OSCE Centre in Bishkek trains border officials on travel document security

NOVOPOKROVKA, Kyrgyzstan, 8 November 2010 - A training course that aims to strengthen travel document security in Kyrgyzstan, organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, started today in the Novopokrovka Border Troops Training Centre near Bishkek.

The course for officials involved in travel document security control includes sessions on how to detect forged documents, analysis, developments in global travel documentation and the use of Interpol databases.

"Forged and falsified travel documents are a problem not only for Kyrgyzstan and, but for the whole Central Asian region, especially in light of international terrorism, human trafficking and other forms of trafficking. Many criminal activities can be prevented or solved through the detection of forged documents," said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The ten-day training course includes theory, exercises and discussions. The 20 participants represent the Border Troops of the State National Security Service, the Interior Ministry, the State Customs Service and the State Registration Service of Kyrgyzstan.

The course, developed by the OSCE Secretariat's Action against Terrorism Unit in co-operation with the OSCE Borders Team, is part of a larger project launched by the OSCE Centre to enhance travel document security in Kyrgyzstan.

The project also includes providing technical support to the training centre in Novopokrovka jointly with the International Organisation for Migration. In addition, the Manas and Osh International Airports will receive technical equipment as part of the project.