Our work
The Programme Office addresses key security priorities, including counter-terrorism, border management, and transnational threats, such as human trafficking, while promoting regional development; justice and electoral reforms; anti-corruption efforts; gender equality; and resilient, open societies.
Border management
Assisting Kyrgyzstan's State Border Service
The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek assists the State Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic (SBS) by promoting cross-border co-operation and enhancing the capacity of the SBS personnel involved in addressing transnational threats in border management and security. The Office supports the SBS’s efforts in the implementation of the Integrated Border Management (IBM), which aims to achieve co-ordinated and improved border security and management.
The Programme Office supports Kyrgyzstan in the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It also assists the government in the effective management of small arms and light weapons and stockpiles of conventional ammunition, in improving capacities of relevant agencies to address threats posed by explosives as well as promoting the implementation of OSCE commitments related to arms control and confidence- and security-building measures.
A still from the OSCE animated film 'Security begins...' depicting safe border controls.
Countering terrorism
Strengthening the Kyrgyz Government's efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism
The OSCE Programme Office is engaged in strengthening the efforts of the Kyrgyz Government in preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT). A long-term strategic approach includes systematic capacity building initiatives and comprehensive in-country training programmes. The programmes aim to enable law enforcement agencies to efficiently address current security concerns. The Programme Office recognizes the role of youth in stemming the threat of VERLT; empowering young men and women as agents of change through conflict prevention and resolution initiatives.
Terrorism.
Policing
Enhancing community-based policing in Kyrgyzstan
The OSCE Programme Office supports Kyrgyz authorities in introducing gradual legislative, administrative and structural changes with a special focus on the rule of law, human rights, gender equality, and multi-ethnic representation across all law enforcement agencies. It aims to further these principles by providing expert, methodological and technical assistance. With the aim to enhance community-based policing, the Programme Office has been supporting the operation of Mobile Police Receptions (MPRs) vehicles across Kyrgyzstan. MPRs are customized minivans, which contain necessary equipment required for a functioning police reception, and can reach remote communities. The MPR initiative helps to increase public trust in the police and improve the latter’s effectiveness through enhancing co-operation between police, local government authorities, civil society and the media.
The Programme Office particularly focuses on enhancing the capacity of the law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to better counter organized crime and illicit drug trafficking, and assists in the consolidation of national efforts through a multi-agency co-ordination mechanism. The Programme Office also helps enhance the educational system of law enforcement agencies through advisory and methodological support. Furthermore, the Programme Office emphasises the significance of achieving gender equality in the security sector by supporting the Kyrgyz Association of Women in the Security Sector, which empowers the roles and responsibilities of female professionals across law enforcement agencies.
Officers of Kyrgyzstan’s State Penitentiary Service (GSIN) during a public presentation at an OSCE-supported training centre, Bishkek, 30 August 2013.
Reform and co-operation in the security sector
Supporting the Kyrgyz government in its reform efforts of the security sector, including law enforcement
The Office supports Kazakhstan in strengthening OSCE Confidence- and Security-building Measures. It supports the security sector reform and co-operation in the regional context through promoting the Vienna Document 2011 and the Code of Conduct of Politico-Military Aspects of security. The Office also works on securing and destroying surplus small arms and light weapons, and conventional ammunition.
Soldiers of the State Border Service (SBS) and National Guards line up during a speech at the military Command-Staff Exercise ‘Barrier 2016’, Osh, 8 July 2016.
Economic activities
Helping the country address challenges to economic and environmental governance
The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek supports the host country’s efforts in addressing challenges to economic and environmental governance that have a tangible impact on stability, security, and sustainable socio-economic development in the country.
As small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are the backbone of any strong and sustainable economy, the Programme Office helps to foster the development of SMEs in the country by supporting three Entrepreneurship Support Centres across southern Kyrgyzstan. The work of the Programme Office aims to foster sustainable socio-economic development by supporting the Government’s efforts to strengthen public–private dialogue, and enhance the capacities of the relevant state entities to facilitate cross-border and international trade, combat smuggling and illicit drug trafficking, and adopt modern information and customs technologies.
