News and press releases

The SMM observed more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared to 25 and 26 June respectively, particularly in the southern Donetsk region. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations. It conducted crater analysis in Horlivka, Troitske and Popasna. The Mission noted weapons in violation of withdrawal lines. The SMM observed significantly shorter queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line at Marinka, Olenivka and Stanytsia Luhanska bridge, and facilitated repairs to essential infrastructure between Trokhizbenka and Pryshyb. The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted on three occasions in non-government-controlled areas...

SARAJEVO, 28 June 2016 – The meeting of the Regional Housing Programme (RHP) Steering Committee today in Sarajevo brought together representatives of donors, partner countries, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the OSCE and the Council of Europe Development Bank, to discuss achievements, best practices and challenges in implementing the Programme on Durable Solutions for Refugees and Displaced Persons...

BISHKEK, 28 June 2016 – The OSCE’s role and activities in Security Sector Governance and Reform in Central Asia, and the challenges and opportunities in the field, are the focus of a three-day regional seminar hosted by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, which began today in the Kyrgyz capital...

In Kominternove the SMM found the bodies of two young boys killed by power lines most probably downed by shelling. In Donetsk region the SMM observed more ceasefire violations on each 25 and 26 June compared to 24 June. In Luhansk region the SMM recorded no ceasefire violations on 25 June, and fewer on 26 June compared to 24 June. It conducted crater analysis in Makiivka. The SMM continued to observe long queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line, where civilians complained about lack of basic facilities. The SMM monitored a public meeting in Lviv. The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted on seven occasions both in government- and non-government-controlled areas...

In Donetsk region, the SMM observed fewer ceasefire violations, with nearly 90 explosions during the night of 23 June and four during the day. In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded some ceasefire violations compared with none during the previous day. It conducted crater analysis and observed damage to houses in Kirovskyi district and Kominternove. The SMM continued to observe long queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line, with civilians suffering from high temperatures. It reached the border in an area not controlled by the Government on one occasion. In Kharkiv, the SMM monitored a public gathering related to the status of volunteer participants in the Anti-Terrorism Operation. The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted on two occasions – once in a government-controlled area and once in an area outside government control...*

The SMM observed more ceasefire violations in Donetsk region compared to the previous day and no ceasefire violations in Luhansk region. It followed up on reports of shelling and observed significant movement of weapons in Luhansk region. The SMM continued to observe long queues at entry-exit checkpoints along the contact line. In Chernivtsi National University, the number of woman enrolling in the department of military training program has steadily been increasing, the SMM heard. The SMM’s freedom of movement was restricted on one occasion in areas outside government control...

WARSAW/GENEVA, 24 June 2016 – Ahead of Sunday’s International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Michael Georg Link, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), and Juan E. Mendez, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, called for redoubling of efforts to eradicate all forms of torture and ill-treatment and to fully implement the victims’ rights to obtain full and effective redress, including full rehabilitation...