OSCE supports establishing advance passenger information system in Kyrgyzstan
The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department held a two-day expert meeting on establishing an Advance Passenger Information (API) system in the country, which took place in Bulan-Sogottu, Kyrgyzstan on 23 August and 24 August 2017. The expert meeting brought together more than 20 decision-makers involved in passenger information processing in the country, including border control and airport authorities, airlines, customs officers, and national security officers. It provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the functions and benefits of API in combating terrorism and transnational crime.
“The existing terrorist threat must be addressed not only by one structure or by one state; the fight against terrorism is a regional and worldwide issue. Countering terrorism is impossible without the collaboration of all stakeholders,” said Talantbek Kutmanbekov, Deputy Director of the Anti-Terrorist Centre of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security.
API systems are increasingly being used by government authorities for the purpose of regulating the exit, entry and transit of air passengers. They allow for the collection of biographical data from passengers’ travel documents before a flight’s departure or its arrival at the airport of destination. By cross-checking this data against national and international watch lists and databases, law enforcement officials can know in advance whether inadmissible persons are travelling to their countries. These systems also minimize inconveniences and delays passengers may face during border controls.
William Leaf, the head of the politico-military unit of the Programme Office in Bishkek, said: “The expert meeting provides an opportunity for state bodies and international experts to share experience and enhance co-operation. Establishing a national API system will strengthen the operational flexibility of the counter-terrorist structures of Kyrgyzstan.”
The participants, with the assistance of experts from the OSCE and its international partners, identified strengths and weaknesses of the current national passenger processing environment and determined the technical assistance needs of the country. The partners included the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT). The participation of officers from Hungary, the United Kingdom and the United States as well as IT service providers contributed to the exchange of experiences and best practices in the utilization of flight passenger data.
The event was part of the OSCE’s efforts to promote compliance with UN Security Council Resolutions 2178 and 2309. It follows on the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Enhancing the Use of Advance Passenger Information (2016), whereby participating States agreed to improve international and regional co-operation to prevent the movement of foreign terrorist fighters by expanding the use of API systems around the world.