Central Europe

582283 Željka Šulc

MOSTAR, 6 December 2024 - There is an urgent need for reforms to strengthen criminal justice systems, address systemic challenges, and ensure the protection of fundamental rights, emphasized participants of the two-day International Scientific Conference "Challenges and Perspectives of Criminal Legislation and Justice," which concluded today in Mostar.

The conference, held on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, was hosted by the Faculty of Law at the "Džemal Bijedić" University in Mostar with support from the Federal Ministry of Education and Science and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission). It served as a vital platform for legal professionals, academics, and policymakers to tackle pressing issues in the effective administration of justice. Through in-depth discussions, participants identified gaps in criminal legislation and its implementation, fostering reform through targeted and evidence-based solutions.

“Efforts like these are essential in tackling persistent challenges such as organized crime, corruption, and accountability for past atrocities, while ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups are protected and access to justice is guaranteed for all,” said Meris Musanović, National Legal Officer at the Mission. He emphasized the importance of supporting the academic community in advancing criminal justice systems through research, innovation, and informed policymaking. “The contributions of academia influence not only the theoretical understanding of criminal justice but also its practical applications, shaping improvements in judicial performance,” he added.

Amra Jašarbegović, Dean of the Faculty of Law, highlighted the conference’s value in addressing current challenges and paving the way forward. “This conference provides an excellent opportunity to analyse challenges and identify future steps. The outcomes will help pinpoint areas requiring reform or improvement, ensuring efficient prosecution of complex crimes while protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, all within the framework of independence, impartiality, and professionalism,” she said.

The Mission remains steadfast in advocating for policies that enhance institutional independence while addressing public concerns about fairness, transparency, and the effective delivery of justice.

582271 David Vella Thomas Attard 31st OSCE Ministerial Council

A high-level side event held on 5 December on the margins of the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta focused on the vital role of free and independent media in fostering democracy and security in the OSCE region.

The event explored the challenges of the digital age, including the influence of big tech companies, the proliferation of disinformation, and the impact of artificial intelligence on journalism. Discussions centred on actionable solutions to build a trustworthy, inclusive, and resilient information space and promote an enabling environment for the media.

The OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, Ian Borg opened the discussion. He emphasized that “free, independent, and pluralistic media are the lifeblood of any democracy - safeguarding our fundamental rights and freedoms and ensuring informed public debate and decision-making”.

Minister Borg underscored the importance of the guidance and expertise of the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), encouraging participating States to use the tailored assistance offered by this OSCE institution.

Representatives from the Office of the RFoM, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, the Institute for Maltese Journalists, and the Forum on Information Democracy participated in the event.

The panellists addressed the urgent need to protect media independence amid declining revenues and political pressures. They also highlighted the necessity of regulating big tech’s role in shaping the information space while safeguarding freedom of expression and innovation.

The discussions drew attention to the unique challenges faced by women journalists and the growing risks in conflict zones, echoing priorities identified during Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship.

This event provided a platform for dialogue among policymakers, civil society, and media professionals, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in overcoming today’s challenges to media freedom. It also reaffirmed the OSCE’s commitment to strengthening resilience in the media sector and promoting an inclusive, vibrant information space.

Along with the November Conference on Media Freedom in the OSCE Region held in Vienna, this side event was the culmination of Malta’s OSCE Chairpersonship efforts to promote media freedom and the safety of journalists. By emphasising these as central pillars of democratic resilience and security, Malta ensured that these critical issues remain at the forefront of the Organization’s agenda.

582253 David Vella Thomas Attard 31st OSCE Ministerial Council

A high-level side-event held on 5 December on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council marked 20 years of the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality (GAP). Adopted in 2004, the GAP sets a firm political commitment and objectives to advance gender equality across the Organization and in participating States, as an essential prerequisite for peace, security, and sustainable development across the OSCE region.

The OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, Ian Borg, opened the Ministerial Council side-event. He spoke alongside OSCE Troika partners Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia, Zoran Dimitrovski.

The discussions reflected on two decades of progress against the objectives set out in the GAP by the participating States as well as the important support provided by the OSCE Secretariat, the Institutions and the Field Operations. Ministers underscored the strong evidence that gender-responsive approaches are the best approach to addressing contemporary security challenges and reaffirmed the importance of comprehensive action to advance the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

The side event, moderated by the OSCE Senior Advisor on Gender Issues Lara Scarpitta, also featured two beneficiaries of the OSCE Gender Issues Programme. Khrystyna Kit, Head of the Ukrainian Women Lawyers Association (JurFem), and Heela Yoon, Founder of Afghan Youth Ambassadors for Peace Organization, shared testimonies about their work advancing gender equality in conflict impacted countries, supporting women’s rights and fostering dialogue and resilience in their communities.

