and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ’ s visit to the South Caucasus country today , the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly ’ s political and security Chair and the leaders of the OSCE ’ s recent election observation mission reiterated that political deadlock must be overcome in order to ensure that the voters ’ will is respected .
“ Despite the grave challenges posed by the COVID pandemic , up to two million citizens of Georgia went to the polls on 31 October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE election mission Elona Gjebrea Hoxha ( MP , Albania ) today .
“ The highest voter turnout since parliamentary elections in 2012 was a testament to the importance of these elections and the strong democratic commitment of all Georgians.
” Hoxha noted the importance of ensuring an inclusive process of reviewing complaints .
“ Such a process is critical to maintaining Georgian voters ’ confidence in the electoral processes developed in recent years , ” she said .
“ Now that this process is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mandates , enter parliament , and continue their work within the institutions.
” Finnish parliamentarian Pia Kauma , the Head of the OSCE PA ’ s delegation of observers , recalled that the 31 October elections were competitive and , overall , fundamental freedoms were respected .
“ The observers found that Georgia , after long consultations facilitated by its international partners , had implemented important democratic reforms to advance its democracy by amending its constitution , improving the parliamentary governance model and setting in motion the transition towards a new electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged stakeholders to overcome the current polarization and to work together for a stable political framework .
“ The parties involved in the political deadlock of this moment need to find a way to overcome it , ” said United States Congressman Richard Hudson , who serves as Chair of the OSCE PA ’ s Committee on Political Affairs and Security .
“ While the complexity of this task is clear , a positive outcome is vital for Georgia ’ s democratic future.
” Hudson added that Georgia can continue to count on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those on the ground who are doing an admirable job in trying to help the parties reach agreement , even if it ultimately remains up to Georgians themselves to address the current situation , defuse the political crisis and restore trust in the electoral process .
To read the election observation mission ’ s statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on the 31 October parliamentary elections , please click here .
A follow-up press release by the mission ’ s leaders is available here .

COPENHAGEN, 17 November 2020 – Amidst demands by the opposition for repeat parliamentary elections in Georgia and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to the South Caucasus country today, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s political and security Chair and the leaders of the OSCE’s recent election observation mission reiterated that political deadlock must be overcome in order to ensure that the voters’ will is respected.
“Despite the grave challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, up to two million citizens of Georgia went to the polls on 31 October to make their voices heard,” said Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE election mission Elona Gjebrea Hoxha (MP, Albania) today. “The highest voter turnout since parliamentary elections in 2012 was a testament to the importance of these elections and the strong democratic commitment of all Georgians.”
Hoxha noted the importance of ensuring an inclusive process of reviewing complaints. “Such a process is critical to maintaining Georgian voters’ confidence in the electoral processes developed in recent years,” she said. “Now that this process is concluded all political parties elected should take their mandates, enter parliament, and continue their work within the institutions.”
Finnish parliamentarian Pia Kauma, the Head of the OSCE PA’s delegation of observers, recalled that the 31 October elections were competitive and, overall, fundamental freedoms were respected. “The observers found that Georgia, after long consultations facilitated by its international partners, had implemented important democratic reforms to advance its democracy by amending its constitution, improving the parliamentary governance model and setting in motion the transition towards a new electoral system,” Kauma said. She urged stakeholders to overcome the current polarization and to work together for a stable political framework.
“The parties involved in the political deadlock of this moment need to find a way to overcome it,” said United States Congressman Richard Hudson, who serves as Chair of the OSCE PA’s Committee on Political Affairs and Security. “While the complexity of this task is clear, a positive outcome is vital for Georgia’s democratic future.”
Hudson added that Georgia can continue to count on the support of its partners, including those on the ground who are doing an admirable job in trying to help the parties reach agreement, even if it ultimately remains up to Georgians themselves to address the current situation, defuse the political crisis and restore trust in the electoral process.
To read the election observation mission’s statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on the 31 October parliamentary elections, please click here.
A follow-up press release by the mission’s leaders is available here.


osce--2020-11-17--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 274/2020 issued on 17 November 2020


osce--2020-11-17--Statement of OSCE Mission to BiH Head Kavalec following the local elections 2020

