OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

OSCEs Parlamentariske Forsamling 2019-20
OSCE Alm.del Bilag 35
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OSCE PA vs COVID -19

Phase 1 (March - July 2020)

Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

presented by OSCE PA President George Tsereteli

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

Foreword

In the absence of an Annual Session Final Declaration this year, we offer a

Presidential Summary of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly activities in

response to the COVID-19 crisis. This document collects general

conclusions and recommendations stemming from a series of

Parliamentary Web Dialogues organized by the OSCE PA during the

period March-June 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Based

on reporting by OSCE PA staff with the input and endorsement of the

OSCE parliamentarians who served as Chairs for each of the Parliamentary

Web Dialogues, the document is authored by the President and issued by

the International Secretariat of the OSCE PA.

The International Secretariat

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the OSCE President

Message from the OSCE Secretary General

Parliamentary Web Dialogues:

•

“COVID’S Impact on Conflicts in the OSCE region”

•

“The Economic Security Fallout of the COVID-19 Pandemic”

•

“COVID-19: A turning point for environmental protection?”

• “Respecting human rights and maintaining democratic control

during states of emergency”

• “COVID-19 response in diverse societies: challenges and opportuni-

ties for stability and social cohesion”

• “Protecting refugees and migrants during the pandemic: Camps

and closed centres under lockdown”

• “Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism amidst the COVID-19

Pandemic”

•

“The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19”

Contribution of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Rapporteur on

Disinformation and Propaganda Oscar Mina (San Marino)

ANNEX: List of keynote speakers and invited guests

Social Media

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

Message from the OSCE PA President

Dear Members,

Dear Friends,

Let me first extend my best wishes of

good health to you, your families, and

your close ones, and hope for a speedy

and full recovery of all those infected

by COVID-19.

Despite these difficult circumstances,

which have upended our usual working

practices, I want to praise you for your

constant engagement, both in your

national parliaments and within our Par-

liamentary Assembly. Although there is no replacement to in-person dialogue, we have managed

to adapt rapidly and efficiently to maintain our precious channels of communication. This has been

possible thanks to the International Secretariat’s flexibility and the support of technical and admin-

istrative staff in our parliaments and Delegations.

As the OSCE region began to seriously face the pandemic last March, the OSCE PA immediately

recognized that this grave multifaceted crisis called for greater international assistance and solidar-

ity.

In the initial phase of the crisis, this was necessary to provide medical support and protective

equipment where it was most needed. As most countries shut down their economies and imposed

confinement, new challenges emerged, calling for the exchange of best practices. Today, as many

of our countries are gradually reopening their economies in preparation for the summer holidays,

clear and direct international communication is key to preventing or controlling an eventual sec-

ond outbreak.

Going forward, we also need to maintain international co-operation as countries, pharmaceutical

companies, and research laboratories race towards the development of safe treatments and a vac-

cine. We must ensure an equal therapeutic response on a global scale, once available.

In this peculiar context, our parliaments have been required to operate with limited interaction and

debate to pass emergency measures. We, parliamentarians, have played our role as a link between

citizens and their governments by educating about new health and safety guidelines, such as social

distancing, and by relaying concerns and, sometimes, shedding light on situations of despair.

The fact that parliaments continued to function at the height of this crisis was precious to ensure

the continuity of parliamentary democracy in the OSCE area. In the post-COVID era, we are invited

to make the full use of our parliamentary prerogatives, in particular oversight.

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

Beyond the health and economic crises, we have seen that major issues, such as corruption, human

trafficking, or disinformation, have been exacerbated. All of these are challenges that the OSCE

PA had already identified and developed an acquis, which can help develop adequate legislative

responses.

The core work of the OSCE, however, remains the same, although under even more complicated

conditions: facilitating dialogue to prevent and mediate conflicts, foster economic co-operation

and sustainable development, and promote and protect human rights.

Throughout these challenging times, the OSCE PA has continued to uphold our founding principles

and the fundamental rights of our citizens. In our mission to help protect our populations against

the wide range of enduring threats to their security, we must continue to denounce violations of

the Helsinki principles.

We have made it clear that we cannot solve this unprecedented crisis by walking away from the

many challenges the OSCE region continues to face. We must continue to defend the most vul-

nerable among us, especially those living in conflict zones or in refugee camps, as well as women

and minorities. We must carry on reporting electoral fraud and denouncing votes organized in

violation of the principles of the OSCE and the norms of international law. We must continue to

promote greater engagement and equal opportunities from people of all genders, ages, and

origins. And of course, we must also pay the utmost attention to the highest vital issue of our time,

climate change.

Faced with the need to provide a global response to this global crisis, the OSCE PA has encouraged

close co-ordination with parliaments at the national and the international level to promote demo-

cratic, effective, and coherent public policy responses, and to address our citizens’ concerns.

Although the pandemic has canceled our meetings and conferences, including our 2020 Annual

Session and our Autumn Meeting as well as a number of planned election observation missions,

we have managed to navigate through unchartered territory for our Parliamentary Assembly,

thanks to regular consultations with our elected leadership and advice from Secretary General

Roberto Montella and his team. These discussions have been complemented by regional talks

with many Delegations to ensure that the OSCE PA remains an inclusive forum for dialogue.

Overall, the situation has encouraged us to continue in our efforts to modernize the work of the

PA.

Our Parliamentary Web Dialogues have provided new platforms for our Members to hear from

experts, and share experience and best practices, in order to learn lessons from this crisis and

enhance preparedness, resilience, and response for an eventual new pandemic. Our collective work

during this difficult period has been compiled in this “OSCE PA vs. COVID-19,” which is being pre-

sented to the OSCE PA Standing Committee in July 2020.

Thanking you once again for your diligent work and engagement in support of multilateralism and

the OSCE, I look forward to seeing you in person very soon.

George Tsereteli

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

Message from the OSCE PA Secretary General

As soon as it became clear that the

COVID-19 pandemic was not just a

normal flu and that we were heading

towards unprecedented challenges, we

immediately made “rethinking” and

“readapting” our key words. The first

priority was to think of ways, creative

and innovative, on how to enable our

Assembly, an international parliamen-

tary platform for more than 300 Parlia-

mentarians from 57 participating States

representing more than one billion cit-

izens, to continue to provide an added

value and a distinct contribution.

We promptly acknowledged that, during such an unprecedented type of crisis, international orga-

nizations like ours had a strong role to play. Therefore, it was necessary for the OSCE PA to develop

a new sense of purpose for our work, in line with the new reality brought about by the pandemic.

This, besides a number of administrative decisions, such as the cancellation of meetings and other

activities, switching to telecommuting and reinforcing our digital and technical capacities, included

ensuring that the political relevance and added value of the Assembly would not diminish in a con-

text where our main opportunity to meet and debate - the Annual Session - was being cancelled.

This is why I shared with our Members in April the OSCE PA - COVID Compact, a Report on Re-

adapting the Parliamentary Assembly to challenges in the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic . The re-

port focuses, inter alia, on a three-pillar strategy: a) continuation of the political dialogue through

new formats; b) increase of public messaging; c) facilitation of exchange of information, best prac-

tices and aid requests.

As new format for the political debate, we have launched a cycle of Parliamentary Web Dialogues -

online meetings on the model of webinars - which gave the opportunity to discuss the impact of

COVID-19 on a number of priority areas for the OSCE’s work. They have been very successful, and

their results are what this document is all about. But before diving into that, I wish to give a per-

sonal reflection on our duty as international organizations in this critical period.

The COVID-19 pandemic is much more than a health emergency: it impacts on the security of our

societies and citizens, which are at the core of the OSCE’s focus. The economic recession and the

growing social discontent which most likely will hit our societies in the coming months will also

impact political systems with a prevailing climate of uncertainty affecting domestic policy as well as

international relations.

Global problems require global responses and that is why international cooperation and coordina-

tion at all levels, including the parliamentary one, are a key asset. The risk of entering into blame

games and mistrust is always present and could lead to a period of even deeper divisions and a

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

general failure to cooperate. International Organizations are instrumental to keep multilateralism

alive and effective, promoting a strong sense of solidarity, responsibility and joint ownership of

efforts among States.

