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OSCE Programme Office supports event on public-private partnership in customs at VIII Astana Economic Forum

OSCE - Thu, 21/05/2015 - 13:30

ASTANA, 21 May 2015 – An OSCE-supported regional forum side event at the VIII Astana Economic Forum on developing a partnership between customs officials and the business community began today in Astana.

The two-day event is co-organised by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana with the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance, the World Customs Organization and the German Federal Enterprise on Co-operation (GIZ). It brought together over 130 leading international experts and high-ranking officials from the sphere of customs agencies as well as representatives of international organizations and foreign and local businesses. During the forum, participants will focus on the importance of interaction between the business sector and customs agencies by analysing the experience of co-operation as presented by national and international experts, inter alia, speakers from Moldova and the United Kingdom supported by the Programme Office who will share good practices.

“The government agencies’ activities should be maximally transparent with due account for international standards and aimed at improving public services and the elimination of administrative barriers for the further development of the overall investment climate in the country,” said Finance Minister Bakhyt Sultanov. “Today's forum is a logical continuation of this work and a further reflection of trust between Customs Service and the business community."

Deputy Co-ordinator of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Alexey Stukalo, said: “Transparency of customs regulations, wider use of Information and Communications Technologies, regular audits, the adoption and implementation of a code of conduct can decrease the risks of corruption, promote integrity and ethical values in the sphere of customs and make cross-border procedures friendlier for the business sector. These measures shall be combined with sound human resource management, motivation of staff and building customs-private sector partnerships through programmes such as Authorized Economic Operator / Trusted Trader."

The event is part of the Office’s joint activities to promote trade facilitation and good governance in Kazakhstan and the wider region.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 20 May 2015

OSCE - Thu, 21/05/2015 - 13:12

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security consideration*. The SMM observed continuing ceasefire violations at and around Donetsk airport. The SMM observed a significant increase of ceasefire violations in the area of Shyrokyne with a total of more than 200 explosions. The SMM spoke to the two individuals held at the military hospital in Kyiv.

The SMM observed continuous ceasefire violations in and around Donetsk airport[1] (“Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled, 12km north-west of Donetsk). During an 11-hour period from 7:30 to 18:45hrs, the SMM at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination observation point at Donetsk central railway station (“DPR”-controlled, 8km north-west of Donetsk city centre) heard a total of 176 explosions caused by incoming and outgoing artillery and mortar fire, as well as bursts of anti-aircraft gun and heavy machine gun. The SMM assessed that the explosions occurred at locations to the west, north-west and north and at distances ranging between 3.5 and 8km from its position.

The SMM observed that hostilities had resumed in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) in the late evening of 19 May, with artillery explosions heard all the way to Mariupol. The situation remained the following day, when from its observation point (4.5km south-west of Shyrokyne, 16km east of government-controlled Mariupol) the SMM heard a noticeable increase in the number of explosions, mostly outgoing and some incoming mortar shells (82mm and 120mm). This marked a significant increase over the previous days with a total of more than 200 explosions over the course of the day. The SMM heard one outgoing tank shot from government-controlled Berdyanske area (1.5km west of Shyrokyne, 20km east of Mariupol) and most likely impacting in the area of Shyrokyne. The SMM also heard intermittent exchanges of small-arms fire all afternoon, at times very intensive, to the east and the north-east of its position.

In Sakhanka (“DPR”-controlled, 24km north-east of Mariupol), the SMM observed an impact it assessed to have been caused by a 82mm mortar shell, which according to residents occurred during shelling on 11 May and hit a roof of a house causing damage. The SMM talked with residents in the village who said that shelling occurred also on 19 May between 19:00 and 20:00hrs, and on 20 May from 04:00 to 08:00hrs, with impacts in fields around the village observed by the SMM. It did not cause any casualties. According to the local residents shelling occurs very often in the area. The SMM observed the impact of a second 82mm mortar shell, which hit a garden on 19 May – according to residents - and destroyed an outbuilding, as well as breaking the windows of several nearby houses.

The SMM observed no military movement or heavy-caliber weapons systems in areas it patrolled in “DPR”-controlled Debaltseve (62.5km north-east of Donetsk).

The SMM monitored a gathering of about 10 females from “LPR”-controlled Krasnodon (43km south-east of Luhansk) in front of the regional administration of the “LPR” “ministry of social protection” in Luhansk city. The women, all single mothers from Krasnodon, said that they had come to Luhansk city to meet the “authorities”, as they had not received social and financial support. They claimed that this affected not only approximately 2,000 women, but an estimated total number of 5,000-6,000 people including children. They have been told by “LPR” structures to open a bank account in Roubles, but due to the low capacities of the two relevant bank offices to process new customers and the high number of people demanding bank services currently they were not able to open such bank accounts. In addition, some of the single mothers said they did not have valid passports or other documents which hindered them from crossing the border to the Russian Federation to receive medical support for children such as necessary vaccinations. There was no medical treatment for infants and children without payment in Krasnodon, which they could not afford. Moreover, prices of baby food are five times higher than before. They stated that they would organize a roadblock to stop the next humanitarian aid convoy from the Russian Federation in order to request their appropriate share of aid. According to the group they also held a meeting with the “minister of social protection”, who promised them support for opening a bank account. According to the protestors two out of ten single mothers received immediate social payment in an amount of 1,000 UAH.

In Alchevsk (“LPR”-controlled, 40km south-east of Luhansk), the SMM met with the “mayor” who expressed concern about the situation regarding water supply I the village. According to him, the city received only 6,000-8,000 ltrs/day of the needed 24,000 ltrs/day. The water is supplied from the government-controlled side and the supply system has been damaged by shelling. The interlocutor said that the water supply system cannot be repaired due to on-going fighting.

Despite claims that withdrawal of heavy weapons was complete, the SMM observed the following weapons’ movement/presence in areas that are in violation of the Minsk withdrawal lines: in government-controlled areas, six MT-12 100mm anti-tank guns, and six T-64 main battle tanks.

The SMM visited the two individuals currently held at the military hospital in Kyiv, who received medical treatment. The SMM spoke to the two individuals without the presence of Ukrainian authorities. The SMM assessed their general condition and gathered their accounts about their capture.

One of them said he had received military education in the Russian Federation. Both individuals claimed that they were members of a unit of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. They claimed that they were on a reconnaissance mission. They were armed but had no orders to attack. Both of them said that they came under fire, got injured and were captured on 16 May 2015 at the contact line near Shchastya. One of them said he had received orders from his military unit to go to Ukraine; he was to “rotate” after three months. Both of them said they had been to Ukraine “on missions” before. One of them stressed repeatedly that there were no Russian troops involved in fighting in Ukraine. Both said they were provided with a Ukrainian lawyer who visited them today.

