Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 8:30pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

This CSI information session will focus only on PwCHong Kong based positions.This info session will invite professionals and partners from the following service lines of PwC Hong Kong:Core AssuranceRisk AssuranceTaxConsultingThe PwC Hong Kong professionals and partners will share business insights, their career development experiences and help you prepare for interviews and future careers with their teams and PwC Hong Kong.We have many positions available across the line of services in assurance, tax, and consulting in our Hong Kong office. Positions are forfull time Associate roles with a start date in fall/late of 2025. ​Application Eligibility:Bachelor and Master students who graduate from universities in the United States or Canada between August 2023 and August 2025 are eligible to apply. ​Mandarin or Cantonese language skills as well as English are required.PwC will provide Hong Kong working visa sponsorship for selected associates. ​We welcome STEM major students who are interested in getting professional training and professional service experiences in Hong Kong to join our program. ​Please join the CSI Virtual Information Session - Hong Kong on November 14, 2024 from 8:30 pm - 9:30 pm US Eastern Time to learn more about the opportunities in PwC Hong Kong. For all current CSI openings, please visit: https://app.mokahr.com/campus-recruitment/pwc/148260#/page/CSI

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 7:00pm
Location: Museum of Art
Organized By: School of Education

Please join us in person to learn more about how Marsal Education can help you reach your education goals through our teacher certification program!

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 6:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Are you a student or recent graduate passionate about making a difference? Join us this fall for our virtual information sessions hosted by the Partnership for Public Service! Our Call to Serve team is excited to guide you through the pathways to impactful careers in the federal government. The Partnership’s Call to Serve team will share: 
Entry-level government opportunities, including internship and fellowship programs.
Practical tips to navigate the federal hiring process.
Tools for effectively searching government jobs.
This is a unique chance to gain valuable insights and set yourself on a path to make a meaningful impact in the federal government. Don’t miss out—spaces are limited, so secure your spot today by signing up here.  Participants are required to sign up on our website, do not sign up via Handshake! 

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 4:00pm
Location: Student Activities Building, Maize and Blue Auditorium, 515 E Jefferson St, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
Organized By: University Career Center

If you are interested in interning for the Office of Governor Whitmer, please join us on Thursday, November 14 from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Maize & Blue Auditorium (located on the 1st floor of the Student Activities Building).Staff and recruiters from the Governor’s office will be visiting campus to provide an overview of their internship program for both Spring 2025 and Summer 2025. If you are in the Public Service Intern Program or pursuing professional opportunities in government, this is the event for you! Please come prepared with some questions toask the speakers as there will be Q&A for students who attend.  

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 4:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Info Session: Amgen Undergrad Finance Internship Summer 2025 Please join the Amgen corporate finance team for a virtual presentation to learn more about our undergraduate finance internship and biotechnology company. Our summer internship gives students the opportunity to own business-critical projects, participate in a case competition with fellow interns, network with company executives,and much more. Please see event details below. We look forward to meetingyou! Info Session: Amgen Corporate Finance Internship Summer 2025Where: via Teams linkWhen: Thursday, Nov. 14th at 4:00-5:00pm PSTTo apply or to learn more about the internship, search Job ID #R-195767 at careers.amgen.com. Amgen is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies. With a foundation of strong values, Amgen uses science and innovation to transform insights into medicines for patients with serious illnesses. Our mission is to serve patients and we embody this in every initiative, goal and task. When you join our team, you’ll make a positive impact in the world.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 3:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Are you looking at a future career in healthcare and need clinical experience?  If so, join us for our upcoming virtual info session to learn more about our medical scribe positions! If you are unable to attend this session, no worries we are offering severalother sessions throughout the month!  Click on the RSVP link above to find a time that works with your schedule! 

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 3:00pm
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: LSA Transfer Student Recruitment

Join the LSA Transfer Recruitment Team for our virtual sessions where we will discuss LSA requirements, transfer credit, pre-transfer academic advising, LSA opportunities and other transfer tidbits.

Registration is required. Register using link to the right.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 2:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Join us for a special Veterans Panel where PCC employees who have transitioned from military service to civilian roles share their personal journeys. This discussion will highlight the unique strengths veterans bring to the workplace and the ways in which PCC fosters an environment that values their contributions. Whether you're a veteran or interested in how military skills translate to corporate success, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.  

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 2:00pm
Location: Duderstadt Center
Organized By: Engineering Education Research

Abstract: Engineering textbooks have problems, and those problems have problems. While they may be complex and time-consuming, textbook problems are “tidy” in that they are well-defined, closed-ended, and decontextualized. In contrast, the practice of engineering is “messy.” The design process is ill-defined, modeling and analysis are open-ended, and the engineered systems affect and are affected by society in positive and negative ways. In this talk I frame the messiness of engineering as an important part of the conversation about DEI in engineering. By exposing students to the messiness of engineering throughout their undergraduate education, instructors can better prepare students for their careers; help students to reflect upon their views and biases; and present engineering as socially constructed, instead of inherently upholding a white supremacist culture. I will then present the SHUTTLE Lab’s design-based research approach to putting some of this messiness back into engineering science courses. Specifically, I will describe our work addressing the messiness of mathematical modeling. We are focused on the professional skill of engineering judgment, and are simultaneously creating open-ended modeling problems, studying emerging engineering modeling judgment, and training faculty to notice and respond to their students’ displays of engineering judgment.

