OSCE Office in Tajikistan

The control of small arms, light weapons and conventional ammunition is a key security measure for any state, and more so for countries that have experienced civil conflict. The Office has helped Tajikistan to deal with the threat emanating from surplus stocks of arms and ammunition since the end of the 1992-1997 civil war. It helped the security forces destroy these stocks, and assisted with the establishment of a co-ordination body that is in charge of preparing for emergencies related to small arms incidents, and responding to them.

The Office also worked with the national law enforcement agencies and trained their officers on physical security and stockpile management, and trained warehouse experts specialized in storing arms and ammunition. Since 2012, the Office helps develop the national training capacity with regard to the physical security and stockpiles management of arms, and the establishment of an electronic record-keeping system at arms and ammunition depots.

Another aspect of improving the security environment in Tajikistan relates to projects that promote confidence- and security-building measures. Since 2003, the Office helps the Verification Centre of Tajikistan’s Defence Ministry connect to the OSCE Communications Network, a structure that establishes a direct channel for the Organization’s participating States to exchange information on military activities. It also assists the country to comply with the Vienna Document, which requires participating States to share military information and provides for mutual inspection and evaluation visits.