The SMM was stopped approximately one kilometre south of the city centre of Nadvirna (35km south of Ivano-Frankivsk) by participants of a demonstration. Three policemen were stopping traffic and were advising drivers to turn around or detour. The demonstration consisted of a group of about 60 persons, with approximately 30 people in military uniform, two with balaclavas. A tour bus and two vehicles in front of the SMM vehicle were allowed to pass through by demonstrators. A local woman told the SMM that the demonstration was organised by a local self-defence activist. The SMM was allowed to pass by the police but when the patrol further approached the demonstration with the intention to pass, the SMM vehicle was blocked. The demonstrators started making hissing and whistling noises and holding their noses and commenting about the “smell”.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kharkiv, Dnepropetrovsk, Odessa, Kherson, Chernivtsi, and Lviv.

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations including the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines.

 

The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere.

  • From 15:10 to 16:10hrs the SMM was kept waiting at the main “DPR” checkpoint in Novoazovsk (“DPR”-controlled, 45km east of Mariupol) in order to proceed to the crossing point of the Ukraine-Russian Federation border. Despite phone calls to the Novoazovsk ”DPR” “police” and the “DPR” “ministry of defense” the SMM could not pass and decided to return to base.
  • When passing the checkpoint at the southern entry to Debaltseve (“DPR”-controlled, 62.5km north-east of Donetsk), a “DPR” member told the SMM to get in touch with the office of the “DPR” commander and to inform the personnel there about the SMM’s presence in the city. The SMM went there and was asked to wait. After waiting for more than 30 minutes, the SMM was let through the checkpoint.
  • The SMM attempted to enter Oktyabr (“DPR”-controlled, 29km north-east of Mariupol), but was stopped at the “DPR” checkpoint at the eastern entrance to the village. After 25 minutes waiting, the SMM was allowed to travel with “DPR” escort through the village, but was not allowed to stop or leave the main road.
 

[1] For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annex table.

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OSCE provides environmental equipment to the American University of Armenia

OSCE - Thu, 21/05/2015 - 12:32
Gohar Avagyan, OSCE Office in Yerevan

Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, donated mobile toxic pollution testing equipment and supplies to the American University of Armenia (AUA) Center for Responsible Mining on May 21, 2015. The donated equipment and supplies are indispensable for collecting data that will inform affected citizens about health risks and allow for advice on how to manage them.

Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, President of the American University of Armenia, received the equipment, which includes a heavy metals soils analyser, photometers, water analysis instrument, additional kits for soil and water analysis.

The equipment is part of a larger project, a crowdfunding campaign organized by ONEArmenia last year. The aim was to enable the AUA Center for Responsible Mining to conduct independent monitoring of communities for toxic heavy-metal pollution resulting from mining and mineral processing in Armenia.

Within the ONEArmenia’s campaign Let’s Protect Armenia from Toxic Pollution, the AUA Center for Responsible Mining is expected to conduct targeted studies and community-wide assessments in five to eight communities over the coming year. The first studies are expected to start in June 2015.

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OSCE Mission to Skopje supports Workshop to enhance capacity of the Common Contact Centres

OSCE - Thu, 21/05/2015 - 10:34
Ioanna Lachana, OSCE Mission to Skopje Mirvete Islam, OSCE Mission to Skopje Mihajlo Lahtov, OSCE Mission to Skopje

Police officers from Common Contact Centres will meet at border crossing point with Bulgaria, Deve Bair, on 21 May 2015 to share experiences and enhance capacity on fighting organized crime. 

The workshop is supported by the OSCE Mission to Skopje and aims at becoming a co-ordination tool to provide immediate updated information on crime trend at the border areas, as well as to analyse and share best practice and modus operandi from other countries, including European Union Member States.

In 2013, the Mission supported the establishment of the Common Contact Centre in Tabanovce, at the crossing point with Serbia, to strengthen and sustain the existing cross-border co-operation in order to exchange analytical and operational information to fight transnational organized crime.

In 2014, OSCE Mission to Skopje provided technical equipment as well as ad-hoc training for 16 Police officers, currently employed at the Centre established at Blace border crossing point. 

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OSCE co-organizes roundtable on gender-responsive National Reconciliation in Afghanistan

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 18:20

A round-table discussion on empowering women in Afghanistan to enable their participation in decision-making and reconciliation with the aim of building sustainable peace, took place on 20 May 2015 in Vienna. It was hosted by the Gender Section in the Office of the Secre­tary General and the Embassy and the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan in Vienna.

 The debate focused on how women’s participation in governance institutions is both a means to achieve, and an indicator of improved stability and security. It also highlighted the importance of including empowerment of women and respect for their rights as a fundamental principle in all post-2014 negotiations between relevant stakeholders.

The event was attended by a delegation from Afghanistan, led by Minister of Women’s Affairs Dilbar Nazari and included government officials, members of parliament and representatives of civil society and media.

Special Representative of the Chairmanship-in-Office on Gender Issues, Ambassador Melanne Verveer, said in her opening speech, “Any prospect for peace in Afghanistan will not be achieved without the full participation of women and the protection of their rights.”

“Experiences show that putting an end to conflict and achieving sustainable peace requires negotiations among all stakeholders in a transparent and inclusive process, where both men and women can have their voices and play a role in the relevant decision making and policy making processes,” said Minister of Women’s Affairs, Nazari.

She also noted that she is glad to see that women’s empowerment remains high on the agenda of the OSCE and that in this context support to Afghan women is becoming an important element of its increasing engagement with Afghanistan.

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 19 May 2015

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 17:49

This report is for the media and the general public.

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”.  Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations *.  In Minsk the Chief Monitor of the SMM chaired the Trilateral Contact Group's Working Group on Security.  The SMM observed continuing ceasefire violations in and around Donetsk over an extended period during night and daytime hours.

In Minsk the SMM Chief Monitor chaired the Trilateral Contact Group's Working Group on Security. The participants intensively discussed security issues, in particular the situation in and around Shyrokyne but did not reach an agreement.

The SMM observed continuing ceasefire violations in the area of “Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled Donetsk.  From two observation  points,  the SMM heard over 300 explosions caused by incoming and outgoing heavy weapons fire, including artillery, and mortar during the night period from 20:48 hours on 18 May to 02:02 hours on 19 May and during the daytime period of 09:10 until 17:25 hours on 19 May.[1]  The SMM observed that the explosions occurred at locations to the west, north, north-east, and south of its Donetsk city centre and Donetsk central railway station positions at distances ranging from 2km to 8km from its positions. The SMM concluded that the explosions had occurred in or around the “DPR”-controlled Donetsk airport (10km north-west of Donetsk), Spartak (10km north-north-west of Donetsk), and the southerly part of Donetsk city, as well as government controlled Pisky (7km west of Donetsk) and Opytne (12km north-west of Donetsk).