Bio: Aaron W. Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering and a Core Faculty member in Engineering Education Research at the University of Michigan. His design-based research focuses on how to re-contextualize engineering science engineering courses to better reflect and prepare students for the reality of ill-defined, sociotechnical engineering practice. Aaron holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Michigan and a Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and was an instructor in Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys collecting LEGO NASA sets, camping, and playing disc golf.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 1:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Amazon Warehouse Virtual Information Session!Military vets, active duty, and spouses — get set for success on November 14th Get all your questions answered regarding the job, pay, student resources and schedules while learning how our warehouse roles are uniquely positioned to support you — no matter where you might be in your career or military transition.When: Thursday November 14th 2024Time: 1:00 PM ESTRSVP Here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1017280581322/WN_dOG-T4BAQd-ZpeY4Olw2UAWhen you start now, you can take home something greater – competitive pay, a range of real benefits, and opportunities for career advancement – it’s the difference all those things make together. Attend our upcoming event to learn more about these exciting opportunities.Can'tmake it? Create your job profile today by visiting  amazon.com/info New shifts drop every Friday evening and throughout the weekSign up for our text alerts by texting "JOBEVENT" to 31432* By participating, you agree to the terms and privacy policy at sms-terms.com/amazon for recurring autodialed marketing messages from Amazon, to the phone number you provide. No consent required to buy. Message and data rates may apply. Text HELP for help or STOPto end.Need an accommodation?If you have a disability and need an accommodation during the application and hiring process, please visit amazon.com/accommodations or contact us by phone at 888-435-9287, Monday through Friday, between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.PT.If you receive and accept an offerYou will need to provide proof of your identity and employment eligibility as required by federal law by completing a Form I-9. Amazon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:00pm
Location:
Organized By: University Career Center

Join us for a quick informational sessional about our exciting Financial Advising Internship! Our recruitment team will provide an overview of the internship program and how the experience can help jump start your career in the financial services industry. Whether you are looking to gain hands on experience or develop your financial expertise, this internship offers valuable insight and mentorship. All majors are welcome. We look forward to hearing from you!  -Northwestern Mutual Metro Detroit

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:00pm
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: Disability Equity Office

Spend an hour or a few minutes with the accessibility specialists of ECRT's Disability Equity Office to ask any questions related to reasonable accommodations, the interactive process, general accessibility at U-M, and more! Break-out rooms will be available for those who wish to ask their questions privately. If you need accommodations to participate in this drop-in session, please email the ADA Coordinator at ADAcoordinator@umich.edu.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 11:30am
Location: Off Campus Location
Organized By: LSA Transfer Student Center

Join the Transfer Student Center staff to learn more about:
1. How to understand your transfer credit and how transfer credit will count for degree requirements.
2. Orientation and registering for your first semester of classes.
3. Connecting with the department that you plan to major in.
4. Your housing options.
5. And, any other questions that you have.

Registration is required. Register using the link to the right. Zoom link will be sent after you register.

Event Begins: Thursday, November 14, 2024 10:00am
Location:
Organized By: Sessions @ Michigan

Following a successful pilot, a new two-year agreement was approved today between the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the City of Chicago's Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), which manages the city's overall homelessness outreach, to continue providing expanded outreach and support for riders who are unsheltered, as well as those grappling with mental health and substance abuse.

Recess by Sally Caldwell Fisher is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to pcs

Newly elected Senate Republican leader John Thune (R-S.D.) reiterated his openness on Wednesday to potentially allowing recess appointments to skirt around the traditional confirmation process and quickly install President-elect Trump’s […]

The work-from-home trend, a shortage of new housing and other factors are leading people to expand their homes and remodel existing spaces. They’re often turning to single-zone ductless products to heat and cool those new living spaces.

The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) has announced updates to the saveONenergy Retrofit Program that provide additional financial incentives for Ontario businesses to reduce energy used by lighting, HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, and building plug loads.

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) reported that ductless split systems shipments had a major increase of 20 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Residential air conditioning showed an increase of 2 percent.

In May 2014, the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), McLean, Va., launched a national effort to encourage consumers to take a fresh look at frozen foods.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) estimates that nearly one-third of the edible components of food produced for human consumption gets lost or wasted, amounting to about 1.3 billion tons per year globally.

As professionals in the packaging industry return from their well-deserved summer vacations, they will be able to kick-off the fall by finding the newest technologies at PROCESS EXPO.

The October jobs report from Australia was not as strong as we have become accustomed to:

• Australian October unemployment rate 4.1% (vs. 4.1% expected)

It was not a poor report, just not another blockbuster!

AUD/USD is not a lot changed. Earlier we had Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Bullock sounding not dovish:

• RBA Bullock says rates are restrictive enough, staying there until confident on inflation

Japan's former vice minister of finance for international affairs, Masato Kanda was reported with comments on Wednesday ICYMI.

• currency market volatility had increased reflecting recent changes in monetary policies and political situations in major countries
• "There is no change to our stance that we will need to respond appropriately to excess movements on the currency market as excessive foreign exchange volatility is undesirable"

His comments have not slowed the yen decline:

***

Kanda is now a special adviser to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and the finance ministry., said in an interview that currency market volatility had increased reflecting recent changes in monetary policies and political situations in major countries.

TASHKENT, 15 October 2015 – An OSCE-supported roundtable discussion introducing representatives of local law enforcement bodies to the methodology of a national assessment of money-laundering and terrorism-financing risks in Uzbekistan was held today in Tashkent.

