The post Government could save £21m by allowing four-day week appeared first on Personnel Today.

Blown Off Course by Sally Caldwell Fisher is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to pcs

Courageous Captains of the Ocean Club by Sally Caldwell Fisher is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to pcs

Foursome Follies Pewter by Disney Chilmark is a(n) Chilmark Studios. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 500 pcs

Get Your Motor Runnin Disney by Disney Chilmark is a(n) Chilmark Studios. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition of 950 pcs

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) reported decreases in commercial and residential air conditioning shipments year-to-date in the fourth quarter.

Fluke introduces the Fluke Ti9, a high-performance, affordable thermal imager that is ideal for troubleshooting electrical installations as well as electro-mechanical, process, and HVAC/R equipment.

In their latest Global Beverage Packaging Market report, market research firm TechNavio (technavio.com) estimates that the beverage packaging industry will have a compounded annual growth rate of 4.11% globally over the next four years.

St. Louis Fed Pres. Musalem is scheduled to speak at the top of the hour. Musalem is a voting member in 2025. Back on October 7, Musalem spoke and said:

• More rate cuts likely given economic outlook.
• Won't predict timing or size of future Fed easings.
• Personal rate outlook is above Fed’s median view.
• Costs of easing too much outweigh easing too little.
• Supported Fed’s decision last month to cut rates by 50 basis points.
• Policy patience has served Fed well.
• Cooler job market still consistent with strong economy.
• Expects inflation pressures to continue to abate.
• Expects inflation to converge to 2% over next couple of quarters.
• Financial conditions remain supportive of growth.
• Some economic activity slowed by rate policy, election uncertainty.

That was over a month ago. So how he weighs in now will be interesting given the backup in yields and other economic and other developments since that time

TASHKENT, 22 June 2015 – A two-day training course on improving judicial responses to human trafficking, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, in co-operation with the Lawyers’ Training Centre under the Uzbek Justice Ministry, was launched today in Tashkent.

Some 20 newly-appointed judges from all regions of Uzbekistan will discuss effective ways to use international and national legal tools in dealing with criminal cases on trafficking in human beings as well as relevant good judicial practices and challenges.

“The training course is designed to help the judges to assess the implementation of the non-punishment principle for victims while handling the criminal cases,” said Ambassador Gyorgy Szabo, Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan. “This kind of training course serves as a platform for the exchange of experience and professional expertise related to Human Rights Protection.”

Askar Gafurov, Director of the Lawyers’ Training Centre, said: “The training course is one of the commitments of Uzbekistan to improve the effectiveness of countering human trafficking and to develop a comprehensive victim-support system through expert advice and in service training activities.”

The training course is part of  the OSCE Project Co-ordinator’ s long-term project to assist Uzbekistan in combating 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

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

TASHKENT, 12 July 2016 – A three-day seminar for journalists to improve their skills in reporting on human trafficking, organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Office of the Prosecutor General, began yesterday.

The seminar brings together 26 journalists from all the regions of Uzbekistan to discuss the challenges of reporting on human trafficking and effective ways to overcome them by drawing on international and national good practices. “For better coverage of human trafficking, it is important to both see it as a global phenomenon and understand its specifics in your own country,” said Anatoly Verbin, an international media expert, addressing the media specialists.  

Ambassador John MacGregor, the Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, said that OSCE anti-trafficking commitments include the cultivation of partnership with journalists to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the phenomenon, which is a composite of many serious crimes as well as denials of rights. “Prevention of human trafficking cannot be effective if the media do not join us in raising awareness of this crime. The trafficked persons need understanding and assistance in restoring their rights, not moral accusations, judgment or pity,’’ he noted.

Gyulnoza Rakhimova, the head of the press service of the Office of the Prosecutor General, stressed that the training will cover current legislative and law enforcement practices, how to make the information more interesting for readers and not to violate the rights of victims of trafficking.”

The training is part of the OSCE Project Co-ordinator’s project to assist Uzbekistan in combating trafficking in human beings and to develop a comprehensive victim-support system through expert advice and information.

Related Stories

• 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
• OSCE promotes implementation of effective traffic safety measures in Uzbekistan

The OSCE Project Co-ordinator on 15 July 2016 launched the first distance course in Ukraine on the application of the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR).

Developed, designed and produced by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator, the course was finalized after it was successfully piloted on the online platform of the National School of Judges of Ukraine (NSJU).

From now the NSJU will have this sustainable tool at its disposal for systematically training judges on applying the case-law of the ECtHR without having to involve extra human or financial resources. Thirty judges from all over Ukraine have already been trained distantly and received their certificates of accomplishment.

The content was developed in co-operation with experts on the European Convention on Human Rights and the case-law of the ECtHR, and Ukrainian judges.

The course was developed as part of the “Safeguarding Human Rights through Courts” project, which is being implemented by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine with the financial support of the Government of Canada.

Related Stories

• OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine trains social entrepreneurs on social media marketing
• OSCE supports Ukrainian legal education practitioners in developing human rights-oriented approaches to their work
• OSCE Project Co-ordinator supports creation of a pool of trainers on anti-corruption for Ukraine’s judges

PODGORICA, 12 July  2016 - OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier concluded today a two-day visit to Montenegro, marking the 10th anniversary of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. “After independence, this country entrusted the OSCE with an important responsibility: to help advance security, democracy, the rule of law and human rights for Montenegrin citizens,” Zannier said.  

During his visit, the Secretary General met with President Filip Vujanovic, Parliament Speaker Darko Pajovic, Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, Deputy Prime Minister Dusko Markovic and Minister of Interior Goran Danilovic, as well as representatives of civil society.