The SMM met with the Ukrainian Armed Forces Major-General and the Russian Federation Armed Forces Colonel-General at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination  (JCCC) HQ in Soledar (government-controlled, 77km north-north-east of Donetsk). The incident logs provided to the SMM by each party differed in attribution of responsibility, but both logs showed a total of 71 ceasefire violations, representing an increasing level of fighting in the general area of Donetsk (“DPR”-controlled) and in the directions of Horlivka (“DPR”-controlled, 43km north-east of Donetsk), and Pisky (government-controlled, 7km north-west of Donetsk).

The SMM, jointly with JCCC officers representing both Russian Federation Armed Forces and Ukrainian Armed Forces, travelled to Pisky (government-controlled, 7km north-west of Donetsk), where it met with the Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander of a unit located in the south-eastern part of Pisky, who informed that during shelling in the evening of 18 May two soldiers were wounded, one seriously. The SMM was then guided to a spot allegedly impacted by a white phosphorus mortar grenade. According to one of the soldiers, the shelling occurred around midnight on 18 May. The SMM noted a crater of less than 1m in diameter and 50cm deep, and assessed it to be an impact of an 82mm mortar. Although both representatives of the JCCC claimed incoming white phosphorus mortar grenades were observed, the SMM was not able to confirm their usage, based on available evidence and analysis at the scene.

The SMM observed that the overall security situation in Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) remained relatively calm for the fourth consecutive day, but the SMM heard 56 explosions late in the day at a distance of 5km E of SMM observation point at Sopyne (government-controlled 4.5km west of Shyrokyne, 16km east of Mariupol), from 17:45 to 18:04 hours.

In Mariupol (government-controlled, 103km south of Donetsk) at 10:00 hours, a group of around 25 citizens of various ages and including women and children, held a demonstration in front of the local SMM patrol hub. They expressed their opposition to proposed plans for the disengagement of forces in Shyrokyne, which they believe would make Mariupol vulnerable to attack. Many were wrapped in Ukrainian flags and some held placards. The SMM engaged with the protesters, listening to their concerns and explaining that the sides present in the JCCC worked out a plan to protect civilians in Shyrokyne.  After 10 minutes, the protesters dispersed. Some 10-15 media representatives covered the event, which took place in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

In the Luhansk region the SMM observed that the overall security situation remained calm.

In government-controlled Troitske (69km west of Luhansk), the SMM spoke to three male interlocutors in their sixties who told the SMM that they are unable to plant their crops this year for fear of mines in the fields. The interlocutors’ concerns are based on information about mines apparently communicated to the villagers by soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and by an SMM-investigated incident on 24 March 2015 where a women lost her leg due to a mine.

The SMM spoke to the “mayor” of “Lugansk People’s Republic” (“LPR”)-controlled Krasnodon (43km south-east of Luhansk), who told the SMM that agriculture has suffered because of the conflict with 6000 out of 24,000 hectares in the district of Krasnodon affected by mines and unexploded ordnance. The district “emergency situations institution” has managed to clear approximately 4000 hectares and is expecting to clear the remaining 2000 hectares in the next few months to be able to plant. According to the interlocutor, agriculture is considered the second most important economic resource in this district, just after mining. It presently generated 12% of revenues for Krasnodon. According to the interlocutor, 4500 people work in agriculture, mostly for the 117 agricultural enterprises located in the area.  As a result of the conflict, production of vegetables has fallen (from formerly 230 hectares being cultivated to now 30 hectares).

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons has been completed, the SMM observed nine tanks (T-72) in the general vicinity of Torez (“DPR”-controlled, 58km east of Donetsk). The SMM also observed a total of another eight tanks (T-64) in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, four in government-controlled areas and four in “LPR”-controlled areas.

The SMM, along with representatives of the European Union Advisory Mission and Amnesty International, visited two allegedly Russian soldiers at the Central Military Hospital in Kyiv, where the two men are detained and under strong guard. The short 10-minute visit was conducted as part of the SMM monitoring function, under the supervision of the State Security Service of Ukraine. The responsible doctors told the SMM and the other international visitors that the two men were being treated after being injured in fighting around the town of Shchastya (government-controlled, 20km north of Luhansk). (See the SMM daily report of 19 May 2015 (http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm/158871).

The SMM attempted to escort an OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) delegation to Donetsk from Dnepropetrovsk. However, while en route near Slavyanka (government-controlled, 123km east of Dnepropetrovsk), the ODIHR delegation received a phone call from “DPR spokesperson” Denis Pushilin and were advised the “DPR” would not allow them to come to Donetsk. The ODIHR delegation then travelled to Kramatorsk with the SMM.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Kharkiv, Odessa, Kherson, Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv.

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations including the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines.

The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere.

  • The SMM was stopped by two Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers approximately 400m from a UAF military position near Luhanske village (government-controlled, 58km north-east of Donetsk). Access to part of the village was denied on the grounds that it was a restricted military area.
  • The SMM dispatched a patrol to a heavy weapons holding area previously monitored by the SMM. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander did not allow access to the site on the grounds that an appointment was necessary.
  • The SMM visited a “DPR” shooting range near Ternove (“DPR”-controlled, 163km north-east of Donetsk) and spoke to the personnel at the location. The SMM was informed that the SMM would not be able to observe the heavy weapons for security reasons.
 

[1]  For a complete breakdown of ceasefire violations, please see the annexed table.

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OSCE Representative calls on President of Russia to veto new restrictive law that would have negative effect on free expression, free media

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 15:21

RIGA, 20 May 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said new restrictive laws in the Russian Federation would have a negative effect on freedom of expression, media freedom and pluralism of opinions.

“The broad and imprecise wording of this legislation would impose serious restrictions on a wide-array of important democratic rights, including freedom of expression and media freedom,” Mijatović said.

On 19 May, the State Duma adopted a law which gives the Prosecutor General and his deputies the authority to declare foreign or international NGOs “undesirable”, which means they can be banned as a threat to the country’s constitutional order, defense or national security. On 20 May, the law was approved by the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly.

“I call on the President of the Russian Federation to veto this legislation in order to protect pluralistic debate,” Mijatović said.

