REPORT

From 22 to 23 February 2018, a delegation of five Canadian parliamentarians attended the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s (OSCE PA’s) Winter Meeting in Vienna, Austria. The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. led the delegation, which included – from the Senate – the Honourable Senator René Cormier and the Honourable Senator Ghislain Maltais, and – from the House of Commons – the Honourable Candice Bergen, P.C., M.P., the Honourable Thomas Mulcair, P.C., M.P. and Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P.  The delegation was accompanied by Ms. Katherine Simonds, Advisor, Ms. Alexandra Smith, Advisor, and Ms. Josée Thérien, Association Secretary.

2018 OSCE PA Winter Meeting

Parliamentarians from across the OSCE region, together with representatives of the “Partners for Cooperation” states, met in Vienna, Austria for the OSCE PA’s 2018 Winter Meeting.[1] They discussed such topics as addressing the migration and refugee crisis, countering violent extremism, developing long-term solutions to address climate change, implementing arms control agreements and combating “fake news.” The agenda included opening and closing joint sessions, as well as meetings of each of the OSCE PA’s three General Committees: Political Affairs and Security; Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and the Environment; and Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions. In addition, meetings of the Standing Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration were held.

A. Standing Committee   

The meeting of the Standing Committee, which comprises the OSCE PA’s heads of delegation and members of the Bureau, was opened by OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia). The OSCE PA’s President, Treasurer and Secretary General, as well as several of the OSCE PA’s special representatives, heads of election observation missions and chairs of ad hoc committees, presented reports.

Activities of the Canadian Delegation:

The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. represented the Canadian delegation at the Standing Committee’s meeting, and congratulated Mr. Tsereteli on his new position as OSCE PA President. Expressing concern that the 2017 Ministerial Council had failed to adopt any decisions centred on gender issues, Dr. Fry urged delegates to consider forming a committee focused on promoting implementation of the OSCE’s human dimension commitments.

B. Opening Joint Session of the OSCE PA’s Three General Committees   

OSCE PA President George Tsereteli welcomed delegates to the Opening Joint Session of the OSCE PA’s three General Committees. In his remarks, Mr. Tsereteli commented that the level of dialogue and trust within the OSCE region is at an historic low point. However, he suggested that heightened tensions and mistrust in the region could be an opportunity to revive the spirit of détente and dialogue that led to the OSCE’s founding in 1975. In particular, he emphasized the importance of resolving the crisis in and around Ukraine, including full implementation of the Minsk Agreements.[2]

On behalf of the Italian Chairmanship-in-Office of the OSCE, Italy’s Undersecretary of State of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation – Vincenzo Amendola – said that the main challenge for the OSCE remains the resolution of the crisis in Ukraine, and he reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to finding a solution to all protracted conflicts in the OSCE region.

OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger also delivered remarks. In the context of providing countries with assistance to rebuild trust and foster cooperation, he noted that the OSCE is needed more now than at any other time in its history. In his view, the OSCE must focus on responding to the needs of OSCE participating States.

Activities of the Canadian Delegation:

The Opening Joint Session of the OSCE PA’s Three General Committees was attended by all members of the Canadian delegation. Mr.Francesco Sorbara, M.P. spoke in support of Italy’s priorities for its 2018 Chairmanship of the OSCE, and underscored the need to address irregular migration and illegal trafficking in the Mediterranean.

C. General Committee on Political Affairs and Security (First General Committee)   

Chair: Filippo Lombardi (Switzerland)
Vice-Chair: Guglielmo Picchi (Italy)
Rapporteur: Kristian Vigenin (Bulgaria)

Chair Filippo Lombardi (Switzerland) opened the First General Committee, remarking that the OSCE achieved its primary goals of ending the Cold War and ensuring a peaceful transition after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, in his opinion, since then it has failed to construct a new security framework within the OSCE region. Noting that, during the Ukraine crisis, the OSCE has proven itself to be a useful tool for conflict management, he called on OSCE PA delegates to continue promoting the OSCE’s role, and to foster trust and cooperation among participating States. Mr. Lombardi also spoke on behalf of the First General Committee’s rapporteur, Kristian Vigenin (Bulgaria), who was unable to attend the meeting. For his report and draft resolution at the OSCE PA’s Annual Session in Berlin, Germany in July 2018, Mr. Vigenin intends to present a critical evaluation of the OSCE’s tools designed to prevent and resolve conflict and control arms, including the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security.