Chair-in-Office Borg, highlighted the Chairpersonship work this year to prioritise inclusion and mainstreaming gender. He asked participating States to use the event to “reaffirm their support for the obligations and objectives set out in the Action Plan on promoting Gender Equality. We must all address the remaining gaps and accelerate efforts to deliver full gender equality.”

Organized as part of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence,’ the side event also stressed the importance of combatting violence against women. Given the prevalence of gender-based violence across the OSCE, including in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Participants acknowledged that more work was needed.

This year’s side-event also provided a platform to look to the future, assess challenges, and express a recommitment to future progress on gender equality, to ensure inclusive pathways toward meaningful participation and security.

Participants agreed that the OSCE remains a unique platform to support participating States in advancing gender equality, and welcomed strategic initiatives, such as the WIN project.  

They also welcomed Finland’s commitment to continue work next year as incoming Chair on promoting gender equality, mainstreaming gender and implementing the Women peace and Security Agenda. 

582214 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 5 December 2024 – Citizen engagement in legislative matters is a cornerstone of democratic governance, fostering cooperation between decision-makers and the public to drive reforms and achieve meaningful change, participants agreed at today’s conference in Sarajevo.

Titled "Parliaments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Citizens: The Path to Successful Partnership – Civic Initiative in Parliaments in Bosnia and Herzegovina," the conference brought together over 60 participants, including representatives from BiH parliaments, international organizations, NGOs, the academic community, and guests from the region.

“Democracy is not static; it is a continuous evolution that requires open communication, transparency, and collaboration between lawmakers and the people they serve,” said Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. He emphasized that citizen engagement is vital to strengthening democratic governance and fostering meaningful reform.

The event highlighted the importance of public consultations and citizens' initiatives, featuring the results of the 2024 survey, ODIHR Guidelines for Better Lawmaking, and best practices shared by representatives from the Republic of Croatia.

One notable achievement was the creation of the Law on Citizens' Initiative and the Protection of Citizens and Activists by the Aarhus Center in BiH. This law was supported by the House of Representatives of the Federation of BiH Parliament in June 2024. However, challenges remain in harmonizing legislation across BiH, as highlighted by Emina Veljović, Executive Director of the Aarhus Center.

“Currently, only Republika Srpska has a Law on Referendum and Citizens' Initiative, which partially regulates this area at the entity level. In the Brčko District, there is no concrete legislative framework, while in the Federation of BiH, rules differ across cantons, cities, and municipalities, often complicating rather than facilitating the implementation of citizens' initiatives,” Veljović explained.

Parliaments, as well as other state institutions and representatives of public authorities, must conduct public campaigns and inform citizens about their rights.

“If we were to conduct a survey and ask citizens how many of them are aware that, with just a few clicks on the internet and a registration on the 'e-consultation' platform, they can actively participate in the process of adopting legal acts and shaping public policies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I believe the number would be very small,” said Denis Zvizdić, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly. “These tools are primarily used by civil society organizations for topics of interest to them, and I fully support that. Civil society is a pillar of every democratic society. However, we must not overlook citizens as individuals who also have a broad range of opportunities to engage on issues that matter to them.”

The conference is part of a broader initiative to support BiH authorities and institutions in enhancing citizen participation in decision-making processes at all levels of government.

VALLETTA, 5 December 2024 — “In times of war and multiple crises, the OSCE is needed more than ever as one of the last open channels of communication in Europe,” said OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta Ian Borg at the opening of the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta today. He reminded the assembled foreign ministers, state secretaries and high-level officials from the 57 OSCE participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation that the pressing security challenges in the region can only be resolved through diplomacy and political will.

“This Ministerial Council provides us with a vital opportunity to address current threats to our security while strengthening our commitments and taking concrete steps to build a safer and more co-operative future,” emphasized Borg.

In his opening remarks, Borg highlighted how the Maltese Chairpersonship ensured that its priorities - guided by the motto "Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security"- remained at the top of the OSCE’s agenda throughout 2024.

In particular, Malta focused on continuing to address Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine and using the OSCE's tools to mitigate its impact on the affected population. Moreover, the Chair conducted intensive negotiations to ensure the functionality and resilience of the Organization, promoting gender equality and strengthening youth involvement in international security.

Reflecting on the difficult context of the Maltese Chairpersonship, Borg underscored the necessity of perseverance to navigate the OSCE through a testing year. He also reminded all participating States of their shared responsibility for the Organization and its relevance for the future.

“For the OSCE to endure, for it to keep serving our communities, it needs to be functional. As participating States, it is our collective duty to equip the OSCE, its field operations, and institutions with the necessary resources, leadership, and agility to fulfil their mandates and respond to existing and emerging security threats,” he said.