Among other things, the law:

  • suspends the right of the banned organizations to be among the founders of Russian media outlets;   
  • prohibits Russian mass media and online portals to disseminate information materials produced by these organizations; 
  • deprives local civil society organizations, including media NGOs, from receiving assistance from the banned foreign counterparts.

Mijatović noted concerns about the legislation raised by various local and international human rights organizations, including the Council for Civil Society and Human Rights under the President of the Russian Federation, which presented its critical expert opinion on the law in March.

In 2012 another restrictive law was adopted requiring NGO’s to register as “foreign agents” on the basis that they engage in political activity and receive foreign funding. It has had wide-reaching crippling effects for NGO’s working to protect and promote media freedom in Russia. The Representative issued public statements on this issue which are available at www.osce.org/fom/142391 and at www.osce.org/fom/100569.

The Representative is in Riga participating in an international conference on media freedom.

 

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom

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OSCE-supported workshop in Uzbekistan debates fighting cyber threats

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 15:02

TASHKENT, 20 May 2015 – A two-day workshop on cyber and ICT security issues began in Tashkent today. The event brought together some 40 participants, including 10 international experts from Austria, Estonia, France, Germany, Switzerland, UK, USA as well as representatives of the national parliament, judiciary, ministries for information technology, foreign affairs, academia and law enforcement agencies.

The event facilitated discussions among international and national experts on global, regional and bilateral efforts to enhance international Cyber Security. Best practice and lessons learned in investigations in the field of counter-narrative strategies to counter extremism online as well as countering the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes were also debated. Participants also discussed current threats in cybercrime, local legislations and strategies in use.

“Cybercrime is a new kind of threat that makes people vulnerable to cyber-criminals who can commit crimes against victims located thousands of kilometres away”, stated Deputy Head of Police Academy, Abror Otajonov, in his opening remarks. “This threat to our security can only be addressed by ensuring close international cooperation and adopting comprehensive national policies and developing relevant capacities”.

Ben Hiller, Cyber Security Officer of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, said: ”With its comprehensive and inclusive approach the OSCE represents a bridge between different national and international approaches to tackling cyber/ICT threats and allows various stakeholders dealing with different cyber threats to move forward in a complementary manner.“

This event was organized in co-operation with the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, as part of the multi-year support provided by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan to the National Police Academy to improve the staff training system. 

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OSCE Mission supports improved social protection through establishment of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Social Workers Union

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 11:07
Željka Šulc

As part of its effort to improve social protection, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized on 20 May 2015 in Sarajevo a meeting to establish the Union of Associations of Social Workers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH).  

“The Union will help social workers in their effort to advocate for the improvement of the social protection system, which currently suffers from a lack of staff, adequate working space and equipment, insufficient funding to service large numbers of beneficiaries of various profiles, as well as from discrepancies between entity, cantonal and municipal level legislation and provisions,” said Head of the OSCE Mission’s Human Rights Section Barbara Chiarenza.

Members of the Board for the Establishment of the FBiH Union of Social Workers have already adopted the Statute and Rules of Procedure and have elected bodies which will manage the work of the Union. Their formal registration is expected shortly.

President of the Sarajevo Canton Association of Social Workers, Enda Pavić Pečenković, said: “The establishment of the Union at the entity level is very important for all those who deal with social work because only through our joint efforts we can enhance our work and improve the quality of our services.” .

“The Union will enhance and protect social work and social workers in accordance with professional, ethic and international standards and should be an active participant in the development of social protection laws.”

The establishment of the Union in the FBiH will further create conditions for the formation of a union at the State level in co-operation with the already existing Union of Social Workers in Republika Srpska. The State level union could co-ordinate the work of all associations of social workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina and strengthen co-operation among them. Likewise, it would be able to request membership of the International Association of Social Workers. 

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OSCE Programme Office in Astana concludes training seminars on National Preventive Mechanism

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 10:44
Colin McCullough, OSCE Programme Office in Astana

The last in a series of four OSCE-supported training seminars on the practical aspects of implementation of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) for Preventing Torture and Ill-treatment in Kazakhstan took place on 20 May 2015 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Some 40 members of the NPM from non-governmental organizations, representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office as well as the Interior, Education and Health Care Ministries discussed the key challenges in fulfilling the NPM’s monitoring obligations in Kazakhstan and effective measures to be taken at multiple levels to ensure that national laws related to it are implemented.

Discussions were led by a member of the UN Sub-Committee on Prevention of Torture and national experts who focused on the international and national legal frameworks as well as the analysis of anti-torture standards and their implementation, including necessary mechanisms for conducting preventive visits to detention facilities and reporting on the findings.

Participants were trained on monitoring methodology and how to prepare monitoring reports for preventive visits to police stations, mental health institutions, drug rehabilitation centres and juvenile justice establishments. Particular attention was paid to the activities of the regional NPM groups and their co-operation and external communication with regional law-enforcement departments, prosecutors, prison administrations, healthcare institutions and media representatives. The training seminar was also preceded by an extended session of NPM Coordination Council, where a consolidated report on preventive visits in 2014 was presented.

The seminar was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Kazakhstan, the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights with support from the Penal Reform International Office in Central Asia. It concluded the series of training and capacity-building events the Office has supported in 2015 for some 120 NPM members from across the country.

The series is part of the Office’s long-term efforts to establish the NPM and promote the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture in the host country.

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OSCE Project Co-ordinator calls for join efforts in supporting voices of moderation, promoting dialogue and restoring trust

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 10:08
116074 Rashad Huseynov, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku

“Inter-cultural dialogue should not only lead to a deeper understanding of the other, but also include conflict prevention and de-escalation, combating prejudices and stereotypes in the public and political discourse,” Ambassador Alexis Chahtahtinsky, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku, said in his remarks at the Third World Forum on Intercultural Dialogues that took place in Baku on 18-19 May 2015.

Ambassador Chahtahtinsky spoke at the plenary session titled Sharing Culture for Sharing Security which was devoted to the responsibility of international institutions and governments in building trust and understanding between cultures and civilizations and shaping common global agenda.

The rise of anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, often associated with violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism, as well as the rise of xenophobia, islamophobia and of the far right have a destructive potential for many societies in the OSCE area, Ambassador Chahtahtinsky said.

Project Co-ordinator believes that international organizations need to join efforts in supporting voices of moderation, promoting dialogue and restoring trust. “One of the ways of doing is through participation in fora like this one, and I want to commend the Government of Azerbaijan for taking this initiative,” he said.

In conclusion, Ambassador Chahtahtinsky stated that the OSCE, with its comprehensive approach to security and co-operation, is uniquely equipped to address these challenges, and can provide a platform for participating states to learn from each other’s experience.

