OSCE participating States agree to adapt police support to Kyrgyzstan

VIENNA, 18 November 2010 - The 56 OSCE participating States today agreed to adapt the Organization's support to Kyrgyzstan's police taking into account changed circumstances in the country.

The Permanent Council decision, which came following extensive consultations between OSCE police experts and the government of Kyrgyzstan, provides for a longer-term approach to police reform in Kyrgyzstan. Under the new project, entitled "Kyrgyzstan Community Security Initiative", the OSCE will provide support to the Interior Ministry over a period of one year.

First project activities will be initiated and implemented in the coming weeks in close co-operation with the concerned national and local authorities. Up to 31 international staff, supported by 27 locally recruited staff, will work across Kyrgyzstan.

"A police service that is trusted by all parts of the population is a crucial component of lasting stability," said the OSCE Senior Police Adviser Knut Dreyer. "This initiative makes a lasting contribution to Kyrgyzstan's efforts to promote such trust."

Advice and support will be provided to the Interior Ministry's territorial units to uphold the rule of law, and work on matters related to respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as the protection of potentially vulnerable persons, including women.

The project will facilitate confidence-building between the police and local communities, and, when appropriate, together with local non-governmental organizations mediate to facilitate, enhance and encourage dialogue and co-operation between the police and the population, and between the different ethnic communities. The project is aligned with the OSCE Centre in Bishkek's ongoing police reform program.

Today's decision adapts the implementation of police support outlined in a Permanent Council decision from 22 July.