OSCE promotes co-operation in explosive hazards reduction and response in Central Asia

ALMATY, Kazakhstan, 19 November 2013 – A OSCE-organized regional conference Quality and Information Management on Explosive Hazards Reduction and Response started in Almaty today.

The three-day event brings together some 50 technical experts, military officers, practitioners, and non-governmental actors, representing over 15 countries and organizations. The conference is hosted by the Defence Ministry and is held jointly with the OSCE Centre in Astana, the OSCE Office in Tajikistan and the NGO ITF Enhancing Human Security.

Participants will discuss the potential problems stemming from the unsafe handling of explosive hazards, as well as ways to address them through information sharing and technical co-operation. They will also participate in a field visit organized by the Institute of Land Forces in Almaty.

“Reducing the potential threat from explosive hazards requires reliable risk assessment mechanisms, advanced technical know-how, and quality control in order to safely manage the storage and disposal of hazardous material. The exchange of information and co-operation between countries in the region is necessary to mitigate risks and improve security for both people and the environment,” said Jeannette Kloetzer, Deputy Head of Centre at the Centre in Astana.         

“We are interested in sharing experiences with countries and international organizations on addressing explosive hazards issues, in particular, the storage and utilization of conventional munitions,” said Colonel Amangeldy Aubakirov, Head of the Arms Reduction Control and Inspection Activities Support Centre at the Defence Ministry. “Co-operation on the identification of these threats is key to maintaining security and stability in Central Asia.”

Since 2009, the OSCE has been supporting the development of co-operative mechanisms on a technical level among states in Central Asia and Afghanistan on the issue of explosive hazards.