SARAJEVO , 17 November 2020 - While the country waits for the official election results , Kathleen Kavalec , Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH , thanked voters in BiH for taking the time to cast their ballots and investing in a democratic future .
She also conveyed her gratitude to poll workers who made voting possible , observers who helped ensure the integrity of the election , and to the media for professional delivery of timely and adequate information to the public .
“ We congratulate the officials who voters have entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addressing the needs of their communities .
It is clear that BiH citizens have high expectations for their elected officials to focus on the betterment of their communities in the interests of all citizens , ” stated Kavalec .
While there were no major incidents during the elections , the OSCE Mission to BiH noted some areas of concern worth highlighting .
The turnout of voters in BiH remained relatively low , at around 50 percent , perhaps partially influenced by the COVID-19 concerns .
As for the process itself , the Mission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NGOs reported numerous alleged irregularities at different polling stations , including some cases in which observers were not allowed to enter polling stations .
“ We urge the Central Election Commission , law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across the country to react promptly .
This is the only way to rebuild trust in election processes in BiH , ” said Kavalec .
On Sunday , Kavalec visited the Pod Lupom Coalition to thank them for their vital work .
The Coalition deployed 2,600 independent observers throughout the country on election day .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the best ways to safeguard election integrity .
“ Not allowing independent observers to enter polling stations is unacceptable .
I raised this issue on election day with the Central Election Commission ( CEC ) members , who committed to addressing this and other alleged irregularities , ” said Kavalec .
The OSCE Mission to BiH once again expresses its gratitude to the CEC for all of its efforts in ensuring a transparent and fair election process and readiness to react to all alleged attempts of election fraud and electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration officials on the importance of a fair and transparent process of vote counting and tabulation , as a crucial step in protecting integrity of the election process and regaining citizens ’ trust in the fairness of elections .
The OSCE Mission to BiH remains the partner of local communities in advancing everyday life for the benefit of all citizens in BiH .

SARAJEVO, 17 November 2020 - While the country waits for the official election results, Kathleen Kavalec, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, thanked voters in BiH for taking the time to cast their ballots and investing in a democratic future. She also conveyed her gratitude to poll workers who made voting possible, observers who helped ensure the integrity of the election, and to the media for professional delivery of timely and adequate information to the public.
“We congratulate the officials who voters have entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of serving citizens and wish them success in addressing the needs of their communities. It is clear that BiH citizens have high expectations for their elected officials to focus on the betterment of their communities in the interests of all citizens,” stated Kavalec.
While there were no major incidents during the elections, the OSCE Mission to BiH noted some areas of concern worth highlighting.
The turnout of voters in BiH remained relatively low, at around 50 percent, perhaps partially influenced by the COVID-19 concerns. As for the process itself, the Mission noted that media, political parties and NGOs reported numerous alleged irregularities at different polling stations, including some cases in which observers were not allowed to enter polling stations. “We urge the Central Election Commission, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across the country to react promptly. This is the only way to rebuild trust in election processes in BiH,” said Kavalec.
On Sunday, Kavalec visited the Pod Lupom Coalition to thank them for their vital work. The Coalition deployed 2,600 independent observers throughout the country on election day. She noted that the presence of independent observers is one of the best ways to safeguard election integrity.
“Not allowing independent observers to enter polling stations is unacceptable. I raised this issue on election day with the Central Election Commission (CEC) members, who committed to addressing this and other alleged irregularities,” said Kavalec. The OSCE Mission to BiH once again expresses its gratitude to the CEC for all of its efforts in ensuring a transparent and fair election process and readiness to react to all alleged attempts of election fraud and electoral engineering.
Ambassador Kavalec also reminded election administration officials on the importance of a fair and transparent process of vote counting and tabulation, as a crucial step in protecting integrity of the election process and regaining citizens’ trust in the fairness of elections.
The OSCE Mission to BiH remains the partner of local communities in advancing everyday life for the benefit of all citizens in BiH.


osce--2020-11-17--Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on info

Weekly Update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 17 November 2020

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy , Russian Federation .
The Observer Mission ( OM ) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points ( BCPs ) .
The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week .
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members , including the Chief Observer ( CO ) and one first responder [ 1 ] .
The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna .
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities .
The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review , in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship .
Following the host country recommendations , the observers are adhering to social distancing .
Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities , the OM is faced with certain difficulties , but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be categorized as follows : • Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage .
• Families ( often including elderly persons and/or children ) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage .
The average number of entries/exits increased from 7,118 to 7,400 per day at both BCPs compared to last week [ 2 ] .
During the reporting period , the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation , with an average net flow of 58 per day for both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP .
Responding to the COVID-19 situation , the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March .
Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border ( which entered into force on 19 March ) , are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine .
In addition , reportedly , due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19 , starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June .
During the reporting period , the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was 14 , compared to nine last week .
Five persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another nine persons crossed into Ukraine .
These individuals crossed the border on foot .
The OTs continued to report on families , sometimes with elderly persons and/or children , crossing the border at both BCPs with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travelling in heavily loaded cars .
During this reporting week , seven families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and seven families were observed crossing into Ukraine , compared to the previous reporting period when three families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families crossing into Ukraine .
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine ( mostly from/to the Luhansk region ) and the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed just a slight increase in the overall number of buses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 277 compared to 276 observed during the previous week ) .
There were 143 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 134 bound for Ukraine .
On some occasions , the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses , while some buses did not display their route at all .
The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 830 compared to 822 during the previous reporting week ) ; 496 at the Gukovo BCP and 334 at the Donetsk BCP , 480 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 350 crossed into Ukraine .
Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , on a daily basis , the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation , Belarus , Lithuania , Armenia and trucks with “ LPR ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs ( 40 compared to 38 during the previous reporting week ) .
These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs .
The trucks had the words “ Propane ” and “ Flammable ” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian .
The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs , indicating that they were transporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ butane .
All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials , which could include an X-ray check .
Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP , the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks .
Compared to the previous week , the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP slightly decreased from 159 to 140 .
Of the total number of trucks scanned , 136 trucks ( 97 per cent ) were bound for Ukraine , the remaining 4 trucks ( 3 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans [ 3 ] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs .
The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region ; however , the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation .
During the reporting period , the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs ( 188 compared to 137 observed during the previous week ) ; 103 crossed into the Russian Federation and another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 12 occasions ; the OTs assessed that five trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining seven 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates .
A significant number of vehicles with “ LPR ” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis .
The OTs also observed vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates .
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 13 October to 17 November 2020 , please see the attachment here .
[ 1 ] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation .
[ 3 ] Cargo minivans : light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t ; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg ( small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1 ) .