The OSCE PA’s delegates heard a presentation by Ambassador Maria Victoria González Román, Chair of the Security Committee of the OSCE Permanent Council and Permanent Representative of Spain to the OSCE. As the first female chair of this committee, she intends to prioritize the inclusion of women in the security sector. Regarding the Security Committee’s work plan for 2018, she stated that the overarching agenda topic will be combating illicit trafficking and its links to terrorism and organized crime. The agenda will also include cybersecurity, with a particular focus on exploring ways to involve the private sector when facing cyberthreats. Ms. Román also announced her intention to collaborate more closely with the OSCE PA’s committees and bodies whose mandates are relevant to the Security Committee’s work.[3]

Ambassador Radomir Boháč, Chair of the Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) and Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the OSCE, discussed the FSC’s key areas of focus for 2018.[4] One such area is the crisis in eastern Ukraine, which remains a daily topic of discussion for the FSC. He also stated that the FSC is focusing on organizing dialogues between the OSCE and other organizations – including the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United Nations Development Programme – with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of the OSCE’s activities. Other priorities for 2018 include security sector governance and reform, as well as transparency and enhanced reliability of military information.

The First General Committee then heard a presentation by Ambassador Lamberto Zannier, the OSCE’s High Commissioner on National Minorities. He noted that protracted conflicts in the OSCE region are rooted in the lack of sustainable integration processes for minorities, expressed concern about the resurgence of nationalism and divisive rhetoric in the region, and called on the OSCE’s political leaders to promote inclusivity. Mr. Zannier also emphasized that minorities’ marginalization and lack of integration can cause security challenges, including radicalization and terrorism. He highlighted the role of education in promoting respect for minorities to combat these and other issues relating to integration.

Dr. Lassina Zerbo, the CTBTO’s Executive Secretary, introduced the First General Committee’s special debate on the topic of “Arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation: challenges and opportunities for the OSCE area.” The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans nuclear explosions “by everyone, everywhere”; however, although the CTBT has been open for signature since 1996, it has not yet received sufficient signatures and ratifications to come into force. The CTBTO works to promote the CTBT, and to ensure that a verification regime will be operational when the CTBT enters into force.[5] In his remarks, Dr. Zerbo explained the functions of the CTBTO’s International Monitoring System (IMS), which uses various technologies to detect nuclear explosions. In characterizing the situation on the Korean peninsula as critical, he stated that the world is currently the closest it has been to facing nuclear war since the end of the Cold War. He urged the OSCE PA to work towards bringing the CTBT into force.

During the special debate, the United States said that it must remain ready to resume nuclear testing when necessary; consequently, it will not seek ratification of the CTBT. However, the United States will continue to observe the nuclear test moratorium and to support the CTBTO’s operations, including its IMS. Ireland expressed disappointment with the United States’ decision, stating that the threat of nuclear weapons affects the entire global community and that all participating States should commit to never using such weapons. Delegates also discussed efforts to combat the trafficking of small arms and light weapons, as well as violations of arms agreements by such countries as North Korea and Russia.

Activities of the Canadian Delegation:

The meeting of the First General Committee was attended by all members of the Canadian delegation. The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. spoke in support of Dr. Zerbo’s suggestion that strengthening cooperation between the CTBTO and the OSCE could be a “force multiplier” for disarmament. Dr. Fry further noted that, in 2016, Canada co-sponsored United Nations Security Council Resolution 2310, marking the 20^th anniversary of the CTBT and calling on all States to maintain their moratorium on nuclear weapons testing. As well, Dr. Fry referred to OSCE PA declarations that have called on OSCE participating States to reduce the risk of war by taking nuclear weapons off high alert.

