Latest z news

OSCE States explore role for the Organization regarding migration and refugee flows

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Wed, 20 Jul 2016 16:17:29 +0000

VIENNA, 20 July 2016 – Possible roles for the OSCE in the context of the migration and refugee flows across the OSCE area were discussed today at a special meeting of the Permanent Council in Vienna.

The meeting was a milestone in the process launched in March 2016 by Germany’s 2016 OSCE Chairmanship. In a series of seven meetings and following an inclusive approach, an Informal Working Group took stock of the migration-related activities of the OSCE and developed proposals for future engagement. The Working Groups was chaired by Swiss Ambassador to the OSCE Claude Wild and open to all participating States, Partners for-Cooperation and OSCE executive structures as well as a number of international organizations and NGOs.

Presenting results of this ambitious preparatory process Wild said in today’s Permanent Council: “While the current situation is generally referred to as ‘the refugee and migration crisis’, it is in fact a crisis of international migration governance. Comprehensive governance is needed to deal responsibly with the phenomenon of migration and refugee flows. This includes addressing issues of protection, combating crime, border management, successful integration as well as solidarity and partnerships.”

Wild highlighted that the OSCE is uniquely positioned and equipped to use its political convening power and technical expertise to create formal and informal networks. “In such networks national experts and decision makers can exchange best practices in all specific issues that have to be addressed to design and implement responsible national policies on migration and refugee flows,” he said.

Chairperson of the Permanent Council and German Ambassador to the OSCE, Eberhard Pohl, thanked the Swiss OSCE Ambassador and his team for their committed work. “There was a clear common understanding among all OSCE States today that migration and refugee flows figure high on the OSCE agenda in line with its comprehensive approach to security,” Pohl said.

“Given the scale and transnational character of this issue, it is clear that no single country can cope with the challenge of current migration and refugee flows alone. It has to be addressed in a co-operative manner, in a spirit of shared responsibility. We will continue to support OSCE activities in this field and work to further develop the contribution of the OSCE.”

The OSCE Permanent Council is one of the main regular decision-making bodies of the Organization bringing together representatives of all 57 OSCE participating States and the 11 Partners for Co-operation.

OSCE launches series of anti-trafficking seminars for law-enforcement officers and social workers across Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 22 Jul 2016 07:26:25 +0000

255876

Some 35 law-enforcement officers and social workers took part in the first in a series of five training seminars on anti-trafficking practices and procedures on 22 July 2016 in Kostanay with other workshops to be conducted in Almaty, Astana, Karaganda and Shymkent later this year.

The seminar focused on the criteria and standards for assisting victims of human trafficking, relevant national and international legislation, ways in which social exclusion and disenfranchisement make people vulnerable to trafficking, as well as re-socialization and compensation for survivors.

The series is co-organized by the Programme Office, in co-operation with the Health Care and Social Development and Interior Ministries as well as the US Embassy to Kazakhstan. Representatives of the Akimat (regional administration) and Prosecutor’s Office also attended.

The initiative is part of the Programme Office’s multi-year efforts to raise awareness and build the capacity of law-enforcement institutions and civil society in the field of anti-trafficking, in line with the host country’s commitments under international treaties.

OSCE supports Youth Forum on role of youth in peace-building and ensuring stability in Kyrgyzstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 05 Aug 2016 11:03:55 +0000

Conference

Fri, 2016-08-26 (All day) - Sat, 2016-08-27 (All day)

Jalal-Abad city, the Kyrgyz Republic

OSCE Center in Bishkek, Public Association “IRET”, Public Association “Alga

OSCE Centre in Bishkek

Central Asia

Conflict prevention and resolution

Democratization

Good governance

Youth Forum on “Role of youth in peace-building and ensuring stability in Kyrgyzstan: means of collaboration and cooperation in combating violent extremism and radicalism among youth” will gather some 50 youth and public officials from Tokmok and Osh cities as well as from Batken, Chuy, Osh, and Jalal-Abad provinces in Jalal-Abad city.

Participants will discuss problems in their local communities and country-wide and ways to co-operate closer on security matters in the future. The event focuses on discussion of measures on preventing and combating violent extremism and radicalization among youth in Kyrgyzstan.

Representatives of the youth and public officials are expected to lay foundation for further co-operation between the authorities and youth as pertains to youth and security policies in the respective provinces/cities and country-wide.

OSCE Centre supports the 3rd training for prosecutors on effective investigation of cases of torture in Kyrgyzstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 01 Aug 2016 05:57:26 +0000

Training

Mon, 2016-08-08 (All day) - Tue, 2016-08-09 (All day)

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

OSCE Center in Bishkek, Training Centre for Prosecutors under the General Prosecutor’s Office

OSCE Centre in Bishkek, torture prevention, Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, Prosecutor's Office

OSCE Centre in Bishkek

Central Asia

Human rights

The OSCE Center in Bishkek and the Training Centre for Prosecutors under the General Prosecutor’s Office will conduct a training course for twenty-four public prosecution officers from all provinces of Kyrgyzstan on effective investigation of cases of torture.

The training aims at enhancing theoretical and empirical knowledge of prosecution officers about the specifics of efficient investigation of torture allegations.

The participants will discuss the key challenges arising during investigation of torture allegations and exchange best practices applied within their respective duty stations to address these challenges.

OSCE supports workshop on communications and information cooperation for the press officers of the armed forces of the Kyrgyz Republic

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 01 Aug 2016 03:42:38 +0000

Workshop

Mon, 2016-08-08 (All day) - Wed, 2016-08-10 (All day)

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

OSCE Center in Bishkek, General Staff of the Kyrgyz Republic,

OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz General Staff, Kyrgyz Border Service, Kyrgyz National Guard and State Committee for Defence,

OSCE Centre in Bishkek

Central Asia

Media freedom and development

Politico-military dimension

OSCE supports workshop on communications and information cooperation for the press officers of the armed forces of the Kyrgyz Republic. The workshop will be conducted by an international media trainer and attended by 15 press officers of the General Staff, Border Service, National Guard and State Committee for Defence. It is expected that within the framework of the workshop, participants will practice skills of effective communications with the media and practice a mechanism of information coordination during emergencies.

The workshop is the last part of a professional development programme developed and conducted for 45 commanders of the General Staff. The first two trainings were delivered in Bishkek in Osh in June and July 2016. During the workshops, the commanders improved their skills of communication with mass media and practiced public speaking skills, such as interview skills and participation in talk show. The commanders also participated in a discussion led by an international trainer on the importance of maintaining unified information policy and cooperation with the press service.

OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina joins world in marking International Roma Day

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 08 Apr 2016 14:10:48 +0000

SARAJEVO, 8 April 2016 – On occasion of International Roma Day, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina organized several events in Tuzla, Prnjavor and Zivinice to raise public awareness on serious economic, social and political challenges the Roma community continues to face in BiH.

Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Ambassador Jonathan Moore underlined the importance of protecting, promoting and advancing the rights of Roma and other national minorities in BiH. “For more than a decade we have been assisting the authorities to address the marginalization and discrimination of Roma and to ensure equality of opportunity for Roma in access and treatment in areas of education, housing, health care, and public participation. We are grateful to many persons in BiH for their positive contributions.”

At the diploma ceremony to most accomplished Roma students from Tuzla Canton held today in Zivince, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Canton Tuzla Zlatan Muratovic applauded all efforts leading toward including Roma people in the education system and gender equality. “Our priority is to include all Roma people in the education system of the Tuzla Canton and to continue promoting Roma enrolment in elementary and secondary schools and universities. We want the Roma people to be socially active and economically independent.”