This concept has been our “mantra” in the last few months. Debating the issues at stake, collecting

information and successful experiences from all over the OSCE region to enable Members of Par-

liament to make more informed decisions, replicate positive measures, and facilitate the sharing

of vital information to the people they represent in their constituencies. This is a great value of the

PA’s unique infrastructure, as it allows a swift two-way linkage between the international and the

local levels of decision making.

Of course, to achieve all of this we need two important tools: reciprocal trust and strategic long-

term foresight. In other words, we need strong leadership and politics with a capital P. That politics

that has the courage to think big and look ahead without drowning in the daily tittle-tattle of party

fights and the electoral cycle. I often made this appeal to our PA Members: use our platform to fly

high on these objectives.

Strategic thinking is particularly crucial now, as we embark on the post (post is my optimistic ap-

proach!) COVID phase, a new normal whose facet is very difficult to predict at the moment. When

we plan the future we may need to be creative and think, perhaps even unconventionally, of al-

ternative working methodologies for the implementation of our regular activities, including with

a more effective use of new communication technologies and a careful, coherent and responsible

utilization of the resources, especially in the coming economic hardship period. In this regard, I

wish to thank our Standing Committee for a smooth approval of our next year’s budget.

Finally, we need to maintain unity among international actors, avoiding duplication of efforts and

investing in each other’s added values to prove that only effective multilateralism will bring about

concrete solutions to the current crisis. For our Assembly, there are two main avenues of

cooperation, one is within the OSCE and the other is with partner interparliamentary organizations.

In this regard, I wish to draw your attention to the joint statement on the “Comprehensive security

approach needed for global response to COVID-19” issued by all OSCE Heads of Institution on the

occasion of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, positioning the Or-

ganization and its unique toolbox to play a role in facilitating international cooperation to address

the pandemic.

In conclusion, I wish to thank our Members for their precious support, active engagement and

dedicated contributions. Be it around the same table or connected from a computer in some re-

mote areas of the world, we continue to prove the added value of this Assembly and of parliamen-

tary diplomacy. I would also like to thank the OSCE PA Staff, including those who recently joined

our team and our research assistants, who committed with passion and dedication to the new

working modalities. We will spare no efforts to ensure this continues for the benefit of the only real

end-users of our “product”, the citizens of the OSCE region.

Roberto Montella

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

IMPACT ON CONFLICTS

Parliamentary Web Dialogue:

“COVID’S Impact on

Conflicts in the OSCE region”

- 15 May 2020

SUMMARY

On 23 March UN Secretary General António Gu-

terres urged warring parties across the world to

lay down their weapons in support of the bigger

battle against COVID-19. The global pandemic

poses a particular threat to countries and soci-

eties affected by conflicts. The populations of

conflict-affected countries are likely to be espe-

cially vulnerable to outbreaks of disease. With

limited access to basic healthcare infrastructure

and public services, people in conflict areas are

in the most dangerous frontline of the pandem-

ic risk zone. With emergency measures restrict-

ing movement, national and international med-

ics and humanitarian and crisis management

actors are struggling to get relief to people in

need. While international institutions working

on conflict resolution have faced obstacles in

their activities and movements following the

restrictions, closure of borders, travel bans, and

bans on social gathering also negatively impact

the work of observers and peace builders, in-

creasing the risk of rapid conflict escalation.

In order to assess these challenges, the OSCE PA

organized a web-based seminar focused on the

topic “COVID’s Impact on Conflicts in the OSCE

Region”. The event was chaired by Congressman

Richard Hudson, Chair of the OSCE PA General

Committee on Political Affairs and Security and

was moderated by OSCE Parliamentary Assem-

bly Deputy Secretary General Gustavo Pallares.

In total, the event was virtually attended by 110

participants, more than 50 of which were OSCE

PA Members.

The web dialogue participants included par-

liamentarians and staff from Albania, Armenia,

Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada,

Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Geor-

gia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,

Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania,

Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Nor-

way, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania,

Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,

Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United King-

dom and the United States, as well as a range of

OSCE experts and others.

Opening the event,

Chair of the OSCE PA General Committee on Political Affairs and

Security Congressman Richard Hudson

stressed the crucial role that the Committee plays,

saying “we must continue working toward a free and peaceful OSCE area in which all partici-

pating states fully implement the fundamental principles agreed under the Helsinki Final Act.”

Congressman Hudson went on to say, “Unfortunately, the OSCE region bears sad witness to a

number of ongoing conflicts in countries including Ukraine, which continues to be subjected

to a war that has killed thousands and impacted millions, including civilians who continue to

suffer today. Additionally, the invasion in parts of Georgia is ongoing. These and other conflicts

in the OSCE region defy resolution year after year.”

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OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

In his welcoming remarks,

OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia)

noted that con-

flicts will not magically disappear in the post COVID-19 world. He stressed that to overcome

the crisis, a comprehensive response on various issues, which are, in general, at the heart of all

OSCE work: public health, economic collapse, and ongoing conflicts is much needed. President

Tsereteli continued underlining the need to keep monitoring occupied territories and conflict

zones, where people are living in harsh conditions, and encouraged to keep these issues high

on the agenda of national parliaments.

EXPERTS’ KEY POINTS

Presentation by Ambassador

Tuula Yrjölä, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre

•

The COVID-19 crisis and its indirect effects can have a heavy impact on conflict-affected pop-

ulations, already enduring precarious conditions: the closure of crossing points or entry-exit

checkpoints, reduced access to healthcare and economic difficulties place a heavy burden on

vulnerable populations.

The crisis has disrupted meetings and prevents the direct and informal interactions which are

essential for securing progress in any mediation process. It also risks diverting attention and

resources away from formal negotiation and resolution processes.

◊ The Trilateral Contact Group and its four Working Groups (Security, Political, Human-

itarian and Economic) now meet exclusively in VTC format, but are keeping the same

rhythm as before: discussions have continued to focus on the measures set out by

the Normandy Four leaders in December. There have been some encouraging steps

such as the further exchange of detainees on 16 April. But the commitment made

during the Paris N4 Summit for a full and comprehensive implementation of the

ceasefire, has yet to materialize.

◊ The Transdniestrian Settlement Process has been heavily affected by the pandemic.

The Mission to Moldova and Special Representative Thomas Mayr-Harting remain

very active. Contacts continue on issues such as medical supplies and the visit of a

WHO mission to Tiraspol last week, such co-operation is encouraging. However, the

regular Working Groups and meetings between the chief negotiators of the sides

(1+1) have been discontinued, and there is little evidence of agreement on moving to

a wider meeting in the 5+2 format.

◊ Moreover, the pandemic has influenced the Geneva International Discussions as well.

There are no clear indications as to when these discussions could be resumed. The

associated Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms already faced challenges

before, and their resumption would be even more crucial now.

•

Unfortunately, the already difficult conditions for people affected by conflict seem to have

generally worsened. Conflict resolution has become harder, and progress on the efforts has

slowed. We should consider the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to promote new tools for

enhanced interaction. When in-person meetings cannot take place, digital tools offer viable

•

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OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

alternatives. However, it’s important to bear in mind the importance of trust-building and the

strengthening of interpersonal relations in negotiations. The risks and opportunities of digital

tools need to be carefully weighed. But COVID-19 restrictions may be long lasting, and so

mediators need to increase the digital literacy of their mediation teams.

•

Despite these challenges, the OSCE itself can be proud of how it is responding operational-

ly to the pandemic and its effects; it will continue to seek to help societies recover from the

severe economic impact and socio-political consequences of the pandemic in many OSCE

countries.

Presentation by Ambassador Yasar Halit Çevik, Head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission

to Ukraine.

•

Outbursts of violence continue along the line of contact, despite the commitment made to a

full and comprehensive implementation of the ceasefire and the current COVID-19 pandemic.

◊ Since the beginning of May the Mission has received the most serious increase in

reported civilian casualties in at least two years. Even with the challenges linked with

COVID-19, the Mission remains dedicated to corroborating civilian casualties.

◊ The Mission continues to record damages to civilian properties: heavy weapons are

still observed near populated areas and civilian infrastructure. The continued fighting

around essential civilian infrastructure is threatening, amongst the others, water sup-

ply, vital to protecting the health of civilians.

◊ Recent weeks have seen frequent incidents affecting the safety and security of Mis-

sion personnel, which are unacceptable. Illegitimate restrictions on the Mission also

include numerous instances of monitors being blocked from accessing areas within

its mandate under the pretext of restrictions relating to the pandemic.