“As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, it is imperative that we look to the future with renewed purpose and vision,” said OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma (MP, Finland). “Dialogue remains one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. It is when we are genuinely ready to listen to each other in order to understand all perspectives while remaining anchored in our shared principles and a steadfast commitment to justice, that we can forge a lasting and durable path to peace.

The Ministerial Council will conclude on 6 December. Malta will formally pass the Chairpersonship to Finland at the end of December. Finland will lead the OSCE as Chair in 2025, a year marking the 50th anniversary of the OSCE’s founding document, the Helsinki Final Act.

Updates and outcomes from the Ministerial Council will be shared via the OSCE website and social media channels:

• Twitter/X OSCE: https://x.com/OSCE
• Instagram OSCE: https://www.instagram.com/osceorg

• Twitter/X OSCE Chairpersonship 2024: https://x.com/OSCE24MT 
• Facebook OSCE Chairpersonship 2024: https://www.facebook.com/OSCE24MT/
• LinkedIn OSCE Chairpersonship  https://www.linkedin.com/company/malta-osce24/posts/?feedView=all

VALLETTA, 4 December 2024 — The 2024 OSCE Parallel Civil Society Conference, held today in Malta, underscored the important role of civil society in promoting peace, security and democratic resilience across the OSCE region. Civil society representatives from across the region discussed ongoing challenges and presented actionable recommendations to OSCE leaders and participating States ahead of the 31st OSCE Ministerial Council from 5 to 6 December.

The 2024 Malta Declaration emphasizes the need to strengthen the OSCE amidst unprecedented geopolitical crises, particularly Russia's war against Ukraine, which has severely tested the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act. It highlights the importance of democratic oversight of the security sector, accountability for human rights violations, and the inclusion of civil society in OSCE processes. The Declaration also underscores the relevance of addressing emerging challenges, including climate change, discrimination, and shrinking civil society space, while reaffirming the OSCE’s foundational commitment to comprehensive security and multilateral co-operation.

In his remarks to conference participants, OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta Ian Borg, emphasized the vital role civil society plays in upholding OSCE commitments and contributing to regional stability.

“Civil society shines a light on trends that challenge democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms, reminding us where our commitments are being breached. Their work strengthens the OSCE, its institutions, and participating States by fostering accountability and resilience,” he said.

Borg described the 2024 Malta Declaration as “a robust call for action to the OSCE, its executive structures, and the participating States to advance the principles of peace, security, and accountability”.

The Conference discussions focused on key issues, notably protecting human rights defenders and addressing the shrinking civic space, and strengthening accountability mechanisms for human rights violations in conflict situations, particularly in relation to the war against Ukraine. Emphasis was also placed on advancing inclusive approaches for women, youth, and persons with disabilities within the OSCE’s work, and tackling climate-related security challenges through collaboration with civil society.

“Co-operation and dialogue with the civil society are integral to the OSCE. Finland strongly supports inclusive engagement. Throughout Finland's Chairpersonship of the OSCE in 2025, we will put special focus on strengthening the role of civil society,” said Finland´s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia, Zoran Dimitrovski, during the closing remarks highlighted “This year's conference confidently builds on the legacy of the Parallel Civil Society held last year in Skopje, showcasing our unwavering commitment to civil society activism. The collective resolve to foster dialogue, promote unity, and strengthen resilience is a powerful testament to our determination to confront the ever-growing challenges for our democracies.” 

Dimitrovski added, “As we gather here, we are not just participants in a conference, but also champions of civic solidarity, advocates for justice, and builders of a brighter future. Together, we must continue our journey toward greater understanding and co-operation, ensuring that the values we uphold resonate powerfully beyond these walls.”

"Strengthening partnerships through closer collaboration with civil society is essential to promote accountability and advance human security,” said OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pia Kauma (MP, Finland). “As directly elected representatives of the people, OSCE parliamentarians strongly rely on civil society’s expertise to ensure that human rights remain central to our agenda.”

H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Special Representative of the OSCE Chair-in-Office on Civil Society, highlighted the significance of engaging civil society voices. “Civil society provides an essential challenge and early warning of negative trends, helping us address threats to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. It is this Chairpersonship’s strong conviction that democratic governments must consider civil society perspectives as a core pillar of democratic resilience.”

The Parallel Civil Society Conference is organized by the Civic Solidarity Platform with the support of the OSCE Maltese Chairpersonship. The Conference has taken place every year on the margins of the OSCE Ministerial Council since 2010.

VALLETTA, 6 December 2024 — The 31st OSCE Ministerial Council concluded today in Malta, bringing together foreign ministers and senior officials from the OSCE’s 57 participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation. The Council adopted key institutional decisions aimed at strengthening the Organization’s capacity to address pressing threats and adapt to an increasingly complex security environment.