President of the Association “Euro Rom” Nedzad Jusic expressed his gratitude for being a part of such an important celebration for Roma people. “I hope we will be able to further improve the position of Roma people in Tuzla Canton, working together to implement joint policies and activities.”

At a roundtable held in Prnjavor participants discussed the good practices and challenges in the implementation of Roma Action Plan. “Today, we would also like to express our appreciation to dr. Siniša Gatarić mayor of the Municipality Prnjavor for supporting development of Local Roma Action Plan adopted in October last year,” said President of Roma NGO Romani Cej Snjezana Mirkovic.

The OSCE Mission to BiH continues to support the implementation of the Roma Action Plan for Housing, including by monitoring the selection of beneficiaries and mediating between local authorities and the Roma community when the need arises. Since 2008 more than 750 housing units for Roma have been built in BiH.

ODIHR expresses concerns on recent evictions of Roma in joint statement with other global and regional human rights organizations

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Wed, 29 Jun 2016 07:12:59 +0000

249036

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) joined with other global and regional intergovernmental human rights organizations and experts in issuing a statement condemning the recent evictions of Roma and Sinti, as well as Travellers, in Europe, on 29 June 2016.

Signatories call on national, regional and, in particular, local authorities to find sustainable solutions to the housing problems that many Roma and Sinti face, while condemning forced evictions without due process and provisions of adequate alternative housing. The statement reminds participating States that such evictions violate international human rights obligations and authorities must ensure that everyone subject to eviction is adequately informed of their rights and necessary evictions must be carried out without discrimination or harassment.

The statement highlights the long-term negative implications of eviction that can result in physical and psychological problems, including emotional trauma and lasting social isolation, which particularly affects older people, women, children and people with disabilities.

ODIHR had previously reminded the OSCE participating States that evictions of Roma and Sinti must comply with international standards and provide for adequate housing for those evicted. Furthermore, greater efforts are needed to promote sustainable and non-discriminatory housing solutions. The OSCE Action Plan on Improving the Situation of Roma and Sinti from 2003 additionally calls for mechanisms and procedures to clarify property rights, resolve questions of ownership and regularize the legal status of Roma and Sinti people living in circumstances of unsettled legality.

Impact of corruption prevention measures at national and sectoral levels in focus at OSCE-supported expert meeting in Kyrgyzstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 26 May 2016 14:41:16 +0000

ISSYK-KUL, Kyrgyzstan, 26 May 2016 – A two-day regional expert seminar which started today gathers some 60 anti-corruption practitioners, experts and policy-makers from 12 countries in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia to discuss effective preventive measures to combat corruption in the extractive industries and education sectors and to exchange best practices.

Participants discussed how to improve government accountability and transparency in managing natural resources and assessed how to mitigate negative effects of the so-called “resource curse”. They also focused on corruption in the education sector, and how to enhance the quantity, quality, efficiency of, and access to education systems.

“The OSCE Centre in Bishkek is strongly committed to supporting the Kyrgyz Government in countering corruption and developing projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening good governance, economic growth and public integrity for the benefit of the Kyrgyz people,” said Yulia Minaeva, Senior Economic and Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

Ermelinda Meksi, Deputy Head of the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, said: “Corruption, weak governance, and lack of transparency and rule of law undermine economic growth and impede trust in public persons and government institutions. Bribery and embezzlement of state resources deter domestic and foreign investments and deprive citizens of important public services. If unchecked, corruption can provoke social strife, fuel insecurity and even lead to conflicts.”

The practice-oriented and interactive seminar combined expert presentations, roundtable discussions and group work. It benefited from the participation of representatives of the UN Development Programme, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and the Open Society Initiative.

Olga Savran, manager of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN), said: “This seminar helps public officials responsible for preventing corruption at national and sectoral levels learn about effective practical measures that do work, that improve the lives of citizens, and prevent the waste of public money.”

The seminar is co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) and the OECD ACN. It is hosted by the Kyrgyz Government and held as part of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek’s Economic and Environmental Dimension activities.

OSCE supports training seminar on local self-governance in Kazakhstan’s Tselinograd District

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 27 May 2016 06:50:18 +0000

243161

Some 70 representatives of akimats (municipalities) in villages of Kazakhstan’s Tselinograd District’s met on 27 May 2016 in Akmol, Akmola region, to discuss the ongoing local self-governance reform and brainstormed on how to further develop the legal and institutional framework.

The event participants reviewed economic and financial aspects of local self-governance, administrative offences proceedings, public procurement, state property management as well as community involvement in the decision-making process at the local level.

The training seminar was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the National Economy Ministry. The event is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to promote good governance and democratization in Kazakhstan.

Institutional dialogue between central and Gagauz authorities in focus of OSCE Mission to Moldova-supported roundtable discussion

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 08:06:23 +0000

248851

As part of a one-year project to support the engagement of national minority youth and civil society in public discussions and public service, a roundtable discussion was held at the OSCE Mission to Moldova on 24 June 2016.

The event brought together 23 representatives of the Moldovan Parliament, the authorities of Gagauz-Yeri, civil society and the international community to discuss institutional dialogue between central and Gagauz authorities.

Independent researchers from the Comrat-based NGO Piligrim-Demo presented a recent report detailing the joint commissions formed over the years to initiate dialogue on the implementation of Gagauzia’s status as an Autonomous Territorial Unit. They outlined their recommendations for improving the functioning of the current working group established between the Parliament of Moldova and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia.

“Such discussions on the process of dialogue between civil society, the expert community and members of the Parliament and People's Assembly are important as they provide critical input to the process and build common understanding of issues,” said Jale Sultanli, Country Manager Moldova of the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI). Participants from Comrat and Chisinau welcomed the opportunity to study past and present practices to strengthen co-operation between the central and regional authorities in Moldova.

OSCE Mission to Serbia commends contribution of civil society organizations to democratic processes

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 04 Mar 2016 14:00:28 +0000

BELGRADE, 4 March 2016 – The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Peter Burkhard and the Deputy Head of Mission, Michael Uyehara visited the House of Human Rights (HHR) in Belgrade today, and met representatives of the Civic Initiatives and the Policy Centre, two of the five civil society organizations based at the House.

The meeting completes a round of consultations with civil society actors, which also included the other tenants of the HHR: the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, and the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights.

“Civil society organizations play an important role in any modern society and significantly contribute to the quality of democratic processes in Serbia,” said Ambassador Burkhard. The Mission’s leadership noted that the engagement of civil society organizations will also benefit the monitoring of upcoming elections and the electoral campaign.

OSCE to organize 2016 Dialogue Academy for Young Women

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 07 Jun 2016 14:41:40 +0000

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Serbia, for the second consecutive year, will organize the Dialogue Academy for Young Women as part of the Follow Us initiative. The initiative gathers prominent women from politics, academia, media and civil society from Belgrade and Prishtinë/Priština and supports the process of dialogue, reconciliation and confidence-building between the two societies.

The purpose of the Academy is to empower young women by educating them on issues relating to women’s role in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and co-operation. The 2016 edition of the programme builds upon last year’s experience and success whereby 22 young women from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade had the opportunity to participate in a series of instructive lectures and team-building exercises and be part of a wide network of activists and experts in the fields of women empowerment, women in politics, dialogue and reconciliation.

This year, 24 female students of social science and young professionals in the areas of media, politics, and civil society will be attending the Academy programme from 30 September to 9 October 2016, organized at the Peace Castle Schlaining, Austria.

Graduates from the Academy will become Dialogue alumni and are expected to create their own alumni network which will enable them to design and implement joint projects, following the example of the 2015 OSCE Dialogue Academy alumni.

For more information on the application please click here.