•

The working group on security issues of the Trilateral Contact Group, which has continued to

meet through VTC, has focused on key points: ceasefire, disengagement, and mine action. To

achieve progress in the implementation of such measures, discussions need to become more

constructive.

A long-standing concern that remains unaddressed is the Mission’s access to the southern

part of the Donetsk region outside of government control, where the SMM’s restrictions

are chronic. Any impediment to the SMM’s freedom of movement is a violation of the SMM

mandate agreed by the Permanent Council, as well as of the commitments undertaken in the

Minsk Agreements.

The SMM follows the strictest measures to protect the Mission members and to reduce the

risk for the local population, while implementing the mandate. The Mission has adapted and

continues to carry out core activities, including monitoring and reporting on the security

situation in eastern Ukraine.

•

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OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

THE DISCUSSION

In the ensuing discussion, more than fifteen parliamentarians shared their perspectives, expe-

riences, and concerns on the developments in conflicts in the OSCE area. Members highlighted

that the pandemic should not distract from the need to focus on conflict resolution, uphold

international law, and defend principles of the Helsinki Final Act. The need for expansion of

multilateral approach and diplomatic work in conflict resolution was stressed outlining the

important role that parliamentarians can play in this process.

Highlights:

•

Implications of the global pandemic are going beyond the health crisis and heavily affecting

dynamics of conflicts. Governments are preoccupied with COVID-19 challenges and issues of

ongoing conflicts are slipping down from international agenda.

Civilians in conflict-affected areas remain among the most vulnerable groups during the out-

break due to limited access to healthcare and public services. The humanitarian aid provision

chain was significantly affected by pandemic-related border closures and travel restrictions.

Unfortunately, the global cease-fire call by UN Secretary General António Guterres was dis-

regarded by combatants in the OSCE area. Full implementation of Helsinki Final Act commit-

ments and other international obligations should be the basis for addressing these conflicts.

Lockdown measures introduced by countries affected by conflicts have slowed down interna-

tional mediation efforts and peace negotiations. Nevertheless, travel restrictions must not be

allowed to interfere with the work of mediators and observers. The OSCE will have to adapt

to meet current circumstances in order to most effectively continue its crucial role in early

warning, conflict prevention and resolution.

Containment of the so-called “protracted conflicts” cannot be viewed as a success and strong

political will should be demonstrated by all parties to stop the violence. Their perpetuation

only increases the negative effects on people, government and challenge the trust and con-

fidence in OSCE. Constructive dialogue and multilateral approaches for conflict resolution

should continue to be a priority.

Despite the pandemic, participating States should demonstrate readiness to maintain and

improve international co-operation, provide mutual support, and show solidarity in order to

minimize the negative consequences of conflicts and tensions. Conflict parties should restrain

from engaging in military activities and demonstrate solidarity with the UNSG’s call for cease-

fire.

Efforts taken by the OSCE under the leadership of Albanian Chairmanship and activities of

the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre in order to continue the work on conflict resolution and

mediation are positively evaluated and highly appreciated.

•

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

•

Efforts to address the pandemic should not be politicized, and emergency measures should

not be misused for political purposes.

The pandemic is likely to aggravate challenges in areas as diverse as unemployment, migra-

tion, and inequality, which could in turn trigger social tensions and foster new conflicts in

the OSCE area. Collective and national responses should seek to take these challenges into

account.

Ukraine:

•

The deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in Eastern Ukraine was lament-

ed by nearly all participants. Civilians and health structures are under the pressure of conflict

conditions and threats from COVID at the same time. The number of civilian casualties is in-

creasing. The situation with internally displaced persons is alarming and the risk of the num-

ber of IDPs to grow (which is currently around 1.5 million people) is only increasing. OSCE

SMM observers are facing more movement restrictions (especially with crossing checkpoints)

which, in addition to general lockdown and unavailability of Mission’s staff to travel to the

country, creates significant challenges for the Mission to implement its mandate.

These challenges demanded continued attention from the international community, partic-

ipants agreed. Civilians suffering in the contact zone required assistance and support, and

the flow of the humanitarian aid and healthcare services should also extend beyond areas

of governmental control. All sides should fully remain committed to the conflict resolution

objective while the basis for it still should be the same – full implementation of Minsk agree-

ments. Joint measures aiming to contain the spread of COVID might serve as an example

of practical collaboration to build the trust among the parties. The OSCE could consider, for

example, offering to facilitate access to medical assistance across the contact line. One par-

ticipant called for the immediate re-establishment of the joint centre for co-ordination and

control.

Parliamentarians highlighted the immediate importance for OSCE observers and humani-

tarian aid organizations to be provided with necessary access and freedom of movement to

report on the humanitarian crisis and assist in delivery of humanitarian aid.

•

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

ECONOMICS

Parliamentary Web Dialogue:

“The Economic

Security Fallout of the COVID-19 Pandemic”

- 22 April

2020

BACKGROUND

The Parliamentary Web Dialogue on “The Eco-

nomic Security Fallout of the COVID-19 Pan-

demic” was aimed at raising awareness about

the short and long-term economic and secu-

rity repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KEY FINDINGS

in nature, the mobility, tourism, trade, and

While the COVID-19 pandemic is first and

entertainment sectors will likely face lon-

foremost a health crisis, its social and eco-

ger-term, possibly fatal, repercussions. The

nomic repercussions have severely impacted

economic impact of the crisis has been par-

the lives of millions of citizens by generat-

ticularly profound for smaller businesses, low

ing significant economic and security fall-

income workers, undocumented migrants

outs which are pushing both advanced and

and the underemployed and self-employed.

emerging economies into a recession. The

Countries hosting large migrant communi-

worst affected economies seem to be those

ties are particularly exposed at this critical

that are most integrated into the global sup-

juncture.

ply chain or supply intermediate inputs.

Ul-

timately, the crisis triggered by the pandemic

overlaps with other important themes, such

Consequently, OSCE participating States

as the rule of law, conflicts, migration-related

are facing serious policy problems, such as

challenges, climate protection, and health

rising sovereign debt levels, triggering state

care.

interventions which could distort market

competition, changes in supply chains, and

Drastic public health measures adopted to

a potential long-term rise in unemployment

contain the virus (e.g., quarantine, social dis-

rates.

tancing, and border controls) disrupted pro-

duction, trade, and logistic chains at national

Supporting the economy in this critical

and international levels and led to extreme

moment is essential for safeguarding social

shutdowns, job losses, and severe disruption

security. Policy makers are called to make

of travel, mobility and financial activities.

difficult choices which require trade-offs

between addressing the public health crisis

While the crisis is expected to be temporary

and limiting its economic damage. While it

Experts and parliamentarians exchanged views

on the socio-economic impact of the health

crisis, shared preliminary lessons learned, and

considered the way forward for economic

recovery in the region.

Such as commodities, raw materials and oil.

For example, the pandemic has led to historic drops in oil prices (due to the lack of storage capacity).

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

is critical to be quick and flexible in devel-

oping/implementing these new policies, it

is also important to keep in mind that they

should serve a longer-term perspective.

Monetary policy co-ordination between

central banks is key to stabilizing financial

markets, as well as to ensure the liquidity re-

quired by governments and markets. Public

guaranties, equity measures, wage subsidies,

and tax deferrals are required to support the

most affected companies. While demand-

side measures might be less effective at this

juncture, preserving the regulatory

supervisory framework is paramount.

At this critical juncture, the role of national

parliaments is key to provide strong over-

sight of governments’ actions and to pro-

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

mote good governance principles in public

spending to avoid any waste of critical

resources and prevent corruption.

Considering the pandemic’s extensive reach,

as well as globalized economic relations, the

need for a well-co-ordinated international

response is clear. International co-operation

among countries and multilateral organiza-

tions is instrumental for the effectiveness of

healthcare and economic measures, as well

as to prevent the recession from becoming a

long-term depression.

Ultimately, the pandemic has brought to

light certain fragilities of the neoliberal

globalized world, which provides an oppor-

tunity for revisiting certain aspects of our

economic system.

Against this backdrop, OSCE participating States should urgently introduce balanced fiscal,

monetary, and financial market measures to mitigate the economic and social impact of

the crisis. More specifically, policy makers should subsidize the economy through targeted

instruments and provide emergency financing to their healthcare and infrastructure sys-

tems, while keeping public spending and financial stability in mind.