Consensus was reached on key outcomes, including the appointment of a new OSCE Secretary General and Heads of Institutions, equipping the Organization with a strong leadership to guide its executive structures in turbulent times.

Announcing these decisions, the OSCE Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta Ian Borg, stated: “Today, we have shown that consensus is not a relic of the past but an achievable reality when collective interests take precedence over individual differences.”

“These decisions are more than an administrative routine; they are a lifeline for the OSCE. They reaffirm its ability to function effectively and address today’s security challenges,” Borg added.

Reflecting on the dialogue and consensus-building over the two-day Ministerial Council, Borg underscored the OSCE’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and its comprehensive approach to security.

“The OSCE remains a cornerstone of European and global security. Our Organization continues to play an essential role in promoting peace, democracy and human rights, as well as in supporting conflict prevention and advancing comprehensive security,” he said.

Borg recognized the continued challenges in the OSCE region and recalled the Maltese Chair’s work throughout the year under its motto, ‘Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security’.

“We have laid a foundation for the OSCE to rebuild its strength and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving security landscape. In doing so, we have also achieved our objective of ensuring that this organization arrives in Helsinki more resilient and ready for the future,” Borg said.

The Ministerial Council in Malta has set the stage for Finland to take on the OSCE Chairpersonship in 2025, a year that also marks the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.

“Finland’s Chairpersonship will emphasize the principles and commitments of the OSCE. In light of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the Helsinki principles are more important than ever,” said Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Elina Valtonen. 

A key theme of Finland’s Chairpersonship will be resilience. “We aim to enhance the organization’s operational capacity and empower people in our neighboring areas to live in democratic states governed by the rule of law,” Valtonen added.

Chair-in-Office Borg closed the Ministerial Council by urging participating States to reaffirm their dedication to the principles of the OSCE.

“Let us recommit ourselves to the principles and commitments that have underpinned this Organization’s raison d’être for nearly 50 years. And let us leave behind a legacy of peace, security, and prosperity for future generations. An investment in the OSCE is an investment in the spirit of possibility,” he concluded.

582148 Marina Živaljević

The second session of the Youth Parliament, hosted by the Parliament of Montenegro and organized by the Youth Network of Montenegro with the support of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, was held on 2 December in Podgorica.

Participants discussed issues important for the position of youth in Montenegro, including the relevant legal framework – the Law on Youth and the Law on Non-Governmental Organisations, as well as possible mechanisms for increasing youth representation in national and local parliaments and their participation in policy-making.

Opening the session, Giovanni Gabassi, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, stated that Parliament was the place where the decisions about all Montenegrin citizens were made, including youth and their future. “No decision on youth should be made without them. That is why it is important for you, young people, to take your place at this table and be part of decision-making processes. This session today is not only an exercise. It is an opportunity for you to discuss your needs and main challenges, and to start working together in order to overcome them,” said Gabassi.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Boris Pejović stated that Parliament had recently organized two important events dedicated to youth – the Children’s Parliament and the Youth Parliament. “Through these formats, we create a space where every voice, idea and initiative can find its way to the highest legislative body. These events clearly demonstrate our commitment to making the Parliament of Montenegro not just an institution of law, but also a place for open dialogue, where different social groups contribute together to the development of Montenegrin society,” said Pejović.

Minister of Sports and Youth Dragoslav Šćekić said that through the lens of youth policy, the Youth Parliament session did not talk only about laws and regulations, but about ideas that shaped the reality and future of Montenegro. “The Youth Parliament, as a space for meeting ideas, views, and dialogue, is of great importance not only because of the issues raised here, but also because of the way those issues are addressed – through an open, inclusive, and cross-sectoral approach,” underscored Minister Šćekić.

The Youth Parliament was the final event of the Youth Network of Montenegro’s project, through which young representatives of parliamentary parties and students held numerous consultations with a Mission-engaged expert. This included a capacity building training course, through which young people drafted and prepared initiatives presented at the Youth Parliament session.

The Youth Network of Montenegro is an alliance of youth organisations, working with and for youth, unions, and associations, and currently consists of 46 member organisations from Montenegro. The Mission will continue to support youth organizations and services in Montenegro, strengthening their capacities for successful work.

582142 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

On 29 November 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a one-day training course in Dushanbe titled “Perspectives and Development of Psychological Assistance to Victims of Natural and Technological Disasters,” in collaboration with the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defence of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. The event gathered 15 participants, including psychology experts from national universities, representatives from relevant government institutions, and staff from the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defence (CoESCD), particularly from its International Relations Unit and Psychological Unit.

The training provided a platform for participants to share their experiences and discuss strategies for developing psychological support systems. Topics included insights on regional best practices and future priorities for enhancing the CoESCD's Psychological Unit.

