OSCE

HELSINKI, 17 January 2025 — OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu concluded his visit to Helsinki today, marking his first official visit as OSCE Secretary General.

During his trip he met with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, marking the first official meeting of Secretary General Sinirlioğlu and Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen in their new leadership roles within the OSCE.

In discussions with the Chair, the Secretary General underscored his commitment to working together to create a strong and resilient Organization that can foster a more secure OSCE region, and to prepare for the future.

“These are challenging times, but I am confident that through hard diplomatic work we will be able to strengthen the Organization and contribute to a safer, more secure Europe and beyond,” said OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu.

They also discussed the priorities of the Finnish Chairpersonship and addressed some of the key security issues faced by the region, including the war in Ukraine.

“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is a violation of international law and all the key principles of the OSCE. Finland continues to stand with Ukraine. Ukraine is at the heart of our Chairpersonship,” said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen.

During his visit, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu met also with a number of high-level officials from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of the parliament including from the Foreign Affairs Committee and the delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. He also met with civil society representatives and the OSCE research network.

For more information about Secretary General Sinirlioğlu, please visit Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu | OSCE

For more information about the 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship, please visit OSCE Chairpersonship 2025 | OSCE

VIENNA, 15 January, 2025 — OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu will travel to Helsinki on 16 January on his first official visit as OSCE Secretary General, where he will meet with OSCE Chair-in-Office Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and other high-level officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the visit, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu will also meet with parliamentarians, representatives from civil society and researchers.

The visit marks the first official meeting of Secretary General Sinirlioğlu and Chair-in-Office Valtonen in their new roles, and they are expected to discuss several key issues including strengthening the OSCE, the priorities of the Finnish Chairpersonship and addressing key security issues across the OSCE region, including the war against Ukraine.

Secretary General Sinirlioğlu and Chair-in-Office Valtonen will hold a press conference on 16 January at the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 10:15 GMT+2.

For media representatives interested in attending the press conference in person, please contact Miia Vihola at Miia.Vihola@gov.fi by January 15 at 16:15 GMT+2.

For more information about Secretary General Sinirlioğlu, please visit Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu | OSCE

For more information about the 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship, please visit OSCE Chairpersonship 2025 | OSCE

CHISINAU, 9 January 2025 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, concluded her first official visit to the Republic of Moldova as OSCE Chairperson today.

In Chisinau, Minister Valtonen met with Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova Mihai Popșoi, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian. In Bender, she met with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev. The Minister was accompanied by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova Ambassador Kelly Keiderling and the newly appointed Chairperson-in-Office’s Special Representative for the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, Ambassador Thomas Lenk.

The discussions focused on OSCE efforts towards a comprehensive and lasting political settlement of the Transdniestrian conflict in all its aspects, strengthening the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders, with a special status for Transdniestria.

“The OSCE has a strong mandate to advance the resolution of the Transdniestrian conflict and to support Moldova and its sovereignty. As the OSCE Chair, Finland is committed to working towards these goals,“ Valtonen said.

Chairperson Valtonen underlined the need for continued, open, and constructive dialogue between the Sides to further build trust and resolve any disputes that affect the lives of people living on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River. She commended the Sides for their commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

The meetings also addressed the critical energy situation with an impact on the population on both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.

“Finding joint solutions through dialogue between the Sides is critical to resolving the energy emergency. We stand with Moldova and its citizens in this challenging situation,” Valtonen said.

During the course of her visit, the Chairperson also met with civil society representatives, and visited the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mission) urges Republika Srpska to uphold the rule of law and abide by the final and binding decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Mission further condemns the glorification of war criminals and all demonstrations of intolerance, which were seen again this year and regrettably regularly constitute part of the 9 January celebrations; any actions of this nature must be swiftly investigated and prosecuted.  

The official sponsorship and endorsement by the Government of Republika Srpska of the celebration of the so-called “Day of Republika Srpska” on 9 January violates the 26 November 2015 decision of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which determined that this celebration is unconstitutional as it is exclusionary, especially to non-Serbs, thereby directly contravening the constitutions of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska.

In a nation as ethnically diverse as Bosnia and Herzegovina, with sensitivities remaining from its devastating conflict, respecting judicial decisions and the institutions that issue them fosters unity and reconciliation and reaffirms the principle that all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion, deserve equal consideration and respect in public life. Flouting such rulings risks deepening divisions and perpetuating ethnic tensions.  