Zannier commended the Montenegrin authorities for their commitment to undertaking reforms and encouraged further progress, offering OSCE’s continued support in line with national priorities. “The OSCE remains one of the country’s key partners in helping to further develop independent, open and transparent institutions that enjoy wide public trust,” he stated.

Discussing preparations for the parliamentary elections on 16 October, the Secretary General commended the sense of responsibility already demonstrated by political parties in overcoming the recent political crisis through a broad political agreement adopted last April, which was important, above all, for the Montenegrin people.

“Political leaders managed to successfully bridge their differences by reaching a compromise, one that aims to serve the public interest,” said Zannier. “Now we need to see this agreement implemented in full, and in good faith.”

During his meetings, the Secretary General stated that the parliamentary elections will be an important test for the country, adding that the Mission to Montenegro is providing technical assistance to the State Election Commission until the end of 2016. “All actors involved in the preparation of elections should work together as closely as possible in line with their responsibilities as set out in the law. This is vital for having a credible election,” Zannier concluded.

Related Stories

• Hand in Hand with Montenegro – Stability and Co-operation for Success
• On World Anti-Trafficking Day, OSCE calls for comprehensive, co-ordinated and victim-centred approach to combatting modern-day slavery
• OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier and Secretary General Zannier offer condolences on passing of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel

DUSHANBE, 8 June 2016 – A one-year learning course on Border Security and Management for Senior Leadership (BSMSL) was launched with an introductory meeting that took place in Dushanbe from 6-8 June.

The course was designed and developed by the OSCE Border Management Staff College and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), and aims to enhance the knowledge, competencies and leadership potential of mid- to senior-level professionals working in the area of border security and management.

Twenty-four participants from Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Jordan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Tajikistan, Tunisia and Ukraine will participate in the course, providing a comprehensive insight into the contemporary security environment, leadership and management competencies as well as mechanisms to prevent and combat existing and emerging security threats and challenges.

The course programme is divided in three modules that involve participants in fact-finding, analyzing, decision-making, and management activities. Its format provides an opportunity to draw from various international best practices and expertise, putting emphasis on co-operation between operational and academic approaches and encouraging peer-learning.

Each module is presented through a variety of training and learning methods, including e-learning, face-to-face study, follow-on discussions and follow-up activities, group exercises, and study visits.

“Borders exist to unite people and not to divide them. This course is one of the college’s long-term initiatives aiming to promote and implement the concept of open but secure borders. With the knowledge obtained here participants will not only be able to enhance their professional skills but also be capable to develop and provide analysis and recommendations to improve capacities and the situation at borders,” said Ambassador Marcel Pesko, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre, while addressing the BSMSL participants.

Andrus Oovel, Head of the DCAF Border Security Programme added: “This course is a combination of social, political and security science, covering a wide range of academic disciplines on global governance and security, humanities, law, criminal justice and studies which include leadership and management for strategic and operational planning in managing migration, border security, and trade facilitation.”

DUSHANBE, 5 August 2016 – Twenty officers  of the Tajik Border Troops, ranked between warrant officer and major, mainly coming from border detachments  on the Afghan and Tajik border, successfully completed a four-week course today on patrolling and leadership at the Gissar Training Centre in Dushanbe.

The course, organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, focused on enhancing participants’ knowledge of conducting observation missions using topographical maps, satellite imagery and other tools. They also learned about reporting and analysis, repelling methods, communications and tactical movement.

Uniforms and common tactical equipment were given to each participant. Separate medical lessons were delivered by trainers from the United States Embassy in Tajikistan. The sessions on gender mainstreaming and demining awareness were delivered by experts of the OSCE Office. Two officers of the Tajik Border Troops, who previously passed the course, also supported the OSCE in delivering the lessons.

OSCE Office in Tajikistan Counter-terrorism and Police issues Adviser Wolfgang Nikolaus, congratulated the officers on completing the course and said: “The OSCE continues supporting efforts to enhance the capacity of Tajik Border Troops Staff by providing such high-quality training courses."

The course is the eighth to be held under the third phase of the Patrol Programming and Leadership Project. The Project aims to increase the capacities of Tajik border staff in detection and interdiction of illegal cross-border movements.

BAKU, 29 December 2014 – The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku announced today the results of a contest aiming to raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence in Azerbaijan. Prizes were awarded to the best media reports on the issue written in 2014.

The evaluation committee, comprising representatives from the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku and the State Committee for Women, Family and Children Affairs, reviewed some 20 articles submitted by journalists from various print and online media outlets in Azerbaijan and selected three winners:

-          Jeyhun Musaoghlu, from Aznews.az, won first place. In his article, Musaoghlu looked into the role of media in raising awareness about domestic violence and the protection of victims, as well as the importance of ensuring gender equality to reduce domestic violence;

-          Aynur Elgunesh, from Var.az, won second place. She investigated current challenges in implementing the law on the prevention of domestic violence and highlighted the importance of co-operation between government agencies and civil society organizations in the operation of shelters for victims of domestic violence;

-          The third place winner is Fuad Huseynzade, from Interfax-Azerbaijan. He investigated the main reasons that lead to domestic violence and analysed socio-economic and psychological aspects of this phenomenon in Azerbaijan. 

The winners of the competition received monetary rewards as follows: first place: – 1500 AZN (approx. 1430 Euros), second place – 1200 AZN (approx. 1150 Euros) and third place – 1000 AZN (approx. 955 Euros). They will also receive certificates from Ambassador Alexis Chahtahtinsky, OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Baku.