Sadullo Sharipov, Chairman of the Health Department of the CoESCD, emphasized the existing programs for psychological assistance within the Emergency Committee and outlined his vision for developing the Psychological Unit of the CoESCD.

This initiative aligns with the strategic goals of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, as well as Tajikistan’s Mid-term State Programme for the Protection of Population and Territories from Emergency Situations for 2023–2028. It underscores the OSCE’s commitment to strengthening national capacities in disaster response and resilience.

582127 Munira Shoinbekova, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe

From 29 November to 1 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), in collaboration with the Agency of Land Reclamation and Irrigation, successfully held a three-day training focused on developing strategic documents for water governance and management. The event took place in Bokhtar and brought together 20 professionals from various water-related government institutions across different districts of the Khatlon Region.

The training provided an essential platform for participants to share knowledge and insights on water governance and irrigation. It addressed current challenges in the sector and highlighted best practices and key achievements. Throughout the course, participants gained hands-on experience and learned vital techniques for developing strategic documents, which are crucial for effective water management. These documents play a significant role in guiding policies and actions related to water use, conservation, and sustainability throughout the region.

This capacity-building event is part of a broader mission by the POiD to support water sector reforms in Tajikistan. It is one of several training initiatives aimed at promoting long-term sustainability and reinforcing the importance of strategic water governance in Tajikistan and the wider region.

582121

On 28-29 November 2024, the expert roundtable titled “Gender-Sensitive, Child-Friendly, and Trauma-Informed Justice: Best Practices, Challenges, and Needs” was held in Tashkent. The event was organized jointly by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan (PCUz), the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan, USAID and the East-West Management Institute.

The discussions on gender equality in the administration of justice focused on a broad range of issues related to the protection of women, children and minors, particularly in the context of domestic violence, sexual abuse and exploitation.

Throughout the discussions, there was a strong emphasis on the need for improved effectiveness of current protection mechanisms for victims, co-ordination among justice institutions and a more gender-sensitive approach in handling cases involving violence, especially against women and children.

The importance of comprehensive legal and social support systems was also underscored as a means to ensure that victims' rights are protected and that perpetrators are held accountable.

“Strengthening law-enforcement and judicial responses to violence against women, raising awareness about its multiple and invisible forms and empowering victims are crucial elements of any effective strategy to prevent such violence,” said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, the Head of the PCUz, in his opening address to the participants of the roundtable.

582091 Željka Šulc

SARAJEVO, 3 December 2024 - As we witness yet another wave of violence against women in BiH, including incidents reported last night in Mostar and Konjic, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) remains deeply concerned about the persistent and alarming levels of violence against women, as well as the gaps in the legal framework and its implementation.

These shortcomings hinder the effective prevention of violence, the protection of victims, and the accountability for perpetrators and responsible institutions.

Today’s joint session of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) parliamentary committees continues the dialogue on institutional responses to domestic and gender-based violence, emphasizing victim-centered services and strategies for managing perpetrators.

Organized in co-operation with four parliamentary committees—the gender equality committees of both houses, the Committee for Security, and the Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms—this session, supported by the OSCE Mission to BiH, underscores a shared commitment to strengthening these responses.

The FBiH Parliament plays a crucial role in ensuring that political and institutional actions address the multifaceted nature of domestic and gender-based violence.

“Understanding and addressing these practical challenges is essential, as the FBiH Parliament is pivotal in holding institutions accountable for protecting victims of violence,” said Ambassador Brian Aggeler, Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH. “The Istanbul Convention tasks national parliaments with monitoring its implementation. By engaging key decision-makers to tackle the challenges faced by the police and justice sectors, the FBiH Parliament is advancing efforts to meet international obligations.”

This thematic session is part of the OSCE Mission to BiH’s broader initiative to combat domestic and gender-based violence. It acknowledges the valuable contributions made by parliamentarians while emphasizing that the fight against violence and the enhancement of institutional responses must remain ongoing priorities, not just highlighted during the 16 Days of Activism. Parliamentary committees will adopt a set of recommendations for strengthening protection and service provision for survivors of violence and direct them into parliamentary procedure after the session. The Mission will continue to work on the harmonization of legislation, including those that would enable law enforcement to temporarily seize weapons upon reports of domestic violence. The OSCE Mission to BiH remains committed to supporting parliamentary committees in the implementation of the adopted recommendations and their engagement in gender-based violence issues.

582088 Students at art exhibition held in Shkodra as part of the awareness campaign conducted by the OSCE Presence in Albania for youth on the risks and misuse of firearms, with a focus on gender-based violence.