International experts invited by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan presented the results of their work on devising a comprehensive and tailored methodology for conducting a national risk assessment in the country.

“The OSCE continues to support international efforts that have made national risk assessment the standard in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism,” said the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Gyorgy Szabo. “We see this as an essential step on the road to eliminating money laundering and terrorism financing in Uzbekistan.”

The discussion is part of a wider process of consultations with representatives of Uzbek law-enforcement agencies and the private sector to implement a national risk assessment on money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Related Stories

• OSCE trains Uzbek law enforcement bodies on asset recovery and mutual legal assistance
• OSCE Project Co-ordinator lights up central Tashkent with 20 solar-powered street lamps
• OSCE launches training seminar for Uzbek journalists on human trafficking

TASHKENT, 5 November 2015 – Addressing and preventing human trafficking in the hospitality and tourism sector is the topic of a two-day OSCE-supported training course, launched today in Tashkent, for 25 representatives from Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure, airlines, airport services and police.

The course, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the National Inter-agency Commission on Counteracting Human Trafficking, aims to contribute to preventing human trafficking through awareness raising and developing the anti-trafficking codes of conduct for personnel.

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Gyorgy Szabo said the training course would help representatives from private businesses develop corporate responsibility for preventing human trafficking in the tourism infrastructure.  

Astrid Winkler, representative of the ECPAT International (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes), said that “It is important that all stakeholders, including the tourism business, understand what human trafficking is and take a stance against it. Business can do a lot in terms of prevention.”

The training course is part of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator’s project to assist Uzbekistan in combating the trafficking in human beings.

Related Stories

• OSCE launches training seminar for Uzbek journalists on human trafficking
• OSCE-supported training course in Uzbekistan focuses on addressing and preventing human trafficking in the tourism sector
• OSCE Project Co-ordinator lights up central Tashkent with 20 solar-powered street lamps

The OSCE Mission to Moldova held the final in a series of three training sessions for 12 psychologists and professionals working with domestic violence victims. The session took place on 27 June 2016 in Rybnitsa, a town on the left bank of the Dniester/Nistru River.

The event aimed to equip participants with essential skills in family counselling and post-traumatic stress rehabilitation. Participants studied means to identify family violence, various coaching techniques to use when working with families, as well as methods for handling trauma and post-traumatic stress among domestic violence victims.

In the past week, similar training events have been held in Chisinau and Tiraspol with the total participation of 50 professionals from Bender, Causeni, Chisinau, Comrat, Drochia, Rybnitsa and Tiraspol.

Participants in the training sessions included psychologists, teachers, medical professionals, lawyers and social workers, all of whom encounter cases of domestic violence in their work through Moldova’s referral system.

The training events were held as part of the Mission’s project to strengthen the capacity of those who provide crisis services to women and families on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River. The project was developed following a country-wide assessment conducted in 2014 and 2015. The assessment identified a number of challenges in this field in Moldova, most notably the difficulties in accessing domestic violence services – including shelters and crisis centres – for those living in rural areas, and a lack of state resources. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Mission to Moldova trains lawyers from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River on addressing discrimination
• Civil society representatives tackle key NGO management issues at OSCE Mission to Moldova-supported event
• Summer School to be held for lawyers from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River

A televised debate hosted by the Montenegrin Public Service Broadcaster and supported by the OSCE Mission on 2 May 2016, ahead of World Press Freedom Day, raised on awareness about the threats to media freedoms and specific problems facing journalism as a profession.

Taking part in the debate were Nikola Markovic, Editor-in-Chief of daily Dan; Tufik Sofitc, Acting Director of Radio Berane, journalist of daily Vijesti and weekly Monitor, and currently under police protection; Ranko Vujovic, Executive Secretary of the Media Council for Self-Regulation ; Marijana Bojanic, Executive Director of Vijesti Television; and Drasko Djuranovic, Editor-in-Chief of the daily Pobjeda.

Among the issues highlighted were problems related to the polarized media industry in Montenegro, different pressures on journalists, state-financing subsidies and the media market, the social standing of journalists, and the lack of solidarity.

Panellists agreed that the amended Code of Ethics for media professionals is a major step forward which has improved co-operation among the media but the focus now should be on its implementation.

 “In order to achieve and practice the freedom of expression, it is necessary to have a strong and independent media, and in order to have that, it is essential to ensure their sustainability,” said Bojanic. 

The TV debate is available in the Montenegrin language.

Related Stories

• OSCE Mission to Montenegro-supported campaign on benefits of composting kicks-off in Pljevlja
• OSCE Mission to Montenegro supports seminar on strengthening co-operation between prosecutors and police on forensic evidence
• Head of the OSCE Mission highlights the media’s crucial role in building democracy

By OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier

Today we celebrate a significant milestone for Montenegro and its people. A decade ago, the country restored its independence. At the same time, Montenegro also joined the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which with 57 participating States is the largest regional security organization worldwide.

By becoming a full-fledged OSCE participating State, and by inviting an OSCE field mission into the country, Montenegro entrusted the OSCE with important responsibilities to assist the country’s development. Hand in hand with Montenegro’s young state institutions and civil society, we embarked on responding to the country’s evolving needs with great enthusiasm.

Evolving democracy

I am proud that we have been able to make a substantial contribution towards further advancing the country’s democratic reform process. Through the hard work and energies of our Montenegrin partners, we can now see that these efforts have borne results and delivered tangible benefits for Montenegrin citizens.