Institutional dialogue between central and Gagauz authorities in focus of OSCE Mission to Moldova-supported roundtable discussion

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 08:06:23 +0000

248851

OSCE Mission to Skopje co-organizes training course on how to spot falsified documents

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 14 Mar 2016 10:27:41 +0000

A one-week advanced training course, organised by the OSCE Mission to Skopje in co-operation with the German Federal Police and the Police Training Centre in Idrizovo, has started today for ten Border police officers on how to detect forged travel documents and certificates.

The training course aims to increase the participants’ operational awareness on security features of regional passports and Schengen visas as well as to enhance their skills regarding the use of modern forensic equipment.

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be ready to deliver the training modules to their colleagues working in the field of documents security.

The training course is part of the Mission’s support to national institutions in the fight against trans-national threats and organized crime with a special focus on irregular migration and human trafficking.

Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje Suomalainen attends Iftar (fast-breaking) dinner organized by women’s association

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 21 Jun 2016 08:22:15 +0000

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje Nina Suomalainen attended an Iftar (fast-breaking) dinner on 20 June 2016 in Skopje, organized by the local NGO Woman Affirmation Association with the support of the Mission.

The event brought together women from different ethnic and religious backgrounds who sent a message of mutual respect, harmony, and understanding.

“Empowering women, providing equal opportunities for both women and men and integrating gender equality into policies and practices is one of our Mission’s main goals. By organizing this Iftar, you foster dialogue and respect among the different religious and ethnic communities and learn more about each other’s cultures and beliefs,” said Suomalainen in her address, wishing the Muslim community a blessed and joyful Ramadan.

The Woman Affirmation Association works on the affirmation, protection and development of the rights and position of women in society.

OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes workshop for national Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Wed, 29 Jun 2016 09:58:08 +0000

The OSCE Mission to Skopje on 28 June 2016 launched a two-day workshop for 22 members of the Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination with the aim of advancing the position of women in police services and increasing gender sensitivity among police officers.

The workshop focused on areas of gender-based discrimination in employment, education, health and family, explaining what gender inequality is and how it is addressed in international and domestic legislation and in practice.

Participants will learn how to identify harassment and sexual harassment as forms of discrimination, as well as workplace bullying. The legal protection, prevention and measures against such bullying will be illustrated through real cases.

This workshop is part of the Mission’s programme to support the democratization of the Police and is in line with the Mission’s efforts to encourage gender equality in all segments of society.

OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes two-day workshop on multi-ethnic policing

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 12 Jul 2016 12:37:09 +0000

The OSCE Mission to Skopje, in co-operation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, organized a two-day workshop in Ohrid on policing in a multi-ethnic society on 11 and 12 July 2016. Some forty police officers of different ethnicities working in Ohrid and Bitola police stations attended the event and exchanged information and experiences related to multi-ethnic policing.

The workshop also served as a platform for generating ideas on future measures to foster effective functioning of ethnically mixed police units and ensure the acceptance and equal treatment of police officers coming from smaller communities.

The workshop is one of the ways the Mission is supporting efforts to strengthen police capacities and build trust across multi-ethnic communities.

OSCE co-organizes meeting on implementing international human rights recommendations in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Wed, 13 Jul 2016 13:56:36 +0000

Some 40 national experts took part in a meeting organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and the Charter for Human Rights Public Foundation in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 13 July 2016, on implementing human rights recommendations from UN bodies.

Having reviewed and analysed the recommendations, participants drafted a set of performance indicators to ensure a consistent assessment methodology.

There was particular attention on the mandate of national human rights institutions, fundamental freedoms, reported cases of torture and the principle of non-discrimination. A set of recommendations to relevant institutions will be developed as a result of the event.

The event was held as part of a project on supporting the development of human rights indicators and improving performance assessments of how international standards are implemented in the country.

OSCE supports roundtable discussion on introduction of Pollutant Release and Transfer Register in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 14 Jul 2016 10:25:06 +0000

ASTANA, 14 July 2016 – The introduction of the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) in Kazakhstan was the focus of a roundtable discussion organized in Astana today by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Energy Ministry’s Information and Analytical Centre of Environment Protection and the UN Development Programme in Kazakhstan.

Some 80 representatives of the Aarhus Centres, regional and central government entities, environmental NGOs and private sector focused on recent changes in national environmental legislation, guiding rules in implementing PRTR, international best practices and the role of the Aarhus Centres in promoting PRTR in the regions.

Joldasov Zulfuhar, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of Environmental Regulation, Control and State Inspection in the oil and gas sector of Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry, said: “Taking into account that environmental damage impacts all spheres of life, a state register of pollutant release and transfer is particularly relevant. We are convinced of the need to co-operate with all interested parties and consolidate our efforts in addressing the emerging issues in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development.”

Mirco Guenther, Deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, said: "PRTR management can lead to a significant reduction in environmental and social risks to promote a constructive dialogue between interested parties, as well as to achieve a balance of interests and protection of environmental rights of citizens. The OSCE Programme Office in Astana stands ready to support Kazakhstan’s initiative to comply fully with all their obligations under the Aarhus Convention."

The PRTR Protocol was adopted in 2003, in Kyiv, Ukraine and is a legally binding instrument that requires parties to establish publicly accessible registers containing information on the release and transfer of pollutants.

The event is part of the Programme Office’s longstanding efforts in promoting the international standards of the Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan.

OSCE promotes role of public councils in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 15 Jul 2016 09:27:13 +0000

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana supported a national public hearing on combatting torture in the penal system, organized by the Public Council under the Interior Ministry in Astana, Kazakhstan on 15 July 2016.

Some 70 officials including the Deputy Interior Minister, officers from Correctional System Departments in the regions, the Chairperson of the National Bar Association, representatives of the National Centre for Human Rights, the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture, the NGO Coalition against Torture and international organizations as well as international experts and journalists examined the current status of detention facilities managed by the Criminal Executive Committee of the Interior Ministry. Particular attention was paid to the provision of medical services and their standards. Some reported cases of torture and inhumane treatment at those premises were also reviewed and discussed. Some 150 officials from around the country participated via conference call.

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana has actively contributed to the preparation of the Law on Public Councils and on Access to Information through the support of numerous expert and public discussions as well as working groups. The Office also facilitated the legal analysis of bills in various stages of development.

OSCE supports roundtable discussion implementing Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:17:27 +0000

254301

A roundtable discussion on the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan took place in Astana on 15 July 2016.

Some 60 representatives of the Aarhus Centres, regional and central government entities, environmental non-governmental organizations and private sector discussed the ways to improve Kazakhstan’s compliance with its obligations under the Aarhus Convention.

They reviewed the ongoing activities in promoting its principles in the regions as well as new amendments to the national environmental legislation. They also examined the draft Aarhus Convention implementation report for 2014-2016 and exchanged opinions on its further enhancement.

The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Energy Ministry’s Information and Analytical Centre of Environment Protection.

The 1998 Aarhus Convention consists of three pillars: access to information, public participation in environmental decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters. Aarhus Centres provide platforms to engage citizens, governments and the private sector in a dialogue on environmental challenges.

OSCE Programme Office supports public hearings on libel and slander legislation in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 21 Jul 2016 11:17:23 +0000

ASTANA, 21 July 2016 – Some 25 Supreme and Regional Court judges, lawyers, journalists, media experts as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and civil society today in Astana participated in OSCE-supported public hearings on the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan’s Decree on the “Application of legislation on protecting the honour, dignity and business reputation in judicial practice”.

Participants reviewed current legal precedents on defamation-related cases, discussed national legislation and its compliance with international standards as well as recommendations to the Supreme Court’s draft decree.