From September to November 2024, the OSCE Presence in Albania conducted an awareness campaign for youth on the risks and misuse of firearms, focused on gender-based violence. The outreach activities – in Tirana, Elbasan, Lezha and Shkodra – were organized in co-operation with the Ministry of Interior and Albanian State Police, and with the engagement of numerous actors from local communities such as the municipalities, civil society organizations, Local Safety Councils, students and teachers.

Youth and teachers played a central role in the campaign, leading the activities and serving as the voice of the community. Through discussions, artistic expressions and performances in public theatres in Elbasan, Shkodra and Lezha – attended by 550 students – they sparked powerful conversations about the risks of firearm misuse. These events not only raised awareness, but also fostered a shift in mindset, helping to challenge attitudes toward gun violence.

A highlight of the events was the participation of Big Basta, the rapper and composer of the campaign song “Leji armët” (Give up the weapons), who helped deliver key messages directly to the youth. Students also engaged with the development of a street installation memory wall against firearms.

Throughout the outreach activities, Head of the OSCE Presence Ambassador Michel Tarran emphasized the importance of community involvement in raising awareness about youth and gender-based violence. He stressed the value of partnerships with local actors such as civil society and Local Safety Councils to ensure the sustainability of these efforts.

The outreach activities were part the project “Assisting the national authorities of the Republic of Albania to decrease the risk of weapon proliferation and misuse of small arms and light weapons”, implemented by the OSCE Presence with the financial support of the European Union, Germany and France.

581992 Communication and Media Relations Section

From 26 to 28 November, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department (TNTD), in collaboration with the OSCE Mission to Montenegro and the Montenegrin Police Academy, organized three training courses for police cadets in Danilovgrad. These courses focused on gender-responsive policing to address violence against women and girls with a victim-centred approach.

The training equipped 92 police cadets, comprising 58 men and 34 women, with the basic skills to handle cases of violence against women and girls with a heightened sensitivity for the trauma victims have endured, in some cases for many years on end.

"Today we are gathered with a common goal - to increase understanding, co-operation and capacity in the fight against gender-based violence, one of the most serious threats to modern society" said Nenad Vojinovic, Director of the Police Academy of Montenegro.

“Violence against women and girls remain an ongoing challenge in Montenegro” highlighted Stephen Harmon, Programme Manager at the OSCE Mission to Montenegro. “Over the past years, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro has actively supported efforts to combat gender-based violence by strengthening legal frameworks, improving victim support services and enhancing awareness as well as prevention strategies,” he added.

During the training, the Centre for Youth Education (CEM) from Bosnia and Herzegovina presented the play “Lullaby Goodbye”, a powerful dramatization inspired by the true story of a teenage girl who was a victim of online exploitation, which had devastating consequences on her life.

Police cadets also attended the screening of “Domestic Violence”, a film showcasing real-life examples of gender-based violence cases in the United States, produced by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

"In order to tackle violence against women and girls while maintaining a victim-centred approach, police officers need to be empathetic, and combine their heads with their hearts", said Bjorn Tore Saltvik, Adviser on Police Reform and project manager at the OSCE.

Over the past year, similar training courses were also held in Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia, and will be offered to young professionals in law enforcement in Albania and Serbia, further strengthening the fight against gender-based violence in South-Eastern Europe.

These training series are a part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Enhancing Criminal Justice Capacities for Combating Gender-based Violence in South-Eastern Europe,” funded by Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy and Norway.

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Two OSCE-supported surveys on the role of youth organisations in Ukraine in times of war were presented at the Youth Work Forum "United by the Light", held from 28 November to 1 December 2024 in Kyiv. The event, organized in partnership with the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine, gathered around 300 youth representatives from across the country to discuss current challenges and exchange best practices.

The first survey, conducted by the Sociological Group “Rating” involved 2,000 respondents aged 16–35, from across Ukraine and provided data on the role of youth centres the opportunities they offer, their availability and relevance to the needs and expectations of young people. It also highlighted current challenges and gaps. The second survey, run by the same organization based on 50 in-depth interviews with representatives of youth centres, provided in-depth analyses of available youth infrastructure, institutional capacity and prospects for development. The surveys contributed to discussions on how the resources strained by the war can be used more effectively to expand opportunities for youth participation in developing their communities, civic activism, and volunteering.

“Currently, we are working with our partners to develop the draft targeted social programme “Youth of Ukraine” for 2026-2030. So, the OSCE-supported surveys are definitely valuable, as we would like to make this policy more adapted to actual needs,” said Andrii Chesnokov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.

“We are guided by the principle “nothing about youth without youth”. You hear a number of important ideas and recommendations on what can be done better for the youth of Ukraine, and it is important that you speak up and say on whether the policies developed and proposed reflect your actual needs. And we expect, that once these recommendations are implemented, they improve your lives,” said Pierre Baussand, the Chief of Operations of the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine.