This contest was part of a project supporting the implementation of the law on the prevention of domestic violence in Azerbaijan.

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 and Azerbaijan discuss cybersecurity
• OSCE trains legal professionals on preventing domestic violence

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, 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.

VIENNA, 12 July 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about the decision of Federal Financial Monitoring Service in Russia to publish an updated “list of terrorists and extremists” which includes members of the media.

“Publishing this list could put the journalists at risk and jeopardize their safety,” Mijatović said. “It’s the government’s responsibility to ensure journalists’ safety; it should not put them in harm’s way based on state prosecutors’ suspicions under an anti-extremism law.”

On 12 July, the Federal Financial Monitoring Service, tasked with monitoring legal entities’ and individuals’ compliance with Russia's terrorist and extremist financing legislation, published a searchable list of some six thousand individuals on its website.

Previously held confidential, the list includes Crimean journalists Nikolay Semena from the Krym-realii online media, and Anna Andrievskaya from the Centre for Journalistic Investigations.

Mijatović noted that she and other intergovernmental bodies have repeatedly pointed to the shortcomings of anti-extremism legislation in Russia and voiced their concerns regarding its application, including past verdicts in relation to journalists and warnings to media entities.

“I call on the relevant authorities to take down the list with the names of the journalists and review the policy which puts those exercising their freedom of expression in danger,” Mijatović said. “Labeling journalists as terrorists because of their critical voices and critical reporting cannot be justified.”

Mijatović also pointed to a previous public statement in which she criticized amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation that increased criminal liability for online calls for extremist activity to up to five years in prison (available atwww.osce.org/fom/120175).

In 2014, The Representative issued a communiqué on the impact of laws countering extremism on freedom of expression and freedom of the media (available at http://www.osce.org/fom/125186).

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. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Representative welcomes revision of Law of War manual in USA improving protection for journalists
• Democratic governments must ensure media freedom and journalists’ safety, OSCE Representative urges Turkey
• OSCE Representative condemns murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Ukraine

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. 

Related Stories

• UN Special Rapporteur and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media deplore crackdown on journalists and media outlets in Turkey
• OSCE Representative welcomes revision of Law of War manual in USA improving protection for journalists
• Democratic governments must ensure media freedom and journalists’ safety, OSCE Representative urges Turkey

VIENNA, 20 July 2016 – OSCE media freedom representative Dunja Mijatović today condemned the murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Kyiv, Ukraine.

This morning, Sheremet, a journalist with Radio Vesti and the Ukrainskaya Pravda online media outlet, was killed in a car explosion.

“This killing and its circumstances must be swiftly and thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators brought to justice,” Mijatović said, noting President Petro Poroshenko’s strong condemnation of the act and immediate action to investigate. “We have lost a prominent and dedicated journalist and my sincere condolences go out to Sheremet’s family, friends and colleagues.”

Sheremet, originally of Belarus and recipient of the 2002 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Prize for Journalism and Democracy (www.osce.org/pa/54293), worked as a journalist in Ukraine, Belarus and Russia during his career.

“This morning’s gruesome incident reminds us all that the safety situation for journalists in Ukraine must be addressed effectively and timely,” Mijatović said.  

The Representative recalled the murder of the prominent Ukrainian journalist Georgyi Gongadze in 2001, the founder of Ukrainskaya Pravda, and reiterated her call on the authorities to fully investigate that crime.                                              

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 atwww.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Representative condemns incidents directed at journalists and independent voices in Bosnia and Herzegovina
• OSCE Representative welcomes revision of Law of War manual in USA improving protection for journalists
• Democratic governments must ensure media freedom and journalists’ safety, OSCE Representative urges Turkey

VIENNA, 21 July 2016 – The mass cancellation of broadcasting licenses, criminal investigations against, and dismissal of, hundreds of journalists at the state broadcaster, and blocked websites are the latest, severe challenges to freedom of expression and media freedom in Turkey, Dunja Mijatović, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, said today.

Fully aligning herself with the statement made by the Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier on 16 July, strongly condemning any attempt to change the democratic order of Turkey through the use of force (statement available at www.osce.org/cio/254431), the Representative said:

“Democratically elected governments must be safeguarded, but they in turn must protect media freedom and support the role journalists play in ensuring and strengthening democracies,” Mijatović said.  “Fully recognizing the difficult times that Turkey is going through, the authorities need to ensure media freedom offline and online in line with their international commitments.”

On 19 July, the Radio and Television Supreme Council of Turkey (RTÜK) cancelled the licenses of radio and television stations that allegedly support the Gulen movement. The following television channels are currently affected: STV, Samanyolu Haber, Samanyolu Haber Radyo, Can Erzincan TV, Kanal 124, Yumurcak TV, Hira TV, MC TV, Dünya TV, Kanal Türk, Bugün TV, Mehtap TV, Berfin FM, Kanal Türk Radyo, Burç FM, Samanyolu Haber Radyosu, Radyo Mehtap, Haber Radyo Ege, Dünya Radyo, Radyo Küre, Merkür TV, Esra Radyo, Tuna Shoping TV, and Radyo Anadolu.

“Using the full force of my mandate, I urge the authorities of Turkey to ensure that pluralistic debate, diverging views and safety of journalists are respected,” Mijatović said, adding that the deteriorating media freedom situation in Turkey have been subject to numerous interventions from her Office in the past few years (available at www.osce.org/fom).

Also on 19 July, the Ankara Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against 370 staff members of the state broadcaster TRT, for their alleged links to the Gulen movement.  

