Field operations
Most OSCE staff and resources are deployed in the Organization’s field operations, which have been set up with the agreement of each respective host country. The mandates of these offices are tailor-made to fit the host countries' specific circumstances and adopted by consensus of all OSCE participating States. Several field operations have their own regional or field office structure in the host country, or operate training centres.
The OSCE field operations help their host countries put OSCE commitments into practice and foster their local capacities to respond to a wide variety of challenges. Projects and initiatives to support host countries include supporting law enforcement agencies, helping ensure the respect for minority rights, legislative reform, fostering the rule of law and freedom of the media, and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination.
Several offices contribute to the OSCE’s early warning and conflict prevention function, and many field operations monitor and report on developments on the ground to the participating States, helping the OSCE to manage crises and play its critical post-conflict role.
A central role for the OSCE’s field operation work is played by the Organization’s Conflict Prevention Centre, located in the Vienna Secretariat. It co-ordinates and supports the OSCE's activities in the field and has a liaison function between the field operations. It also provides analysis and policy advice for the Secretariat and the OSCE Chairpersonship, and is generally responsible for planning the establishment, restructuring and closure of field operations.
OSCE Presence in Albania
Established on 27 March 1997 with the mandate to promote democratization, the rule of law and human rights, and to consolidate democratic institutions.
OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina
Established on 8 December 1995, the Mission works on human rights, education, the rule of law, gender equality, governance and security co-operation.
OSCE Mission in Kosovo
Set up on 1 July 1999, the Mission has its headquarters in Prishtinë/Priština and maintains five regional offices. It runs a wide array of activities.
OSCE Mission to Montenegro
Established on 29 June 2006, the Mission assists Montenegro with its reform agenda and helps it further strengthen its democratic development.
OSCE Mission to Serbia
The Mission, set up on 11 January 2001, is based in Belgrade and assists Serbia in building accountable democratic institutions.
OSCE Mission to Skopje
Established on 18 September 1992, the Mission’s key priorities are constructive inter-ethnic relations and the 2001 Ohrid Framework Agreement.
OSCE Centre in Ashgabat
Set up on 23 July 1998, the Centre works on a broad array of security issues, from arms control to economic-environmental topics and human rights.
OSCE Programme Office in Astana
Established on 23 July 1998, the Office's work ranges from arms control and border management to economic-environmental issues and human rights.
OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek
Established on 23 July 1998, the Office works in all OSCE dimensions, including the economic-environmental, human and political aspects of security.
OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe
Established on 1 December 1993, the Office works on activities ranging from arms control to disaster risk reduction, good governance and gender equality.
OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan
Active in the country since 1 July 2006, the Co-ordinator helps strengthen legislation and build institutional capacity in Uzbekistan.
OSCE field operations operate under mandates that must be regularly renewed by the Permanent Council. If renewal is not granted or if the Permanent Council decides otherwise, the operation discontinues its work.