Earlier this year the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine helped to develop “Recommendations for the Operation of Youth Centres and Spaces during the War and Post-conflict Recovery Period”. The recommendations highlight the urgent need for the youth policy to focus on resilience, including the psychological health and well-being of young people, and address the needs of young veterans and families who have experienced losses. More than 160 representatives from youth centres and youth spaces across all regions of Ukraine contributed to the formulation of these recommendations during a series of 8 regional roundtables in spring and summer this year.  

 

WARSAW, 30 November 2024 – The action of law enforcement officials while policing peaceful protests in Georgia is of deep concern and a serious breach of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said today after police used water cannons, pepper spray, and batons to disperse protests in Tbilisi.

The disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force impacted a large number of protestors and journalists during protests in which the overwhelming majority of demonstrators were peaceful. The right to peaceful assembly is a freedom that lies at the heart of all democratic societies, and all OSCE states have committed to ensuring that “everyone will have the right of peaceful assembly and demonstration”. They have also recognized that any limitation on this right must be stipulated by law and fully in line with international standards.

The use of force by the state must always be in accordance with the law, necessary, and proportionate to the needs of the situation. Law enforcement officers must address the behaviour of protestors acting violently without resorting to disproportionate and indiscriminate force.

The right to freedom of peaceful assembly is enshrined in numerous human rights instruments. All OSCE participating States have committed to upholding this right and guaranteeing freedom of peaceful assembly both in law and practice. ODIHR urges countries across the OSCE region to observe the commitments they have made to respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and all other fundamental freedoms.

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From 25 to 29 November, the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the French Gendarmerie, the French Ministry of the Interior, and other key institutions, brought participants from the Moldovan General Police Inspectorate, General Inspectorate of the Border Police and the Customs Service to the French Gendarmerie for a study visit focused on canine (K9) capabilities.

Participants explored strategic approaches to advancing K9 services in line with European standards and good practices. Discussions focused on strategic management and operational frameworks shaping modern K9 operations.

“This study visit represents a unique opportunity for our Moldovan colleagues to observe our methods and modi operandi, but also for us all to exchange expertise and good practices with each other. By working together, we are building bridges to enhance canine operational excellence,” said Colonel Segui, Commander of the National Gendarmerie Dog Training Center in Gramat.

During the visit, participants engaged in practical demonstrations of French K9 training methods for detection, search and rescue, and organized crime operations. Hands-on sessions provided opportunities to implement lessons learned, while discussions and feedback exchanges offered actionable insights into integrating international standards into Moldova’s K9 services.

“The insights and experiences shared during this visit are transformative for the future of our K9 services. They provide a clear pathway for aligning with European good practices while addressing contemporary challenges,” said Olivia Sanduleac, Head of the K9 Unit of the Moldovan Customs Service.

This visit fostered international collaboration and mutual learning, equipping the participants with new perspectives on how to address evolving security challenges.

“The OSCE strives to foster collaboration with Moldovan law enforcement agencies to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency. By complementing this exchange with exposure to international and European experiences, we aim to support resilience against transnational crime and ensure their services meet modern challenges,” said Inesa Nicolaescu, Associate Border Security Officer at the OSCE.

The study visit was funded by the governments of France and the United States of America, under the OSCE's extra-budgetary project “Support to the Law Enforcement Agencies in Moldova in Response to the Security Challenges in the Region”. The project focuses on strengthening Moldovan law enforcement’s capacity to combat transnational organized crime both at the border and within the country, with financial support from the governments of Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Poland and France.

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On 29 November, the OSCE Transnational Threats Department organized a workshop on cyber incident classification for 14 cyber security policy and technical experts comprising 6 men and 8 women in Chisinau. The workshop focused on how to develop and implement a cyber incident classification system, which offers a common system for understanding and defining what a cyber incident is, ensuring consistency in crisis management tools and plans.

The workshop was tailored to Moldova's specific needs in building a national cyber incident classification system. With the rapid increase in incidents threatening cyber security in the country, experts stressed the importance of establishing this system to ensure effective prioritization and management, particularly for incidents impacting critical infrastructure.

“Cyber security is an ever-growing challenge, and the Republic of Moldova is fully committed to building a resilient cyber security ecosystem to protect our citizens, businesses and critical infrastructure. We are confident that with the help of our partners, we can quickly become a reliable counterpart in the fight against cyber threats,” said Mihai Lupascu, Director of Agency for Cybersecurity of Republic of Moldova.

“Cyber security also needs to be addressed on a broader level. On a multilateral level, the OSCE through initiatives like today’s workshop plays a crucial role in advancing cyber capabilities and fostering exchange of best practices among the OSCE participating States. Developing a national cyber incident classification system is a key step in managing the thousands of cyber threats which states like Moldova or Germany face daily,” emphasized Magdalena Poirier from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Moldova.