“The OSCE advocates for the full decriminalization of defamation and the fair consideration of such cases in dispute-resolution bodies or civil courts,” said Colin McCullough, Political Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “This is crucial to promoting freedom of the media, to effectively expose and fight corruption, and to eliminate the excessive protection of senior officials from legitimate public criticism.”

Bolat Kalyanbekov, Head of the Information Support Division of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, said: "Today's public hearings create a precedent for additional expert understanding of regulatory decrees. This is a relatively new format for meetings and it allows us all to hear expert opinions and conclusions on the issue, as well as to receive comprehensive recommendations on it.”

The event was supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the US Agency for International Development, the Eurasia Foundation for Central Asia and the International Fund for the Protection of the Freedom of Speech Adil Soz. It is part of the Office’s activities aimed at promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in line with OSCE principles and commitments.

OSCE launches series of anti-trafficking seminars for law-enforcement officers and social workers across Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 22 Jul 2016 07:26:25 +0000

255876

OSCE Programme Office supports training for defence lawyers in Kazakhstan on the new criminal procedure legislation

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:32:32 +0000

ASTANA, 22 July 2016 – An OSCE-supported two-day training seminar for some 30 defence lawyers from the northern part of Kazakhstan began today in Astana, with the aim of enhancing their understanding, common interpretation and implementation of the new criminal procedure legislation.

The event is organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the National Bar Association and the Almaty Bar Association for lawyers from the Akmola region, Pavlodar, Kostanay, Karaganda and Petropavlovsk.

Presentations will focus on new approaches and methods of legal protection, the legal institute of investigative judges in criminal proceedings, international guarantees for lawyers’ legal security, collection of evidence, and the questioning of witnesses. The interaction of lawyers with citizens, officials conducting criminal proceedings, the media and social networks will also be discussed.

“It is of utmost importance to ensure adequate conditions for the training of judges, prosecutors and lawyers as the equal actors of the lawsuit,” said Ambassador György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “The Bar, as an independent institution, is responsible for ensuring the professional development of defence lawyers. As demonstrated by the current training, the OSCE stands ready to support efforts in this direction”

Kadirzhan Baimukhanova, Deputy Head of the Republican Bar Association, said: "In the current conditions of rapidly developing legislation, such training seminars on the legislative novelties are crucial in ensuring the high professionalism of defence lawyers."

Other topics covered by the training course are new information technologies, e-government, relevant ethical and professional requirements as well as national and international standards and best practices.

The seminar is the first in a series of four planned for this autumn. Future events will take place in Almaty, Aktobe and Ust-Kamenogorsk. The series is part of the Programme Office’s long-standing efforts to strengthen the rule of law and support judicial reform in the host country.

OSCE supports water co-operation in southern Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:46:16 +0000

The OSCE-supported eleventh meeting of the Chu-Talas Water Basin Council took place on 28 July in Taraz, southern Kazakhstan.

The event was co-organized by the Office in close co-operation with the Water Resource Committee of the Agriculture Ministry, the Chu-Talas Water Basin Council, the Zhambyl local administration and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). Some 15 representatives of regional water authorities, business organizations and civil society discussed the gaps and needs in water quality improvement, distribution and saving in the Zhambyl region.

National experts from CAREC informed participants about the latest technologies and reforms in applying best practices in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and presented a plan for efficient basin planning in line with international standards. The meeting also helped to raise public awareness and increase access to information related to the activities of the Chu-Talas Water Basin Council.

The event is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to raise awareness and build capacity of state institutions in the area of water governance.

OSCE promotes ‘green’ women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas of Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 29 Jul 2016 07:27:34 +0000

257046

The fourth in a series of five OSCE-supported training seminars for women entrepreneurs working in the field of green technology started on 29 July 2016 in Arnasai village, Central Kazakhstan.

The training seminar, organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in close co-operation with the Coalition for Green Economy and G-Global Development brought together some 20 participants from rural areas of the Central Kazakhstan region to raise their awareness on the use of modern green technologies in effective horticulture, such as energy and water-saving methods, drip irrigation, solar greenhouses and vermicultivation.

“We believe that the role of women in promoting green businesses in the rural areas is crucial and enormous. This is due to the fact that most of them are involved in agriculture and household management activities, which nowadays remain one of the few opportunities to support the family and community in remote regions,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “Thus, the Office stands ready to provide its continuous expert support to such initiatives aiming at better information- and technology-sharing.”

The event is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to promote green growth, environmental security and women’s empowerment in economic activities.

OSCE concludes series of training seminars on implementing the National Preventive Mechanism in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 02 Aug 2016 06:44:07 +0000

257391

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana concluded a series of two-day training seminars for some 100 members of the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) against Torture on 2 August 2016 in Aktobe, Western Kazakhstan.

From May to August 2016, participants were trained in Pavlodar, Almaty, Astana and Aktobe on practical aspects of the NPM’s implementation.

The training seminars aimed at increasing the transparency and effectiveness of the Mechanism in monitoring, reporting and conducting preventive visits at detention facilities. National experts discussed with the NPM members the working procedures and methodology, challenges in fulfilling human rights obligations and ethical aspects in line with national and international anti-torture standards. Special emphasis was placed on the necessary co-operation between NPM and the law-enforcement sector.

The set of seminars was organized in partnership with the Ombudsman’s Office of Kazakhstan and the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and is part of the Office’s long-standing commitment to reinforce the NPM and promote the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture.

OSCE organizes field study in sustainable energy for the OSCE Mediterranean Partner Countries.

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 11 Jul 2016 18:14:18 +0000

Vienna, 11 July 2016 – Today, energy experts from the OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation, representing both government institutions and private sector companies, will begin a week-long field study of sustainable energy in Austria and Germany. During their trip, participants will visit leading renewable energy companies, renewable energy sites and discuss the challenges of the energy transition with government representatives and business associations. .

While renewable energy is becoming increasingly important in the energy mix of OSCE Mediterranean Partner Countries, the energy transition poses a number of challenges that can only be addressed through partnerships and the sharing of best practices.

“Reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supplies are a prerequisite for stability, security and economic growth. Our current challenge is to seek ways to ensure energy security, while at the same time meeting international CO2 emission targets,” said Dr. Yurdakul Yigitguden, Coordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities during the kick-off event of this study visit. “Building new partnerships between public and private sector energy decision makers will strengthen economic connectivity and create further stability and growth in the region”, said Dr. Yigitguden.

The study visit was organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Affairs in co-operation with Advantage Austria, the World Energy Council Austria, the Munich Chamber of Commerce, GIZ and the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Media, and made possible by contributions from the governments of Austria and Germany, the in-coming and current OSCE Chairmanship.

OSCE supports roundtable discussion on public participation in environmental decision-making in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:33:53 +0000

PAVLODAR, Kazakhstan, 12 July 2016 – An OSCE-supported roundtable discussion on public participation mechanisms in environmental decision-making took place today in Pavlodar for some 25 representatives of the national and local government offices, the private sector, civil society and academia.

The event concludes the project on the environmental decision-making process and raising awareness of the Aarhus Convention’s provisions supported by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and implemented in partnership with the Pavlodar Aarhus Centre.

The participants discussed challenges in accessing environmental information and finding ways to promote more effective implementation of the Aarhus Convention. They also reviewed project results and research findings and developed follow-up recommendations to be considered by the relevant authorities.

“Considering the importance of the role of state agencies in the development of public participation in decision-making and seeking to improve this process, I consider the work of the roundtable discussion to be highly important,” stated Aigerim Kabyltayeva, Deputy Head of the Division on Subsoil Use Management, Environment and Water Resources of the Pavlodar region.

Colin McCullough, Political Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, noted that public participation contributes to a transparent and open process and improves the quality of decisions. “We hope that today's event will strengthen co-operation between all parties in addressing environmental issues in the region and will help to better understand the need to develop joint approaches to solve them,” he said.

