News and press releases

VIENNA, 22 April 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today said that recent legislative steps in Ukraine could limit the free flow of information...

The SMM recorded a similar number of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared to the previous day. In Luhansk region, fewer ceasefire violations were recorded in comparison to the previous day. The Mission noted a significant number of weapons in Luhansk city, in violation of withdrawal lines, while other weapons were missing from holding areas. It analysed craters in an area close to the contact line. The SMM spoke to the head of the Bakhmut (formerly Artemivsk) regional administration regarding the presence of unmarked graves...

KYIV, 21 April 2016 – The OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine launched a series of re-training courses today for the new Ukrainian neighbourhood police force as part of its ongoing support to country-wide law enforcement reform. Some 10,000 officers who pass the re-attestation procedure will refine skills and knowledge during the hundred-hour courses to be held from April to December 2016...

The SMM recorded a lower level of violence in Donetsk region compared to the previous reporting period. It noted weapons in violation of withdrawal lines and others absent from storage sites. The SMM observed long queues at checkpoints along the contact line. The Mission attempted to monitor in border areas outside government control but was repeatedly prevented from doing so. The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted further in areas not controlled by the Government...

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

The SMM recorded a higher level of violence in Donetsk and Luhansk regions compared with both 16 and 17 April. The Mission followed up on allegations of shelling in areas near the contact line. It noted weapons in violation of withdrawal lines and others absent from storage sites. The SMM facilitated and monitored adherence to the ceasefire to enable repairs to essential infrastructure. It observed long queues at checkpoints along the contact line. The Mission monitored one border area outside government control and was denied access to another. The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted further in areas not controlled by the Government, including access to a site known as a heavy weapons holding area. The SMM was threatened by armed men in areas outside of Government control...

VIENNA, 19 April 2016 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed concern about the intimidation of journalist Nikolay Semena in Crimea, Ukraine...