“States cannot beat back or attend to all cyber incidents. This is why we need to develop a system to classify national cyber incidents, so we know where to apply the state’s resources to deal with cyber threats,” said Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

Participants also engaged in a table-top exercise aimed at exploring the practical application of the OSCE’s 16 cyber/ICT security confidence-building measures (CBMs). These measures are designed to address misunderstandings and misperceptions in cyberspace by fostering transparency, communication and co-operation between the OSCE participating States. The exercise demonstrated how CBMs can help prevent escalation during a cyber incident and highlighted the critical role of cross-border co-operation in protecting critical infrastructure.

The workshop is part of the project “Facilitation of the Development and Implementation of National Cyber Incident Severity Scales (NCISS) and Related Measures to Protect Critical Infrastructures”, which is funded by France and Germany.

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The Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) brought 19 young innovators and start-uppers from the Western Balkans to Graz, Austria from November 27 to 29 to participate in the European Young Innovator’s (EYI) festival.

The young innovators came together to participate in a series of workshops, seminars, and other professional activities that aimed to help them kick-start their careers. The 19 young women and men were scholarship award winners from the OSCE Young Developers and Entrepreneurs to Advance Start-ups (YDEAS) programme, a three-week immersive business programme that took place in Porto last year.

“Being part of the EYI and YDEAS event has been an inspiring experience… Over the past few days, it’s been clear how diverse ideas and perspectives are driving meaningful change, creating solutions that foster economic growth, security, and social impact,” said Almira Ljaic, an YDEAS scholarship awardee and an attendee of this week’s events.

Another awardee, Petar Huska, added that “This festival has been a powerful reminder of how AI, combined with collective knowledge, creativity, and innovation, can turn challenges into opportunities, driving progress toward a brighter and more stable future.”

The event was part of a partnership between the OSCE and the World Summit Awards (WSA), which organized the event. The event also marked the conclusion of OCEEA’s extrabudgetary YDEAS project.

“With YDEAS, the OSCE is making a real contribution to innovation and human capital development in the Western Balkans,” said Vera Strobachova-Budway, Senior Economic Officer and Head of the Economic Governance Unit at the OSCE. “By supporting these young people, we are tackling persistent unemployment and brain drain by providing an opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills so they can start businesses, create jobs and improve their communities.”

The YDEAS project expands opportunities for skills development and job creation. The project, which is funded by Italy, Germany and Poland, has a primary aim of improving the employability of youth and women and promoting an enabling environment for innovative, socially-impactful and green start-ups. It works to establish regional networks of social and green entrepreneurs and leverage innovation and the social economy to foster trust, connectivity, inclusive development, and reconciliation in the Western Balkans and in the OSCE region. 

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In November 2024, the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Financial Monitoring Agency of Kazakhstan hosted two specialized training sessions on the criminal use of virtual assets and blockchain technology. Organized by the OSCE in collaboration with national agencies, these workshops underscored the importance of mitigating money laundering risks and enhancing investigative capacities in the digital financial realm.

The first session, held at the General Prosecutor’s Office building in Astana, aimed to equip senior officials with foundational knowledge about blockchain technology and its potential for misuse in criminal activities. The programme provided a comprehensive overview of blockchain fundamentals, the challenges of addressing pseudonymity in cryptocurrency transactions, and effective methods for tracing illicit activities.

Led by international experts, the training introduced tools and methodologies for tracking cryptocurrency transactions, analyzing illicit wallets, and collaborating with virtual asset service providers. Case studies, including real-world incidents, provided participants with practical insights into managing digital threats.

On the following day, the Financial Monitoring Agency hosted a similar workshop at its headquarters. Tailored to the needs of financial oversight professionals, this session focused on mitigating money laundering risks associated with virtual assets. Participants delved into the fundamentals of blockchain technology, explored methods to combat illicit activities, and examined high-profile cyberattack case studies. An interactive session on cryptocurrency wallets equipped participants with hands-on experience to bolster their investigative capabilities.

"The rapid evolution of digital financial technologies presents both opportunities and challenges. These workshops exemplify the OSCE’s commitment to supporting Kazakhstan and other participating states in building the capacity to effectively combat financial crimes in the digital era," said Kurban Babayev, Economic Adviser at the OSCE Secretariat.

These workshops represent a key step in Kazakhstan’s efforts to enhance its digital financial security infrastructure. Through initiatives like these, the OSCE and national institutions are laying the groundwork for a robust and collaborative response to the challenges posed by the criminal use of virtual assets and blockchain technologies.

These activities are part of an OSCE extra-budgetary project on “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, funded by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The project supports OSCE participating States in building national capacities to mitigate criminal risks related to virtual assets.