Further, the Representative expressed concern about the rapidly growing number of blocked websites in Turkey. In the past few days, dozens of websites suspected for endangering national security and public order have been blocked. More than 112.000 websites are reported being blocked in the country today.  

Mijatović noted with deep concern reports about death threats being made in social media against journalists critical to the authorities, and emphasized the importance of journalists’ safety. She also recalled warnings in several major media outlets announcing the possible arrests of members of the media on terrorism charges. She said that Turkey holds more journalists in prison than any other OSCE participating State – a fact her Office continuously raises attention to, by regularly publishing a detailed table on imprisoned journalists.

“Freedom of expression does not stop at views deemed appropriate by the government,” Mijatović said. “It remains the role of journalists to inform people of public issues, including highly sensitive ones, and it remains the role of the authorities to ensure that journalists can do so freely and safely.”

The Representative offered the continued assistance and expertise of her Office to the authorities in Turkey ensuring that media freedom and freedom of expression are protected, even under difficult circumstances.

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. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Representative welcomes revision of Law of War manual in USA improving protection for journalists
• South Caucasus conference remains an important forum for discussing media freedom challenges in the region, says OSCE Representative
• OSCE Representative condemns murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Ukraine

VIENNA, 25 July 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today welcomed the revision of United States Department of Defense’s Law of War Manual, which better recognizes the status and role of journalists under the law of war.

“Updating the manual and deleting problematic provisions which could endanger members of the media covering armed conflicts was a much-needed and welcome step,” Mijatović said. “Journalists are civilians and should be treated and protected as just that.”

The first version of the Law of War Manual, released in June 2015, provides guidelines for members of the US military. The manual said that journalists in general are to be considered civilians, but that they also may be “members of the armed forces, persons authorized to accompany the armed forces, or unprivileged belligerents”. The term “unprivileged belligerents” could have allowed military commanders to detain journalists indefinitely outside the rules of war without charge or trial.

The original version of the manual also included provisions which likened war reporting to spying, and censorship. In the updated version of the manual, these provisions have been abolished.

“Working as a journalist in a conflict zone is a very dangerous job. This revised manual is one of many efforts needed to improve journalists’ safety,” Mijatović said.

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. 

Related Stories

• Democratic governments must ensure media freedom and journalists’ safety, OSCE Representative urges Turkey
• OSCE Representative condemns murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Ukraine
• OSCE Representative mourns photojournalist killed in Turkey, expresses concern for media freedom

GENEVA / VIENNA, 28 July 2016 – Two top holders of media freedom mandates of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) today condemned the ongoing crackdown on journalists and the media launched by Turkish Government in the wake of the attempted coup.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, expressed alarm at recent measures adopted by the Turkish authorities. Dozens of journalists have been reportedly arrested and a large number of media outlets closed in the past twenty-four hours.

“The simultaneous arrests of independent journalists and shutdowns of print and broadcast media strike a major blow against public debate and government accountability,” the experts warned. “We strongly urge the Turkish authorities to reconsider these decisions and confirm their obligations to media freedom.”

Reports indicate that the Government ordered the closure of three news agencies, 16 TV channels, 23 radio channels, 45 papers and 15 magazines. Since the attempted coup, authorities have issued arrest warrants against 89 journalists and have already arrested several of them, blocked access to more than 20 news websites, revoked the licenses of 29 publishing houses, and cancelled a number of press accreditations.

Numerous academic institutions, schools, civil society organizations were also ordered to close down by decrees issued after the adoption of the “Statutory Decree Regarding Measures to be Taken Within Scope of State of Emergency and Regulation of Certain Institutes and Institutions” on 23 July.

“It is quite clear that this wave of restrictions against media groups does not meet the basic international standards concerning restrictive measures even in times of emergency,” Mijatović said. “The disregard for any assurance of due process is flagrant and only contributes to the extreme levels of insecurity affecting all those working to inform people of the ongoing crisis in the country.”

“The attempted coup cannot justify such a broad attack against almost all voices, not just critical ones but analytic and journalistic,” Kaye said. “The widespread and abrupt nature of the measures, lacking even the basic elements of due process, is shocking and unprecedented in recent times in Turkey.”

“The Government’s purging of personnel and institutions of what it perceives as being dissenting and critical voices, solely on the basis of allegations of membership in the Gülen movement, clearly violates standards of international human rights law,” he noted.

Both experts expressed their continued willingness to discuss their concerns with Turkish authorities. UN Special Rapporteur Kaye will be visiting Turkey on an official visit in November, at the invitation of the Government. OSCE Representative Mijatović reiterated her Office’s assistance in improving media freedom, including a visit to 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: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.  

Related Stories

• OSCE Representative mourns photojournalist killed in Turkey, expresses concern for media freedom
• OSCE media freedom representative urges protection for journalists reporting on civil unrest in Armenia
• OSCE Representative condemns incidents directed at journalists and independent voices in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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

Related Stories

• UN Special Rapporteur and OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media deplore crackdown on journalists and media outlets in Turkey
• OSCE Representative welcomes revision of Law of War manual in USA improving protection for journalists
• Democratic governments must ensure media freedom and journalists’ safety, OSCE Representative urges Turkey

VIENNA, 1 August 2016 – At the end of the siege of police headquarters in Yerevan, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today sought reassurance from the foreign minister of Armenia that journalists’ rights and safety during times of civil unrest would be protected.

Mijatović wrote to Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian indicating that the Government “should implement practical steps to ensure restraint on the part of law enforcement representatives toward members of the media and suggested steps should be taken by the authorities to guarantee that the press is not targeted by the police or thugs. The police should be protecting journalists and members of the media.”