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s efforts at promoting good governance and environmental protection. It complements the host government’s plans to improve compliance with the provisions of the Aarhus Convention and to implement the related Maastricht Recommendations on Public Participation in Decision-making in Environmental Matters.

OSCE supports roundtable discussion on introduction of Pollutant Release and Transfer Register in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 14 Jul 2016 10:25:06 +0000

OSCE supports roundtable discussion implementing Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:17:27 +0000

254301

A roundtable discussion on the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan took place in Astana on 15 July 2016.

The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Energy Ministry’s Information and Analytical Centre of Environment Protection.

OSCE supports public discussions on natural resources management in southern Kyrgyzstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:04:23 +0000

BISHKEK, 22 July 2016 – Three public discussions on the regulatory legal acts regarding the use of natural resources and environmental protection are being organized from 19 July to 27 July 2016 by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the local Aarhus Centre in the districts of Toktogul, Aksy and Kadamjay in southern Kyrgyzstan.

The discussions are gathering representatives of environmental services, the local authorities, village- and district-level state administrations, local council deputies and public organizations, to exchange ideas on environmental problems and discuss how to address them through active public scrutiny.

“Local stakeholders should be aware of the environmental legislation upfront. This will help them to prevent conflict arising from the use of natural resources,” said Dmitry Prudtskikh, Environmental Officer at the OSCE Centre. “I am glad to see that the Aarhus Centre in Osh has established a platform for communication between governmental, public and private structures, with the support of the OSCE.”

Kanybek Isabaev, Director of the Aarhus Centre in Osh, said: “For several years, we have been disseminating information to the public and our partners on the legislation regarding environmental protection, the rational use of natural resources, and subsoil and environmental safety in our country. It is very significant that citizens can participate in decision-making in the area of ecology, a sphere that is becoming increasingly important in Kyrgyzstan.”

During the discussions, participants will gain knowledge on issues of environmental protection, public access to environmental information, the normative legal acts of the Kyrgyz Republic on ecology and the basic principles of the Aarhus Convention.

The event was organized as part of the OSCE Centre's project on promoting environmental security through dialogue and enhanced disaster risk reduction.

OSCE supports water co-operation in southern Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:46:16 +0000

The OSCE-supported eleventh meeting of the Chu-Talas Water Basin Council took place on 28 July in Taraz, southern Kazakhstan.

The event is part of the Office’s long-standing efforts to raise awareness and build capacity of state institutions in the area of water governance.

OSCE Mission releases report on war crimes processing at state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 17 Jun 2016 14:28:36 +0000

SARAJEVO, 16 June 2016 – The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina today published the report of Judge Joanna Korner CMG QC on war crimes processing at the state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At a press conference held on this occasion, Ambassador Jonathan Moore, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, noted that the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has been monitoring the prosecution of war crimes before the domestic courts of BiH since 1996, as part of its mandate under the Dayton Peace Accords.

“In 2003, the Mission developed an increasingly structured trial monitoring capacity. In November 2006, the BiH High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council issued an Opinion recognizing the role of the Mission in observing criminal proceedings, stating that the OSCE Mission’s trial monitors should be given ‘full and unrestricted access to all documents they request within their mandate which includes monitoring the activities of courts and prosecutors’ offices,’” said Moore.

The Mission has carried out training courses and other capacity-building activities for judicial and prosecutorial staff, and provided expert advice to the judiciary based on its findings.

“The Mission is routinely asked to provide information and analysis regarding the quality of war crimes processing at the state and entity levels. These inquiries come from a variety of sources, including private persons, victims’ and survivors’ associations, ICTY, and employees of BiH judicial institutions,” said Moore. “The purpose of such inquiries is generally to understand the capacity of domestic judicial institutions for processing war crimes cases in a manner that is fair to the interests of both victims and defendants and in line with international standards, and to identify gaps in the processing of such cases.”

Moore emphasized that it is normal in democratic societies to have a vigorous public debate about judicial processes. “No one is universally happy with every verdict, sentence, conviction, and acquittal. Nevertheless, justice has yet to be done in many cases, more than 20 years after the end of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

In accordance with the mandate, role, and authorities of the Mission, with the support of the HJPC and in coordination with ICTY Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz and the British Embassy, Judge Korner was engaged by the OSCE Mission to BiH on the basis of her professional background and knowledge.

Judge Korner visited BiH twice in order to review available materials, speak with prosecutors, judges, and others, and prepare an analytical report that would offer suggestions as to how to improve the processing of war crimes at the state level, at which the most complex and serious war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide cases, are processed.

“The work of Judge Korner, her analysis and concrete advice are very valuable. It is of course up to the institutions themselves, including the HJPC, the Prosecutor’s Office of BiH, and the Court of BiH to react to the report and to act upon its recommendations. We respect the role of those institutions in guaranteeing the rule of law in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

The Mission’s work in this regard is supported financially as part of its core budget and by additional contributions from the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Italy, and Austria, and is closely co-ordinated with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

OSCE supports plea bargain training in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:53:22 +0000

ASTANA, 20 June 2016 – An OSCE-supported training seminar for some 30 prosecutors and defence lawyers from different regions of Kazakhstan on plea bargaining and the role of procedural prosecutors in criminal procedure began today in Astana.

During the three-day seminar the participants will learn about issues related to the interpretation and application of the Criminal Procedure Code’s relevant provisions by legal professionals. International experts from the United States and Ukraine will familiarize participants with best practices in using plea bargaining in criminal proceedings and the role of prosecutors in preliminary investigation. Intensive discussions and mock exercises are planned to enhance comprehension and practical skills.

The recent introduction of the concepts of plea bargaining and procedural prosecutors into the new Code aims to simplify criminal procedure and contribute to the development of a more effective and cost-efficient criminal justice system in Kazakhstan. These concepts have been in place since the Code entered into force in January 2015.

“It is important to ensure sufficient balance between simplified criminal procedure, cost-efficiency and the procedural rights of participants,” said Colin McCullough, Political Officer at the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “This is predicated upon a high level of professionalism of the investigative bodies, adequate legal literacy of the general population and the absence of corruption.”

Nail Akhmetzakirov, the Vice-Rector of the Law Enforcement Academy under the Prosecutor General’s Office, said: “The purpose of a plea agreement is the simplification of criminal proceedings, with omitting a number of investigative actions and the entire trial process. This requires a high professional level of the defender and the prosecutor.”

The event was jointly organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and the Law Enforcement Academy, as part of the Programme Office’s long-term activities to support criminal justice sector reform in Kazakhstan.

OSCE supports training seminar on torture prevention in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 04 Jul 2016 13:45:05 +0000

ASTANA, 4 July 2016 – A two-day OSCE-supported training seminar on the practical aspects of implementing the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) for preventing torture began today in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Some 20 NPM members participated in the third in a series of four events aimed at building the capacities of the NPM in the context of monitoring, reporting and preventive visits to places of detention.

“You represent a reliable ‘pulse’ of the interaction between citizens and law-enforcement authorities and your reaching out to various places of detention provides us with some ‘measurement’ in that sense,” said Ambassador Gyorgy Szabo, Head of the Programme Office in Astana. “Such training events are productive for developing a common methodology and approach and for increasing the potential to prevent abuses of power and cruel and degrading treatment.”

The training addressed working procedures and methodology, key challenges in fulfilling human rights monitoring obligations at detention facilities and ethical matters. Both national and international anti-torture standards were taken into consideration.

Particular attention was paid to the co-operation between NPM and law-enforcement departments, prosecutors, prison administrations, healthcare institutions and media representatives.

