The OSCE first established a presence in Tajikistan in early 1994 when it opened the Mission to Tajikistan. In October 2002, it was renamed the Centre in Dushanbe and its tasks were broadened. In June 2008, it became the Office in Tajikistan, following Decision 852 by the OSCE Permanent Council.

The Office, which is based in the Tajik capital Dushanbe, has five field offices in Garm, Khujand, Kulyab, Kurgan-Tyube and Shaartuz. OSCE activities in the country fall into one or more of the following areas:

Politico-military dimension of security

The Office assists Tajikistan in developing democratic institutions and processes, and helps the Government counter extremism and terrorism. Through OSCE donor states, it funds a programme to destroy surplus stockpiles of small arms, light weapons and conventional ammunition, and to improve stockpile security. It also assists with mine clearance and border management.

Human dimension of security

The Office assists the Tajik Government in fulfilling its OSCE commitments in human rights, rule of law and democratization. It monitors and supports the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promotes gender awareness and equality, and the development of free media.

Economic and environmental dimension of security

The Office regularly monitors, analyses and reports on developments in the economic and environmental sectors. Specific activities have focused on supporting small- and medium-size enterprise development, and supporting government efforts to carry out land reform and tackle land degradation, radioactive contamination and irregular labour migration. It also facilitates OSCE regional economic and environmental activities. Additionally, the Office co-operates closely with the Government on improving water resource management and relationships with neighbouring countries on water management and energy security issues.

Further information on mandates, staffing levels and budgets can be found in the annual Survey of OSCE Field Operations.