Economy.
Environmental activities
Assisting the government in addressing environmental challenges and disaster risk reduction issues
The OSCE Programme Office focuses on assisting the Kyrgyz Government in addressing environmental challenges and disaster risk reduction issues. In particular, the Programme Office assists with the implementation of the Aarhus Convention and promotes a green economy by supporting open forums for sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences between state officials and civil society.
The Programme Office also aims at assisting the Kyrgyz Government in the implementation of the Aarhus Convention by supporting the establishment and functioning of Aarhus Centres in Bishkek, Osh and Cholpon-Ata. The Aarhus Centres help raise awareness in environmental issues by allowing for open discussion between local government authorities and the public, thereby enhancing citizens’ participation in environmental decision-making. The Programme Office works to ensure that the Ministry of Emergency Situations is sufficiently equipped in the field of information management, telecommunications and geo-information technologies.
Members of the Akmena public organization take soil probe samples to detect oil pollution at the shore of Issyk-Kul lake during an OSCE-supported event aimed at raising environmental awareness, Balykchy bay, 29 November 2013.
Good governance
Supporting Kyrgyzstan in combating corruption and economic crimes, and promoting good governance
The OSCE Programme Office supports Kyrgyzstan in combating corruption and economic crimes and promoting good governance in the public administration system. The Programme Office supports the implementation of a two-year national action plan (NAP) within the Open Government Partnership framework. The aim of the national action plan is to increase the accountability of the government’s work, strengthen the involvement of civil society in policy development and decision-making, and improve the quality of public services in Kyrgyzstan. The NAP also envisages the introduction of new technologies to increase government transparency and public access to information.
The Programme Office provides expert and analytical support to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Economy, and other relevant state agencies and institutions to help enhance the public administration system at national and local levels. In addition, the Programme Office provides multi-faceted support to strengthen the state’s fight against corruption by assisting the host country in the implementation of the State Strategy for Anti-Corruption and its Action Plan 2019–2021. Complementary to the anti-corruption measures, the Programme Office supports the State Financial Intelligence Service and the State Service for Combatting Economic Crimes in their efforts to prevent and counter economic crimes, combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, and assists in the implementation of recommendations by the Financial Action Task Force.
The Programme Office also supports the Electronic Interoperability Centre under the State Committee of Information Technologies and Communication, which works on developing electronic communication systems between state agencies and citizens, removing bureaucratic obstacles, thereby making the provision of public services more efficient and transparent.
The OSCE assists OSCE participating States in fighting corruption and in building democratic, accountable state institutions.
Elections
Supporting Kyrgyzstan's authorities to improve electoral legislation
Building on the lessons learned from the OSCE’s comprehensive efforts to foster the development of a democratic electoral process, the OSCE Programme Office continues providing support to authorities to improve electoral legislation, increase inclusiveness of electoral processes and administer elections. This work is done in co-operation with the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.
Activities include providing platforms for public discussions, capacity building for members of election commissions of all levels and other state authorities on electoral standards and procedures. The Programme Office also supports public awareness for voters on their electoral rights and supports civil society organizations to observe national and local elections. The Programme Office strengthens the electoral process by increasing inclusive participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities in political and decision-making processes through electoral cycles, at the same time promoting civilian oversight of the parliament.
Every OSCE participating State has committed to holding democratic elections as the basis for legitimate government.
Human rights
Promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kyrgyzstan
The OSCE Programme Office is active in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms in Kyrgyzstan. As such, the Programme Office supports the host country in upholding economic, social and cultural rights across the country with a special focus on gender. Following the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Office supports initiatives aimed at the promotion of persons with disabilities’ labour rights at the state and municipal service, including civic awareness-raising and empowerment of persons with disabilities to take a more active role in political, public and social life.