The responsibility displayed in overcoming the recent political crisis is important above all for the people of this country but it is also a positive signal that resonates in the wider region. Political leaders managed to bridge their differences by reaching a compromise that will serve the public interest. It showed us that a crisis can turn into an opportunity.

With strong leadership to success

Leadership, a long-term vision and willingness to compromise will all be greatly needed in the coming months to ensure full implementation of all adopted laws and agreements, thereby creating a level playing field for the parliamentary elections scheduled for this autumn. The elections will be an important test for the country. At present, the Mission to Montenegro is providing technical assistance to the State Election Commission, who will play a key role in the administration of the coming elections.

Public trust requires commitment

Full implementation of necessary laws is vital, particularly in countering transnational threats, strengthening the rule of law and protecting media freedoms. That is where the OSCE can help. We will continue providing assistance in the implementation of many aspects of the reform process in accordance with our mandate. The OSCE, as a strategic partner, can continue to assist Montenegro in developing strong and independent institutions that enjoy wide public trust. Key changes need time, dedication and commitment by all stakeholders.

Diversity and pluralism a key objective

Looking at the broader international context, we see mounting challenges and a complex security environment. Armed conflict is once again a reality on European soil. Unprecedented waves of refugees and migrants continue to test the unity of the international community, and extremist movements continue to promote radical ideologies that threaten dialogue and peaceful coexistence. In these challenging circumstances, building and empowering diverse and pluralistic communities is fundamental, as is the promotion of dialogue and tolerance.  

These challenges show how volatile stability can be and how crises can escalate into violent conflict. Particularly in times of growing tensions, they also underscore the importance of the OSCE’s unique role as a platform for dialogue and as a driver for joint action.

Regional security – Montenegrin security

Only last year, the OSCE marked the 40th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, which is the foundation of our security order and the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. It is thanks to this heritage that the OSCE Mission to Montenegro has become engaged in many diverse activities, from destroying heavy weapons and unsafe and obsolete military ammunition to supporting the rule of law, democratic policing and good governance, or enhancing environmental awareness and security.

We are pleased with what the OSCE has accomplished not only in Montenegro, but across the Western Balkans. The Organization has played an important role in post-conflict rehabilitation, promoting human rights and building democratic institutions. We have not acted alone but in co-operation with our national and international partners. We believe that strong partnerships offer the best guarantee for broad participation, effectiveness and our joint success.

Legitimate aspirations of today – concrete realities of tomorrow

We commend Montenegro’s achievements, its commitment to further democratic progress, and its role as a recognized factor for stability in the region. Working closely with the Montenegrin authorities and citizens, the OSCE will further develop its role as a partner that is responsive to the country’s evolving strategic priorities. We stand ready to support Montenegro as it continues to progress along the path of reform, where the legitimate aspirations of today can become the concrete realities of tomorrow. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Secretary General Zannier encourages all parties in Montenegro to engage constructively on full implementation of April political agreement
• The South East European Cooperation Process Summit
• Strong multilateral institutions, confidence-building instruments key in addressing divisions, say participants of OSCE Security Days in Berlin

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku and the Azerbaijani Press Council are pleased to announce two contests for media reports highlighting the problems of domestic violence in Azerbaijan.

The first contest is for the articles published in newspapers and online media, the second one for TV reports. An evaluation committee comprising the representatives of the OSCE, Press Council and the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs will award prizes for the best reports produced from 1 May 2015 to 30 November 2015.

The deadline for entries is 30 November 2015. The results will be announced in December 2015.

The competition is open to media representatives only. The authors of the winning articles and reports will receive certificates and cash prizes: first place - 1500, second – 1200 and third – 1000 AZN. Each contest also includes an award for the best report from young journalists – 1000 AZN. These contests are part of the PCiB’s project on supporting the implementation of the law on the prevention of domestic violence.

Questions about the contest may be directed to Zhala Azizova, National Project Officer, at zazizova@osce.org and Avaz Rustamov, representative of the Press Council, at evez.rustemov@gmail.com.

Related Stories

• More Muslim voices in Europe condemning anti-Semitism needed, says Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism
• OSCE Project Co-ordinator calls for join efforts in supporting voices of moderation, promoting dialogue and restoring trust
• OSCE supports study visit of Azerbaijani officials to the Netherlands on Holocaust education and remembrance

BAKU, 1 June 2015 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbia’s Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić started his official trip to the South Caucasus today with a visit to Baku.

He was received by President llham Aliyev and discussed with him the potential for progress towards a comprehensive peace agreement for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as co-operation between the OSCE and Azerbaijan.

During his visit, Dačić also had meetings with Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Speaker of Parliament Ogtay Asadov, as well as representatives of political parties and of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Dačić expressed concern about the unprecedented number of service personnel and civilians reported killed and wounded in the first four months of the year, and stressed the need for all involved to honour the ceasefire agreement. “There is no alternative to a peaceful settlement,” he said. “Serbia’s own experience confirms that it is only through dialogue that a sustainable, peaceful solution can be found, one which would put the region on the path of co-operation, the only way forward in our increasingly interconnected international community,” he said.

Dačić emphasized his full support for the efforts of the Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group and his Personal Representative, Ambassador Andrzej Kaspryzk, directed towards promoting dialogue between the parties.