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OSCE hosts a seminar on the role of the private sector in combating money laundering and terrorism financing

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 09:58

TASHKENT, 20 May 2015 – An OSCE hosted seminar to discuss the role of the private sector in national assessment of risks of money laundering and financing of terrorism started today in Tashkent.

The day-long seminar was organized by the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan together with the Financial Intelligence Unit of Uzbekistan and the International Training and Methodology Centre for Financial Monitoring in the framework of the plenary assembly of the Eurasian Group on Combatting Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (EAG), held in Tashkent in the period of 18-22 May, 2015.

Delegations of all EAG member-states, representatives of the government and the financial sector of Uzbekistan, as well as international experts discussed some of the most pressing money laundering and terrorism financing risks. They also shared knowledge on how to effectively assess and tackle them. The participants stressed the importance of the private sector involvement for an efficient implementation of the National Risk Assessment.

“The OSCE continues to support international efforts that have made National Risk Assessment the standard in the fight against money laundering and financing of terrorism. Risk-based approach can help design comprehensive and cost- and result-effective strategies. But for this to happen it is vital that the private sector be fully involved,” said Ambassador György Szabo, the Head of Mission of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan.

The seminar is part of long-term activities by the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan to support the government of Uzbekistan in its work to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.

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OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv tomorrow

OSCE - Wed, 20/05/2015 - 08:55

KYIV, 20 May 2015 – The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) will hold its regular news briefing tomorrow in Kyiv.

Alexander Hug, the SMM’s Deputy Chief Monitor, will talk about the recent Mission’s activities and the general security situation throughout Ukraine.

Journalists are invited to attend the news briefing tomorrow, 21 May, at 13:15 (Kyiv time), at the Ukrainian Crisis Media Centre, at 2 Khreshchatyk street, Ukrainian house.

Live online streaming of the news briefing will be available at http://uacrisis.org/ru/stream/#eng

 

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Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine based on information received as of 19:30 (Kyiv time), 18 May 2015

OSCE - Tue, 19/05/2015 - 20:57

The SMM monitored the implementation of the “Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements”. Its monitoring was restricted by third parties and security considerations.* The SMM observed ceasefire violations in and around Donetsk airport, though the fighting continued at a relatively low level. Southern Donetsk region and Luhansk region remained calm. The SMM observed earlier-recorded heavy weapons at two “DPR”-controlled holding areas to be in situ.

The SMM observed continued violations of ceasefire in and around Donetsk airport[1] (“Donetsk People’s Republic” (“DPR”)-controlled, 12km north-west of Donetsk city centre), although at a relatively low level of intensity. Over an almost 10-hour period from 7:36 to 17:30hrs, the SMM at the Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination observation point at Donetsk central railway station (“DPR”-controlled, 8km north-west of Donetsk city centre) heard a total of 109 explosions caused by incoming and outgoing artillery and mortar fire, as well as SALW fire including heavy machine gun bursts. The SMM concluded that the explosions occurred at locations to the west, north-west and north of its position and at distances ranging between 1.5 and 7km from its position. Locations in the areas where the SMM concluded that the explosions had occurred included in or around government-controlled Pisky to the west, “DPR”-controlled Donetsk airport to the north, and government-controlled Opytne farther north.

Further, the SMM found the security situation to be calm and observed no ceasefire violations around the “DPR”-controlled towns of Horlivka (39km north-east of Donetsk) and Makiivka (13km east-north-east of Donetsk). Also, the SMM observed that the security situation in the village of Shyrokyne was relatively calm (20km east of Mariupol) – as it was for the previous three days – as monitored by the SMM at observation points on the eastern outskirts of Berdianske (government-controlled, 1.5km west of Shyrokyne) and in Sopyne (government-controlled, 3.5km west of Shyrokyne). The SMM did hear 21 unidentified explosions north of its position in a government-controlled area 4.5km west of Shyrokyne.

A Ukrainian Armed Forces representative to the JCCC in Avdiivka (government-controlled, 15km north-north-west of Donetsk) told the SMM on 17 May that they had received a report from an observation point that two phosphorous mortar grenades had allegedly exploded in Pisky (government-controlled, 10km north-west of Donetsk city centre). The SMM, because of insecurity in the area at the time, was not immediately able to follow up on this report.

The SMM observed that the overall security situation in Luhansk region remained calm.

The SMM observed eight small, individual military-type tents up next to the road near the Luhansk-Donetsk region administrative boundary line and near a known “DPR” military training site.

The SMM revisited two “DPR”-controlled heavy weapons holding areas east and south-east of Donetsk City and found all earlier-recorded weapons to be in situ.

Despite claims that the withdrawal of heavy weapons has been completed, the SMM observed the following weapons movements/presence in areas that are in violation of the Minsk withdrawal lines. The SMM observed three stationary unmarked main battle tanks (T-64 MBTs) in the centre of Shyrokyne. The SMM unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) observed a total of seven tanks (type unknown) in a “DPR”-controlled area, approximately 50km north-east of Mariupol. The SMM UAV also observed one infantry fighting vehicle, two military-type trucks and people in military uniforms in the same area.

The SMM attended a government press conference in Kyiv concerning the reported recent capture of two allegedly Russian soldiers around the town of Shchastya (government-controlled, 20km north of Luhansk). High-ranking military participants in the press conference included the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They said that the soldiers were being treated at Kyiv Central Clinical Hospital for injuries suffered during the fighting and that they would be charged with terrorism.

The SMM observed events commemorating the anniversary of the 18 May 1944 Soviet deportation of Crimean Tatars and protesting against the events involving the Russian Federation and Crimea. In Kyiv, the SMM followed an event that included the participation of the Ukrainian President and Prime Minister as well as the Turkish Foreign Minister and the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities. Other events included a 17 May gathering in Kharkiv of some 100 people, both men and women and of varying ages, organized by Euromaidan activists and with the participation of the local Tatar community – as well as the presence of approximately 30 police officers. The SMM also monitored a similar commemorative event in Dnepropetrovsk attended by a small group of 20 people, including the leader of the local Tatar community and members of the Muslim community.

The SMM monitored a court hearing in Poltava (128km south-west of Kharkiv) for former Kharkiv mayor Hennadiy Kernes, who is facing criminal charges related to the detention and mistreatment of two Euromaidan activists in January 2014 – specifically the three charges of deprivation of freedom/kidnapping, making death threats, and torture. Members of a group of some 30 young, pro-unity protesters, waving Ukrainian and Right Sector flags and Fatherland and Svoboda party flags, threw eggs at one of his lawyers and also tried to force their way into the courthouse. Police eventually escorted Kernes away from the courthouse and the area, reportedly for his own safety as the focus of the protest, and the court rescheduled the hearing. Meanwhile in Kharkiv, the SMM observed the presence of some 200 riot police around Liberty Square to guard against any unrest in the wake of a court ruling there banning a proposed rally in support of the former mayor.

