Kosovo/Kosova As Seen, As Told
The OSCE-KVM induction centre in Brezovica was
activated in November; it consisted of a four-day OSCEKVM induction course that was mandatory for all
mission members. The OSCE/ODIHR worked together
with the OSCE-KVM, UNHCR, ICRC and UNHCHR to
organize the four-hour briefing on human rights and
humanitarian issues included in the induction course.
The OSCE/ODIHR also prepared a field leaflet for
OSCE-KVM members, "Guidelines for Human
Dimension Tasks". The Guidelines provided a quick
overview of how to spot and report alleged human rights
violations in Kosovo. UNHCR, UNHCHR, ICRC, ICTY
and IOM contributed information for preparation of the
leaflet, which was distributed to all OSCE-KVM
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members at the induction centre.
A plan for continuation training for OSCE-KVM
The OSCE-KVM Co-ordination
members in human dimension matters was proposed by
Centre (Urosevac/Ferizaj), after it
the OSCE/ODIHR and accepted by the OSCE-KVM in
was mined and blown up [zoom]
late November. Implementation of the continuation
training proposal began in early December when the
OSCE/ODIHR and UNHCHR sent advisers to the OSCEKVM to develop a series of training modules. UNHCHR's consultant expert in training and preparation
for field operations, assisted in the preparation of an induction briefing module on human rights and left
with the OSCE-KVM more than 20 human rights training modules, some of which he was able to adapt
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to the OSCE-KVM's specific needs before the Mission ended. Two international staff members (one
seconded by the Council of Europe), experienced in human rights training, were responsible for
conducting continuation training for OSCE-KVM members. The continuation training was conducted at
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the various Regional Centres as well as at Co-ordination Centres. The substance of the training was
specific and was geared to enhance the verifiers' ability to monitor, report and verify human rights
violations (rights of the accused, standards of conduct for police, trial monitoring, rights of minorities,
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treatment of vulnerable groups, and so on).
Conditions in which the OSCE-KVM Human Rights Division field operation functioned
A state of armed conflict - legal definition
During the period covered by this report, the conflict in Kosovo can be classified as an internal armed
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conflict. Thus, both provisions of international human rights law as well as provisions of international
humanitarian law apply. The application of humanitarian law is triggered by Common Article 3 of the
http://www.osce.org/kosovo/documents/reports/hr/part1/ch2.htm (6 of 16)12/5/2003 11:48:40 AM
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