He stressed that, besides offering tools for advancing democratic reforms in its participating States, the OSCE is a good platform for joining forces in addressing transnational threats. “The Organization stands ready to continue to work with Azerbaijan to help boost the country’s capacities to combat such threats,” Dačić said, “as well as to pursue its domestic reform agenda.”

Dačić also visited the premises of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator’s in Baku, where he discussed with mission members ongoing programmatic activity.

The Chairperson-in-Office was accompanied by Ambassador Kaspryzk and his Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Angelo Gnaedinger.

Later today, Dačić will depart for Tbilisi where he will hold high-level talks tomorrow. He will conclude the visit to the region on 3 June in Yerevan.

Related Stories

• 68th IPRM meeting takes place in Ergneti
• Urgent steps needed towards full respect for ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, says OSCE Chairmanship Special Representative and Chief Monitor
• OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier, in Moldova, calls for swift and full implementation of confidence-building measures

BISHKEK, 15 July 2016 – The OSCE Centre in Bishkek and the Regional Office for Central Asia of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR ROCA) completed a training course in Bishkek today for 35 advisors and experts of the Kyrgyz parliament on promoting human rights in the legislative process.

The two-day training course aimed at enhancing the knowledge of parliamentarians on human rights principles.

National and international experts shared their know-how with participants on the international human rights standards, and the United Nations Human Rights Treaty System and its mechanisms. They also discussed the role of parliamentarians in promoting and protecting human rights, the principles of equality and non-discrimination as well as the relations between the state and other actors.

“Today’s training course is an important step towards ensuring that new laws will be drafted in compliance with these principles for the continuous democratic development of Kyrgyzstan,” said Daniele Rumolo, Senior Human Dimension Officer at the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. “Following the successful organization of parliamentary elections in October 2015, it is necessary that Kyrgyz authorities continue to meet their obligations and implement the relevant OSCE commitments on human rights.”

Ryszard Komenda, OHCHR ROCA Regional Representative, said: “It is critical that advisors and experts working closely with members of the parliament are fully versed in and committed to international and national human rights standards in order to propose and adopt legislation that is in full compliance with them. This training course represents one way in which OHCHR supports Kyrgyzstan to protect and promote human rights.”

The training course is part of the OSCE Centre’s project on strengthening democratic governance in Kyrgyzstan.

BISHKEK, 30 July 2016 – To mark today’s World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the OSCE Centre in Bishkek supported a public awareness-raising campaign and held a public discussion with academic representatives in Bishkek and Osh.

On 29 July, in co-operation with the State Service on Migration, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and local partners, the OSCE Centre raised public awareness about the risks of human trafficking in Bishkek and Osh.

Information material such as pocket calendars with the hotline number and contact information of the Kyrgyz Embassies in the five top migrant destination countries were distributed among the public. Illustrated silhouettes of people, symbolizing victims of trafficking, were displayed on posters in public places with stories in the Russian and Kyrgyz languages narrating their experience of human trafficking.

“Public awareness campaigns play an important role in the prevention of trafficking in human beings,” said William Leaf, OSCE Senior Field Representative in Osh. “The OSCE works to assist the government in improving its education and outreach efforts at the local and central levels in line with its commitments to prevent and combat all forms of human trafficking.”

In addition to the awareness-rising campaign, today the representatives of five local universities in Osh participated in a roundtable discussion organized by the OSCE Centre in co-operation with the Centre for Support of International Protection. The discussion focused on the ways of promoting inter-disciplinary research efforts among students and professors on the scope, tendencies and root causes of human trafficking in southern Kyrgyzstan.  

“As trafficking in human beings is a complex phenomenon, it requires a multi-disciplinary approach, covering, among others, socio-economic, legal, migration, human rights, gender and law enforcement aspects,” said Akylbek Tashbulatov, Director of the Centre for the Support of International Protection. “The academic community have the necessary research potential and tools to positively contribute to the development of such an assessment.”

The events were organized as part of the OSCE Centre’s project on addressing human trafficking in Kyrgyzstan through grassroots initiatives and multi-agency cooperation.

MOSCOW, 5 August 2016 – On the occasion of the formal opening of the election observation mission (EOM) deployed by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to observe the 18 September State Duma elections in the Russian Federation, the mission will hold a press conference in Moscow on Monday, 8 August 2016.

Jan Petersen, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, will introduce the role of the EOM and its upcoming activities.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference at 15:00, Monday, 8 August, at Interfax, 1-ya Tverskaya-Yamskaya ul., 2 Moscow, 127006.

For further information, please contact Inta Lase OSCE/ODIHR EOM Media Analyst, at +79166214710 (mobile) or Inta.Lase@odihr.ru

or

Thomas Rymer, OSCE/ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile) or at thomas.rymer@odihr.pl.

Related Stories

• Parliamentary Elections

VIENNA, 16 July 2016 – OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today said she was deeply saddened upon learning of the death of photojournalist Mustafa Cambaz in Turkey, and worried about the state of media freedom in the country.

“I was deeply saddened to learn about Cambaz’ death,” Mijatović said. “The authorities must do their utmost to ensure journalists’ safety and free flow of information during times of crisis.”

Cambaz, a photojournalist with the media outlet Yeni Safak, was shot last night during the unrest in Turkey. Reportedly, a number of members of the media were detained last night for a short period of time. Some journalists were also injured, including Reporters Without Borders correspondent Selçuk Şamiloğlu who was beaten when reporting from the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul.

