Activities to address transnational threats

Counter-terrorism activities play a central role in the OSCE’s efforts to address transnational threats to security. The Organization promotes the implementation of the international legal framework against terrorism and the rule of law, works towards preventing violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, runs activities to counter the use of the internet for terrorist purposes, helps suppress the financing of terrorism and assists with protecting critical infrastructures and other vulnerable targets.

The OSCE promotes border management policies in line with the OSCE Border Security and Management Concept, ensuring security, freedom of movement and adherence to human rights. The Organization provides expertise and capacity-building to address cross-border threats, including terrorism, organized crime, irregular migration and illicit trafficking. Through policy advice, training, technical assistance and dialogue facilitation, it supports the strengthening of national capabilities and the development of effective, resilient and rights-based border management systems across the OSCE area.

The set of confidence-building measures developed by the OSCE has the goal of reducing the potential risks stemming from the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as tensions between States resulting from misinformation or speculation. The Organization is also active in tackling various other cyber threats, including cybercrime and the use of the internet for terrorist purposes.

The OSCE promotes police development and reform within the principles of democratic policing, and provides capacity support in countering criminal threats, including organized crime, terrorism, trafficking in illicit drugs and human beings, and cybercrime.