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What we do

Countering terrorism

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The OSCE implements effective measures to countering terrorism, as a serious crime that has no justification, whatever its motivation or origin may be.
(iStockphoto)
OSCE participating States agree that terrorism is one of the most significant threats to peace, security and stability, as well as to the enjoyment of human rights and social and economic development, in the OSCE area and beyond. Terrorism seeks to undermine the very values that unite the OSCE. At the same time, participating States unequivocally reject the association of terrorism with any particular race, nationality or religion. The organization is therefore resolute in implementing effective measures to prevent and combat terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, as a serious crime that has no justification, whatever its motivation or origin may be.

The OSCE's guiding principles in countering terrorism

The OSCE makes a comprehensive contribution to international efforts against terrorism led by the United Nations, addressing the manifestations of terrorism, as well as the various social, economic, political and other factors, which might engender conditions in which terrorist organizations could engage in recruitment and win support. 

The OSCE promotes a co-operative and co-ordinated approach to countering terrorism at all levels, including co-ordination among national authorities, co-operation among states, co-operation with relevant international and regional organizations and, where appropriate, establishment of public-private partnerships between state authorities, the private sector (business community, industry), civil society and the media.

These efforts are guided by and supportive of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, in accordance with the OSCE Consolidated Framework for the Fight against Terrorism.

Strategic focus areas for OSCE counter-terrorism activities

  • Promoting the implementation of the international legal framework against terrorism and enhancing international legal co-operation in criminal matters related to terrorism;
  • Countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, following a multidimensional approach;
  • Preventing and suppressing the financing of terrorism;
  • Countering the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes;
  • Promoting dialogue and co-operation on counter-terrorism issues, in particular, through public-private partnerships between State authorities and the private sector (business community, industry), as well as civil society and the media;
  • Strengthening national efforts to implement United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction;
  • Strengthening travel document security; and
  • Promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of counter-terrorism measures

Relevant activities are implemented by OSCE executive structures within their mandates, including the Secretariat, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Humans Rights, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and OSCE field operations.

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