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Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) 

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Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)

  • With 57 States from Europe, Central Asia and North America, the OSCE is the world’s largest regional security organization.
  • The OSCE works for stability, peace and democracy through political dialogue about shared values and through practical work that aims to make a lasting difference.
  • The OSCE is a forum for political dialogue on a wide range of security issues and a platform for joint action to improve the lives of individuals and communities.
  • The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. 
    • It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities.

Origin

  • Founded in1975 as the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) through the Helsinki Final Act (Helsinki Accords).
  • Renamed: Became the OSCE in 1995.
  • Created to ease Cold War tensions between the Eastern and Western blocs through dialogue.

Members

  • The Organization comprises 57 participating States that span the globe, encompassing three continents – North America, Europe and Asia – and more than a billion people.
  • India is not a member.

Decision Making

All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

Governance

Executive structures

  • Secretary General
    • Elected to a three-year term by the Ministerial Council, the Secretary General heads the OSCE Secretariat in Vienna, acting under the guidance of the Chairperson-in-Office.
  • Secretariat, Vienna
    • The Secretariat assists the Chairmanship in its activities, and provides operational and administrative support to field operations and, as appropriate, to other Institutions.
  • Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Warsaw
    • ODIHR promotes democratic elections, respect for human rights, the rule of law, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rights of Roma and Sinti communities.
  • Representative on Freedom of the Media, Vienna
    • The Representative observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States and provides early warning on violations of free expression and media freedom.
  • High Commissioner on National Minorities, The Hague 
    • The High Commissioner’s role is to provide early warning and take appropriate early action to prevent ethnic tensions from developing into conflict.

FAQs 

Q1. What is the OSCE?

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization working for peace, democracy, and stability across Europe, Central Asia, and North America.

Q2. When and why was OSCE established?

The OSCE began in 1975 as the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) through the Helsinki Final Act to reduce Cold War tensions. It was renamed OSCE in 1995.

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