The seminar was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of Kazakhstan and the Regional Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The series of training events is part of the Office’s long-term assistance to the NPM and work in promoting the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention against Torture in the host country.

OSCE Programme Office supports training for defence lawyers in Kazakhstan on the new criminal procedure legislation

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 22 Jul 2016 11:32:32 +0000

OSCE concludes series of training seminars on implementing the National Preventive Mechanism in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 02 Aug 2016 06:44:07 +0000

257391

From May to August 2016, participants were trained in Pavlodar, Almaty, Astana and Aktobe on practical aspects of the NPM’s implementation.

OSCE conducts regional seminar in Kazakhstan on Vienna Document 2011

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 24 May 2016 09:23:41 +0000

ASTANA, 24 May 2016 – An OSCE-supported regional training seminar for some 50 military officers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on the practical implementation of the Vienna Document 2011 and confidence- and security-building measures began today in Astana.

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana organized the four-day event in co-operation with Kazakhstan's Defence Ministry and with the support of the OSCE field operations.

Military and civilian experts from France, Hungary, the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia will share their expertise. The participants will discuss developments in the field of confidence- and security-building measures, which are the focus of the Vienna Document 2011, as well as its implementation aspects, such as inspection procedures, experience exchange and the demonstration of weapons and equipment systems.

Deputy Defence Minister of Kazakhstan Talgat Mukhtarov said: “The Vienna Document is one of the most important instruments of the OSCE’s politico-military dimension. It has long served to promote co-operation, transparency and confidence building as well as a system of verification. While the annual seminar serves to help us understand the ‘letter’ of the Vienna Document, it is always very important that our activities embrace its ‘spirit.’”

“The OSCE has been placing considerable emphasis on building confidence and security through closer co-operation of the armed forces in the region under the Vienna Document 2011,” said György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “What makes the Vienna Document so exceptional is that it does not only helps de-escalate a potential conflict, but can help build relations between countries in such a way that war between them seems inconceivable.”

Robin Mossinkoff, Head of the Forum for Security Co-operation Support Section, highlighted the work done to build trust and confidence by OSCE participating States, supported by the OSCE. He noted that this was conducted not only under the Vienna Document, but also agreements such as the Code of Conduct on Political-Military Aspects of Security and the Document on Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Stockpiles of Conventional Ammunition.

The seminar will include theoretical exercises and a simulated inspection visit to the 36th Air Assault Brigade near Astana on 27 May. The participants will carry out an evaluation in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Document on compliance and verification, and produce a report.

The Vienna Document was adopted by all OSCE participating States and obliges them to share information on their armed forces and military activities. It also contains provisions on compliance and verification, such as conducting and hosting inspections and evaluations, as well as on risk reduction, military contacts and co-operation, and prior notification of certain military activities.

The OSCE Programme Office in Astana has been organizing seminars on the Vienna Document in Kazakhstan since 2006. The seminar is part of the Programme Office's long-standing efforts to promote OSCE confidence- and security-building measures and regional security.

OSCE-supports training course for newly recruited personnel of a rehabilitation centre in Kyrgyzstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 10 Jun 2016 11:56:28 +0000

119496

Some 20 newly-recruited personnel of the Atlantis rehabilitation centre took part in a two-week capacity building training course, conducted in the premises of the penal colony in the village of Novopokrovka, which concluded on 10 June. The event was organized by the Kyrgyz State Service for Execution of Punishment (SSEP) and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

OSCE-supported international trainers and specialists on therapeutic work with drug- and alcohol-addicted prisoners presented the Minnesotan treatment model, which is recognized as a global best practice among psychotherapeutic programmes for treatment of people with such problems, and organized practical sessions on the development of therapeutic skills.

“Specific professional training is critical to enable the staff of the penitentiary service to carry out their work in full safety,” said Daniele Rumolo, Senior Human Dimension Officer at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “Providing them with the necessary skills to effectively deal with specific categories of prisoners is also crucial to prevent criminal activities inside the prisons and enhance the respect of the rule of law.”

The course is part of an OSCE project on supporting the implementation of the National Strategy on the Development of Penitentiary System “Umut-2”. The project addresses the human rights situation and safety in penitentiary establishments through capacity building activities for prison staff.

Inter-institutional co-operation in focus of OSCE-supported security policy course in Bosnia and Herzegovina

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 16 Jun 2016 13:31:54 +0000

SARAJEVO, 16 June 2016 – An-OSCE supported course on security policy in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) for some 30 participants from government institutions, parliament, police, armed forces, civil society, academia, media and industry concluded today in Sarajevo.

The two-week course, organized by the OSCE Mission to BiH and Council of Ministers’ Inter-ministerial Working Group on Monitoring the Implementation of BiH Security Policy, focused on the necessity of a multi-disciplinary approach and co-ordination and co-operation among various security actors. The course also aimed at increasing their knowledge of the BiH security policy and security system.

“The responsibility for security is not the exclusive domain of any one particular ministry or institution. No single institution has sufficient resources or mandate to address what have become global security concerns and problems,” said Michael Delacruz, Head of Security Co-operation Unit at the OSCE Mission to BiH.

Momir Brajic, member of the Council of Minister’s Inter-ministerial Working Group, said: “Implementation of the security policy requires a particular accent to be placed on the establishment and improvement of inter-section co-operation, principally on co-operation between the government and civil sector. Therefore, this course is an excellent forum for exchange of opinions and experiences between different actors in the area of security.”

Dario Busic, Head of the Department at the BiH Ministry of Communication and Transport, said: “The course covered very interesting topics, some of which were new for me. It, therefore, enabled me to see the field of transportation, as my field of expertise, from a new perspective.”

The OSCE Mission to BiH and Inter-Ministerial Working Group have been organizing security policy courses since 2007 to raise understanding of BiH’s security policy and to exchange information in this area. The course is accredited by the BiH Civil Service Agency with ten credits and serves for the professional development and career advancement of civil servants.

OSCE organizes multi-agency training course on combating domestic violence in Armenia

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 20 May 2016 10:53:40 +0000

241786

Two two-day training courses on combating domestic violence through strengthening the co-operation and capacities of different state and non-state players were organized jointly by the OSCE Office in Yerevan, the Armenian Police and the Social Justice non-governmental organization on 17-18 May and 19-20 May 2016 in Tsakhkadzor, Armenia.

The participants consisted of 80 representatives from the Yerevan and Gegharkunik province police juvenile and community services, social services, municipal child protection units, guardianship and trusteeship councils and non-governmental organizations. They were divided into two groups and trained separately.

“Combating domestic violence has always been high on the OSCE agenda, as it is primarily a violation of a human right and often a precursor of more serious crimes. The police and local governments both play key roles in combating domestic violence, however, only through a concerted multi-agency approach can it be done most effectively,” said Bernhard Frankl, Politico-Military Programme Officer at the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Participants were introduced to definitions of domestic violence, its characteristics and types, the prevailing myths, phases and cycles. Active debates and group exercises were held to discuss potential victims along with the psychological and behavioral aspects and techniques of interviewing victims. The effects of domestic violence on different aspects of society, multi-sectoral responses and legal regulations were also highlighted.

The training course is part of an ongoing project by the OSCE Office to strengthen police capacities in preventing domestic violence.

OSCE organizes discussion on economic integration of migrants in Armenia

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:48:37 +0000

245161

The OSCE Office in Yerevan, in close co-operation with the Armenian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MLSA), organized a roundtable discussion on the economic integration of migrants in Armenia on 3 June 2016.

The event brought together around thirty representatives from state institutions, including the MLSA, State Migration Service of Armenia’s Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Diaspora, the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Culture, as well as international organizations and civil society dealing with migration issues.