The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina remains committed to supporting authorities in fulfilling their legal obligations to uphold equality, non-discrimination, and the rule of law, promoting mutual respect and a brighter future for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

WARSAW/COPENHAGEN, 9 January 2025 – The decision of the Belarusian authorities not to invite OSCE participating States to observe the country’s presidential election on 26 January is deeply regrettable and prevents an impartial and independent assessment of the election process, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) said in a statement today.

“I deeply regret the decision of the Belarusian authorities not to invite OSCE states through ODIHR to observe the forthcoming presidential election, depriving the country’s citizens of a transparent and full assessment of the entire process,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “This decision underscores the continued lack of commitment by the Belarusian authorities to invite other OSCE states to observe and provide an independent view on whether the elections are held in line with OSCE commitments and international democratic standards.”

ODIHR has made efforts in recent months to engage with the Belarusian authorities regarding the invitation to observe. With election day less than three weeks away, ODIHR has been unable to monitor key stages of the process.

“Once again, the Belarusian government has decided to disregard its obligation as a signatory to the 1990 Copenhagen Document to invite observers from other OSCE participating States for its elections,” said OSCE PA President Pia Kauma. “This decision is deeply regrettable. The lack of co-operation from Belarus diminishes the spirit of trust that underpins the OSCE even more and the lack of transparency further undermines faith in the electoral system of Belarus.”

This is the third time since the August 2020 presidential elections that ODIHR has been unable to observe elections in Belarus due to the lack of a timely invitation. All OSCE states have repeatedly recognized the value of ODIHR’s observation and the effectiveness of its comprehensive and objective methodology that is applied in the same way in every country. They have also committed to inviting observers from other OSCE participating States to observe, as well as following up swiftly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.

While ODIHR will not observe the forthcoming presidential election, the Office continues to monitor events in Belarus within all the areas covered by its mandate.

KYIV, 8 January 2025 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen, completed her first visit to Ukraine as the OSCE’s Chair.

In Kyiv, the Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha. The Minister was accompanied by Catherine Fearon, Director of the Conflict Prevention Centre and Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat, and Petr Mareš, Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office – Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine.

During the meetings, the Chairperson-in-Office reiterated that support to Ukraine is Finnish Chairpersonship and the OSCE priority and that the Organization remains fully engaged and committed to assisting the government, civil society and people of Ukraine through the OSCE’s extensive project portfolio - most prominently through the Extra-budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine (SPU) - as the country continues to face the dire consequences of Russia’s war.

“The OSCE remains unwavering in its commitment to support Ukraine, its sovereignty, and its territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We remain steadfast in addressing the challenges Ukraine continues to face as a result of ongoing Russian aggression,” Minister Valtonen said.

During her visit, Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen also met with civil society representatives and SPU staff. Minister Valtonen also underlined the urgency of the release of three OSCE officials — Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov — detained in Donetsk and Luhansk.

“I express my gratitude to the OSCE staff working with Ukraine for their service and dedication. We strongly condemn the ongoing detention of three OSCE officials in Donetsk and Luhansk, which has lasted for over 1,000 days, and call for their immediate release,“ she emphasized.

The Chairperson-in-Office also strongly condemned the attack on the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia and extended her condolences to the victims' families and relatives.

HELSINKI/VIENNA, 8 January 2025 — The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit the Republic of Moldova on 9 January for talks with authorities from both banks of the Dniester/Nistru River.

During her first visit to Moldova as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Valtonen will focus on the OSCE’s efforts in Moldova, advancing the Transdniestrian Settlement Process and supporting the country in overcoming the effects of the war against Ukraine and other issues.

In Chisinau, the OSCE Chairperson Valtonen will meet with Prime Minister Dorin Recean, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi, and Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Oleg Serebrian.

In Bender, she will meet with Transdniestrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky and the Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

On 9 January, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen will have a press conference with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi at 11.20 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Journalists are also invited to attend a press briefing with Chairperson-in-Office Valtonen at 17:25-17:35  inside of the Delegation Hall of the Chisinau International Airport. 

Media representatives are reminded to have their press accreditation documents on them to be able to attend the press briefing.

For more information, please contact the Press Office of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, at +373 22 887 887 (landline), e-mail: mtmpress@osce.org.

For other requests regarding the visit, please contact Toni Sandell, Deputy Head of the Task Force for the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship by e-mail: Toni.Sandell@gov.fi.

The latest information from the OSCE CiO of Finland can be found at https://www.osce.org/chairpersonship and on X: @Finland_OSCE

On 30 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe hosted a one-day workshop focused on the implementation of the Green Economy Strategy and its accompanying Action Plan. This event marked a logical continuation and conclusion of the activities planned for 2024, following a series of regional information sessions that had recently taken place.