Public interventions should target the IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and other vital sec-

tors of the economy, starting from those hit hardest by the lockdown, such as the mobility,

tourism, and entertainment sectors. The focus should be on saving as many businesses as

possible and on preserving employment.

Supporting the most vulnerable and exposed groups is a priority that requires well-con-

ceived measures. For instance, it is imperative to adequately assist those who are left with-

out any income, as well as those who do not have internet access (i.e., the digital divide).

Governments should ensure liquidity for additional bank lending to private companies, as

they are often experiencing severe decreases in income, while sustaining high fixed costs.

Banks should be part of the solution by providing the required liquidity, loans, and guaran-

tees to their clients.

Parliaments must ensure that recovery measures are adopted taking all stakes into account

and implemented in a balanced manner, thereby safeguarding public health and keeping

the economy running. It is vital that parliamentarians work together to build recovery in

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the post-COVID-19 world and avoid future similar crises.

OSCE participating States should refraining from excessively protectionist and inward-look-

ing policies. In particular, they should resist political arguments fuelled by the psychological

pressure of the emergency that advocate for national self-sufficiency in the provision of

essential goods, nor exploit the asymmetric impact of the emergency to restructure trans-

national production and trade networks to their advantage

Rather, OSCE participating States must be solidary in the recovery process. They should es-

tablish security corridors to overcome sudden supply shortages due to the delocalization of

production. Similarly, the expansion of the private sector at the expense of key public ser-

vices – such as healthcare and emergency response - should be duly considered as against

the interests of the end-users. Finally, OSCE participating Sates should create emergency

lines to better co-ordinate during similar future crises.

International organizations, such as the OSCE, should provide privileged fora for co-

ordination and sharing of information and lessons learned, thereby building a safer and

brighter future for all citizens.

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ENVIRONMENT

Parliamentary Web Dialogue:

“COVID-19: A turning

point for environmental protection? ”

- 22 May 2020

BACKGROUND

The Parliamentary Web Dialogue on “COVID-19:

A Turning Point for Environmental Protection?”

enabled OSCE PA members and renowned ex-

perts to explore the interlinkages between envi-

ronmental degradation and public health, foster

KEY FINDINGS

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a spot-

light on the links between the environment

and public health. As such, it should serve as

an opportunity to pause and reflect, rethink

old habits and consider how to make the

globalization process more fair, solidary, sus-

tainable and safe. Sustainable development

can only be achieved if economic, social,

environmental, and public health factors are

duly balanced and given equal attention by

policymakers.

Long-term exposure to air pollution and

particulate matter (PM) adversely affects

respiratory and cardiovascular systems and

increases mortality risk. Numerous scientific

studies have linked air pollution exposure

to health issues including non-fatal heart

attacks, irregular heartbeats, aggravated

asthma, decreased lung function, increased

respiratory symptoms (such as airway irrita-

tion, coughing or difficulty breathing), de-

mentia, and premature death.

Notably, most of these diseases seem to

exacerbate the severity of COVID-19 infec-

tion symptoms. While researchers continue

to investigate whether there is a direct link

between exposure to air pollution and ad-

verse outcomes, or more difficult recoveries,

from COVID-19, early indications suggest

that such a connection exists.

Breathing polluted air clearly increases the

risk of heart attack, pneumonia and, if in-

fected by COVID-19, death. Low-income and

minority communities seem to be particular-

ly at risk, as they usually live in more pollut-

ed areas. In short, air pollution kills! All

citizens have the right to breathe clean air.

The decisions taken at this juncture will

shape economies and the global system for

decades. If recovery from the crisis is to be

sustainable - if the world is to become more

resilient – OSCE participating States should

do everything in their power to promote

“green” recoveries.

National green recovery plans should be

recognized as beneficial both in the short

run, for example through technical innova-

tion and job creation, and in the long run,

dialogue around the need to better protect our

environment in order to enhance human se-

curity, and consider opportunities for targeted

“green” policy interventions in response to the

crisis.

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by contributing to promote a more healthy,

secure, and resilient world.

Clean energies which are environmentally

friendly should be considered as financial

and economic opportunities. The transition

from fossil fuel to green energy is generally

recognized as the single most relevant step

towards cleaner air and the mitigation of cli-

mate change. Countries that are relaxing en-

vironmental laws as part of their COVID-19

response will cause long-term environmental

damage.

It is essential to preserve natural habitats, re-

visit our relationship with nature and rebuild

a more environmentally responsible world

- a healthy planet is critical to our ability to

rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic and

prevent future global disease crises.

The severe health implications brought on

by inadequate environmental protection

should serve as a wake-up call for legisla-

tors. National parliaments play a central role

in making sure that sound policies and laws

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

are adopted and implemented to safeguard

public health and prevent future similar cri-

ses, including through direct public support

towards green projects, green finance and

higher carbon pricing. Youth also play a key

role in this field.

10.

Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the 2030 Sus-

tainable Development Goals and the Paris

Agreement on Climate Change remain the

best road maps for future actions in this

field.

11.

The commitment of the European Union

with regards to the development of a sus-

tainable climate plan, including the recent-

ly launched “Green Deal”, is also deemed

critical.

12.

Intensified international co-operation and

co-ordination is urgently needed to recov-

er from the COVID-19 crisis, as well as to

build resilience against similar future health

crises and to mitigate the effects of climate

change.

Against this background, OSCE participating States’ should reinforce their commitment to

environmental protection, public health, and green economy. The pandemic should provide

momentum for developing and implementing green economic recovery plans throughout

the OSCE region.

OSCE participating States should consider declaring a “state of climate emergency” and

appointing dedicated Ministers with expertise in environmental protection to take charge

of elaborating on green recovery plans.

OSCE participating States should impose tighter regulations to ensure cleaner air, thereby

contributing to minimize the COVID-19 death toll and related hospitalizations. Govern-

ments should ensure better air quality by greening and electrifying transportation and by

decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

OSCE participating States should implement green recovery plans prioritizing green

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investments, promoting clean energies (e.g. carbon pricing) and low-carbon technologies,

advancing green finance, and ensure a just green transition by providing the necessary

support.

Opportunities for investing in nature should be expanded as part of the global socio-eco-

nomic response to the COVID-19 crisis. This could be achieved by facilitating innovative

financing and investments to safeguard nature and promoting investments that recognize

the immense value of nature and ecosystem services.

Bearing in mind that COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease, wildlife trade should be banned

throughout the OSCE region, and beyond.

Awareness about the linkages between nature and health should be raised through tar-

geted communication campaigns, innovative educational content and by wider sharing of

science-based information. Participating States should pro-actively engage young in this

context.

If environmental protection is to be successful, dedicated efforts shall be deployed at local

and global levels, including through transboundary collaboration. Transboundary man-

agement of ecosystems should be enhanced by fighting zoonotic disease transmission,

improving support to ecosystem services and advancing the implementation of Multilateral

Environmental Agreements.

International support should be provided to those countries which do not currently have

the capacity to put into place ecologically sound measures.

10.

Recalling the Ottawa (1995) and Stockholm (1996) Declarations, the OSCE PA should re-

new its political commitment to protect public health and safeguard the environment as

two sides of the same coin, as well as its determination to promote environmental good

governance principles and coordinate environmentally sound recovery policies, including

through the targeted work of its committees.

The EU funded Central European Green Corridors Project was hailed as a successful example of a transborder effort of decarbonization and

electrification of road transport.

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HUMAN RIGHTS

Parliamentary Web Dialogue:

“Respecting human rights

and maintaining democratic control during states of

emergency”

- 8 May 2020

BACKGROUND

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic,

some two-thirds of OSCE participating States

declared a state of emergency or a similar

regime establishing different degrees of con-

tainment and mitigation measures. Given that

such scenarios typically entail not only addi-

tional powers to governments, but often place

KEY FINDINGS

When implementing states of emergency, it

is crucial to maintain the widely recognized

standards that any restrictions on rights and

freedoms should be proportionate and

limited to the situation, consistent with other

legal obligations, and non-discriminatory.

Restrictions must also be limited in duration,

and legislative bodies should continue their

functioning to the highest degree possible.

vide an opportunity to shape better, more

inclusive and responsive societies.