D. General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and the Environment (Second General Committee)   

Chair: Nilza Sena (Portugal)
Vice-Chair: Artur Gerasymov (Ukraine)
Rapporteur: Sofio Katsarava (Georgia)

Vice-Chair Artur Gerasymov (Ukraine) opened the meeting of the Second General Committee, and the committee’s rapporteur – Sofio Katsarava (Georgia) – outlined some ideas for her report to be debated at the OSCE PA’s Annual Session in Berlin, Germany. She identified the importance of the Paris Agreement on climate change, and urged ratification by remaining signatories. According to Ms. Katsarava, her report will include a discussion on combating corruption and promoting open governance, including through enhanced civic engagement and innovation in public service delivery. In addition, her report will address the need for participating States to prioritize activities relating to sustainable energy, energy security and water management.

Ambassador Kairat Sarybay, Chair of the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Committee and Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the OSCE, outlined the committee’s work plan for 2018. He said that the focus will be: enhancing inclusive dialogue on promoting economic progress and security through innovation; strengthening human capital; enhancing good governance; and promoting the transition to renewable energy. He also outlined his intention to increase the involvement of OSCE PA delegations, as well as the private sector, in the committee’s discussions.

Ambassador Vuk Žugić, Co-ordinator of the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Activities, spoke about priority activities for 2018. He noted that these activities are underpinned by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda 2030,[6] and said that the OSCE has an important role to play in achieving the SDGs. Priorities in 2018 will include: combating corruption, terrorist financing and money laundering; championing good migration governance; supporting long-term environmental policy processes; enhancing disaster risk reduction; and increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy. Mr. Žugić also indicated that his work is constrained by a limited budget, and thus will rely heavily on extrabudgetary support in 2018.

Mr. Žugić opened the Second General Committee’s special debate, entitled “Climate crisis: Developing long-term strategies to tackle climate change and its global consequences.” He emphasized that climate change poses a number of threats, including those relating to security. He expressed his appreciation that the OSCE and the OSCE PA have kept climate change high on their agendas, but also stressed that there is still a need for more action and political will by participating States. In the debate that followed, delegates noted several approaches to combating climate change, including concerted efforts to reduce carbon emissions, enhanced involvement of the agricultural sector and increased collaboration among parliamentarians.

Activities of the Canadian Delegation:

The meeting of the Second General Committee was attended by the Honourable Thomas Mulcair, P.C., M.P., the Honourable Candice Bergen, P.C., M.P. and Senator Ghislain Maltais. During the debate on climate change, Senator Maltais delivered remarks on renewable energy and highlighted the importance of ensuring that participating States develop their renewable energy sectors as part of their efforts to mitigate climate change. Senator Maltais also urged participating States to increase funding for climate change research. Mr. Mulcair also intervened during the special debate, and characterized climate change as an imminent threat to global security. Mr. Mulcair then outlined Canada’s efforts to combat climate change, including the Pan-Canadian Framework on Climate Change and Clean Growth, underscored that the impacts of climate change will affect developing and least-developed countries the most, and urged participating States to work together to build the resilience of climate-threatened countries.

The other members of the Canadian delegation attended the meeting of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, which was held concurrently with that of the Second General Committee.

E. General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions (Third General Committee)   

Chair: Ignacio Sanchez Amor (Spain)
Vice-Chair: Vacant
Rapporteur: Kyriakos Kyriakou-Hadjiyanni (Cyprus)

Chair Ignacio Sanchez Amor (Spain) opened the meeting of the Third General Committee, and began by describing his recent activities in his capacity as chair of the committee. He also identified his concerns about the humanitarian situation facing migrants and refugees in the OSCE region. The Third General Committee’s rapporteur – Kyriakos Kyriakou-Hadjiyianni (Cyprus) – then presented his ideas for his report and draft resolution to be debated at the OSCE PA’s Annual Session in Berlin, indicating that they will focus on a range of human rights issues in the region. In particular, he noted eroding democratic freedoms, children and youth rights, and the ongoing refugee crisis. As well, Mr. Kyriakou-Hadjiyianni urged OSCE participating States to develop a long-term approach to combating defamatory, racist and xenophobic language, which he described as a “social threat.” He also emphasized that human rights must be respected as countries continue to address the refugee and migrant crisis; in his view, refugees should never be returned to countries where they risk facing human rights violations.