The SMM continued to monitor the situation in Odessa, Kherson, Lviv, Chernivtsi and Ivano-Frankivsk.

* Restrictions on SMM access and freedom of movement:

The SMM is restrained in fulfilling its monitoring functions by restrictions imposed by third parties and security considerations including the lack of information on whereabouts of landmines.

The security situation in Donbas is fluid and unpredictable and the ceasefire does not hold everywhere.

  • The SMM was stopped for 10 minutes at a government-controlled checkpoint at the northern entrance to Avdiivka (government-controlled, 15km north-north-west of Donetsk) and told to wait for a JCCC representative to arrive before being allowed to proceed with the JCCC escort. The Ukrainian Armed Forces JCCC representative explained the restriction by citing the presence of “DPR” reconnaissance groups in the area.
  • The SMM patrolled unescorted to Novoazovsk (“DPR”-controlled, 40km east of Mariupol) though, when at one point the SMM observed a “DPR” 82mm mortar position, an armed “DPR” member told the SMM to leave the area.
  • The SMM was stopped at government checkpoint CP10 at the western entrance to Sartana (government-controlled, 16km north-east of Mariupol) and asked for the nationalities of its patrol members. The patrol was allowed to proceed after 15 minutes.
  • The SMM was stopped briefly at a government checkpoint in Makarove (government-controlled, 19km north-east of Luhansk), where patrol members had to declare their nationalities before proceeding.
 

[1] For a complete breakdown of the ceasefire violations, please see the annex table.

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Weekly update from the OSCE Observer Mission at Russian Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk based on information as of 10:00 (Moscow time), 19 May 2015

OSCE - Tue, 19/05/2015 - 19:01

SUMMARY

Kamensk-Shakhtinskiy, Russian Federation. The Observer Mission (OM) continues to operate 24/7 at both BCPs. The overall cross-border traffic increased at both Border Crossing Points (BCPs).

DETAIL

OM’s staff composition

The OM is currently operating with 22 staff members, consisting of 20 permanent international observers (incl. the Chief Observer) and two first-responders one of which is performing the duties of an administrative assistant. Nine staff members are currently on leave.

Cross-border movements common to both BCPs

The profile of the people crossing the border remains unchanged and can be categorised as follows:

  1. Families on foot or travelling by car, with a lot of luggage, often accompanied by elderly people;
  2. Adults (usually of younger age) with no luggage or empty cars;
  3. People wearing military-style clothes with or without backpacks, crossing on foot or in vehicles.

As compared to last week, the average number of entries/exits increased overall from 7,126 to 8,348 per day for both BCPs; the average net flow went from plus 386 (i.e. more entries to the Russian Federation) to minus 104 (i.e. more exits from the Russian Federation). The Donetsk BCP continued to experience more traffic than the Gukovo BCP. The cross-border movements registered at both BCPs accounted for just over 33 percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The majority of the vehicles crossing the border have number plates issued in the Luhansk region, including an increasing number of articulated trucks and the long-distance coaches commuting between Luhansk and cities in the Russian Federation, predominantly in the Rostov region.

Common observations at the BCPs

The situation at both BCPs remained calm. The OM continued to observe that the Russian Federation border guard and customs service conducted checks and controls.

Regular local and long-distance bus connections continued to operate between the Luhansk region and cities in the Russian Federation. In addition to regular bus connections, the Observer Teams (OTs) also continued to observe bus connections on irregular routes. Often the buses do not state their route; instead they just have a sign in the window saying “Irregular”.

During the reporting period, the number of men and women in military-style dress crossing the border in both directions decreased from 381 to 355 at both BCPs. These people have been crossing individually or in groups and on foot or in vehicles. Approximately eighty five percent of border crossings occurred at the Donetsk BCP. The OTs have observed that recently persons in military-style dress have been travelling by bus across the border which makes it more difficult for the OTs to observe their movement across the border. The OTs also have observed an increasing number of physically fit young men in civilian clothing, who frequently travel in groups, with short haircuts who often have camouflage-colored bags.

Furthermore, the OTs continued to observe Ukrainian vehicles including articulated trucks with “DPR/LPR” stickers on their license plates replacing the Ukrainian flag.

During the reporting week the OM continued to observe an increased number of trucks crossing the border in both directions. The OTs continued to observe dumper trucks transporting coal from the Luhansk region to the Russian Federation through the BCP Gukovo. The OTs observed intense cargo truck traffic at BCP Donetsk crossing the border in both directions. While the majority of the trucks are registered in Luhansk oblast, during the reporting period the OTs have also observed trucks registered in Belarus crossing the border. The OTs have observed that the number of trucks registered in Belarus has increased compared to the previous reporting week; in total 26 of these trucks were observed crossing the border in both directions at the Donetsk BCP. Separately, the OTs also observed tanker trucks crossing the border both ways. These crossings occurred at both BCPs. These trucks for the most part had the word “Propane” and “Flammable” written across the tanks in Russian.

Military movement

At the two BCPs the OM did not observe military movement, apart from the usual vehicles of the Russian Federation Border Guard Service.

Observation at the Gukovo BCP

The traffic flow at the Gukovo BCP increased compared to last week. A daily average of 2,415 entries and exits was recorded, which accounted for just under ten per cent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow went from plus 162 to plus 86 (i.e. more entries to the Russian Federation) on average per day.

During the week, the OM observed a total of 52 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Gukovo BCP, 26 of whom left for Ukraine while 26 entered the Russian Federation.

As in previous weeks, the OM observed dumper trucks transporting coal from the Luhansk region to the Russian Federation though the intensity of the transportation remains relatively low compared to past reporting periods. As reported previously, the observers saw Russian Federation customs officers verifying that the trucks were empty while leaving the Russian Federation.

In addition to the above-mentioned tanker trucks with the word “Propane” and “Flammable”, the OT observed a number of orange articulated fuel trucks crossing at the Gukovo BCP.

The OTs picked up on the sound of trains running down the train tracks located approximately 150 meters south west of the BCP on seventeen occasions during the reporting week; the OTs estimated that eight trains were going to Ukraine; nine were bound for the Russian Federation. Visual observation was not possible because of the line of trees in between the train tracks and the BCP.

On May 13 at 02:00hrs the OT heard several shots fired in short bursts. These shots were immediately followed by a series of 7-10 single round shots; the sounds came from the west. At 02:05hrs an additional series of three short bursts were heard from the same direction and at 02:08hrs another series was heard. It sounded like more than one weapon was being fired. On May 16 at 22:02hrs one single shot was heard from the direction north-west.