In co-operation with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the workshop brought together approximately 60 participants, representing both government agencies and civil society organizations. The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas, discussing the progress of the Strategy's implementation, and identifying the next steps in alignment with the existing Action Plan. Participants also explored potential recommendations for developing the next Action Plan, which is scheduled for drafting in the upcoming year.

This workshop aligns with the broader mission of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe to support Tajikistan in implementing environmental legislation and policies. It is part of a series of initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the implementation of the Green Economy Strategy across the regions throughout the year.

From November to December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a series of informational sessions for local state authorities under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade across various regions. These sessions took place in Darvoz, Garm, Kulob, Bokhtar, and Khujand, attracting approximately 150 participants (119 males and 31 females) representing 12 subsectors defined in the Green Economy Strategy.

The purpose of these sessions was to raise awareness about Tajikistan's Green Economy Strategy and its sustainability principles, with the overarching goal of promoting green initiatives within local communities. The programme included theoretical discussions, visual presentations showcasing leading international practices, and opportunities for active knowledge exchange. Representatives from the Aarhus Centres in Bokhtar, Dushanbe and Khujand (two male and one female) also participated in the events, presenting their green economy projects.

This initiative aligns with the broader mission of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe to assist Tajikistan in implementing environmental legislation and policy. It is part of a series of activities designed to promote the implementation of the Green Economy Strategy throughout the country over the course of the year.

From 21 to 23 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a three-day training session focused on implementing the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) system, a crucial technology aimed at enhancing conservation efforts in specially protected natural areas.

The event, conducted in co-operation with the Committee for Environmental Protection, brought together approximately 24 participants, including 3 females and 21 males, from five protected areas: Pamir National Park, Ramit Biosphere Reserve, Tigrovaya Balka State Nature Reserve, Zorkul State Nature Reserve, and Shirkent Natural Historical Park, as well as representatives from the Committee and civil society.

This training provided a valuable platform to introduce SMART technologies and showcase their importance in strengthening conservation efforts. An experienced international trainer led the sessions, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and actively engaging all participants through interactive methods.

This initiative aligns with the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe's broader mission to enhance the capacity of protected area staff and promote the integration of innovative technologies into conservation practices.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized a five-day training course focused on Project Development, Management, Reporting, and Fundraising Skills, which took place from 16 to 20 December 2024. A total of 14 Heads of OSCE-supported Women's Resource Centres (WRCs) attended the course, including 9 women.

The training covered a wide range of topics, including the design and components of project proposals, project budgeting, the development of high-quality descriptive and financial reports, research skills, data analysis methods, strategic planning, and organizational development. Participants engaged in practical exercises that highlighted the importance of strategic planning in organizational growth, resource mobilization (fundraising), relationship management with donors, the internal donor market, self-financing opportunities (commercialization), elements of self-financing, social entrepreneurship, partnerships with the business sector, and management and leadership skills. Participants not only learned the theoretical aspects of these topics, but also took part in individual and group exercises to enhance their skills in project development, management, reporting, and fundraising.

Mohsimo Abdushahidova, Director of WRC "Zanoni Sharq," expressed gratitude for the productive seminar organized by OSCE for heads of Women's Resource Support Centres. She highlighted its focus on practical experience and leadership skills, covering essential topics like project proposals, budgeting, reporting, research, data analysis, strategic planning, social entrepreneurship, and fundraising. Abdushahidova noted that the insights gained will significantly enhance their services to clients in the future.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe supports victims of domestic violence across the regions through a network of 13 OSCE-established WRCs in collaboration with local authorities. This ongoing project, titled "Supporting and Strengthening the Women’s Resource Centres in Tajikistan," is funded by Norway, the United States of America, Finland, the European Union, Andorra, and Germany.

SARAJEVO, 30 December 2024 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina is devastated to learn, just days after the horrific violence in Ključ that resulted in a woman’s death, a young mother of two was killed in Brod.

Despite increased efforts to combat domestic violence and violence against women, this latest tragedy underscores the urgent and ongoing epidemic of such unimaginable brutality, destroying families and scarring communities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Echoing zero tolerance is not enough. Standing in solidarity with all victims and their loved ones, the Mission, once again, calls for the implementation of immediate and effective preventative measures and protection for victims and survivors, swift and comprehensive investigations, and the holding of perpetrators accountable to the full extent of the law.

VALLETTA/VIENNA, 30 December 2024 – OSCE Chair-in-Office, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, today announced the selection of Switzerland to chair the OSCE in 2026.