“Journalists continue to put themselves in great danger in order to provide information to the public,” Mijatović said. “They must be able to report freely and safely.”

Further, Mijatović noted reports that the editorial offices of several newspapers, including the Hürriyet newspaper, Hürriyet Daily News, and broadcaster CNNTürk, were raided and taken over for a few hours by a group of soldiers in Istanbul.

The Representative also welcomed the attention attributed to journalists’ safety by Prime Minister Binali Yildirim in his public remarks today, expressing regret for any harm that media workers might have suffered during the events.

Mijatović said she will continue to follow and closely monitor all issues related to media freedom and safety of journalists in the country.

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: www.twitter.com/osce_rfom and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom. 

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Addressing the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 2 June 2016, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors described country engagement and highlighted the disturbing increase in hate speech.

The statement covered the High Commissioner’s activities since her last statement to the Permanent Council in November 2015. During this period Thors visited Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova.

The High Commissioner expressed concern about the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities. Thors called for renewed efforts to tackle hate speech in order to prevent tensions and to promote integration with respect for diversity.

Thors also informed the Permanent Council about the work her institution is doing together with researchers to identify best practices that highlight the bridge building potential of national minorities in diverse societies.

The full statement can be found here.

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During her visit to Kosovo from 7 to 10 June 2016, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors focused on education, implementation of the framework of language rights and access to justice.

The High Commissioner continues to urge for the adoption of the Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Language Rights, contending that it will make the implementation of legislation more efficient and improve the quality and the consistency of different language versions of legal acts. “When in place, the strategy will lead to positive results quickly,” said Thors.

The visit included Prishtinë/Priština, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Prizren, Janjevë/Janjevo and Gračanica/Gracanicë where Thors met with ministers, local authorities, media representatives, judges, university professors and students, as well as representatives of the international community. The High Commissioner was joined in several meetings by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Jean-Claude Schlumberger.

Thors commended the recent adoption of an administrative instruction of the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, which will make it easier for members of non-majority communities to pursue studies at universities in Kosovo as it, among others issues, improves the functioning of the existing quota system.

Whilst visiting the University of Prizren, the High Commissioner expressed concern that courses taught in Turkish and Bosnian have not yet received official accreditation for the next academic year. Such courses cater to the fundamental needs of non-majority communities in Kosovo. “I encourage relevant authorities to take urgent measures so that these options remain available also the next academic year,” said Thors.

High Commissioner Thors discussed extensively with a number of stakeholders the prospective establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities as well as ways to overcome the current stalemate in the process. She heard views on the need to respect the relevant legal framework but also to meet the expectations of concerned communities, in north Kosovo as elsewhere. Thors also noted the concerns expressed by Serbs living outside Serb majority municipalities, as well as non-Serb non-majority communities, who fear they will not benefit from the process.

In several meetings Thors pointed to the need to improve access to justice for all non-majority communities, to thoroughly follow up on crimes targeting them, as well as to fully enforce their property rights. “When such crimes are investigated and prosecuted, it sends a powerful and reassuring message to non-majority communities that their rights will be effectively protected by the authorities.”

On the last day of her visit, Thors attended a class of Serbian language instruction for Kosovo Albanian officials from the municipality of Prishtinë/Priština, part of a flagship partnership project on language acquisition by municipal officials sponsored by the Office of the Language Commissioner and the HCNM, with German funding, and implemented by the ECMI Kosovo.

The visit served to underline the importance attached by the High Commissioner to language learning as a key building block for integrated societies: “Speaking more than one language is beneficial, both for the person who speaks them and for society as a whole; it is even more important for local government officials, who regularly engage with members of public, to be able to communicate with every person in their community.”

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The need for a risk management system for Tajikistan’s Customs Service and simpler procedures for transparency and accountability are key recommendations of an integrity assessment of the Customs Code, presented to international donors, private and international companies and NGOs by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan on 18 July 2016.

The assessment, which was commissioned by the OSCE Office in consultation with government representatives and international development partners, is the third in a series of assessments to examine the administrative codes and legal acts relevant for international business and cross-border trade in Tajikistan. Previous assessments focused on the Tax Code and different administrative legal acts.

Ambassador Markus Müller, the Head of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan welcomed the positive reception of the current anti-corruption assessment not only by international organizations but also within government circles and confirmed the Office’s readiness to work with all the relevant stakeholders involved.

The presentation of the Customs Code assessment followed a series of practical workshops on anti-corruption assessments for experts from the government and NGOs. During these workshops, participants learned how to identify in legislation provisions that might lead to corruption and draft recommendations to eliminate potentially corruptive provisions in law.

The Customs Code assessment is part of a multi-year initiative by the OSCE Office with the objective of designing a training module on anti-corruption assessment to be included in the mandatory training curricula for civil servants. 

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BERLIN, 20 June 2016 - Government experts of the 57 OSCE participating States met in Berlin today  to discuss efforts to continue the important fight against anti-Semitism.

The meeting that took place in the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs was opened by Gernot Erler, Special Representative of the German government for the OSCE Chairmanship, and focused on exchanges of strategies, methods and good practice in combating anti-Semitism.

Erler called for a co-ordinated approach at the international level to combat anti-Semitism and encouraged best use of the OSCE and its institutions in the ongoing struggle against intolerance and discrimination. “Against the international networks of intolerance and hatred we have to stand firm with an equally broad and international alliance of governments, international and non-governmental organizations fostering tolerance and non-discrimination. And we have to embed the fight against anti-Semitism in our societies and our political culture”, Erler said.

Akiva Tor, Head of Bureau of World Jewish Affairs and World Religions from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the need to continue to focus on combating anti-Semitism as the situation of Jews in Europe is a bellwether for the overall situation. “This particular hatred is uniquely dangerous. The growing menace to Jewish communities represents a direct threat to European civilization.”

One focus of the meeting was the working definition of anti-Semitism, which was adopted at the plenary session of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance in Bucharest in May this year. Rabbi Andrew Baker, the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism, introduced the history and context of this working definition and called for its adoption and use also in the OSCE. “At a time when anti-Semitism manifests itself in different ways, the working definition is a valuable tool in helping governments and civil society to understand and combat anti-Semitism.”

The experts also exchanged best practice of combating anti-Semitism at government level, namely by appointing a special envoy, introducing parliamentary reports, adopting an action plan‎ or supporting education programmes.

This meeting is part of a series of events focusing on combating anti-Semitism. The German OSCE Chairmanship has made the promotion of tolerance and non-discrimination a priority of its work.

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ASHGABAT, 4 May 2016 – Best practices in regulating online media and broadcasting were the focus of an OSCE-supported master class for some 25 representatives of state agencies, parliament, mass media and academia that ended in Ashgabat today.

The two-day event addressed international standards, mechanisms and principles of regulation and self-regulation of online media, as well as models of broadcasting regulation and approaches to broadcasting licensing. Participants were representatives of the Mejlis (parliament), the State Committee for Television, Radio and Cinematography of Turkmenistan, the Supreme Court, the Ministries of Communications and Justice and representatives from educational and research institutions, national broadcast, print and online media.

“While taking many forms such as provisions in national legislation, administrative directives or technical instructions, regulation may also serve different goals, including public interest, market needs or technical efficiency,” said Ivo Petrov, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“Our event today is held in a new format of a master class, and we organized it to engage participants in an active discussion on concrete practical examples and recommendations on applying efficient mechanisms of regulating online media and broadcasting to promote a free and pluralistic mass media.”

International experts also provided insights on the legal aspects of media and advertising activities as well as media policy in the context of media regulation. The practical part of the master class included case studies on models of regulating the broadcasting sphere and covering large sports competitions.

The televising and broadcasting of global performances and sports events formed a special focus of discussions in light of the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games which will be hosted by Turkmenistan. Participants exchanged views on the organization of newsrooms and press services for large-scale sports events as well as the access of journalists and rules of accreditation for international sports events.

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ASHGABAT, 16 June 2016 – Officials from the Traffic Control Inspectorate of Turkmenistan’s Interior Ministry and representatives of a local public organization dealing with road safety discussed good practices for promoting road safety awareness at an OSCE-organized three-day seminar that concluded today in Ashgabat.

Shpresa Mulliqi from the OSCE Mission in Kosovo who conducted the seminar talked about the significance of the legal framework for traffic safety, the main factors influencing the road infrastructure and behaviour, including education and culture, as well as ways to raise public awareness about road traffic safety.

The seminar placed special emphasis on the involvement of children and youngsters in awareness-raising activities for pedestrians.

 “Promoting traffic safety is essential for guaranteeing the health and harmonious development of all citizens, including the youngest who represent a group of risk at roads,” said Radovan Znasik, Officer-in-Charge of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“Our seminar highlights the importance of awareness raising activities in ensuring traffic safety and we hope that the event will be of practical use for the relevant bodies of Turkmenistan as it is committed to upgrading its efforts in the area of promoting traffic safety and designing awareness raising campaigns.”

Participants exchanged views on the role of educational institutions, public organizations and media in raising public awareness on traffic safety. The seminar also covered the main content of traffic safety education, which includes general traffic safety knowledge, and the skills for analyzing and solving problems in traffic activities.

As part of the practical exercises, the participants developed traffic safety awareness messages for different target groups taking into account identified needs, the legal framework, the cultural context and financial implications.

Prior to the seminar, the OSCE expert visited the Traffic Safety School for Children of the Interior Ministry and was familiarized with national road safety campaigns.

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The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) issued a final report on 8 July 2016 on the postponed early parliamentary elections in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which were scheduled for 5 June 2016. The final report assesses whether the electoral process and activities conducted before the postponement of elections were in line with OSCE commitments, other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, and with national legislation.  

While recognizing that 2015 amendments to the Electoral Code attempted to address most of the prior OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, the report notes that late changes negatively affected electoral stakeholders’ understanding of new provisions and impacted their ability to fulfil their functions. In addition, a number of previous recommendations remain to be addressed and legal inconsistencies eliminated. The report recommends conducting a complete review of the Code after consultations between all political stakeholders and relevant civil society organizations.  

As one of the priority recommendations, the report recommends the State Election Commission and the Ministry of Internal Affairs continue the process of updating the voter register through a co-ordinated effort ahead of the next elections. In order to increase the citizens’ confidence in the accuracy of voter registration, it also recommends that the process is transparent and ensures political parties and civil society access for verification.  

Noting that some measures to prevent intimidation and pressure on citizens were taken by authorities, it however mentions that a climate of intimidation persisted, attributed to a fear of retribution existing in state companies and institutions. The report recommends that authorities actively encourage citizens to report any cases of pressure and intimidation and thoroughly investigate such instances. 