On May 14 at 09:04hrs the OT observed a military helicopter fly from the south east to the north-west; as far as the OT could see the helicopter did not violate the Ukrainian airspace. The helicopter was combat ready with anti-tank rockets and flew at an altitude of approximately 400 meters.

One ambulance was observed at the BCP Gukovo during the reporting period. No injured or wounded persons were observed in this ambulance.

Observation at the Donetsk BCP

During the reporting period the activity at the Donetsk BCP significantly increased compared to last week. The daily average of 5,933 entries and exits accounted for over twenty three percent of all entries/exits in the Rostov region. The net flow changed from plus 224 (i.e. more entries to the Russian Federation) to minus 190 (i.e. more exiting from Russian Federation) on average per day. The OT observed 303 persons in military-style clothing crossing the border at the Donetsk BCP individually and in groups; 169 persons entered the Russian Federation while 134 left for Ukraine.

Three ambulances were observed at the BCP Donetsk during the reporting period. On one occasion an ambulance crossed the border from Ukraine to the Russian Federation; the OT observed one person with crutches inside this ambulance. No injured or wounded persons were observed in any of the other two ambulances.

On May 12 at 22:27hrs and 22:29hrs two signal lights were observed in the south-west of the BCP at an estimated distance of 1 kilometer. The first light was white; the second one was red.

On May 12 at 13:15hrs the OT observed two minivans, one had arrived from Ukraine and the other from the Russian Federation, park close to each other in the central part of the BCP. There were two males in camouflage clothing and one civilian driver in the minivan that had arrived from the Russian Federation. They transferred a red coffin from the Ukrainian minivan to the Russian minivan. After the transfer the two minivans returned to where they had come from. On a different occasion during the reporting week, the OT observed two vans with a sign “Funeral Service” in Russian. There were two males in camouflage clothing in one of these vans.

On May 14 at 09:30hrs the OT observed a military helicopter fly from the south east to the north-west. The helicopter was combat ready with anti-tank rockets and flew following the borderline; as far as the OT could see the helicopter did not violate the Ukrainian airspace. It was the same helicopter that was observed a little bit earlier the same day at the Gukovo BCP flying north.

On May 17 at 21:29hrs the OT heard 10 single gun shots from direction north-north-west.

On May 15 at 15:15hrs the OT observed a group of vehicles belonging to the Russian motorcyclist club “Night Wolves” cross the border from the Russian Federation to Ukraine. The group consisted of two all road vehicles with six passengers in dark clothing, two escort vehicles that had banners with the inscription “Russian Bikers to Donbass” in Russian and 23 motorcyclists. By 16:15hrs all vehicles had crossed the border into the Russian Federation. At 20:56hrs another group of 12 motorcyclists on 8 motorcycles crossed into Ukraine from the Russian Federation. On May 17 at 10:30hrs the OT observed approximately 40 motorcyclists cross the border from Ukraine into the Russian Federation.

On May 18 at 15:00hrs the OT observed a large black unusually shaped truck-like vehicle cross the border from Ukraine into the Russian Federation. On its side it had an inscription “Mad Max” in English.

CONVOY

On 14 May 2015 at 06:52hrs (Moscow time), a Russian convoy arrived at the Donetsk Border Crossing Point (BCP). A total of 50 vehicles - 44 cargo trucks and 6 support vehicles - were checked by the Russian border guard and customs services; one Russian service dog was used to check some of the cargo trucks. Ukrainian officers were present on site during the check of both the outgoing and the returning convoy. All the vehicles had crossed back into the Russian Federation by 14:45hrs on 14 May.

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Roma and Sinti women activists discuss gender equality issues at OSCE/ODIHR consultation meeting

OSCE - Tue, 19/05/2015 - 15:48
158796

The promotion of gender equality was among the challenges faced by Roma and Sinti women that were the focus of a consultation meeting for Roma and Sinti women activists at the Warsaw headquarters of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 18 and 19 May 2015.

The meeting brought together 12 Roma and Sinti women activists from OSCE participating States to discuss gender mainstreaming and gender targeting in ODIHR’s activities focusing on Roma and Sinti communities.

“The OSCE Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti acknowledges the particular situation of Roma and Sinti women, and calls for systematic mainstreaming of Roma women’s issues in all relevant areas of Roma integration,” said Beatriz Balbin, First Deputy Director of ODIHR. “This consultation meeting enables us not only to receive direct feedback from women activists on our work with Roma and Sinti, but also input as to how ODIHR can better champion gender equality by taking into account the specific needs of diverse communities.”

During the consultation meeting, participants also discussed how to improve co-operation and co-ordination between the civil society and intergovernmental organizations.

“Providing role models and success stories for Romani women activists is crucial in changing attitudes and behaviours towards women’s issues in Roma communities,” said Nesime Salioska, a Roma activist from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. “The OSCE should continue to support Roma women activists in their efforts to network and mobilize stakeholders to confront the obstacles they face in the context of gender equality.”

 

 

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OSCE parliamentarians to observe upcoming elections in Turkey

OSCE - Tue, 19/05/2015 - 14:13

COPENHAGEN, 19 May 2015 – OSCE parliamentarians will observe the upcoming parliamentary elections in Turkey and provide leadership for the OSCE's short-term observer mission.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ivica Dacic has designated Vilija Aleknaite Abramikiene (MP, Lithuania) as Special Co-ordinator to lead the short-term OSCE observer mission for the 7 June vote. Ignacio Sanchez Amor (MP, Spain) will serve as Head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Delegation, which will include 50 MPs from 20 OSCE participating States.

“Ten months ago, during Turkey’s first direct presidential election, my fellow observers and I witnessed a vibrant political life but also noted some challenges that must be overcome,” said Aleknaite Abramikiene, who also served as OSCE Special Co-ordinator for the August 2014 observation mission. 

“I look forward to returning for this vote and hope to be able to report on progress that will allow Turkey to fully live up to the democratic aspirations of its people,” she added.

Sanchez Amor said: “There is no doubt that Turkey exists in a tough neighborhood. The real challenges the country faces make it all the more critical for Turkey to hold elections that adhere to democratic standards, and we hope that the people and authorities will rise to the occasion.”

OSCE parliamentary observers will deploy to polling stations across Turkey, working closely with long-term observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and in co-ordination with colleagues from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

The mission will assess the elections against democratic commitments contained in the OSCE’s 1990 Copenhagen Document.

