Identifying suspected foreign terrorist fighters and other cross-border threats

The OSCE participating States face a dynamic range of cross-border security threats, including the movement of suspected foreign terrorist fighters and other high-risk individuals, irregular migration, illicit trafficking, trafficking in human beings, and broader forms of transnational organized crime. These security risks are further aggravated by armed conflict, population displacement, pandemics, climate-related disasters and technological disruptions. The growing use of digital tools, artificial intelligence and other technologies is reshaping border management. While these tools offer powerful new capabilities, they can also introduce vulnerabilities, such as cyber threats and the potential misuse of personal data.

The MMT programme's approach

To support participating States in responding to these complex challenges, the Transnational Threats Department established the OSCE-led Mobile Training Team (MTT), which consists of active-duty law enforcement and border officers from various OSCE participating States. 

The MTT can deliver five courses of scenario-based training and mentoring activities to border, customs and law enforcement officers, strengthening their capacity to detect, prevent and respond to cross-border threats. This includes identifying potential victims and vulnerable individuals during border control procedures.

The MTT training programme is tailored to the national needs of beneficiary countries and focuses on practical, hands-on skills, such as behavioural detection, interviewing techniques, crisis management at borders, countering small arms trafficking and combating human trafficking. 

All activities integrate gender- and age-sensitive approaches, promote the ethical use of technology and uphold human rights standards. In addition, the MTT contributes to sustainable institutional development by fostering professionalization and accountability. This includes training-of-trainers and mentoring programmes, as well as strengthening regional networks of border professionals. Through this comprehensive approach, the MTT helps transform borders from mere control points into gateways for secure mobility, international co-operation and regional stability.

Building on the success of the MTT, a National Mobile Training Team model was established in Uzbekistan to provide sustainable, locally driven training to border security and management agencies. These efforts, supplemented by specialized training activities, the procurement of technical equipment and the support to K-9 (police dog) service development, help secure borders, facilitate legitimate trade and travel, and address cross-border threats emanating from Afghanistan, including the trafficking of small arms, ammunition and explosives, and the movement of foreign terrorist fighters.

Travel Security - Advance Passenger Information 

The Transnational Threats Department also assists participating States in the establishment of Advance Passenger Information (API) systems in accordance with the provisions contained in the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention) and aligned with the World Customs Organization/International Air Transport Association/International Civil Aviation Organization Guidelines on Advance Passenger Information, including those on privacy and data protection.

The OSCE project “Promotion of information exchange and support for the establishment of Advance Passenger Information (API) systems in the OSCE area – Phase II” supports participating States in strengthening border security and safeguarding international travel through an integrated human-rights-based approach to passenger data collection and analysis. 

Since 2016, the OSCE Secretariat’s Transnational Threats Department has been supporting participating States by raising awareness of and providing technical assistance for the establishment of national API systems in compliance with international aviation, security and human rights standards, as mandated by OSCE Ministerial Council Decision No.6/16 on Enhancing the Use of Advance Passenger Information and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Beyond the assistance provided to participating States, the OSCE facilitates the exchange of information, good practices and experience in the field of passenger data by promoting multilateral platforms for co-operation, in close co-ordination with the relevant regional and international organizations.