MISSION

To work for stability, prosperity and democracy in 57 States through political dialogue about shared values and through practical work that makes a lasting difference.

 

SCOPE

With 57 States from Europe, Central Asia and North America, the OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization. It offers a forum for politica negotiations and decision-making in the fields of early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and postconflict rehabilitation, and puts the political will of its participating States into practice through its unique network of field missions. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

 

TASKS

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security related concerns, including:

• Arms control
• Confidence- and security-building measures
• Human rights
• National minorities
• Democratization
• Policing strategies
• Counter-terrorism
• Economic and environmental activities, including energy security

 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• For 35 years the OSCE has been working to prevent crises, their escalation, and to promote post conflict peace building through a dialogue encompassing politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions.
• The OSCE has been credited for creating the conditions that led to the end of the Cold War and was instrumental in fostering democratization and co-operation in the process of post-Cold War transition.