Vilija Aleknaite Abramikiene serves as a Vice-President of the OSCE PA and is the Deputy Head of Lithuania’s Delegation to the Assembly. She previously served two terms as Rapporteur of the PA’s Committee on Political Affairs and Security. Aleknaite Abramikiene has been a member of the Lithuanian Parliament since 1992 and is a member of the Committees on European Affairs and Legal Affairs.

Ignacio Sanchez Amor serves as the PA’s Special Representative on OSCE Border Issues and is the Deputy Head of Spain’s Delegation to the Assembly. In his national Congress he is a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Joint Committee on the European Union, among others. He has been a frequent participant in election observation missions, including to Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Serbia, Tajikistan and Ukraine.

OSCE PA staff assisting the parliamentarians in Turkey will include Secretary General Spencer Oliver, Director of Elections Andreas Baker, Director of Presidential Administration Roberto Montella, Director of Communications Richard Solash, Programme Officer Loic Poulain, Operations Officer Iryna Sabashuk and Research Fellow Anna Di Domenico.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has observed parliamentary elections in Turkey in 2011 as well as the presidential election in 2014.

Since 1993, more than 5,000 OSCE parliamentarians and staff have observed nearly 150 different elections in more than 30 countries.

For more information about the OSCE PA's election monitoring work, click here

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Security Days 2015 – Building Bridges: Promoting Dialogue to Prevent Radicalization and Violent Extremism, Vienna 21-22 May 2015

OSCE - Tue, 19/05/2015 - 13:07

VIENNA, 19 May 2015 – Possible measures and actions to prevent and counter extremism and radicalization that lead to violence will be the focus of an OSCE Security Days event in Vienna on Thursday, 21 May and Friday, 22 May 2015.

The event will provide a forum for open discussion for participants to look at how the media, education, inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, and the empowerment of women and youth can effectively contribute to reducing tensions and turning vulnerable individuals away from radicalization.

Each session will feature a dynamic, moderated panel discussion among high-level participants, with an opportunity for questions and answers from the audience.  Active participation is welcome and encouraged: comments and questions can be sent prior to and during the event via Twitter @osce, using the hashtag #secdays and on Facebook.  

Organizations taking part include the UN Alliance of Civilizations, the Union for the Mediterranean, the Network of Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, the King Abdullah International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, and the Anna Lindh Foundation, among others.

The entire event is open to media and will be streamed live at www.osce.org/live.  

The Night Owl session will focus on the role of media in helping to prevent radicalization that leads to terrorism. It will provide an opportunity for media members to contribute to and engage directly as active stakeholders in a security dialogue involving governments and international organizations.

The Night Owl session will take place on Thursday, 21 May 2015from 18:00 to 19:30 in theSegmentgalerie I at the Hofburg Conference Centre (first floor). 

The Security Days conference will be held on Friday, 22 May 2015 from 9:00 to 18:30, in the NeuerSaal at the Hofburg Conference Centre (second floor).

Media interested in attending either or both events should register by e-mail to press@osce.org, by 12:00 noon, Thursday 21 May 2015.

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OSCE supports Montenegrin-Albanian cross-border environmental activities

OSCE - Tue, 19/05/2015 - 09:10
Iva Scepanovic

OSCE-supported second bilateral meeting of Parliamentary Committees for Environmental Protection from Montenegro and Albania was held in Podgorica on 15 May 2015. The Chairs of the committees, Predrag Sekulic from Montenegro and Eduard Shalsi from Albania, and their deputies discussed possible joint activities.

The Chairs expressed appreciation for the OSCE support and emphasised the need for continued efforts to strengthen the dialogue and support the initiative for joint projects directed at the preservation and sustainable utilisation of natural resources shared by two countries. 

In particular, the delegations discussed the possibility of establishing a cross-border protected area on Prokletije mountains, joint standards for protection of Skadar Lake, as well as joint promotion of tourism in the border area.

The participants agreed to hold the next meeting of the committees in Montenegro in autumn. A set of recommendations will be provided to enable the participants of the next meeting to agree on a concrete steps to be taken by the committees.

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Participants at OSCE conference in Vienna discuss ways to counter intolerance, discrimination against Christians

OSCE - Mon, 18/05/2015 - 23:21

VIENNA, 18 May 2015 – Representatives from civil society, governments and international organizations explored the challenges, including discrimination and hate crime, Christian communities face in the OSCE region at a conference held in Vienna on 18 May 2015.

The “Conference on Enhancing Efforts to Prevent and Combat Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians, Focusing on Hate Crimes, Exclusion, Marginalization and Denial of Rights” was organized by the OSCE Serbian Chairmanship and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

“We would like to highlight the importance of raising awareness of the value of cultural and religious diversity as a source of mutual understanding and respect for different cultures, ethnicities religious and believes,” said Ambassador Vuk Žugić, Chair of the OSCE Permanent Council and Serbia’s Permanent Representative to the Organization, adding that Serbia has a special interest in promoting this, given that its Christian heritage has suffered great, and many times irreparable damage throughout the tumultuous recent history in the Balkans.

ODIHR Director Michael Georg Link stressed that ODIHR’s annual reporting has illustrated gaps in the information provided on hate crimes committed against Christians, as well as his hope that the discussion at the conference would help provide ways to address these gaps. 

"We look forward to the recommendations that will emerge from this conference, which will help efforts to counter intolerance against Christians," Director Link said. "There are still too many barriers to developing policies and initiatives to challenge intolerance against Christians. ODIHR is ready to continue its efforts to help participating States the recording of data on hate crimes against Christians – data that can then guide policymakers in preparing the most effective response to this problem."

Discrimination and intolerance threaten the security of individuals and can give rise to wider scale conflict and violence, undermining regional and international stability and security, participants at the conference said. At the conference, they examined how co-operation and trust among law-enforcement agencies, criminal justice practitioners and Christian communities can be enhanced, to ensure that there is an effective body of laws, policies and practices that addresses hate crimes and intolerance faced by Christian communities across the OSCE region.

“Hate crimes against Christians are often under-reported,” said keynote speaker Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR) and former OSCE Chairman-in-Office's Personal Representative on Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Discrimination, also Focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions.Better co-operation between Christian communities, police, government and ODIHR is needed in order to raise awareness and confront this very serious phenomenon.”

OSCE participating States have acknowledged the need to counter specific forms of intolerance, including against Christians and members of other religions. The 2005 Cordoba Declaration by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office addressed intolerance against Christians specifically, and has been supplemented in subsequent OSCE Ministerial Council Decisions. Today’s conference in Vienna builds on the work done during a high-level meeting in Rome, in 2011, on preventing and responding to hate incidents and crimes against Christians.

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