The increased number of migrants entering Armenia both to seek asylum and to find employment heightens the importance of sound migrant integration policies and legislation. Armenia is among the countries in Europe with the highest per capita ratio of refugees/asylum seekers from Syria, according to government figures. Identifying ways to meet the integration needs of migrants while giving value to their contribution can represent an opportunity to strengthen the existing economic integration mechanisms for the benefit of the entire Armenian economy and society.

“The discussion has provided national agencies with the opportunity to raise their issues of concern regarding the economic integration of migrants, outline their priorities and activities and explore areas of possible co-operation. The results of this event will also contribute to the revision of the policy concept for immigrant integration prepared by the state migration service, which has been submitted to other state bodies for consideration,” said David Gullette, the Democratization Programme Officer at the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

In addition to presenting their activities and discussing ways to improve their co-ordination, the participants underlined the importance of learning from more experienced countries. One of the key recommendations of the roundtable discussion was to approach the international community for support to organize a regional event for exchanging views on best practices in the area of the economic integration of migrants.

The discussion was organized upon the request of the State Employment Service of the Armenian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

OSCE to organize 2016 Dialogue Academy for Young Women

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Tue, 07 Jun 2016 14:41:40 +0000

For more information on the application please click here.

OSCE Mission, police to discuss how to help prevent violent extremism and radicalization in Kosovo

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 12:34:40 +0000

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 27 June 2016 – The OSCE Mission together with the Kosovo Police will hold a two-day conference on preventing violent extremism and radicalization, starting tomorrow in Prishtinë/Priština.

The conference will gather representatives of law enforcement agencies, religious communities, civil society, academia and media, and will explore a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing the threats of violent extremism and radicalization in Kosovo.

Participants will also elaborate on measures taken so far to prevent violent extremism and radicalization, as well as the challenges they face.

Major Fatos Makolli, Director of the Directorate against Terrorism of the Kosovo Police, and Naim Hoxha, Organized Crime Advisor at the OSCE Mission, will deliver opening remarks.

Media representatives are invited to attend the opening of the conference on Tuesday, 28 June 2016, at the Hotel Sirius in Prishtinë/Priština, starting at 09:30 hrs.

OSCE Mission-organized Junior Basketball Tournament

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 30 Jun 2016 09:50:04 +0000

Photo Story

Around 100 boys and girls from different Kosovo communities took part in the OSCE Mission-organized Junior Basketball Tournament in Gёrmia/Grmija Park, Prishtinё/Priština, held from 20 to 30 June 2016. The aim was to empower young people through sport, help them get to know each other and socialize, overcome ethnic barriers, and make them more aware of issues young people face in Kosovo. Besides a basketball competition that was held under the supervision of accredited trainers from Prishtinё/Priština and Belgrade, the participants also engaged in thematic workshops, designed especially for youth and focused on promoting dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding.

Wed, 2016-06-29 11:47

OSCE Mission in Kosovo

South-Eastern Europe

Democratization

Tolerance and non-discrimination

249386

Besides a basketball competition that was held under the supervision of accredited trainers from Prishtinё/Priština and Belgrade, the participants also engaged in thematic workshops, designed especially for youth and focused on promoting dialogue, tolerance and mutual understanding.

Objective reporting from the conflict zone

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Mon, 04 Jul 2016 10:35:51 +0000

Article

Journalists in the battlefield have a responsibility to report objectively in a way which does not inflame tensions. A new manual by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine is helping media workers get the message.

Mon, 2016-07-18 11:47

OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine

Eastern Europe

Media freedom and development

Reporting objectively from a conflict is never easy. Concerns for your own personal safety and daily scenes of death and destruction mean that journalists can be overcome by personal emotion, while feelings of patriotism and “us against them” can be difficult to extinguish.

The professional ethical dilemmas presented by reporting from a conflict zone are very familiar to Anya, a journalist from the city of Donetsk, who has been covering the conflict in and around Ukraine from the beginning.

“It is difficult to remain objective in such situations,” says Anya, fully aware that journalists across all sides of the conflict face similar professional dilemmas. She was among 200 journalists and media experts from both sides of the line of contact who gathered in Mariupol, a city in the south of the Donetsk region, for the Donbas Media Forum from 9 to 12 June 2016 to discuss her personal and professional experiences of reporting on the conflict.

It was clear during the Forum, which was organized by local NGOs such as the Donetsk Institute of Information and the Donetsk Press Club that tensions among journalists deeply persist. These are partly down to the diametrically opposed political reporting on the conflict by the journalists. Indeed most of the journalists from the Donetsk region, including Anya, preferred to remain anonymous at the Forum.

[node id="250356" preset="medium" align="left" description="Oleksiy Matsuka, journalist, founder of the web-based project ‘News of Donbas’ and organiser of the Donbas Media Forum 2016, talks about difficulties media professionals face in the field, Mariupol, 10 June 2016. (Evgeny Sosnovsky)"]

Best practices on objective reporting

The discussions at the Forum explored ways of enhancing the professionalism of the reporting in ways which can help rekindle trust between communities and counter deliberate misreporting.

One of the tools presented was 'Conflict Sensitive Journalism - Best Practices and Recommendations’, a new manual published by the Officer of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine. Among many other things, the guide offers tips on how to work with vulnerable populations or how to verify facts and illustrates in plain language and through real-life case studies what media professionals need to do in the field in order to enhance their reporting.

“The guidelines aim to both advance the safety of journalists covering the conflict in Ukraine and support the development of conflict-sensitive media coverage”, says OSCE PCU National Project Officer Maryna Bezkorovaina.

Reporting from a conflict zone: Some tips

No story is worth your life! Journalists need to ensure their personal protection in combat operations zones – preparatory planning in advance of the trip and attending hostile environment and first aid courses are crucial.

Truth is the first victim in a conflict. Tensions are high and people pick sides. But it is crucial for journalists to stay impartial and to seek the truth – or at least be transparent in a story about the fact that information is hard to verify due to the reporting circumstances.

Do not stigmatise or discriminate when writing about displaced persons and other vulnerable groups and do not facilitate political manipulations on the subject.

Make a person the centre of your story and think about consequences of your reporting.

Do not distort reality for the sake of a nice picture and sensational text. Journalists have no justification for twisting facts, inventing non-existent things or using footage that does not reflect reality.

Source: ‘Conflict Sensitive Journalism - Best Practices and Recommendations’, published by the Office of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine (2016)

A threat to peace

Objective reporting from the conflict zone is important, because misreporting and propaganda can inflame tensions. The manual is therefore a product aiming to contribute to efforts to bring peace in Ukraine.

The lack of interest in and the dehumanization of the “other side” can threaten the potential for sustainable peace, says journalist Dejan Anastasijević with the Serbian weekly Vreme. At the Donbas Media Forum, he recalled his experiences as a correspondent on the Yugoslav wars of secession. “Do not make the situation worse by using harsh language against each other.”

The handbook features the results of a study implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in partnership with the Ukrainian NGOs Telekritika and the Institute of Mass Media, which revealed serious misconceptions among leading editors and prominent Ukrainian journalists regarding the role of the media in times of conflict.

[node id="250361" preset="medium" align="left" description="Dejan Anastasijevic, Serbian journalist from Vreme newspaper states: “Do not make the situation worse by using harsh language against each other,” in a panel discussion at the Forum in Mariupol, 10 June 2016. (Evgeny Sosnovsky)"]

The study highlighted over-generalized reporting, narratives characterised by an 'us' versus 'them' perspective, inflammatory language and dehumanization of the conflict sides. Half of the analysed national online publications reported incomplete information about the conflict, while about a quarter of the material primarily relied on data from social networks. Moreover, the problems and needs of the people living in the areas not controlled by the Ukrainian government received little or no coverage.