Parliaments, by nature consultative bodies,

have been significantly affected by the out-

break, with many legislative bodies reducing

their work to only the necessary emergency

decision-making processes.

restrictions on the enjoyment of human rights,

the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly organized

a web-based seminar on 8 May 2020 focused

on ‘Respecting Human Rights and Maintaining

Democratic Control During States of Emergen-

cy’.

Some parliaments have adapted their proce-

In some cases, initial government plans for

dures to enable work to continue. Measures

emergency measures required adjustment, as

have included amending regulations, remote

parliaments demanded a greater ability to

consultation, and voting to accommodate

intervene and maintain oversight than

social distancing; reducing physical pres-

originally proposed by governments. Not all

ence to a minimum required by quorum;

countries had legislation governing states of

increased video conferencing; oversight

emergency in place at the beginning of the

through special committees or parliamentary

crisis that could be invoked, requiring inten-

enquiries; and increased use of written ques-

sive work by parliaments.

tions. Some efforts appear to have increased

transparency overall. The impact these may

Governmental and parliamentary actions

have on parliamentary oversight functions

during this period will have long-term con-

remains to be seen. Other parliaments have

sequences for public trust in institutions. At

been less able to quickly adapt processes.

the end of this crisis, the world will be differ-

ent. The changes caused by the crisis pro-

There has been a disturbing trend in parts

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of the OSCE region towards a breakdown in

parliamentary tolerance for the ‘other’ side.

The crisis should not be a pretext for perse-

cution of the opposition, nor for the opposi-

tion to target the government in bad faith.

This is not an appropriate time to make

permanent changes that may restrict peo-

ple’s rights. The crisis has already compro-

mised respect for freedom of expression,

with a number of violations noted, including

through efforts to criminalize false informa-

tion and attempts to require journalists to

report only officially issued information.

Surveillance mechanisms serve as important

tools in efforts to combat the pandemic. In

collecting such information, however, there

is the potential for misuse of private data if

safeguards are not put in place.

Electoral processes may need some adapta-

tion of procedures in order to proceed safely

during a pandemic. These adaptations can

take time. Proceeding with elections imme-

diately may stress untried procedures and

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

result in limited and unfair opportunities for

campaigning and/or for voting. Parliamen-

tarians and political candidates also need

to establish new methods to meet with the

public in a safe manner.

10.

Coming out of the pandemic, it is crucial

that elections are free and fair so that the

political challenges caused by the crisis do

not continue into the future without ac-

countability.

11.

Particularly during the pandemic, there is a

critical need for international co-ordination,

including in steps to reopen societies fol-

lowing lockdowns and recommencing inter-

national travel. States can also benefit from

experience in other countries through multi-

lateral exchanges.

12.

Civil society continues to play a very import-

ant role during the pandemic, particularly

given their potential to provide information

based on their networks at a time when trav-

el is restricted.

With the functioning of parliaments limited, it is inappropriate to take any steps that may

have a permanent impact on people’s rights, such as by criminalizing false information

or permanent changes to laws on assembly. It is crucial that parliaments undertake care-

ful scrutiny of all conferral of power under extraordinary measures. All such extraordinary

measures should be strictly limited in time.

Parliamentary oversight and transparent legislative procedures are particularly important

under the current circumstances. Parliaments should play an important role in shaping

both immediate responses as well as longer-term solutions.

All political actors should work in good faith at this time, and governments should look for

ways to strengthen co-operation across party lines to improve responses to the crisis. It is

important to fully respect parliamentary minorities’ role and ability to conduct robust ques-

tioning and oversight. Parliaments should also work inclusively to ensure that all voices in

society are heard.

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A more complete study of the impact this crisis has had on parliamentary procedures and

functioning will be important.

It may be necessary to postpone some elections in order for them to be conducted safely

and fairly. Standard approaches cannot necessarily be relied upon for campaigning or vot-

ing, with some groups likely to be significantly disadvantaged if precautions are not tak-

en. The pandemic must not be used as an opportunity to hold elections within a severely

restricted campaign.

Firewalls between public health use of personal data and national security use must be

maintained to safeguard against misuse of private information.

To help ensure the sustainability of a healthy civil society, continued funding for NGO ef-

forts is needed, also within the challenging budgetary situation faced by many countries.

Pressure should be applied to ensure the release of all prisoners of conscience and political

prisoners, particularly considering the vulnerability of prisons to the spread of infectious

diseases.

The pandemic has made clear that access to health care services should be recognized as a

basic human right.

10.

Parliamentarians should lead efforts aimed at increased international co-operation and

solidarity coming out of the pandemic response.

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SOCIAL COHESION

Parliamentary Web Dialogue:

“COVID-19 response in

diverse societies: challenges and opportunities for stability and

social cohesion”

- 22 June 2020

BACKGROUND

Racism and discrimination against ethnic, lin-

guistic, and religious minorities is becoming

increasingly widespread during the COVID-19

crisis. In the face of this alarming trend, United

Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

appealed for global action as the COVID-19

pandemic “continues to unleash a tsunami of

hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-

mongering.” Following this appeal, the OSCE

KEY FINDINGS

The social and psychological aspects of the

COVID-19 pandemic are significant and

should be taken seriously. There is a long

history of public health crises leading to

stigma and discrimination, and the pandem-

ic is exacerbating existing social and eco-

nomic divisions.

The pandemic has revealed many alarming

systemic inequalities resulting from mar-

ginalization, discrimination, racism, and

xenophobia, with serious shortcomings in

policies. Governmental and parliamentary

actions during this period have an increased

potential to bring long-lasting changes for

our societies.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an op-

portunity to build new, more inclusive, and

equal societies with the help of the lessons

learned from this crisis. These efforts will re-

quire us to understand and embrace the in-

divisibility of human rights and how all rights

are connected (access to health care, right to

work, right to housing, education, etc).

Some minority communities have been

disproportionately targeted by the police,

and the pandemic has been used to justify

harsher measures against migrants and ref-

ugees. The closure of borders has also im-

pacted the ability of some minority groups

to work, with trade suffering massively from

these closures.

The Black Lives Matter movement has high-

lighted a pressing need for police reform.

Minorities often provide frontline services

in health care, transport, and other fields,

placing them in a particularly vulnerable

situation. Some workplaces employing large

shares of minority workers have become

hotspots for the disease.

Minorities and vulnerable groups often

Parliamentary Assembly organized a web-

based dialogue on 22 June 2020 focused on

‘COVID-19 Response: Challenges and Opportu-

nities for Stability and Social Cohesion’ aimed at

better understanding the particular challenges

faced by minorities and vulnerable populations

in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and

exploring opportunities to build more inclusive

and cohesive societies.

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do not have the same degree of access to

health care, and in many cases do not have

health insurance, limiting their access to

treatment. As a result, the percentage of

fatalities linked to COVID-19 tends to be

higher in these communities.

while the same investment in online learning

for minority languages was not made. Dis-

ruptions in education caused by COVID-19

may have long-term consequences and a

disproportionate impact on those already

impacted by discriminatory schooling.

With travel restrictions impacting many

11.

Parliamentarians have the ability to help mi-

people and impacting abilities to collect data

grants and unaccompanied minors who are

on emerging problems, parliamentarians

particularly vulnerable by supporting mea-

have an important role to play in identify-

sures promoting relocation, access to health

ing problematic areas in need of increased

care, housing, and education.

attention.

12.

A prolonged pandemic may affect electoral

Women have also been disproportionately

processes, with significant consequences for

affected by the pandemic, with mortality

minority groups.

rates linked to COVID-19 being higher for

women of colour, for instance.

13.

The COVID-19 pandemic will have a long-

term impact not only on health care, but

10.

Failure to provide information in minority

also on the economic and social spheres.

languages has increased the vulnerability

The global fight against COVID-19 can only

of minority groups, migrants, and refugees.

be successful if it is carried out on the basis

In many cases teaching was continued on

of international co-operation, solidarity, and

online platforms solely in the state language,

inclusiveness in all areas.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Parliamentarians have a unique role and ability to bring a human rights and anti-discrimi-

nation perspective into their work and legislation. Members of the Assembly have a duty to

speak out against intolerance and to work towards of social cohesion.

Authorities should intervene to stop the spread of false information blaming minori-

ty groups for spreading the virus. The fight against false information must remain at the

forefront and both governments and internet companies need to address the so-called

“infodemic” of unsubstantiated claims, fake cures and conspiracy theories associated with

the pandemic. Governments must promote and protect access to the free flow of reliable

information during the pandemic.