The Programme Office also supports state agencies, national human rights institutions and civil society in promoting fair trial standards and prevention of torture. This work is implemented by training officials from various law enforcement agencies on detection and prosecution of torture cases according to international standards, and providing open platforms for discussion. Additionally, the Programme Office promotes inter-confessional tolerance and co-operation in Kyrgyzstan to ensure implementation of the principles in the area of freedoms of religion and belief.
In the Copenhagen Document of 1990, the OSCE's participating States undertook a commitment to respect all human rights.
Media freedom and development
Helping build partnerships between state and non-state media
The OSCE Programme Office provides assistance to Kyrgyzstan in building media partnerships between state and non-state media representatives to promote the principles of freedom of the media, expression and the free flow of information. The Programme Office supports capacity building initiatives of media representatives in modern public relations techniques, information security-related issues, gender-sensitive reporting as well as supporting the participation of government officials and media representatives in international and regional media conferences organized by the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. The Programme Office also provides support to the host country to ensure that nationwide digital broadcasting is in line with national and international commitments.
A variety of newspapers available in Bishkek.
Rule of law
Strengthening the administration of justice in Kyrgyzstan
The OSCE Programme Office strengthens the administration of justice in Kyrgyzstan by contributing to the ongoing reform of the criminal justice system. This work aims to enhance the capacity of prosecutors, judges, and lawyers who are implementing the newly adopted criminal justice legislation, and at the same time supports the efforts of governmental working groups and civil society that monitor the use of the new legislation throughout the rule of law sector. The Programme Office also assists in the implementation of the Penitentiary Reform Strategy, in the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism in prisons and the prevention of the use of torture in detention facilities. The Programme Office also actively assists in strengthening the co-operation between the national human rights institutions, state institutions and civil society.
Respect for the rule of law is essential to ensure human dignity.
Combating human trafficking
Strengthening the country's capacities to prevent and fight human trafficking
The OSCE Programme Office works with law enforcement agencies, civil society, and local government institutions, including the State Migration Service, to strengthen their capacity in preventing and fighting human trafficking and addressing migration issues. Activities include capacity building training for police and border-guards; awareness-raising events for youth and community leaders; the development of policies and practical manuals; and information campaigns to inform the population about trafficking in human beings. The Programme Office assists with the establishment and proper functioning of a National Referral Mechanism for trafficking victims and promotes inter-agency co-operation.
Human trafficking affects all OSCE participating States
Gender equality
Helping raise awareness of gender aspects of security and women’s participation in public life
In support of Kyrgyzstan’s National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality and the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, the OSCE Programme Office works with key actors in the country to help raise awareness of gender aspects of security, women’s participation in public life, and the involvement of men in promoting gender equality. It supports a network of Women’s Initiative Groups and helps establish referral mechanisms between local self-government bodies, police and communities on addressing and preventing gender-based violence. The Programme Office emphasizes the significance of gender equality in the security sector by supporting female professionals across law enforcement agencies.
The Programme Office is continuing to provide systemic support to further gender mainstreaming in law enforcement agencies. Specifically, it supported the creation of the Kyrgyz Association of Women in Security Sector (KAWSS). This unique Association unites women working in Kyrgyzstan’s law enforcement agencies, security, law and order sectors and seeks to contribute to the common cause of strengthening peace and order across the country. The KAWSS aims to promote gender equality in the security sector by heightening capacity, creating additional opportunities for women, and exchanging best practices and expertise with national and international counterparts.
Gender equality.
OSCE in action
The Organization’s work and teams in related fields
The OSCE’s work is based on a comprehensive security concept, encompassing 23 fields of work. Learn more about the Organization’s activities and teams working in fields relevant to the Programme Office in Bishkek.
Border management
Elections
Human rights
Reform and co-operation in the security sector
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