“Journalists need to understand that they are not soldiers fighting for a particular side,” says Oleksiy Matsuka, a journalist and founder of the web-based project ‘News of Donbas’. “The manual helps journalists return to the origins and basic rules of their profession.”

The manual was a crucial element of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator’s “Supporting Conflict Sensitive Journalism in Ukraine” project, which is partially funded by the Government of the United Kingdom and the International Media Support (IMS) NGO. The manual draws on the most up-to-date practices based on the highest quality academic research.

The book was also earlier presented in Lviv Media Forum, in western Ukraine, and English, Ukrainian and Russian versions of the book are available on the OSCE website and as an app for iOS and Android devices.

“It is extremely useful for journalists to have a handbook they can easily access whenever and wherever they need it,” says Mariana Seminishin, organizer of the Lviv Media Forum. “The manual provides both life-saving information and guidance that could pave the way for peace in Ukraine.”

OSCE Programme Office supports public hearings on libel and slander legislation in Kazakhstan

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 21 Jul 2016 11:17:23 +0000

OSCE Representative condemns incidents directed at journalists and independent voices in Bosnia and Herzegovina

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Fri, 29 Jul 2016 14:46:40 +0000

VIENNA, 29 July 2016 – Continuing intimidation and violence against journalists and independent voices is unacceptable and could further weaken media freedom and freedom of expression in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Dunja Mijatović, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, said today.

“I am following with great concern the extremely worrying situation in the country which could lead to self-censorship,” Mijatović said. “People engaged in investigative reporting and expressing different opinions, even provocative ones, should play a legitimate part in a healthy debate and their voices should not be restricted.”

Mijatović noted that the latest events open a very worrying chapter on the safety of journalists.

They include:

• Verbal attacks on writer and journalist Nenad Veličković;

• Verbal attacks on Borka Rudić, General Secretary of the Association of BiH Journalists; • Verbal threats on journalist Mirjana Radanović;

• Threats and insults against journalists of FTV Mreža magazine;

• Threats against Dragiša Sikimić, editor-in-chief and the owner of the web portal MojaHercegovina.info;

• Verbal and physical assaults on BN TV, ATV and HIT TV crews;

• A physical attack on a BN TV camera operator; • An assault on Nermin Bisa, editor-in-chief of 24sata.info;

• Verbal threats against freelance journalist Vuk Bačanović; and

• Offensive and discriminatory verbal attacks on Selma Učanbarlić, a journalist from the Centre for Investigative Reporting.

“This trend needs to be immediately reversed. Public condemnation at the highest level is needed in order to send a clear message that such threats, including hate speech, against journalists, academics and writers are not tolerated in a democratic society,” Mijatović said. “Investigations into these incidents, which include death threats transmitted by social media, need to be commenced immediately.”

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. For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit http: www.osce.org/fom/257086

OSCE Ambassadors to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina from 19 to 22 June

By feeds.osce.org
Published On :: Thu, 16 Jun 2016 14:16:29 +0000

VIENNA, 16 June 2016 - OSCE Heads of Delegations will visit the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) from 19 to 22 June 2016, where they will learn more about the Mission’s work and see first-hand how post-conflict rehabilitation and reform is progressing in the country.

The ambassadors of the OSCE participating States will visit Sarajevo and Travnik. They plan to meet BiH Presidency members; the BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs; representatives of the Inter-Religious Council, international organizations, media and civil society; and visit a storage site for weapons taken out of use.

The visit will focus on areas where the OSCE is working to help build a peaceful, stable future for the country, including education; tolerance and non-discrimination; countering violent extremism; and post-conflict reconciliation, specifically focusing on questions relating to war crimes and sexual violence in conflict.

Ambassador Sian MacLeod, Head of the UK Delegation to the OSCE, who is leading the ambassadorial visit, said Heads of Delegations are looking forward to visiting BiH - an OSCE participating State where the organization invests significant time and resources - and are keen to demonstrate their support for the OSCE Mission’s work.

“I am grateful to the German Chairmanship for asking me to organize this visit, demonstrating the continuing commitment of OSCE states to security and stability in the Western Balkans,” said Ambassador MacLeod. “I hope that our visit will underline the importance of reconciliation and reform for a secure, prosperous future for the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Ambassador Jonathan Moore, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, expressed his confidence that the trip will foster understanding among Heads of Delegations of the country and the Mission’s role, including its work at the local level.

For questions related to the visit, please contact: Zeljka.Sulc@osce.org and Andrew.Peebles@fco.gov.uk

OSCE States explore role for the Organization regarding migration and refugee flows

Related Stories

OSCE launches series of anti-trafficking seminars for law-enforcement officers and social workers across Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports Youth Forum on role of youth in peace-building and ensuring stability in Kyrgyzstan

Related Stories

OSCE Centre supports the 3rd training for prosecutors on effective investigation of cases of torture in Kyrgyzstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports workshop on communications and information cooperation for the press officers of the armed forces of the Kyrgyz Republic

Related Stories

OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina joins world in marking International Roma Day

Related Stories

ODIHR expresses concerns on recent evictions of Roma in joint statement with other global and regional human rights organizations

Related Stories

Impact of corruption prevention measures at national and sectoral levels in focus at OSCE-supported expert meeting in Kyrgyzstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports training seminar on local self-governance in Kazakhstan’s Tselinograd District

Related Stories

Institutional dialogue between central and Gagauz authorities in focus of OSCE Mission to Moldova-supported roundtable discussion

Related Stories

OSCE Mission to Serbia commends contribution of civil society organizations to democratic processes

Related Stories

OSCE to organize 2016 Dialogue Academy for Young Women

Related Stories

Institutional dialogue between central and Gagauz authorities in focus of OSCE Mission to Moldova-supported roundtable discussion

Related Stories

OSCE Mission to Skopje co-organizes training course on how to spot falsified documents

Related Stories

Head of OSCE Mission to Skopje Suomalainen attends Iftar (fast-breaking) dinner organized by women’s association

Related Stories

OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes workshop for national Police Union on countering gender-based discrimination

Related Stories

OSCE Mission to Skopje organizes two-day workshop on multi-ethnic policing

Related Stories

OSCE co-organizes meeting on implementing international human rights recommendations in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports roundtable discussion on introduction of Pollutant Release and Transfer Register in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE promotes role of public councils in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports roundtable discussion implementing Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE Programme Office supports public hearings on libel and slander legislation in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE launches series of anti-trafficking seminars for law-enforcement officers and social workers across Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE Programme Office supports training for defence lawyers in Kazakhstan on the new criminal procedure legislation

Related Stories

OSCE supports water co-operation in southern Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE promotes ‘green’ women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas of Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE concludes series of training seminars on implementing the National Preventive Mechanism in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE organizes field study in sustainable energy for the OSCE Mediterranean Partner Countries.

Related Stories

OSCE supports roundtable discussion on public participation in environmental decision-making in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports roundtable discussion on introduction of Pollutant Release and Transfer Register in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports roundtable discussion implementing Aarhus Convention in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports public discussions on natural resources management in southern Kyrgyzstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports water co-operation in southern Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE Mission releases report on war crimes processing at state level in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Related Stories

OSCE supports plea bargain training in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE supports training seminar on torture prevention in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE Programme Office supports training for defence lawyers in Kazakhstan on the new criminal procedure legislation

Related Stories

OSCE concludes series of training seminars on implementing the National Preventive Mechanism in Kazakhstan

Related Stories

OSCE conducts regional seminar in Kazakhstan on Vienna Document 2011

Related Stories

OSCE-supports training course for newly recruited personnel of a rehabilitation centre in Kyrgyzstan

Related Stories