There is a pressing need for disaggregated data on testing. Gathering data on race, religion,

ethnicity, and gender would allow policymakers to obtain a clearer picture of the ways in

which different groups are affected by the pandemic.

Greater attention needs to be dedicated to nurturing multilateralism and international

co-operation in order to effectively combat this cross-border challenge. The social, eco-

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nomic, and health care issues involved in rebuilding cohesive societies benefit from such

collaboration.

Within the ongoing health crisis, it is important to continue to respect the right to freedom

of assembly in relation to the Black Lives Matter protests and other movements.

As we approach the recovery phase, it is crucial to implement corrective economic mea-

sures to ensure minorities are not more penalized than they have already been. Effective

policies for recovery can only be developed with the full engagement of all those affected,

particularly those who are not usually involved in decision-making. Parliamentarians are

uniquely equipped to encourage genuine inclusive participation.

There is a need for parliamentary oversight of military authorities and policing, as these

have the potential to exacerbate relations with minority groups and erode public trust in

government.

In making adjustments to procedures during the pandemic, whether related to elections,

health care, education or other fields, it may be prudent to restrict these to temporary mea-

sures to ensure no groups are disproportionately affected in the longer term.

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REFUGEES AND MIGRANTS

Parliamentary Web Dialogue:“Protecting

refugees and

migrants during the pandemic: Camps and closed centres

under lockdown”

- 26 May 2020

BACKGROUND

Refugees and migrants, especially those in

camps and immigration detention centres, are

at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 due

to overcrowded living conditions; limited access

to health, water, sanitation and hygiene services;

limited access to reliable information in their

own languages; and reduced access to human-

itarian aid. On 26 May the OSCE PA organized a

web dialogue focused on “Protecting Refugees

and Migrants During the Pandemic: Camps

and Closed Centres under Lockdown” with the

objective of discussing the specific challenges

associated with protecting refugees and mi-

grants during the pandemic throughout the

OSCE region.

Participants paid special attention to the hu-

manitarian crisis in Greece and the Western

Balkans, as well as vulnerable migrants such as

women and unaccompanied minors. This event

also aimed to exchange examples of ‘good

practice’ and to put forth recommendations on

how to address migration management chal-

lenges whilst ensuring the protection of the hu-

man rights of refugees and migrants, including

the right to health and the right to seek asylum.

KEY FINDINGS

The multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19

pandemic highlight the exceptional expo-

sure of vulnerable people on the move. It

has had a disproportionate effect on refu-

gees, asylum seekers and migrants across

the OSCE region, in particular women and

children, adding to their vulnerabilities due

to poor living conditions, and limited access

to health and hygiene services.

COVID-19 has exacerbated the problem of

racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Islam-

ophobia, as well as anti-Roma and anti-Chi-

nese sentiments. There has been a signif-

icant increase of violent incidents against

Asians.

The risk of human trafficking has also in-

creased during the pandemic as livelihoods

have been lost; children are at even greater

risk of exploitation due to school closures.

Essential workers of migrant backgrounds

have made a particular contribution during

the crisis and have been at greater risk of

exposure.

Authorities have so far been successful in

mitigating infection risks by decongesting

migrant facilities, testing, implementing

quarantines for new arrivals, and separating

infected and non-infected persons. Howev-

er, standards are generally low in reception

centers and social distancing and other

guidelines cannot be adequately followed.

Migrants and staff in immigration detention

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centres are at particular risk.

Access to asylum has been severely limited

due to the closure of borders and suspen-

sion of asylum services, leaving migrants at

risk and without a legal status. Rescue at sea

has been delayed or has not taken place at

all and ports have been closed, leaving res-

cued migrants without a safe port of disem-

barkation.

The detention of children, regardless of

whether they are unaccompanied or not, is

in violation of their rights and puts them at

greater risk during the current pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only creating

problems; it is also amplifying existing ones

which have deep roots and which need to

be addressed, such as underlying policies of

exclusion, containment, and deterrence.

There is also an urgent need to develop

anticipatory mechanisms and to build on

lessons learned, as the COVID-19 pandemic

has exposed the vulnerability of states and

societies in responding to large-scale crises.

10.

Implementing human rights standards from

the beginning enables asylum and migration

systems to become more resilient and bet-

ter cope with unexpected challenges. This

serves not only refugees and migrants but

society as a whole.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Refugee and migrant communities must be an integral part of any public health response.

They must have equal access to medical services and reliable information without lan-

guage barriers. Their inclusion is necessary for an effective response and is for the benefit

of the whole of society. At the same time, COVID-19 prevention measures should be im-

plemented in a reasonable, proportionate, and non-discriminatory fashion and should not

stigmatize these communities.

The vulnerability of low-paid and seasonal migrant workers should be recognized. The

health impact on these persons should be mitigated, and their living and working condi-

tions should be improved.

Authorities should work together with local communities to develop inclusive migration

policies and address prejudice, discrimination, racism, and conspiracy theories which

scapegoat migrant and minority populations.

Dialogue and co-operation among police, border management, and other law enforce-

ment authorities must also be reinforced to foster a humane treatment of refugees and

migrants.

States should ensure that measures taken in response to the Coronavirus pandemic which

limit freedom of movement are compatible with international and regional human rights

obligations and do not undermine fundamental principles of international protection of

refugees, including the principle of non-refoulement.

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States should consider providing asylum services through videoconferencing. If this is not

possible, they should consider the automatic extension of residence permits and regulariz-

ing the status of asylum seekers to ensure access to health and support services.

States should refrain from implementing returns during the pandemic in order to protect

the health of both migrant and local communities.

Given the limited prospects of returns, states should consider releasing immigration de-

tainees and implementing alternatives to detention on a larger scale. No person should be

subjected to unjustifiable and/or long-term detention based on their migration status.

Children – whether unaccompanied or with their families – should never be detained based

on migration status.

10.

Access to education of refugee and migrant children should be ensured during lockdown.

11.

Policy makers should view the current crisis as an opportunity to advance dialogue on

migration issues and to address root causes. Human rights, shared responsibility, solidarity,

and accountability should be placed at the heart of migration policies.

12.

The European Union should adopt as soon as possible an equitable mechanism for the

redistribution of asylum seekers.

13.

Parliamentarians should speak out to protect fundamental human rights principles and

push their governments to do more, by relocating unaccompanied minors and other vul-

nerable migrants and by displaying solidarity towards migrants rescued in the Mediterra-

nean.

14.

Ensuring legal and safe passage should be a priority of migration policies. Human

trafficking should be addressed through a common OSCE approach with common rules

and a joint plan based on respect for the dignity of persons and solidarity.

15.There

is a need for enhanced international co-operation in implementing effective long-

term responses to migratory issues.

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COUNTERING TERRORISM

Parliamentary Web Dialogue:

“Countering Terrorism

and Violent Extremism amidst the COVID-19

Pandemic”

- 30 June 2020

BACKGROUND

The Parliamentary Web Dialogue “Countering

Terrorism and Violent Extremism amidst the

COVID-19 Pandemic” was jointly organized with

the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterra-

nean (PAM) and the United Nations Office of

Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on 30 June 2020.

The event provided an opportunity for repre-

sentatives of over 65 parliaments to engage

in a focused security debate, take stock of the

latest terrorism and violent extremism trends,

KEY FINDINGS

While the long-term impact of COVID-19 on

terrorism is yet to be fully comprehended,

the uncertainty caused by the health crisis

is likely to trigger dangerous dynamics and

fuel violent extremism throughout the OSCE

region, which should be closely monitored

by all OSCE participating States (pS) in the

upcoming period.

It is critical to closely follow terrorism-related

trends in adjacent regions, in particular in

North Africa, the Middle East and the Sahel,

as they are interconnected and likely to im-

pact the security of the OSCE region.

The unprecedented global health crisis has

exacerbated existing grievances and pro-

tracted conflicts worldwide, while the hu-

manitarian and security situation in camps

and places of detention is particularly worri-

some.

Repatriation of FTFs and family members,

in particular children, remains a matter of

utmost urgency.

All forms of ideological extremism thrive off

instability and have exploited the COVID-19

crisis in the short term to support their

narratives and overall agenda. For instance,

the use of extreme right-wing rhetoric has

increased on online platforms, thus under-

mining trust in democracy and highlighting

hate narratives and conspiracy theories that

target minorities and migrant groups in

particular.