SUMMARY
Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs). The overall number of border crossings by persons increased at both BCPs compared to the previous week.
OPERATIONAL REMARKS
The OM is currently operating with 22 permanent international Mission members, including the Chief Observer (CO) and one first responder[1]. The Mission is supported administratively by a staff member and the Chief of Fund Administration based in Vienna.
Update on COVID-19 measures
Activities have been impacted by COVID-19 and measures undertaken by the OM to ensure the safety and duty of care of its Mission members and compliance with measures set by the host country authorities. The Mission is continuing to keep the situation under review, in close contact with the OSCE Secretariat and the Chairmanship. Following the host country recommendations, the observers are adhering to social distancing. Due to the preventive measures taken by the central and regional authorities, the OM is faced with certain difficulties, but is still able to continue to fulfil its mandate without any limitations in its observation and reporting activities.
OBSERVATIONS AT THE BORDER CROSSING POINTS
Persons crossing the border
The profile of persons crossing the border can be categorized as follows:
Adults travelling on foot or by car with little or no luggage. Persons in military-style outfits. Families (often including elderly persons and/or children) travelling on foot or by car with a significant amount of luggage.
The average number of entries/exits increased from 7,118 to 7,400 per day at both BCPs compared to last week[2].
During the reporting period, the majority of border crossings were to the Russian Federation, with an average net flow of 58 per day for both BCPs. The Donetsk BCP continued to experience much more traffic than the Gukovo BCP.
Responding to the COVID-19 situation, the host country has closed its borders for the majority of foreigners starting from 18 March. Among the exceptions of persons allowed to cross the border (which entered into force on 19 March), are Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons holding passports or identification documents proving permanent residence in certain areas of Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine. In addition, reportedly, due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19, starting from 10 April, the organized passenger transport commuting between the non-government-controlled areas of Luhansk region of Ukraine and the Russian Federation was temporarily suspended and restored from 25 June.
Persons in military-style outfits
During the reporting period, the number of persons in military-style outfits crossing the border was 14, compared to nine last week. Five persons crossed into the Russian Federation while another nine persons crossed into Ukraine. These individuals crossed the border on foot.
Families with a significant amount of luggage
The OTs continued to report on families, sometimes with elderly persons and/or children, crossing the border at both BCPs with a significant amount of luggage, or travelling in heavily loaded cars. During this reporting week, seven families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and seven families were observed crossing into Ukraine, compared to the previous reporting period when three families were observed crossing into the Russian Federation and four families crossing into Ukraine.
Bus connections
Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between Ukraine (mostly from/to the Luhansk region) and the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed just a slight increase in the overall number of buses crossing the border at both BCPs (277 compared to 276 observed during the previous week). There were 143 buses bound for the Russian Federation and 134 bound for Ukraine.
On some occasions, the OTs noticed the bus drivers removing the itinerary signs from the windshields of their buses, while some buses did not display their route at all. The majority of long-distance buses commuting between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region.
Trucks
During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (830 compared to 822 during the previous reporting week); 496 at the Gukovo BCP and 334 at the Donetsk BCP, 480 of these trucks crossed into the Russian Federation and 350 crossed into Ukraine. Most of the trucks observed by the OTs had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, on a daily basis, the OTs also noted trucks registered in the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lithuania, Armenia and trucks with “LPR” plates.
The OTs also continued to observe tanker trucks crossing the border in both directions. During the reporting period, the OTs observed a slight increase in the overall number of tanker trucks crossing the border at both BCPs (40 compared to 38 during the previous reporting week). These trucks were observed crossing the border at both BCPs. The trucks had the words “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in either Russian or Ukrainian. The majority of tanker trucks had hazard signs, indicating that they were transporting propane or a mix of propane and butane. All trucks underwent systematic inspection by the Russian Federation officials, which could include an X-ray check. Due to the unfavourable observation position at the Gukovo BCP, the OTs continued to be unable to observe any X-ray checks.
Compared to the previous week, the total number of X-ray checks at the Donetsk BCP slightly decreased from 159 to 140. Of the total number of trucks scanned, 136 trucks (97 per cent) were bound for Ukraine, the remaining 4 trucks (3 per cent) crossed into the Russian Federation.
Minivans
The OM continued to observe passenger and cargo minivans[3] crossing the border in both directions at both BCPs. The OTs observed minivans predominantly with Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region; however, the OTs also saw minivans registered in the Russian Federation. During the reporting period, the OTs observed an increase in the overall number of minivans crossing the border at both BCPs (188 compared to 137 observed during the previous week); 103 crossed into the Russian Federation and another 85 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 12 occasions; the OTs assessed that five trains were travelling to the Russian Federation and the remaining seven trains were travelling to Ukraine (more details are provided in the sections “trends and figures at a glance” below).
Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees located between the train tracks and the BCP.
Other observations
The majority of vehicles crossing the border had Ukrainian licence plates issued in the Luhansk region or Russian Federation licence plates. A significant number of vehicles with “LPR” plates were also observed crossing the border in both directions on a daily basis. The OTs also observed vehicles with Georgian and Lithuanian licence plates.
For trends and figures at a glance covering the period from 13 October to 17 November 2020, please see the attachment here.
[1] First responders are OSCE staff or Mission members deployed for a short period of time.
[2] Based on data received from the Regional Representation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
[3] Cargo minivans: light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass of more than 3.5 t and not more than 7.5 t; with or without a trailer with a maximum mass of less than 750 kg (small cargo vehicles which correspond to driving licence C1).