The announcement follows a Ministerial Decision adopted by consensus in the final days of Malta’s Chairpersonship. The 57 OSCE participating States thus expressed their collective commitment to sustaining the essential work of the Organization at a time of geopolitical challenges.                  

“Today, we have demonstrated our confidence in the Organization and its ability to deliver on its mandate,” said Chair-in-Office Borg. “I congratulate Switzerland for showing strong leadership in stepping forward to assume the 2026 Chairpersonship. Switzerland’s acceptance of this role is a crucial step forward, and we look forward to continuing our close co-operation as Troika members as of the 1st of January 2025.”              

After the conclusion of the Ministerial Council, Malta remained focused on safeguarding the functionality of the OSCE and ensuring its ability to navigate through turbulent times. Chair-in-Office Borg emphasized that the selection of future Chairs was a key priority in sustaining the Organization’s resilience and continuity.

"At the outset of our Chairpersonship in January, we adopted the motto ‘Strengthening Resilience and Enhancing Security’ to underscore the imperative of safeguarding the OSCE’s ability to navigate challenges and reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of security in our region,” said Chair-in-Office Borg. “Today, Malta’s Chairpersonship is proud of its efforts to preserve the Organization’s functionality and advance pivotal decisions that reaffirm the OSCE’s position as a bastion of peace, dialogue, and stability.”

“The OSCE stands for security through co-operation and peaceful settlement of disputes,” Swiss Federal Councilor and incoming Chair-in-Office of the OSCE for 2026 Ignazio Cassis said. “This Organization is more relevant than ever and we have to keep it functional.”          

In a year's time, Switzerland will succeed Finland at the helm of the OSCE. Borg expressed confidence in Switzerland’s ability to lead the Organization effectively: “This is a significant moment for the OSCE, and we are confident that Switzerland will lead with vision and resolve.”

The OSCE Chairpersonship is held for one year by an OSCE participating State, with its Foreign Minister serving as Chair-in-Office. The Chairpersonship co-ordinates decision-making and sets the OSCE's priorities during its tenure.

The OSCE in partnership with the thinktank adelphi has recently published a strategy paper aiming to foster cross-border co-operation between Georgia and Armenia in tackling climate-related security risks, improving landscape fire management, and reducing wildfire risks. Developed in close collaboration with the Global Fire Monitoring Center (GFMC), the strategy, titled ‘Joint Co-operation Strategy on Climate Change and Security in Northern Armenia and Southern Georgia: Strengthening climate resilience in the South Caucasus through fire risk reduction’, represents an important milestone in strengthening co-operation in the South Caucasus.

Besides building on the 2023 Scoping study: Co-operation in Northern Armenia and Southern Georgia, the strategy is founded on extensive consultations at the national level and discussions in the pilot municipalities of Bolnisi (Georgia) and Sarchapet (Armenia). It outlines priority areas for co-operation and presents a series of project concepts for strengthening collaboration among these municipalities through sustainable approaches to landscape and wildfire management.

Key components of the strategy include:

• Training volunteers and community members on fire prevention techniques and climate adaptation strategies.
• Developing joint co-ordination and communication mechanisms for wildfire monitoring and early risk detection at the municipal and national levels.
• Implementing community-based projects and awareness-raising initiatives in Bolnisi and Sarchapet to serve as models for broader regional application.
• Promoting practices that enhance ecosystem-resilience while reducing fire risks.

The strategy underlines the joint commitment of Georgia and Armenia to address shared climate-related security risks together. The next steps will focus on implementing the strategy’s project concepts and turning them into concrete joint activities.

By fostering cross-border collaboration and aligning efforts with international climate goals, this initiative demonstrates how regional partnerships can address the impacts of climate change while supporting community resilience and sustainable development.

This strategy was prepared within the framework of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia”, which is implemented by OCEEA in partnership with adelphi and in close collaboration with the OSCE field operations. The project is funded by Andorra, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

Sarajevo, 27 December 2024 - We are saddened by another case of femicide, which occurred in Ključ yesterday. Deplorably, again a weapon was used to commit a crime.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim's family and friends.

We are once again compelled to call on all levels of authority in BiH to undertake swift, decisive and compassionate actions to investigate, prosecute, and prevent such incidents from occurring. Prevention must include a prompt seizure of illegally possessed firearms. This tragedy is yet another a stark reminder that promises and commitments are meaningless without immediate and effective action.

Sarajevo, 26 December 2024 - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina notes with concern over recent developments in the Republika Srpska National Assembly and underscores the importance of upholding the Rule of Law and the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Mission calls on political actors to address challenges through dialogue and established democratic and legal mechanisms, which are vital for preserving stability and trust.