The longer-term change in the terrorist

threat depends on the severity of the cri-

sis in individual States. Many regions could

become vulnerable to the (re-)emergence

of terrorist groups as a result of the current

health crisis, while the most dangerous out-

come could be a resurgence of ISIS.

and recognize the important role of parliamen-

tarians in contributing to effective responses

to interrelated regional security challenges in

this context. As such, it served as an informal

platform to exchange views on how counter-ter-

rorism efforts can remain high on governments’

agendas, both during and after the COVID-19

pandemic, and how parliamentary co-operation

can be reinforced at this critical juncture.

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There is a concern that some terrorist groups

use the pandemic to “replace” and under-

mine the official authorities in countries

which are unable to provide basic needs to

their citizens by offering health services and

economic relief to their respective commu-

nities.

There are predictions that after the major

financial crisis induced by COVID-19, voters

could be drawn to more extreme political

narratives which blame state authorities, for-

eigners and minorities for their woes.

The health crisis, however, has also illustrat-

ed the fundamental necessity of together-

ness, partnerships, and collective responses

as the only way to secure sustainable results

and build more resilience in the field of

counter-terrorism as well as renew the focus

on what can be done remotely, including for

parliaments. Multilateralism in this regard is,

and must remain, crucial in essence.

10.

Strong and continuous inter-organizational

co-operation remains vital. In this context,

the OSCE PA strategic partnership with

UNOCT, enhanced by the MoU signed in

February 2020, serves to engage in goal-ori-

ented initiatives for preventing and counter-

ing terrorism and violent extremism in the

OSCE region. In addition, the UNOCT views

the OSCE PA Publication on Strengthening

Border Security and Information Sharing in

the OSCE Region: A Parliamentary Oversight

Exercise from 2019 as a good practice which

could be replicated on other terrorism-re-

lated resolutions, thus strengthening parlia-

mentary oversight.

11.

It is crucial to fully explore the nexus be-

tween terrorism and organized crime to

improve OSCE participating States’ respons-

es against these interlinked phenomena. An

enhanced OSCE – OSCE PA partnership in

this context is deemed essential, and several

concrete project proposals to better lever-

age on the potential of parliamentarians are

being jointly developed.

12.

To be effective in the longer run, count-

er-terrorism responses must consider the

private sector, communities on the ground,

and have a strong gender perspective, thus

applying a whole of society approach.

13.

Providing accurate, accessible, and inclusive

information about the pandemic and ad-

dressing disinformation disseminated online

is essential.

14.

Technological ways of tracking the spread of

virus is a valuable, but double-edged sword,

since it tends to increase social concerns

pertaining to privacy and human rights.

Against this backdrop, parliamentary over-

sight is important, as some countries might

use counter-terrorism legislation and mass

digital surveillance in ways that do not com-

ply with human rights, under the pretext of

the pandemic response.

15.

It remains essential to draw a clear distinc-

tion between social movements seeking

to address legitimate concerns in consti-

tutionally guaranteed ways, and terrorist

movements resorting to violence to pursue

their illegal agendas. Hence, there is a need

to achieve a greater balance between coun-

tering terrorism and preserving individual

liberties and human rights.

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KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Counter-terrorism efforts should always be kept high on the agendas of all OSCE pS, es-

pecially in times of crises, as authorities’ attention tends to shift towards other priorities,

creating fertile ground for terrorist groups to exploit these challenging circumstances and

pursue their own criminal ends.

The OSCE pS should continue to monitor trends and share assessments on how extremist

groups are exploiting COVID-19, and thus consolidate national, regional, and international

policy and legislative strategies in this domain. In this context, international co-operation

and parliamentary dialogue in exchanging relevant information remains vital.

It is crucial to try to stay ahead of groups that capitalize from states’ lack of resources, by

increasing COVID-19-related services and providing reliable information to citizens. In ad-

dition, pS should continue addressing online disinformation and conspiracy theories spread

by terrorist groups.

While countering terrorism, pS should ensure that emergency powers, and the use of

counter-terrorism tools to support response efforts to health crises, should be time-limit-

ed, non-discriminatory and proportional. It is vital to remain committed to human rights,

fundamental freedoms and the rule of law at all times.

In order to properly address the issue of returning FTFs and their relatives, OSCE pS should

come up with adequate policies, legislation and programs for repatriation and reintegration

that are tailored to their needs, and in particular to those of women and children.

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GENDER

Parliamentary Web Dialogue:

“The Gendered Impacts

of COVID-19”

- 15 June 2020

BACKGROUND

The Parliamentary Web Dialogue on “The Gen-

dered Impacts of COVID-19” aimed at highlight-

ing the differentiated impact of the health crisis

on women and girls while raising awareness

about its short- and long-term repercussions

on women’s health and security. The webinar,

drawing upon main conclusions from the 2020

KEY FINDINGS

The COVID-19 pandemic has reaffirmed

women’s vital and meaningful role in our

societies. Women currently represent 70

per cent of the health and social care sector

workforce globally, providing essential care

and aid during this crisis, while also facing

significant infection and psychological risks.

The crisis has brought to light and exacer-

bated chronic hardships faced by women

and girls regarding their safe and unhin-

dered access to quality health care services,

further restraining the enjoyment of basic

sexual, reproductive, and maternity rights. In

addition, the crisis has compromised wom-

en’s access to basic maternal and reproduc-

tive commodities exposing them to signifi-

cant risks to their well-being.

The economic downturn inflicted by the

crisis has affected women more acutely than

men. Early evidence points to an increase

in unpaid care work with a higher propor-

tion of female unpaid care workers than

men. Labour rights are enduring significant

pressures as a result of the economic hard-

ship, especially for women workers, who

are already in a precarious situation due to

chronic inequalities, including the gender

wage gap.

Drastic public health measures adopted

to contain the virus (e.g. quarantine, social

distancing) are having an important impact

on women’s security. Women and girls are at

risk of intimate partner violence and other

forms of domestic violence due to increased

emotional tension and financial stress in the

household, recommendations and orders

from authorities to stay at home, and disrup-

tions in social networks and services.

Access to services and structures destined

to protect women and girls, including com-

munity centres, has been interrupted during

the COVID-19 pandemic, thus increasing

women’s vulnerability and feelings of help-

lessness.

The COVID-19 crisis has had a dispropor-

OSCE PA Gender Balance Report, published in

early June, presented an opportunity for experts

and parliamentarians to exchange views on the

short- and long-term impacts of the COVID-19

pandemic and led to the consideration of pre-

liminary gender-sensitive policy recommenda-

tions for lawmakers across the region.

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tionate effect on certain groups of women.

Women with disabilities, women living in

extreme poverty, racialized and Indigenous

women, LGBTI+ individuals, refugee and

migrant women and senior women, among

other vulnerable groups, have been exposed

to additional risks during this pandemic,

further worsening their already precarious

living conditions. Risks of abuse and ill-

ness due to the lack of equal access or/and

availability of services put women of these

groups at further risk.

State responses to the crisis reveal an im-

portant lack of gender-sensitive policymak-

ing. The low proportionality of women in all

branches of government limits the incorpo-

ration of women’s perspectives, which will

negatively affect effectiveness of policies

focusing on mitigating the effects of the

pandemic.

Ultimately, the pandemic has brought to

light a considerable absence of social aware-

ness on gender issues, presenting significant

challenges and accentuating risks of abuse

and discrimination towards LGBTI+ commu-

nities and other vulnerable groups across

the OSCE region.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Against this backdrop, OSCE participating States should upgrade their work to ensure their

responses are implemented in a gender-conscious manner. More specifically, policymakers

should engage in dialogue with diverse women as well as women-led civil society orga-

nizations in the creation and implementation of gender-responsive policies, especially in

addressing observed deficiencies of health care system models exposed by the pandemic.

Comprehensive responses to the effects of the health crisis require the collection and anal-

ysis of data disaggregated not only by sex but also by other intersectional factors such as

race, indigeneity, sexuality, age, disability, socioeconomic status and migratory status. Such

data is crucial in outlining gender-sensitive policies. By investing in analysis of the ongoing

developments from a gender perspective, participating States would enhance their pre-

vention and crisis-response capabilities that will allow for the implementation of justified,

targeted, and cost-efficient responses to future crises.

