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Since its creation in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has not produced legal instruments that could have a significant impact on the legal environment in the region, although its organisational goals call for such action. This chapter will explore the following hypothesis: the SCO is in a good position to propose treaties that will benefit the development of Asian region and strengthen ties between states, and doing so would satisfy its organisational goals. First, it will be established whether the SCO indeed has enough influence over its member states and provides, or is capable of providing, tools for international law making. Thereafter, common needs of the region will be highlighted, and those needs will be matched against the SCO's goals, in order to establish which needs the SCO should address, such as drug trafficking and weapon trafficking, energy partnership, information exchange related to the threat of terrorism, a rational regime for using natural resources and a support system in case of natural disasters. Selected issues will be examined separately, and components to be addressed by hypothetical legislation will be identified. The chapter will conclude by answering or reiterating why the SCO, as an international organisation, is not yet as effective as it could be.

Considering modern weaponization of media and extensive experience of Russia in employing the propaganda machine, further attacks and trespasses against the freedom of expression and freedom of religion in order to suppress dissent in the occupied territory are to be expected. In accordance with the reports of international organizations and non-governmental organizations, the current situation in Crimea after the occupation with regard to human rights protections is concerning. This article will put together the reported events in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol concerning the freedom of expression and freedom of religion in order to demonstrate the gravity of the situation and responsibility of the occupying power.