OSCE - Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

05/16/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/15/2023 23:36

From Strategy to Action: Implementing SALW and CA Projects in Kyrgyzstan

The inaugural event on launching these two projects, entitled "Improvement of SALW and CA life-cycle management capacity of Ministry of Defense of Kyrgyz Republic" and "Reducing risk of illicit SALW, ammunition and explosives proliferation across border of Kyrgyz Republic", took place on 15 May 2023 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. (Ademi Kydyralieva/OSCE) Photo details

In an effort to address the growing security risks stemming from the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and conventional ammunition (CA) across Central Asia and beyond, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek began implementing two newly developed extra-budgetary projects aimed to mitigate such risks in Kyrgyzstan.

The inaugural event on launching these two projects, entitled "Improvement of SALW and CA life-cycle management capacity of Ministry of Defense of Kyrgyz Republic" and "Reducing risk of illicit SALW, ammunition and explosives proliferation across border of Kyrgyz Republic", took place on 15 May 2023 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The event aims to raise awareness of the public on the projects' concept, goals, and anticipated outcomes with participation of representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Defense (MoD), the Border Service (BS) of the State Committee on National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as the embassies of donor countries including the USA, Germany and Switzerland.

These multi-year projects aim to assist the MoD and the BS to enhance their capacities in reducing proliferation risks of SALW and CA across national borders and improving their life-cycle management. This will be achieved through strengthening their legal and organizational framework, enhancing training capacity, infrastructure, and information management in line with international standards and the OSCE best practices on SALW.

Notably, the projects were launched in response to Kyrgyzstan's official request for practical assistance in the field of SALW and CA at the 988th meeting of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC) on 13 October 2021. The projects are implemented by the POiB with the substantial support of the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre/ FSC Support Unit, and the donor community including the USA, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

The projects are expected to have a significant impact on the SALW and CA control with the potential to improve the safety and security of lives of millions of people affected by these issues not only in Kyrgyzstan but also beyond its borders. Ultimately, the success of these projects depends on the national ownership as well as collective efforts of all stakeholders involved, including beneficiaries, donor countries, participating states, and implementing parties. The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek remains committed to supporting these initiatives for safer and more resilient communities for the benefit of people in Kyrgyzstan and the entire OSCE region.

Contacts

Kunduz Rysbek
National Press and Public Information Officer
OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek
6 Ryskulov Street
720001 Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan
Office: +996 312 61 24 45 (7113)
Fax: +996 312 61 24 40