According to reports, on 29 July media reporting on the forced dispersal of demonstrators in the Sari Tagh district and other events were attacked, beaten and had their equipment destroyed. In some cases the attackers were uniformed police; in others, civilians armed with metal rods.

Those attacked include:

• reporter Aghvan Asoyan and camera operator Albert Galstyan from Armenia TV;
• journalist Mariam Grigoryan and camera operator Davit Harutyunyan from Arajin Lratvakan;
• reporters Karlen Aslanyan and Hovhannes Movsisyan and camera operator Garik Harutyunyan of Azatutyun;
• reporter Robert Ananyan and camera operator Tigran Badalyan from A1+ TV;
• camera operator Marut Vanyan from the Lragir.am news website;
• journalists Sargis Kharazyan and Mkrtich Karapetyan from CivilNet;
• reporter Hovik Grigoryan of Panorama.am; and
• camera operator Tigran Gasparyan who works for Life.ru.

Mijatović also noted in the letter the statement published by the Armenian media NGOs of 21 July about the police attacks on journalists that took place in Yerevan days and weeks earlier. The victims included:

• Gevorg Tosunyan, a journalist from iravaban.net;
• Artak Hambardzumyan, a reporter from Azatutyun;
• Arthur Hayrapetyan, a reporter from 4news.am; and
• Tehmine Yenoqyan , a reporter from lragir.am.

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. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Representative welcomes revision of Law of War manual in USA improving protection for journalists
• Democratic governments must ensure media freedom and journalists’ safety, OSCE Representative urges Turkey
• OSCE Representative condemns murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Ukraine

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Astrid Thors visited Moldova from 23 to 25 May 2016 to discuss issues including the draft integration strategy developed with HCNM’s assistance to the Bureau for Interethnic Relations, relations between Chisinau and the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, and the education of national minorities. The High Commissioner also visited Tiraspol.

In Chisinau, the High Commissioner discussed the draft integration strategy with Prime Minister Pavel Filip and other interlocutors and encouraged the Government to fulfil without delay its commitment to adopt the strategy. “Adoption of the integration strategy will underscore the Government’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, diverse society,” said Thors. “Even more important will be the strategy’s implementation. I am ready to assist the Bureau for Interethnic Relations in this process.”

The High Commissioner praised the parliamentary decision in November 2015 to establish a permanent joint working group between the Moldovan Parliament and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. She discussed the functioning of the working group with its co-chairs, Member of Parliament Elena Bacalu and People’s Assembly Member Gheorghii Leichu, Speaker of Parliament Adrian Candu, and the Bashkan of Gagauzia Irina Vlah. Thors encouraged the working group to be fully utilized as the primary platform for discussing issues related to the functioning of the autonomy so that questions that may contribute to tensions can be successfully addressed.

With Minister of Education Corina Fusu, the High Commissioner discussed implementation of the Education Code and the effect of education reforms on schools teaching in minority languages, including optimization of the school network and new procedures for the selection of school directors. “Having heard from national minority representatives that education is a primary concern, I encouraged the Minister to ensure that national minorities are consulted when implementing reforms,” she said. The High Commissioner noted with interest the adoption of a new programme to improve teaching of the State language in minority-language schools, remarking that it provides an opportunity to expand multilingual education as a tool for integration.

The High Commissioner met members of the Council of Ethno-Cultural Organizations in Chisinau and with the Transdniestrian de-facto authorities and civil society representatives in Tiraspol. She visited the Theoretical Lyceum Alexandru cel Bun in Bender and learned about the practical difficulties the school faces in maintaining its operations as a Moldovan-administered school teaching in the Latin script. Thors welcomed the active efforts of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the German Chairmanship of the OSCE to find sustainable solutions for the Latin-script schools among other issues as part of the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, and noted the anticipated resumption of talks in the 5+2 format, which she discussed with Deputy Prime Minister on Reintegration Gheorghe Balan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

The High Commissioner also met with Deputy Prime Minister on Social Issues Gheorghe Brega, Director General of the Bureau for Interethnic Relations Oleg Babenco, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lilian Darii, and representatives of civil society and the international community.

Related Stories

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities holds fifth regional summer school on multilingual and multicultural education in Central Asia
• Language rights, participation, security and access to justice fundamental to welfare of communities in Kosovo, says High Commissioner Thors
• High Commissioner Thors, in her OSCE Permanent Council address, discusses country engagement and highlights the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities

DUSHANBE, 5 August 2016 – Twenty officers  of the Tajik Border Troops, ranked between warrant officer and major, mainly coming from border detachments  on the Afghan and Tajik border, successfully completed a four-week course today on patrolling and leadership at the Gissar Training Centre in Dushanbe.

The course, organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, focused on enhancing participants’ knowledge of conducting observation missions using topographical maps, satellite imagery and other tools. They also learned about reporting and analysis, repelling methods, communications and tactical movement.

Uniforms and common tactical equipment were given to each participant. Separate medical lessons were delivered by trainers from the United States Embassy in Tajikistan. The sessions on gender mainstreaming and demining awareness were delivered by experts of the OSCE Office. Two officers of the Tajik Border Troops, who previously passed the course, also supported the OSCE in delivering the lessons.

OSCE Office in Tajikistan Counter-terrorism and Police issues Adviser Wolfgang Nikolaus, congratulated the officers on completing the course and said: “The OSCE continues supporting efforts to enhance the capacity of Tajik Border Troops Staff by providing such high-quality training courses."

The course is the eighth to be held under the third phase of the Patrol Programming and Leadership Project. The Project aims to increase the capacities of Tajik border staff in detection and interdiction of illegal cross-border movements.

