OSCE REACT programme sets new standards in deploying field missions

VIENNA, 2 April 2001 - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has launched its Rapid Expert Assistance and Co-operation Teams (REACT) programme, designed to set new standards for the rapid recruitment and deployment of skilled personnel into current and future field operations.

"This programme has been eagerly awaited by OSCE participating States," OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis said. "It will greatly improve the operational capacities within the OSCE and will provide us with a mechanism to rapidly deploy civilian and police expertise into our field operations. It will assist all OSCE participating States as we continue our important work in early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation."

The concept for establishing REACT was included in the Charter for European Security, signed in 1999 in Istanbul by heads of State or Government of all OSCE participating States.

The programme includes three components: pre-selection/pre-deployment training to ensure those selected for REACT are prepared to immediately begin work when they reach the field operation, sets of standards based on defined qualifications, and an online recruitment website. Applications are submitted directly to contact points within participating States. Individuals who wish to be considered for inclusion in REACT must be available for deployment within two, four or eight weeks following notification of final selection. The initial selection takes place in OSCE participating States.

Standards have been defined for the professional competence of staff at all levels, and new training programmes will assist in enhancing the skills of those deployed to headquarters and field locations.

The fields of expertise identified include human rights, rule of law, democratization, elections, economic and environmental affairs, press and public information, media development, political affairs, administration and support, communications, information technology, security, transportation, supply/logistics, procurement, budget/finance, human resources, training, buildings management, general staff/monitoring fuctions, military affairs and civilian police.

The Secretary General also noted that other international organizations, such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the Council of Europe, have also expressed interest in using the REACT programme, and OSCE experiences in developing and using it, as a potential source of inspiration for their own use. This augurs well for compatibility, interoperability and should, among others, provide for better and mutually supportive use of expertise and other resources.

Information on the OSCE REACT programme is available on the OSCE website: //www.osce.org/node/43286

The OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization with 55 participating States from Europe, Asia and North America. It has been established as a primary instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. At present the Organization has deployed more than 20 field missions in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. It has several headquarters offices for OSCE structures and institutions.