Ambassador Sian Macleod, Chair of the OSCE’s Human Dimension Committee and Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the OSCE, presented the committee’s work plan for 2018, noting that it reflects the priorities of the Italian OSCE Chairmanship. As well, in asserting that human rights challenges in the OSCE region have reached unprecedented levels, she said that issues relating to freedom of expression and the media, democracy, gender equality, education, freedom of association, and tolerance and non-discrimination will be on the committee’s agenda.

Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), focused her remarks on areas for collaboration between the ODIHR and the OSCE PA. She noted that election observation is the key area of collaboration, and reminded delegates that the OSCE’s commitments apply to the day of an election, as well as to the days before and after election day. She also suggested that the ODIHR and the OSCE PA should cooperate in other areas, including women’s participation in political life, parliamentary oversight of the security sector, and efforts to counter discrimination and intolerance.

Delegates then heard a presentation by Harlem Désir, the OSCE’s Representative on Freedom of the Media. He warned that the OSCE region is witnessing extreme challenges to freedom of the media, and identified a wide gap between commitments to protect free media and implementation of these commitments. He explained that his first priority is protecting journalists, who are subject to intimidation, harassment, assault and sometimes murder. Mr. Désir’s work in 2018 will also focus on discouraging measures taken by OSCE participating States that promote censorship in the name of maintaining security.

Dr. Bradley E. Wiggins, Professor and Head of the Media Communications Department at Webster University in Vienna, introduced the Third General Committee’s special debate on “Upholding democracy in an age of ‘fake news’.” He noted that there are two types of “fake news”: news based on falsehoods, rather than on fact, that is meant to confuse readers and appeal to their biases; and a form of insult against organizations and people designed to undermine reporting that does not conform with the desired view about a particular issue. During the debate, delegates urged their parliamentary colleagues to develop measures aimed at curbing the spread of disinformation online while also ensuring that there is no infringement on freedoms of expression and speech.

Activities of the Canadian Delegation:

The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P., Senator René Cormier and Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P. attended the meeting of the Third General Committee.

F. Closing Joint Session of the Three General Committees    

The OSCE PA’s Closing Joint Session of the Three General Committees was chaired by OSCE PA President George Tsereteli, who reminded delegates that the OSCE’s strength is rooted in its multi-dimensional, comprehensive approach to security. Former OSCE PA President Christine Muttonen (Austria) delivered a farewell address in which she underscored her belief in the OSCE PA’s work, particularly during these times of heightened insecurity in the OSCE region. She encouraged all OSCE participating States to work together in finding solutions to today’s problems. Lord Peter Bowness (United Kingdom), Chair of the OSCE PA’s Sub-Committee on the Rules of Procedure, presented ideas for improving and streamlining the OSCE PA’s operations, including raising awareness of its work, and providing more time for debate on the reports of special representatives and rapporteurs.

Filippo Lombardi (Switzerland), Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, spoke about the need to develop a coherent and effective response to migration and refugee flows that focuses on areas that require urgent action. He noted that the decline in irregular arrivals to the European Union (EU) suggests that the EU is increasingly capable of addressing the migrant crisis effectively, but stressed that collaboration among participating States is essential. Makis Vordis (Greece), Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Countering Terrorism, outlined the committee’s activities since its formation in Minsk in 2017. These activities have included monitoring the latest trends in the field of counter-terrorism, and promoting strategic partnerships with other stakeholders both inside and outside the OSCE. Abid Qayyum Raja, Vice-President of the Norwegian Parliament, shared Norway’s experience in countering violent extremism.

In her capacity as the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Gender Issues, the Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. addressed the Closing Joint Session, as discussed below.

Activities of the Canadian Delegation:

As the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Gender Issues, the Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. presented her ideas for the 2018 Gender Report, to be debated at the OSCE PA’s Annual Session in Berlin. Dr. Fry began her remarks by commenting on gender parity within the OSCE, which she said is still lacking and has even declined in some divisions; she called on participating States to help rectify this issue by seconding more women to work for the OSCE. As well, Dr. Fry expressed disappointment with the OSCE Ministerial Council for failing to adopt two draft decisions on gender equality due to disagreement about the scope and meaning of the draft documents.