osce--2020-11-17--OSCE Mission welcomes the launch of public registries in Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the launch of the registries of public employees and appointees in the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde ( BPC ) .
The Mission has supported the BPC Government in the development of the registries , as part of its efforts to continue assisting in establishing similar registries in the Canton Sarajevo and the Brčko District .
The Mission would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the role of the BPC Anti-corruption team and commend its commitment to the accomplishment of this complex task .
The registries , launched on 16 November 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transparent use of public funds in this Canton and building citizens ’ trust in cantonal institutions .
The registries will , among other things , enable access to financial data on employees of BPC ’ s public administration and institutions and provide information on officials appointed to conduct public functions along with appointments to oversight and steering bodies , committees and working groups .
To ensure its accuracy and integrity , the registries are expected to be regularly updated .
The Mission has been providing support to both legislative and executive structures in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To that end , the Mission has maximized the potential of digital technologies to prevent corruption , with BPC being the latest example .
We hope to continue in the same vein , and focus on replicating best practices across BiH , starting with Central Bosnia Canton , where we also see promising developments related to the establishment of public registries .
The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to assisting the BPC in ensuring the transparent and responsible use of budget funds for the benefit of the Canton ’ s citizens .

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomes the launch of the registries of public employees and appointees in the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde (BPC). The Mission has supported the BPC Government in the development of the registries, as part of its efforts to continue assisting in establishing similar registries in the Canton Sarajevo and the Brčko District. The Mission would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the role of the BPC Anti-corruption team and commend its commitment to the accomplishment of this complex task.
The registries, launched on 16 November 2020, represent a further step towards ensuring the transparent use of public funds in this Canton and building citizens’ trust in cantonal institutions.
The registries will, among other things, enable access to financial data on employees of BPC’s public administration and institutions and provide information on officials appointed to conduct public functions along with appointments to oversight and steering bodies, committees and working groups. To ensure its accuracy and integrity, the registries are expected to be regularly updated.
The Mission has been providing support to both legislative and executive structures in BiH to strengthen their anti-corruption efforts. To that end, the Mission has maximized the potential of digital technologies to prevent corruption, with BPC being the latest example. We hope to continue in the same vein, and focus on replicating best practices across BiH, starting with Central Bosnia Canton, where we also see promising developments related to the establishment of public registries.
The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to assisting the BPC in ensuring the transparent and responsible use of budget funds for the benefit of the Canton’s citizens.


osce--2020-11-28--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 284/2020 issued on 28 November 2020


osce--2020-11-27--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 283/2020 issued on 27 November 2020


osce--2020-11-27--OSCE supports annual general meeting of Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network

The OSCE supported the annual general meeting of the Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network ( BAMIN ) on 26 November 2020 , bringing together representatives of national asset management and asset recovery offices of sixteen jurisdictions ( 14 BAMIN member and three guest jurisdictions ) , together with officials from the BAMIN Secretariat and the OSCE .
Opening the meeting , Anica Vucekovic , representative of the Property Administration of Montenegro , the country that currently holds the BAMIN Presidency , highlighted efforts this year to keep the network active , despite COVID-19-related challenges .
Officials of the BAMIN Secretariat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out during 2020 as well as updates on BAMIN ’ s membership and the future BAMIN Presidency .
Since 2017 , the number of BAMIN members has significantly increased to 14 jurisdictions .
The meeting covered legal and structural changes to asset management systems as well as success stories .
The OSCE supports BAMIN through an extra-budgetary project to strengthen the fight against transnational crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure , confiscation , management and re-use .
Denise Mazzolani , Deputy Head of Strategic Police Matters Unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Threats Department ( TNTD ) , and co-manager of this project , commended BAMIN for finding innovative ways to exchange best practices and experiences , and working towards expanding the Network .
Iris Pilika , Programme Officer at the the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities ( OCEEA ) , and co-manager of the project , updated participants on the activities carried out in the framework of the regional asset recovery project and highlighted the importance of the asset management component in asset recovery , and the role BAMIN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the whole asset recovery cycle .
This extra-budgetary project is jointly implemented by TNTD and the OCEEA .
The cross-dimensional initiative adopts a comprehensive approach by providing support during the entire cycle of asset seizure , management and re-use .
The United States Department of State , Italy , Germany and the United Kingdom support the project financially .

The OSCE supported the annual general meeting of the Balkan Asset Management Interagency Network (BAMIN) on 26 November 2020, bringing together representatives of national asset management and asset recovery offices of sixteen jurisdictions (14 BAMIN member and three guest jurisdictions), together with officials from the BAMIN Secretariat and the OSCE.
Opening the meeting, Anica Vucekovic, representative of the Property Administration of Montenegro, the country that currently holds the BAMIN Presidency, highlighted efforts this year to keep the network active, despite COVID-19-related challenges. Officials of the BAMIN Secretariat presented an overview of the main activities carried out during 2020 as well as updates on BAMIN’s membership and the future BAMIN Presidency. Since 2017, the number of BAMIN members has significantly increased to 14 jurisdictions.
The meeting covered legal and structural changes to asset management systems as well as success stories.
The OSCE supports BAMIN through an extra-budgetary project to strengthen the fight against transnational crime in South-Eastern Europe through improved regional co-operation in asset seizure, confiscation, management and re-use.
Denise Mazzolani, Deputy Head of Strategic Police Matters Unit at the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department (TNTD), and co-manager of this project, commended BAMIN for finding innovative ways to exchange best practices and experiences, and working towards expanding the Network.
Iris Pilika, Programme Officer at the the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA), and co-manager of the project, updated participants on the activities carried out in the framework of the regional asset recovery project and highlighted the importance of the asset management component in asset recovery, and the role BAMIN members and asset management agencies can play in the whole asset recovery cycle.
This extra-budgetary project is jointly implemented by TNTD and the OCEEA. The cross-dimensional initiative adopts a comprehensive approach by providing support during the entire cycle of asset seizure, management and re-use.
The United States Department of State, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom support the project financially.


osce--2020-11-27--OSCE Presence, Tirana University establish research centre on transitional justice in Albania

The OSCE Presence in Albania and the University of Tirana launched the Centre for Justice and Transformation – a multi-disciplinary research centre in the field of transitional justice – at an online event on 26 November 2020 .
The Centre will strengthen the scientific research and debate regarding human rights violations during the Communist regime .
It will also focus on the impact that transitional justice measures have in advancing human rights and democratization of institutions in Albania .
The Centre is a collaboration among the Faculty of Social Sciences , the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of History @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the premises of the Faculty of Social Sciences .
“ We strongly believe that truth-seeking and the collection and dissemination of information on past violations are essential to creating a safe environment for the progressive promotion and protection of the human rights , ” said Vincenzo Del Monaco , Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania , at the launch event .
“ As a fundamental part of Albanian society , the young generation of students and researchers have the right to participate in the national discourse on dealing with the past .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific methodological tools for their effective participation in better understanding Albanian history and its effects on the current society and institutional framework .
This would pave the way for a society without fear and in full respect of human dignity and rights.
” Artan Hoxha , rector of the University of Tirana , also stressed the importance of young generations to being better informed about Albania ’ s past .
He thanked the Presence for the support , and said that the Centre would serve as a basis for the three faculties involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finalized with a Master ’ s Programme in Transitional Justice .
Representatives of national and international institutions working on transitional justice , faculty deans , lecturers engaged with the project , academia members and diplomatic corps also attended the event .
The Presence initiated the establishment of the Centre as part of its broader efforts to foster research and critical inquiry in the field of transitional justice in Albania , enhance academic analysis and contribute to a better-informed public and academic discourse on how to deal with the past .
The project establishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Swiss governments .
Since 2015 , the OSCE Presence has supported a national dialogue in Albania about the human rights violations under the Communist regime .
The efforts brought together various actors and stakeholders , including former-prosecuted people and about 1,500 young people across the country .
In 2017 and 2018 , the Presence supported the functioning and capacity-building of the newly established authority charged with opening the files of the Communist-era secret service .
In 2018 , the Presence , in co-operation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation , launched its support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concept on transitional justice , and to promoting its findings .

The OSCE Presence in Albania and the University of Tirana launched the Centre for Justice and Transformation – a multi-disciplinary research centre in the field of transitional justice – at an online event on 26 November 2020.
The Centre will strengthen the scientific research and debate regarding human rights violations during the Communist regime. It will also focus on the impact that transitional justice measures have in advancing human rights and democratization of institutions in Albania. The Centre is a collaboration among the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of History and Philology, and is situated in the premises of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
“We strongly believe that truth-seeking and the collection and dissemination of information on past violations are essential to creating a safe environment for the progressive promotion and protection of the human rights,” said Vincenzo Del Monaco, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, at the launch event. “As a fundamental part of Albanian society, the young generation of students and researchers have the right to participate in the national discourse on dealing with the past. Young people should be provided with the scientific methodological tools for their effective participation in better understanding Albanian history and its effects on the current society and institutional framework. This would pave the way for a society without fear and in full respect of human dignity and rights.”
Artan Hoxha, rector of the University of Tirana, also stressed the importance of young generations to being better informed about Albania’s past. He thanked the Presence for the support, and said that the Centre would serve as a basis for the three faculties involved to have an interdisciplinary programme to be finalized with a Master’s Programme in Transitional Justice.
Representatives of national and international institutions working on transitional justice, faculty deans, lecturers engaged with the project, academia members and diplomatic corps also attended the event.
The Presence initiated the establishment of the Centre as part of its broader efforts to foster research and critical inquiry in the field of transitional justice in Albania, enhance academic analysis and contribute to a better-informed public and academic discourse on how to deal with the past. The project establishing the Centre is funded by the German and Swiss governments.
Since 2015, the OSCE Presence has supported a national dialogue in Albania about the human rights violations under the Communist regime. The efforts brought together various actors and stakeholders, including former-prosecuted people and about 1,500 young people across the country. In 2017 and 2018, the Presence supported the functioning and capacity-building of the newly established authority charged with opening the files of the Communist-era secret service. In 2018, the Presence, in co-operation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, launched its support to the development of a multi-disciplinary research concept on transitional justice, and to promoting its findings.


osce--2020-11-27--OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports civil society organizations in using digital platforms for every

OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports civil society organizations in using digital platforms for everyday work

To strengthen capacities of civil society organization ( CSOs ) in using digital platforms , the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized two online training courses on 16 and 17 November and from 25 to 27 November 2020 .
The courses , organized in partnership with the Forum MNE , a non-governmental organization , and the South East European Youth Network , gathered representatives from 19 CSOs dealing with youth .
The first course examined various digital platforms with a view to understand how these tools and methods could support CSOs in their work .
The second focused on how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as meetings , training courses , conferences and collaborative research online .
The training courses are particularly timely due to the profound effect COVID-19 has had on everyone ’ s lives , said Ivana Vujović , the Mission ’ s Democratization National Programme Officer .
“ We have been ‘ locked down ’ , working from our kitchen tables and have had to significantly change our usual routines and preferred interactions .
We have had no choice but to shift to digital services in all areas of our lives .
The need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital world is huge and pressing , and we all hope we will manage to address it.
” Digitization of programmes was also an inevitable step for Forum MNE , explained Elvira Hadžibegović-Bubanja , the Forum ’ s Executive Director .
“ The epidemiological situation has just accelerated the process .
Youth programmes and work must be transferred to an online space to respond to the needs of young people .
The training courses will help to enhance the digital capacities of youth and professionals in civil society involved in licensed programmes.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complement the courses and expand access to training for all CSOs interested in using digital platforms .

To strengthen capacities of civil society organization (CSOs) in using digital platforms, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized two online training courses on 16 and 17 November and from 25 to 27 November 2020.
The courses, organized in partnership with the Forum MNE, a non-governmental organization, and the South East European Youth Network, gathered representatives from 19 CSOs dealing with youth. The first course examined various digital platforms with a view to understand how these tools and methods could support CSOs in their work. The second focused on how to use digital platforms for organizing events, such as meetings, training courses, conferences and collaborative research online.
The training courses are particularly timely due to the profound effect COVID-19 has had on everyone’s lives, said Ivana Vujović, the Mission’s Democratization National Programme Officer. “We have been ‘locked down’, working from our kitchen tables and have had to significantly change our usual routines and preferred interactions. We have had no choice but to shift to digital services in all areas of our lives. The need to create enabling working environments in the digital world is huge and pressing, and we all hope we will manage to address it.”
Digitization of programmes was also an inevitable step for Forum MNE, explained Elvira Hadžibegović-Bubanja, the Forum’s Executive Director. “The epidemiological situation has just accelerated the process. Youth programmes and work must be transferred to an online space to respond to the needs of young people. The training courses will help to enhance the digital capacities of youth and professionals in civil society involved in licensed programmes.”
Online tutorials are also being developed to complement the courses and expand access to training for all CSOs interested in using digital platforms.


osce--2020-11-27--OSCE seminar addresses protection of oil and gas infrastructure from hazards in Turkmenistan

Management approaches and tools aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure from natural or human-made hazards was the topic of an OSCE-organized online seminar that took place on 26 and 27 November 2020 .
“ Disaster risk reduction , including reduction of its destructive effect on strategically important infrastructure sites , represents a critically important aspect of international co-operation , ” said Natalya Drozd , Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat .
The two-day event brought together representatives of the Main Department of Civil Defence and Rescue Operations of Turkmenistan ’ s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Healthcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law-enforcement bodies , oil and gas agencies and other relevant institutions .
The seminar familiarized participants with international standards and best practices on assessing possible risks and developing effective preventive and response measures to hazards in the oil and gas sector .
It also provided an overview of regulations for environmental protection during construction of oil and gas wells and of international standards related to safety during extraction and processing of natural resources .
International experts facilitated discussions on the implementation of mechanisms aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure and promoting energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk management related to extraction , production , storage and transportation of oil and gas as well as measures to prevent and respond to emergencies caused by accidents related to oil and gas infrastructure .
Measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and to protect the digital future of the oil and gas sector were among the topics discussed .
A representative of the Office of the Co-coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities also presented the OSCE ’ s information platform , 'Critical energy infrastructure ' , which facilitates collaboration on topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrated the importance of promoting co-operation and building trust among participating States , both at interstate and interagency levels , ” said Drozd .
“ Partnerships within the OSCE , the world ’ s largest regional security co-operation organization , have the vast potential to counter these evolving threats and help protect the oil and gas sector from hazards .
”

Management approaches and tools aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure from natural or human-made hazards was the topic of an OSCE-organized online seminar that took place on 26 and 27 November 2020.
“Disaster risk reduction, including reduction of its destructive effect on strategically important infrastructure sites, represents a critically important aspect of international co-operation,” said Natalya Drozd, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.
The two-day event brought together representatives of the Main Department of Civil Defence and Rescue Operations of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Healthcare and Medical Industry, as well as law-enforcement bodies, oil and gas agencies and other relevant institutions.
The seminar familiarized participants with international standards and best practices on assessing possible risks and developing effective preventive and response measures to hazards in the oil and gas sector.
It also provided an overview of regulations for environmental protection during construction of oil and gas wells and of international standards related to safety during extraction and processing of natural resources.
International experts facilitated discussions on the implementation of mechanisms aimed at protecting oil and gas infrastructure and promoting energy security. They also shared experiences in risk management related to extraction, production, storage and transportation of oil and gas as well as measures to prevent and respond to emergencies caused by accidents related to oil and gas infrastructure.
Measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and to protect the digital future of the oil and gas sector were among the topics discussed. A representative of the Office of the Co-coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities also presented the OSCE’s information platform, 'Critical energy infrastructure', which facilitates collaboration on topics across participating States.
“Our seminar demonstrated the importance of promoting co-operation and building trust among participating States, both at interstate and interagency levels,” said Drozd. “Partnerships within the OSCE, the world’s largest regional security co-operation organization, have the vast potential to counter these evolving threats and help protect the oil and gas sector from hazards.”


osce--2020-11-27--OSCE trains Tajik civil servants on preventing corruption risks in health sector and state procureme

OSCE trains Tajik civil servants on preventing corruption risks in health sector and state procurement process during COVID-19 crisis

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized three online training courses on how to prevent corruption risks during the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ took place online from 12 to 27 November with a special emphasis on risks in @ @ @ @ @ the state procurement process .
Some 15 participants from Tajik government structures and civil society @ @ @ @ @ at building the capacity of government officials to be able to identify general corruption risks @ @ @ @ @ process during the COVID-19 pandemic and ways to prevent them .
The courses focused on @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment , as well as the prevention of corruption in research and development , @ @ @ @ @ of health-care services .
Members of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Tajikistan on @ @ @ @ @ and learned what their role could be in supporting governmental institutions in this process .

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized three online training courses on how to prevent corruption risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The training courses took place online from 12 to 27 November with a special emphasis on risks in the health sector and in the state procurement process. Some 15 participants from Tajik government structures and civil society participated.
The training aimed at building the capacity of government officials to be able to identify general corruption risks, focusing on state procurement process during the COVID-19 pandemic and ways to prevent them. The courses focused on procurement of medical and personal protective equipment, as well as the prevention of corruption in research and development, and increasing transparency in provision of health-care services.
Members of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Tajikistan on Transparency and Anti-corruption also participated and learned what their role could be in supporting governmental institutions in this process.


osce--2020-11-27--Digitalization of justice in focus of OSCE-supported Defence Lawyers Forum in Kazakhstan

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan , in co-operation with the National Bar Association and NGO Legal Policy Research Centre , organized the fifth National Forum of Defence Lawyers on 27 November 2020 .
Some 150 lawyers from regional bar associations , parliamentarians , representatives of the Supreme Court , Prosecutor General ’ s Office , the Ministries of Interior Affairs and of Justice , academia , as well as local and international legal experts discussed the key trends and challenges in digitalization of justice and its impact on the legal profession .
Participants discussed issues of the ‘ online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , related fair trial safeguards , and guarantees for the independence of the legal profession in the digital era .
They shared their views on the role of digital communications in connection with attorney-client privilege and confidentiality .
A lawyer from the German Federal Bar highlighted the benefits of special e-mail boxes for lawyers , while representatives of Bar Associations from the Russian Federation and Ukraine shared their experiences in digital transformation and related internal regulations .
An international expert from the United Kingdom spoke about the work of online courts and related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention was paid to the development of ICT services in law enforcement and the judiciary in Kazakhstan .
The forum , which this year was held online , is part of the Programme Office ’ s long-standing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and support criminal justice reform in the host country .

The OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan, in co-operation with the National Bar Association and NGO Legal Policy Research Centre, organized the fifth National Forum of Defence Lawyers on 27 November 2020.
Some 150 lawyers from regional bar associations, parliamentarians, representatives of the Supreme Court, Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministries of Interior Affairs and of Justice, academia, as well as local and international legal experts discussed the key trends and challenges in digitalization of justice and its impact on the legal profession.
Participants discussed issues of the ‘online’ delivery of justice during the pandemic, related fair trial safeguards, and guarantees for the independence of the legal profession in the digital era. They shared their views on the role of digital communications in connection with attorney-client privilege and confidentiality.
A lawyer from the German Federal Bar highlighted the benefits of special e-mail boxes for lawyers, while representatives of Bar Associations from the Russian Federation and Ukraine shared their experiences in digital transformation and related internal regulations. An international expert from the United Kingdom spoke about the work of online courts and related proceedings in England and Wales. Particular attention was paid to the development of ICT services in law enforcement and the judiciary in Kazakhstan.
The forum, which this year was held online, is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and support criminal justice reform in the host country.


osce--2020-11-26--OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) Daily Report 282/2020 issued on 26 November 2020


osce--2020-11-26--Concluding conference of OSCE’s Intelligence-led Policing project 2017-2020 held

The Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE ’ s Transnational Threats Department ( SPMU ) presented the achievements and lessons learned from the four-year extra budgetary project on Intelligence-led Policing ( ILP ) during the project ’ s concluding conference on 26 November 2020 .
Petrika Jorgji , Co-ordinator of the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship Task Force ; Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen , Permanent Representative of the Delegation of Norway to the OSCE ; and Rainer Konrad , Military Adviser of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the OSCE , as representatives of the main financial contributors to the project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as partner international organizations such as INTERPOL , EUROPOL , the EU ’ s Agency for Law Enforcement Training , and the EU ’ s Advisory Missions , to the online meeting .
Hans-Juergen Pechtl , Assistant Director of Criminal Analysis Sub-directorate of INTERPOL , said : “ The Guidebook is an excellent managerial and policy tool which provides guidance on ILP implementation at the national level .
Here at INTERPOL we frequently use the OSCE Guidebook in our trainings and we stand ready to collaborate in the future.
” Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guidebook on ILP has been translated into 10 languages , 19 national and regional events were conducted and some 550 law enforcement officers and governmental officials of 35 OSCE participating States and 8 Partners for Co-operation were trained on ILP .
The OSCE promotes ILP as a modern proactive policing tool that uses information and data for evidence-based decision-making and planning , leading to more effective and efficient police work .
During the conference , representatives of beneficiary countries presented evaluations of their national ILP programmes as well as concrete future ILP needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ILP Needs Assessment Questionnaire and the new extra-budgetary project on ILP for 2021–2023 .
The new project will shift from awareness-raising towards more capacity-building and technical assistant activities .
Guy Vinet , Head of SPMU , concluded : “ ILP is a journey and it is important to remember that the starting point for this journey lies in policing — providing a safe and secure environment for the public .
ILP is a tool to provide the best service to your citizens .
”

The Strategic Police Matters Unit of the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department (SPMU) presented the achievements and lessons learned from the four-year extra budgetary project on Intelligence-led Policing (ILP) during the project’s concluding conference on 26 November 2020.
Petrika Jorgji, Co-ordinator of the Albanian OSCE Chairmanship Task Force; Ambassador Anne-Kirsti Karlsen, Permanent Representative of the Delegation of Norway to the OSCE; and Rainer Konrad, Military Adviser of the Permanent Mission of Germany to the OSCE, as representatives of the main financial contributors to the project, welcomed some 130 participants from beneficiary countries as well as partner international organizations such as INTERPOL, EUROPOL, the EU’s Agency for Law Enforcement Training, and the EU’s Advisory Missions, to the online meeting.
Hans-Juergen Pechtl, Assistant Director of Criminal Analysis Sub-directorate of INTERPOL, said: “The Guidebook is an excellent managerial and policy tool which provides guidance on ILP implementation at the national level. Here at INTERPOL we frequently use the OSCE Guidebook in our trainings and we stand ready to collaborate in the future.”
Over the past four years, the OSCE Guidebook on ILP has been translated into 10 languages, 19 national and regional events were conducted and some 550 law enforcement officers and governmental officials of 35 OSCE participating States and 8 Partners for Co-operation were trained on ILP. The OSCE promotes ILP as a modern proactive policing tool that uses information and data for evidence-based decision-making and planning, leading to more effective and efficient police work.
During the conference, representatives of beneficiary countries presented evaluations of their national ILP programmes as well as concrete future ILP needs. SPMU representatives presented the results of the ILP Needs Assessment Questionnaire and the new extra-budgetary project on ILP for 2021–2023. The new project will shift from awareness-raising towards more capacity-building and technical assistant activities.
Guy Vinet, Head of SPMU, concluded: “ILP is a journey and it is important to remember that the starting point for this journey lies in policing — providing a safe and secure environment for the public. ILP is a tool to provide the best service to your citizens.”