Policies aiming at mitigating the impact of the health crisis should also ensure that women,

particularly those who are marginalized, benefit from equal and unhindered access to qual-

ity health care services. Setbacks observed in the availability and provision of maternal and

reproductive health care should be addressed while ensuring that women and girls fully

enjoy their sexual and reproductive rights.

Considering the observed increase of gender-based and intimate partner violence incidents

across the OSCE region during the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts should be multiplied by

State institutions in addressing the root causes of gender-based and intimate partner vio-

lence, as well as the immediate and long-term effects of gender-based crimes.

Emergency support lines, shelters and psychological support services must remain

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OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

available and reachable to women and girls, and participating States should ensure these

services receive adequate financing and undisrupted functioning.

In parallel, law enforcement bodies must provide their personnel with continuous and com-

prehensive training on gender-related issues as they often act as first-responders to report-

ed incidents of gender-based and intimate partner violence.

Participating States must ensure that their economic recovery and social assistance plans

are gender-responsive by taking into account the prevalence of women in many of the in-

dustries affected by COVID-19 shutdowns and providing specific assistance to women-led

businesses. These plans should also support women and families who face increased care

responsibilities at home as a result of the pandemic, including single parents, the majority

of whom are women.

Efforts should be multiplied in defining and implementing inclusive and well-targeted ed-

ucational curricula, an important element for enhancing social empowerment and aware-

ness. Accelerating gender mainstreaming efforts through education, life-long learning

opportunities on civic education and open public dialogue should be supported and rein-

forced as they constitute a key driver for the formation of a gender aware society.

Gender-sensitive policymaking is considered key for ensuring democratic, inclusive, and

holistic responses to old and new socioeconomic challenges. While efforts to mitigate the

negative effects of the crisis should remain gender-responsive, participating States must

also advance their efforts in ensuring equal and fair representation of women in the legisla-

tive, executive, and judicial branches of government.

10.

The crisis is also exposing the lack of women in health care leadership positions, despite

making up the vast majority of health care workers. Participating States should work to

address this discrepancy and increase the representation of diverse women in health care

leadership.

11.

Parliaments must ensure that recovery measures are adopted while taking all stakehold-

ers into account and that these measures are implemented in a gender-sensitive manner.

Parliamentarians should enhance their efforts in achieving more equal and proportionate

participation of women in legislative bodies, particularly advocating for equal representa-

tion of women in budgetary committees and leadership positions. It is also vital that par-

liamentarians co-operate in a gender-sensitive spirit in building State recovery responses,

also in co-operation with colleagues across the OSCE region.

12.

International Organizations, such as the OSCE, must do their utmost to encourage their

participating States to advance their gender mainstreaming efforts while ensuring that

these are also mirrored in the work of the entire Organization.

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DISINFORMATION

Contribution of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s

Special Rapporteur on Disinformation and

Propaganda Oscar Mina (San Marino)

KEY FINDINGS

An enormous amount of false and mislead-

ing information related to the COVID-19

pandemic led the World Health Organization

(WHO) and several governments to warn in

March of a so-called “infodemic.”

Since the start of the crisis, misleading

healthcare information, conspiracy theories,

fake claims about vaccines, bogus cures, and

medicines have been circulating on the in-

ternet and on social media platforms, which

resulted in the spread of panic, confusion,

and distrust.

With quarantine and lockdown being im-

plemented worldwide, citizens have been

forced to stay home and rely heavily on

the internet as source of information. The

increased use of social media and the over-

abundance of information in links and posts,

some of it fake or inaccurate, together with

the lack of knowledge about the virus, given

its novelty, made it complicated for people

to find the trustworthy sources they needed.

Vulnerable groups, such as young people,

the elderly, children, and people with limited

access to the internet and plurality of infor-

mation sources, face a higher risk of being

misinformed.

Disinformation is being disseminated by

some governments and authorities in order

to discredit opposition, interfere in foreign

affairs, or manipulate public discourse. In

these cases, multilateral co-operation and

the work of international organizations

becomes key to addressing the issues and

ensuring that citizens have access to plural-

ity of information and to increase resistance

to the spread of disinformation.

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

Combating the flow of disinformation must be a common effort of OSCE participating

States’ competent authorities, civil society, social media platforms, and international

organi-zations.

OSCE participating States should strengthen legislation to combat disinformation and

propaganda by promoting high-quality journalism, developing norms and standards that

apply to both traditional and digital platforms, and encourage accurate and diverse media

content.

All efforts taken by

parliaments

and governments to address the spread of disinformation

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OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

must comply with international legal guarantees of the rights to freedom of expression and

freedom of the media.

Building on experience in fighting COVID-19-related disinformation so far, the OSCE partic-

ipating States should take further steps to strengthen co-operation within the OSCE and its

partners and other

international organizations

for a more co-ordinated and faster response

to future challenges.

While maintaining a democratic debate, key decisions by governments and authorities

should be science-based and include vetted advice from researchers and scientists.

Measures should be taken to empower citizens to critically analyze information online, by

implementing measures that promote media literacy and improve digital skills. In this

regard, authorities should develop strategies and work in conjunction with civil society

organizations, the private sector, and the relevant OSCE institutions, including the

Representative on Freedom of the Media.

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OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

ANNEX

List of keynote speakers and invited guests for

each of the Parliamentary Web Dialogues

Parliamentary Web Dialogue “The Economic Security Fallout

of the COVID-19 Pandemic” - 22 April 2020

•

Prof. Giovanni Tria, former Italian Minister of Economy and Finance

Jeffrey Schlagenhauf, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD

Prof. Gottfried Haber, Vice Governor of the National Bank of Austria

Parliamentary Web Dialogue “Respecting human rights and maintaining

democratic control during states of emergency” - 8 May 2020

•

Ingibjorg Gisladottir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and

Human Rights

Michael Abramowitz, President of Freedom House

Parliamentary Web Dialogue “COVID’s impact on conflicts in the OSCE region”

- 15 May 2020

•

Ambassador Tuula Yrjölä, Director of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre

Ambassador Yasar Halit Çevik, Head of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to

Ukraine

Parliamentary Web Dialogue “COVID-19: A turning point for environmental

protection?” - 22 May 2020

•

Dr. Francesca Dominici, Co-Director of the Harvard Data Science Initiative, Clarence

James Gamble Professor of Biostatistics, Population and Data Science at the Harvard

T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Tao Zhang, Deputy Managing Director, International Monetary Fund

Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division of the UN Environment Programme

•

Parliamentary Web Dialogue “Protecting refugees and migrants during the

pandemic: Camps and closed centres under lockdown” - 26 May 2020

•

Dunja Mijatovic, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights

Gianluca Rocco, IOM Chief of Mission in Greece and Regional Response Coordinator

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

Parliamentary Web Dialogue “Gendered Impacts of COVID-19”

- 15 June 2020

•

Gabriela Cuevas Barron, Inter-Parliamentary Union President

Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and

Human Rights

Françoise Girard, President of the International Women’s Health Coalition

Parliamentary Web Dialogue “COVID-19 response in diverse societies: challenges

and opportunities for stability and social cohesion” - 22 June 2020

•

Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities

Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Parliamentary Web Dialogue “Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism amidst

the COVID-19 Pandemic” - 30 June 2020

•

Gennaro Migliore, Chair of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean’s Special

Committee on Counterterrorism

Mauro Miedico, Deputy Director, and Chief, Special Projects and Innovation Branch,

UN Office of Counter-Terrorism

Reinhold Lopatka, Chair of the OSCE PA Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism

Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Ould Ikek, Assistant Secretary General for Legal Af-

fairs, League of Arab States

Ambassador Alena Kupchyna, Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational

Threats, Transnational Threats Department, OSCE Secretariat

Dr. Andrea Margelletti, President, International Studies Centre (Ce.SI), Advisor to the-

Ministry of Defense of Italy

OSCE PA vs. COVID-19, Phase 1

OSCE, Alm.del - 2019-20 - Bilag 35: OSCE PA vs. COVID-19 - Reflections, policy contributions and recommendations

SOCIAL MEDIA

All media content pertaining to the Parliamentary Web Dialogues, including videos of all the

events, as well as related op-eds and interviews, can be found on the OSCE PA social media

accounts and on our website, www.oscepa.org. We encourage OSCE PA members and

supporters to use these tools,

subscribe to our channels,

and share our content widely.

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