Dr. Fry also explained that the 2018 Gender Report will examine the various ways in which the OSCE could improve its efforts to eliminate violence against women and to enhance its participation in peace and security initiatives throughout all stages of the conflict cycle. Dr. Fry noted that awareness of violence against women has increased significantly in the past year because of movements like #metoo and #timesup, and emphasized that including women in conflict prevention and resolution processes is integral both to reducing violence against women and – ultimately – to sustaining peace. Dr. Fry also said that, because women continue to be deployed at remarkably low levels in these processes and particularly to peacekeeping operations, the 2018 Gender Report will examine ways in which this lack of equal representation can be addressed.[7]

All members of the Canadian delegation attended the Closing Joint Session. Senator René Cormier spoke in support of the address by Dr. Fry, and encouraged OSCE participating States to address the underrepresentation of women in senior positions throughout the OSCE. Mr. Francesco Sorbara, M.P. delivered remarks during the debate that followed Mr. Lombardi’s presentation on migration, stating that resettlement and integration of vulnerable persons who require protection should remain a priority; he cited Canada’s efforts in this regard.

G. Meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration   

The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. represents the Canadian delegation on the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration. The Ad Hoc Committee serves as a focal point for the OSCE PA’s work in the field of migration in all three dimensions of the OSCE,[8] and develops policy recommendations aimed at improving the treatment of – and prospects for – migrants in OSCE participating States. Filippo Lombardi (Switzerland), Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration, opened the committee’s meeting, and referred to the reports of the committee’s trips to Italy in October 2017 and Brussels in February 2018. Nahima Lanjri (Belgium), host of the visit to Brussels, commented on lessons learned from the visit, including in relation to Belgium’s policies with respect to unaccompanied minors and to the socioeconomic integration of newcomers.

Ambassador Madina Jarbussynova, OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, presented a report entitled From Reception to Recognition: Identifying and Protecting Human Trafficking Victims in Mixed Migration Flows. She emphasized that a harmonized, multi-agency architecture is required to meet the needs of the victims of trafficking and to prevent further human trafficking, particularly among migrants. She urged OSCE parliamentarians to: introduce measures designed to train relevant staff on identifying trafficking victims; implement better data collection procedures regarding human trafficking; and protect unaccompanied minors.

Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden), OSCE PA Vice-President, proposed a two-day visit to Sweden and Denmark in May 2018 with the aim of examining both border procedures and policies regarding integration and unaccompanied minors. OSCE PA President George Tsereteli thanked members of the Ad Hoc Committee on Migration for working to consolidate the OSCE PA’s work on migration, and announced that Mr. Lombardi will leave his position as chair of the committee; he will be succeeded by Ms. Lanjri. Mr. Lombardi and Ms. Lanjri announced their intention to work together to produce a supplementary item on migration for consideration at the OSCE PA’s Annual Session in Berlin, Germany.

H. Additional Activities of the Canadian Delegation   

On 21 February 2018, the Canadian delegation met with, Natasha Cayer, Canada’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OSCE, as well as with other senior Embassy staff. They provided a briefing on Canada’s priorities at the OSCE, and discussed such issues as the situation in Ukraine, Canada–Russia relations, and European perspectives on the migrant and refugee crisis.

The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P. met with OSCE PA President George Tsereteli to discuss the Canadian delegation’s plans and priorities regarding the OSCE PA. Dr. Fry also met with Amarsanaa Darisuren, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues, to discuss activities for 2018 and opportunities for them to collaborate in the context of Dr. Fry’s role as the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Gender Issues.

On 22 February 2018, the Canadian and Israeli delegations met to discuss issues of common concern, and agreed to continue working collaboratively within the OSCE PA to advance mutual interests. The Honourable Candice Bergen, P.C., M.P. attended an event hosted by the Ukrainian delegation and the Ukrainian World Congress that focused on Russian hybrid warfare tactics, human rights in both the Donbas region and Crimea, and Ukraine’s ongoing reform efforts.

Finally, on 22 February 2018, members of the Canadian delegation attended a reception hosted by the Austrian National Parliament at which they met colleagues from other national delegations.

Respectfully submitted,

Hon. Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P.
Director
Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation
in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA)