What we do

Politico-military dimension

Within the politico-military dimension, the OSCE seeks to create greater openness, transparency and co-operation and has developed the world’s most advanced regime of arms control and confidence-building measures. Areas of work include reforms in the security sector and the safe storage and destruction of small arms, light weapons and conventional ammunition.

Arms control

A comprehensive set of confidence and security-building measures (CSBMs) underpins the OSCE’s co-operative approach to security in the area of arms control.

Border management

The OSCE enhances border management and security while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce, protecting human rights and promoting human contacts.

Conflict prevention and resolution

The OSCE works in conflict prevention and resolution, facilitating settlements of conflicts and promoting peacebuilding and post-conflict rehabilitation.

Countering terrorism

The OSCE implements effective measures to countering terrorism, as a serious crime that has no justification, whatever its motivation or origin may be.

Policing

In the area of policing, the OSCE’s strategy focuses on building modern, democratic and pro-active police services able to respond to transnational threats.

Reform and co-operation in the security sector

In reform and co-operation in the security sector, focus is on legislation reform, downsizing/converting armies, training personnel and humanitarian law.

Economic and environmental dimension

Economic and environmental factors can pose threats and challenges to security and stability. Within the economic and environmental dimension, the OSCE supports its participating States in promoting good governance and environmental awareness, tackling corruption, sharing natural resources and in the sound management of environmental waste.

Economic activities

The OSCE’s economic activities include supporting sustainable economic growth and fostering international economic co-operation to counter security threats.

Environmental activities

The OSCE’s environmental activities strengthen co-operation on environmental issues to prevent conflict, build confidence and promote neighbourly relations.

Good governance

Good governance at all levels is fundamental to economic growth, political stability, and security. The OSCE works to tackle many aspects of weak governance, including corruption and money-laundering, and to promote full respect of the rule of law, increase transparency, and develop effective legislation as the foundation of a functioning State.

Human dimension

All OSCE participating States agree that lasting security cannot be achieved without respect for human rights and functioning democratic institutions. The OSCE helps its participating States strengthen democratic institutions; hold genuine and transparent democratic elections; promote gender equality; ensure respect for human rights, media freedom, the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and the rule of law; and promote tolerance and non-discrimination.

Democratization

The OSCE supports states build and consolidate democratic institutions, by helping governments become more responsive, accountable and representative.

Human rights

Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are key to the OSCE's comprehensive security concept.

Elections

Recognizing that democratic elections form the basis for legitimate government, the OSCE observes elections and provides technical assistance.

Media freedom and development

The OSCE works for freedom of the media and engages in media development through training and support for editors and journalists.

National minority issues

The OSCE promotes the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, identifying and seeking early resolution of ethnic tensions.

Roma and Sinti

The OSCE promotes the rights of Roma and Sinti through political participation, education, housing, civil registration and combating racism.

Rule of law

The concept of rule of law is a cornerstone of the OSCE's human rights and democratization activities.

Tolerance and non-discrimination

To confront racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance, the OSCE promotes tolerance and non-discrimination for a stronger sense of security.

Cross-dimensional

The OSCE addresses security challenges that pose a threat across borders, such as climate change, terrorism, radicalization and violent extremism, organized crime, cybercrime and trafficking in drugs, arms and human beings. The organization promotes stronger ties and co-operation between states, creating partnerships between the private and public sectors, and engaging civil society.

Combating human trafficking

The OSCE works in combating human trafficking through prevention, prosecution, protection and partnerships in a victim-centric, human rights based approach.

Cyber/ICT Security

The OSCE works in the area of cybersecurity by building confidence among participating States to reduce the risk of conflict and enhance cyber/ICT security.

Education

Education programmes are an integral part of the OSCE's efforts in conflict prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation.

Gender equality

The OSCE aims to integrate gender equality into policies and practices in order to foster peace, sustainable democracy and economic development.

Migration

To address migration cross-dimensionally, the OSCE provides capacity-building, policy advice, awareness raising and advocacy, as well as dialogue support.

Youth

The OSCE works on youth protection, promotion and participation to include youth in the peace and security agenda and ensure participation mechanisms.