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes workshop on verifying the authenticity of security documents
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police Academy
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims

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.  

Related Stories

• Mini-Olympic Games 2016
• OSCE to organize 2016 Dialogue Academy for Young Women
• OSCE Mission, police to discuss how to help prevent violent extremism and radicalization in Kosovo

ASHGABAT, 31 May 2016 – Some 25 law-enforcement and military officials, at an OSCE-organized training course that concluded in Ashgabat today, discussed practices of responding to terrorism threats to large public events.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the eight-day training course to assist the host government in strengthening the capacities of relevant officials in countering terrorism threats while ensuring the security during large public events. Representatives from the Ministries of Defence and National Security, Interior Ministry, as well as the State Border Service, State Migration Service and the General Prosecutor’s Office discussed ensuring the security of public events, including facility security, resistance, emergency power, medical emergency and fire precaution.

International experts from Turkey introduced participants to the philosophy and models of crisis/hostage negotiations, practices of responding to hostage incidents and applying optimal negotiation tools.   

The course also addressed the relevant legislative acts, such as the Laws of Turkmenistan on Emergency Rule and on Organizing and Holding Meetings, Rallies, Demonstrations and other Mass Events.

“As Turkmenistan recently passed a number of laws addressing the organization of public events, rallies and demonstrations, the Centre designed this training course to facilitate the exchange of best practices in ensuring the security during mass gatherings and events in line with international standards and national legislation,” said Richard Wheeler, Political Officer of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“The training course has an added value as it familiarized the relevant officials with effective techniques and instruments they will need to successfully accomplish their important task of ensuring the security and maintaining public order during the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and other large-scale events which will be held in Turkmenistan.”

During the course, participants also discussed contemporary crowd management techniques and took part in simulation exercises. 

Related Stories

• OSCE Centre supports strengthening aviation security in Turkmenistan
• Representatives from Turkmenistan discuss media reforms during OSCE-organized study visit to Latvia
• OSCE seminar in Turkmenistan promotes freedom of religion and belief

ASHGABAT, 10 June 2016 – Some 30 journalists representing national broadcast, print and online media from across the country as well as journalism instructors from Turkmenistan’s institutions of higher education completed an OSCE-organized training course on journalism reporting skills in Ashgabat today.

During the three-day training course, journalists shared views on the changes in the media landscape as a result of the development of multimedia and the role of journalists in the modern information environment.

International experts from Lithuania and the Russian Federation elaborated on the elements, structure and objectives of journalistic reports while highlighting the specifics of TV and news reporting and techniques of planning multimedia materials.

“The introduction of new technologies has challenged the traditional form of journalism due to the growing demand for real-time reportage of events, interactivity and multimedia content. As free and plural media is a vital precondition for international development and security, media development remains as important as ever,” said Radovan Znasik, Officer-in-Charge at the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.

“We believe that this course will contribute to enhancing the capacity of Turkmenistan’s journalists to work in a modern media landscape.”

The course included practical exercises, in which the participants discussed case studies related to journalism ethics, practiced interviewing skills and developing detailed scenarios for multimedia reports.

The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat organized the training course as part of its activities to assist the host country in the area of media development.

Related Stories

• Representatives from Turkmenistan discuss media reforms during OSCE-organized study visit to Latvia
• OSCE Centre’s event in Turkmenistan addresses media regulation practices
• OSCE seminar in Turkmenistan promotes freedom of religion and belief

Throughout March 2016, schoolchildren between the ages of 12 and 18 from across the OSCE region were sending in videos to the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) on why diversity matters in the classroom. This video contest was held to mark 20 years of the HCNM’s The Hague Recommendations which underscore that education can help prevent conflicts.

The contest was a success. By the 1 April 2016 deadline, HCNM received 101 contributions from school students in 15 OSCE participating States. They were given the task of telling the video story about diversity in their school within 60 seconds.

The entries deployed a variety of innovative approaches including music, dance and local cultural customs, and the quality of the submissions was outstanding. After carefully reviewing all the videos, HCNM selected the best three videos. The producers of the winning films will each receive a prize and these entries will be screened during a high-level conference on 20 to 21 April 2016 at The Hague to mark the 20^th anniversary of The Hague Recommendations.

The first prize in the video contest went to 17-year-old Nursultan Abakirov from Secondary School Number 38 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. He entered the contest encouraged by his teacher and paired up with classmates Sabina, Victoria and Beknazar to translate his idea of portraying different ages and ethnicities in his school into a video.

Second place in the video contest went to 16-year-old Liviu Rotaru from the Elena Alistar Theatrical Lyceum in Chisinau, Moldova. He learned about the contest through the National Youth Council of Moldova Facebook page. Liviu is experienced in making short films and decided “… instead of using dialogue, use masks to portray vulnerable groups in society.”

Third place goes to 16-year-old Besim Bojadžija from Srebrenik’s Mixed Secondary School in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Having found it easy to engage fellow students in making the video, Besim compiled a series of face shots to profile the diversity in appearance of his school mates.   

“Our school, our diversity” was the first video contest organized by the HCNM. The High Commissioner and her staff therefore thanks all the participants for their inspiring and thought-provoking contributions. 

The three winning videos, along with the other seven top entries as selected by the HCNM panel, can be viewed on the OSCE’s YouTube channel.

20th Anniversary of The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities

Read more about the high-level conference to mark the 20th Anniversary of The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities here

 

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Astrid Thors visited Moldova from 23 to 25 May 2016 to discuss issues including the draft integration strategy developed with HCNM’s assistance to the Bureau for Interethnic Relations, relations between Chisinau and the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, and the education of national minorities. The High Commissioner also visited Tiraspol.

In Chisinau, the High Commissioner discussed the draft integration strategy with Prime Minister Pavel Filip and other interlocutors and encouraged the Government to fulfil without delay its commitment to adopt the strategy. “Adoption of the integration strategy will underscore the Government’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, diverse society,” said Thors. “Even more important will be the strategy’s implementation. I am ready to assist the Bureau for Interethnic Relations in this process.”

The High Commissioner praised the parliamentary decision in November 2015 to establish a permanent joint working group between the Moldovan Parliament and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. She discussed the functioning of the working group with its co-chairs, Member of Parliament Elena Bacalu and People’s Assembly Member Gheorghii Leichu, Speaker of Parliament Adrian Candu, and the Bashkan of Gagauzia Irina Vlah. Thors encouraged the working group to be fully utilized as the primary platform for discussing issues related to the functioning of the autonomy so that questions that may contribute to tensions can be successfully addressed.

With Minister of Education Corina Fusu, the High Commissioner discussed implementation of the Education Code and the effect of education reforms on schools teaching in minority languages, including optimization of the school network and new procedures for the selection of school directors. “Having heard from national minority representatives that education is a primary concern, I encouraged the Minister to ensure that national minorities are consulted when implementing reforms,” she said. The High Commissioner noted with interest the adoption of a new programme to improve teaching of the State language in minority-language schools, remarking that it provides an opportunity to expand multilingual education as a tool for integration.

The High Commissioner met members of the Council of Ethno-Cultural Organizations in Chisinau and with the Transdniestrian de-facto authorities and civil society representatives in Tiraspol. She visited the Theoretical Lyceum Alexandru cel Bun in Bender and learned about the practical difficulties the school faces in maintaining its operations as a Moldovan-administered school teaching in the Latin script. Thors welcomed the active efforts of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the German Chairmanship of the OSCE to find sustainable solutions for the Latin-script schools among other issues as part of the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, and noted the anticipated resumption of talks in the 5+2 format, which she discussed with Deputy Prime Minister on Reintegration Gheorghe Balan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

The High Commissioner also met with Deputy Prime Minister on Social Issues Gheorghe Brega, Director General of the Bureau for Interethnic Relations Oleg Babenco, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lilian Darii, and representatives of civil society and the international community.

Related Stories

• OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities holds fifth regional summer school on multilingual and multicultural education in Central Asia
• Language rights, participation, security and access to justice fundamental to welfare of communities in Kosovo, says High Commissioner Thors
• High Commissioner Thors, in her OSCE Permanent Council address, discusses country engagement and highlights the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities

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.  

Related Stories

• Mini-Olympic Games 2016
• OSCE to organize 2016 Dialogue Academy for Young Women
• OSCE Mission, police to discuss how to help prevent violent extremism and radicalization in Kosovo

DUSHANBE, 5 August 2016 – Twenty officers  of the Tajik Border Troops, ranked between warrant officer and major, mainly coming from border detachments  on the Afghan and Tajik border, successfully completed a four-week course today on patrolling and leadership at the Gissar Training Centre in Dushanbe.

The course, organized by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, focused on enhancing participants’ knowledge of conducting observation missions using topographical maps, satellite imagery and other tools. They also learned about reporting and analysis, repelling methods, communications and tactical movement.

Uniforms and common tactical equipment were given to each participant. Separate medical lessons were delivered by trainers from the United States Embassy in Tajikistan. The sessions on gender mainstreaming and demining awareness were delivered by experts of the OSCE Office. Two officers of the Tajik Border Troops, who previously passed the course, also supported the OSCE in delivering the lessons.

OSCE Office in Tajikistan Counter-terrorism and Police issues Adviser Wolfgang Nikolaus, congratulated the officers on completing the course and said: “The OSCE continues supporting efforts to enhance the capacity of Tajik Border Troops Staff by providing such high-quality training courses."

The course is the eighth to be held under the third phase of the Patrol Programming and Leadership Project. The Project aims to increase the capacities of Tajik border staff in detection and interdiction of illegal cross-border movements.

Related Stories

• OSCE Office in Tajikistan organizes workshop on verifying the authenticity of security documents
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan donates audio-visual material to enhance interactive teaching at Police Academy
• OSCE Office in Tajikistan support Garm’s local authorities in strengthening referral mechanisms for protecting domestic violence victims

Found this offer in my Flybuys account, so you might be targeted.

3 recipes for 4 people weekly plan works out to be $5.4 for the first box.

QuiteLike is a subscription service like HelloFresh. So make sure to cancel the subscription after ordering your first box.

Collect up to 15,000 bonus points when you join QuiteLike.1

Cooking is rewarding in many ways, from the delight of creating delicious flavours to the joy of feeding loved ones. QuiteLike has partnered with Flybuys to make cooking even more rewarding.

Just activate this offer and order your first QuiteLike box by Tue 19 Nov 2024 to collect bonus points based on the value of your order.

Collect 5,000 bonus points for plans under $98 per week (excluding delivery).
Collect 7,500 bonus points for plans with a price of $98-$134 per week (excluding delivery).
Collect 15,000 bonus points for plans above $134 per week (excluding delivery).

Plus, save up to $210 off your first 5 boxes, use the discount code FLYBUYS at the QuiteLike checkout at quitelike.com.

Offer valid Wed 06 Nov until Tue 19 Nov 2024.
Offer redeemable once to new QuiteLike members only.
Flybuys number must be provided at the time of purchase.
QuiteLike is a weekly meal subscription service that remains effective until cancelled by you. Subscription may be paused or cancelled at any time. QuiteLike currently deliver to a range of suburbs in NSW, VIC, ACT and QLD.