While a number of aspects for the media coverage of election campaigns have been detailed in the Electoral Code, a need for continued substantial reform was highlighted. The report suggests amending the legal framework to further clarify the requirements for balanced reporting during the pre-campaign period.

Additional recommendations in the report include deciding on election-related cases within timely deadlines and harmonizing the Electoral Code with the Constitution, which provides for public hearings. It also recommends periodic review of district boundaries by an independent body to ensure the equality of the vote.

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MOSCOW, 5 August 2016 – On the occasion of the formal opening of the election observation mission (EOM) deployed by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to observe the 18 September State Duma elections in the Russian Federation, the mission will hold a press conference in Moscow on Monday, 8 August 2016.

Jan Petersen, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, will introduce the role of the EOM and its upcoming activities.

Journalists are invited to attend the press conference at 15:00, Monday, 8 August, at Interfax, 1-ya Tverskaya-Yamskaya ul., 2 Moscow, 127006.

For further information, please contact Inta Lase OSCE/ODIHR EOM Media Analyst, at +79166214710 (mobile) or Inta.Lase@odihr.ru

or

Thomas Rymer, OSCE/ODIHR Spokesperson, at +48 609 522 266 (Warsaw mobile) or at thomas.rymer@odihr.pl.

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Addressing the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 2 June 2016, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors described country engagement and highlighted the disturbing increase in hate speech.

The statement covered the High Commissioner’s activities since her last statement to the Permanent Council in November 2015. During this period Thors visited Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova.

The High Commissioner expressed concern about the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities. Thors called for renewed efforts to tackle hate speech in order to prevent tensions and to promote integration with respect for diversity.

Thors also informed the Permanent Council about the work her institution is doing together with researchers to identify best practices that highlight the bridge building potential of national minorities in diverse societies.

The full statement can be found here.

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During her visit to Kosovo from 7 to 10 June 2016, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors focused on education, implementation of the framework of language rights and access to justice.

The High Commissioner continues to urge for the adoption of the Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Language Rights, contending that it will make the implementation of legislation more efficient and improve the quality and the consistency of different language versions of legal acts. “When in place, the strategy will lead to positive results quickly,” said Thors.

The visit included Prishtinë/Priština, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Prizren, Janjevë/Janjevo and Gračanica/Gracanicë where Thors met with ministers, local authorities, media representatives, judges, university professors and students, as well as representatives of the international community. The High Commissioner was joined in several meetings by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Jean-Claude Schlumberger.

Thors commended the recent adoption of an administrative instruction of the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, which will make it easier for members of non-majority communities to pursue studies at universities in Kosovo as it, among others issues, improves the functioning of the existing quota system.

Whilst visiting the University of Prizren, the High Commissioner expressed concern that courses taught in Turkish and Bosnian have not yet received official accreditation for the next academic year. Such courses cater to the fundamental needs of non-majority communities in Kosovo. “I encourage relevant authorities to take urgent measures so that these options remain available also the next academic year,” said Thors.

High Commissioner Thors discussed extensively with a number of stakeholders the prospective establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities as well as ways to overcome the current stalemate in the process. She heard views on the need to respect the relevant legal framework but also to meet the expectations of concerned communities, in north Kosovo as elsewhere. Thors also noted the concerns expressed by Serbs living outside Serb majority municipalities, as well as non-Serb non-majority communities, who fear they will not benefit from the process.

In several meetings Thors pointed to the need to improve access to justice for all non-majority communities, to thoroughly follow up on crimes targeting them, as well as to fully enforce their property rights. “When such crimes are investigated and prosecuted, it sends a powerful and reassuring message to non-majority communities that their rights will be effectively protected by the authorities.”

On the last day of her visit, Thors attended a class of Serbian language instruction for Kosovo Albanian officials from the municipality of Prishtinë/Priština, part of a flagship partnership project on language acquisition by municipal officials sponsored by the Office of the Language Commissioner and the HCNM, with German funding, and implemented by the ECMI Kosovo.

The visit served to underline the importance attached by the High Commissioner to language learning as a key building block for integrated societies: “Speaking more than one language is beneficial, both for the person who speaks them and for society as a whole; it is even more important for local government officials, who regularly engage with members of public, to be able to communicate with every person in their community.”

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The OSCE Mission to Moldova held a training event on essential debate techniques for 37 high-school students and 7 teachers from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River on 1 to 3 July 2016 in Vadul-lui-Vodă, a town by the river. The event, which gathered students from Balti, Bender, Cahul, Ceadir-Lunga, Comrat, Parcani, Tiraspol and Vulcanesti, aimed to enhance youth engagement in civic processes at the local and national levels.

“This event has equipped me with skills that will be vital for both my professional and private life,” said Daria Bogdanova, a student from Tiraspol. “Engaging in debates is an excellent way to help us convey our thoughts more convincingly, search for compromise and exercise objectivity.”

The training event introduced students to the Karl Popper debate format that teaches students how to conduct and participate in academic debates, demonstrate leadership, make public speeches, co-operate in teams and apply critical thinking. The aim of the event was to develop students’ analytical and debate skills in order to strengthen their professional opportunities and civic engagement.

The students attending the training will apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a series of two debate tournaments to be held in the autumn. The training sessions and tournaments are organized as part of a one-year project implemented jointly by the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the Comrat-based NGO Piligrim-Demo that aims to actively engage young people, including those representing national minorities, in civic process at the local and national levels by developing their debate skills.

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