The Mission reaffirms its commitment to supporting institutions and political actors in advancing democratic principles, fostering constructive communication, safeguarding judicial integrity and overall security of the citizens of BiH. 

From 16 to 17 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe hosted a two-day workshop focused on the findings of the “Baseline Report from the Fifth Round of Monitoring of Anti-Corruption Reforms in Tajikistan. The Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan”. This report was developed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN). The event brought together 19 representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and youth, and it was facilitated by four local consultants from the Coalition of CSOs on Transparency and Anti-Corruption in Dushanbe.

The Baseline Report outlines Tajikistan’s anti-corruption reform efforts in 2023, covering nine performance areas. It evaluates the country's anti-corruption policy and the effectiveness of specialized anti-corruption institutions, integrity in business, public procurement, the judiciary and prosecution, enforcement of corruption offenses, as well as protections for whistleblowers, conflict of interest issues, and asset declarations. The report is available in both English and Russian at the OECD website under Baseline Report of the Fifth Round of Monitoring of Anti-Corruption Reforms in Tajikistan | OECD. Follow-up monitoring by the OECD ACN is anticipated in 2026.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to Tajikistan’s assessment against the indicators and benchmarks under the nine performance areas mentioned above. They engaged in discussions regarding potential measures to enhance and achieve Tajikistan's compliance with these indicators. The four local consultants from the CSOs will collaborate on developing contributions to the National Action Plan for 2025-2026 to address the findings of the report.

This activity is part of the ongoing support provided by the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe to promote good governance and anti-corruption in Tajikistan, focusing on strengthening civil society initiatives to increase public transparency and accountability.

On 20 December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, organized a one-day roundtable on "Standard Regulatory Requirements for Wastewater Quality Control." This event, held in Dushanbe, brought together 30 specialists— all men— from state sanitary and epidemiological control centers, environmental protection agencies, water supply systems, and wastewater management services across Tajikistan.

The roundtable served as a platform to present the Standard Regulatory Requirements for wastewater quality control, which were developed with the support of POiD. Participants discussed critical issues such as the relationship between water and public health, the physiological and sanitary importance of water, its role in the transmission of infectious diseases, and sources of water pollution. Additionally, the Ministry's feedback on the "Standard Regulatory Requirements for Wastewater Quality Control" was addressed.

This initiative highlights the ongoing commitment of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe to assist the Ministry of Health and Social Protection in enhancing sanitation and wastewater management throughout Tajikistan, aligning with the OSCE's broader objectives in the water sector.

Between August and December 2024, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in collaboration with the Committee for Women and Family Affairs (CWFA) of the Government of Tajikistan, conducted a series of three-day training sessions for trainers throughout the country. A total of 231 government employees took part, including 185 women and 46 men. These individuals work in institutions engaged in the prevention of and response to domestic violence at both central and local levels. Participants included representatives from various agencies, such as the CWFA, the Commission for the Rights of Children, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population. They came from ten cities and districts, including Dushanbe, Khatlon, Sughd, and the Districts of Republican Subordination.

The training addressed a wide range of topics related to gender equality, the responsibilities of institutions in implementing relevant legislation, procedural actions, best practices for organizational coordination and collaboration, victim referral and support, victim-centered approaches, and strategies for raising awareness. The goal of the training was to prepare national trainers from the relevant government institutions to conduct awareness-raising sessions on preventing domestic violence and effectively managing domestic violence cases.

This initiative aligns with Tajikistan's commitments under OSCE guidelines aimed at preventing and combating violence against women, including domestic violence.

The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe organized an exchange visit for five leading specialists from the Headquarters of the Main Directorate of Border Troops of the State Committee of National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan. This visit took place from 9 to 13 December 2024 in Minsk and Brest, Belarus.

The purpose of the event was to showcase effective practices used by border-related agencies in Belarus to Tajikistan’s Border Troops officers, who are responsible for planning and managing border security at their Headquarters. The focus was on key areas such as information flow management, operational management based on real-time data exchange, risk analysis assessment (strategic, operational, and tactical), and co-operation among relevant agencies.

During the visit, participants learned about the roles and functions of the Belarus State Border Service, the State Border Institute, and Minsk International Airport. The itinerary included visits to the Warsaw Bridge border crossing point, a border outpost, and a border training center in Brest.

This exchange visit enhanced the participants' understanding of effective border management practices and facilitated the development of actionable recommendations based on their observations. It also helped establish connections that could lead to future collaboration in capacity building and technical improvement.