Terms and Conditions
1 Collect up to 15,000 Flybuys bonus points when you purchase your first QuiteLike box
Offer available on your first order placed with QuiteLike between Wed 06 Nov to Tue 19 Nov 2024 (Offer Period). Offer valid for new, first time QuiteLike customers only. Bonus points are calculated as set out below depending on the value of your order. To collect points, enter your Flybuys number online at the checkout at the time of purchase or in your QuiteLike account profile before you place your order. Only one Flybuys account can be linked to each QuiteLike profile. To qualify for this offer you must be a Flybuys member, activate this offer and place your first order with Quitelike online at quitelike.com during the Offer Period. Offer is redeemable once per Flybuys account. QuiteLike may not be available in your area. QuiteLike currently deliver to a range of suburbs in NSW, VIC, ACT and QLD. You can check if QuiteLike can deliver to your area by entering your postcode at www.quitelike.com/plan. Bonus points will be awarded to your Flybuys account 28 business after purchasing your first QuiteLike box. You have been specifically selected for this offer and it is not transferable.

Bonus points are awarded based on the value of your first QuiteLike order:
For plans priced under $98 per week (excluding delivery), you will receive 5,000 Flybuys bonus points.
For plans with a price of $98-$134 (excluding delivery), you will receive 7,500 Flybuys bonus points.
For plans with a price of $134 and above (excluding delivery), you will receive 15,000 Flybuys bonus points.

Points are awarded based on meal kit plan size not the price at checkout. Offer valid with FLYBUYS discount promo code offer.

Terms and Conditions of QuiteLike apply and can be viewed at quitelike.com.
QuiteLike is a weekly subscription service that remains effective until cancelled by you. Subscription may be paused or cancelled at any time. QuiteLike currently deliver to a range of suburbs in NSW, VIC, ACT and QLD. You can check if QuiteLike can deliver to your area by entering your postcode at www.quitelike.com/plan.

To collect and redeem Flybuys points you must be a current Flybuys member. Flybuys' privacy policy applies. Standard Flybuys terms and conditions apply and are available at flybuys.com.au.
You have been specifically selected for this offer and it is not transferable.

The discount code (FLYBUYS) applies the following discount.
40% Off Box 1 + Free Delivery
35% Off Box 2
25% Off Box 3
20% Off Box 4
10% Off Box 5
It's really worth it only for Box 1. You get a progressively smaller discount and have to pay delivery fees on the next 4 Boxes.

3 recipes per week for 4 people seems to be the sweet spot as it makes the plan exactly $134. Pay $80.4 after applying the discount code (FLYBUYS) and collect 15,000 flybuys points equivalent to $75. Total out of pocket cost works out to be $80.4 - $75 = $5.4

"It can copy everything, and record you without you ever knowing – and then just disappear without a trace." HBO Original Documentary Films has revealed the official trailer for a new doc called Surveilled, a film about spyware and cyber espionage. It's so much of a film about surveillance as it is about governments and politicians tracking and spying on others through all of this tech that surrounds us. "The most advanced spyware can turn your smartphone into a spy in your pocket.” Surveilled tracks the Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ronan Farrow as he investigates the growing business of commercial spyware – following the story from New York City to Tel Aviv, Israel, a center of espionage cybertechnology. Once a target of covert surveillance himself, Farrow explores the multi-billion-dollar industry, addressing the contradictory uses and implications of phone hacking – the ability to monitor criminal activity and attendant threats to civil liberties. Described as a "real-world horror story", this urgent and important doc will be streaming on Max starting this month. All of this in here really is super scary. But what do we do? How do we resist all of this? Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for O'Neill […]

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/13/opinion/climate-change-politics-trump-cop29.html By David Wallace-Wells When the COP29 climate conference comes to an end next week, it will have concluded without an appearance by President Biden. This is not because Donald Trump just won the election, supplanting the outgoing American head of state on the world stage. The president-elect isn’t attending, either. Neither is Vice President […]

When my crew and I started excavating Calixtlahuaca -- an Aztec city-state capital near the modern-day city of Toluca in central Mexico -- I knew our findings might help answer questions of the past.

For a country that has long prioritised a balanced lifestyle and good governance over economic gain, Bhutan is doing something it has never done before: embrace more independent, cost-conscious travellers in an urgent bid to revive its faltering economy.

Ever looked at your smartphone charging port and thought: "Hey, that'd make a great mouthpiece for a digital flute of some kind?" Well, an Italian company has done one better by creating a USB-C-powered MIDI controller with a mouthpiece users can blow into. When paired with a companion app, your mobile device turns into pretty much any popular

At what point does the refresh rate of a gaming monitor reach diminishing returns, or otherwise become inconsequential? Ask any monitor maker and they'll tell you, 'Get out of here with such silly questions, gaming peasant!'. Okay, they probably wouldn't be as crass in their answer, but the latest evidence that monitor makers have no intention

Franco, 23, was arrested Sunday in San Juan de la Maguana after an altercation in the parking lot of an apartment building in which guns were drawn. Police described the incident as “a heated dispute of a passionate nature” with another man over a woman.

Upcoming events in Lake County include Trout Lake Nature Center's Nov. 16 program on the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway and Keep Lake Beautiful's Sorrento/Mount Plymouth Community Cleanup day, also Nov. 16.

Consider refinancing private student loans if you can get a rate at least half a percentage point lower. If you have federal loans, think twice.

Digital determinants of health important with growing technology usage  Association of Health Care Journalists