Training Deployment of the OSCE-led Mobile Training Team to address challenges in identifying, preventing and disrupting the cross-border movement of Foreign Terrorist Fighters and other cross-border crimes in the OSCE area

OSCE Mobile Training Team members during an exercise on identifying gendered dynamics in terrorism.

(OSCE/Florian Krejsa) Photo details

Description

The project is managed by the Transnational Threats Department’s Border Security and Management Unit (TNTD/BSMU), as a critical response to international security threats posed by the cross-border movement of suspected foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs), high-risk individuals (HRI), and perpetrators of organized crime. Addressing these threats requires well-trained frontline officers to identify, prevent, and disrupt these risks effectively during the border control checks. Building on efforts begun in 2016, Project Phase II has evolved to create a specialized training program that enhances frontline officers' capabilities, supporting OSCE participating States and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation to ensure both regional and global security. Phase II expands the project beyond basic awareness to offer a targeted, skill-based approach that directly enhances frontline officers’ operational capabilities.

It includes three essential pillars:

Expanded OSCE-led Mobile Training Team (MTT) to include a broader roster of law enforcement and border security experts;
Comprehensive Modular Training Curriculum developed to address real-world scenarios, including five critical modules:
1. Identity Management and Travel Security
2. Behavioural Analysis and Interviewing Techniques
3. Crisis Management
4. Identifying and Addressing Trafficking in Small Arms, Light Weapons, and Conventional Ammunition
5. Countering Trafficking in Human Beings.
Strengthening local ownership and fostering sustainable expertise within national services by providing training-of-trainers and enabling possibility to integrate content of the modules into existing education curricula for long-term impact

Each module is designed to strengthen both individual skills and cross-border, interagency co-operation, with courses integrating human rights principles, gender, and age-sensitive approaches into border security practices. The project’s modular approach offers countries to select training modules that fit their training needs. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, modules can be selected based on the country’s risk profile, existing capabilities, and areas requiring improvement. This approach optimizes resource allocation and ensures that officers receive training that directly enhances their capabilities in addressing specific challenges. Training objectives and learning plan are detailed in the Training Catalogue, available in English, Montenegrin, Russian and Ukraine languages, with an Arabic version underway.

From 2023 throughout 2024 and 2025, MTT deployments will be conducted in pre-selected countries based on specific training needs and requests. The project operates in close co-ordination with OSCE’s TNTD, Conflict Prevention Centre/Forum for Security Co-operation’s Support Unit, the Office of the Special Representative for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings, and OSCE field operations, alongside partners like INTERPOL, UNOCT, and Frontex. This co-ordinated framework ensures synergy across organizations, minimizes duplication of efforts, and maximizes the training impact

Expected Results:

This project aims to equip OSCE participating Stateswith the skills and resources needed to identify, prevent and tackle cross-border threats, including the movement of FTFs, HRIs and perpetrators of organized crime. By expanding the multinational MTT, developing the comprehensive training programme, and delivering specialised training, the project will strengthen the officers’ capacity to address cross-border threats throughout the OSCE region. Additionally, the project promotes a train-the-trainer model, ensuring that officers can independently continue training efforts and pass on expertise within their national systems. By embedding modules in national curricula, participating States will develop a self-sustaining capacity for specialized training and reduce reliance on external support. Courses will integrate human rights principles, along with gender- and age-sensitive practices creating a foundation for ethical and effective border management across the OSCE region. The project will offer platforms for sharing research, operational knowledge, and real-time information among participating States and partner agencies. This will foster a unified, informed approach to regional security and enhance the ability of stakeholders to respond to emerging threats.

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Training Deployment of the OSCE-led Mobile Training Team to address challenges in identifying, preventing and disrupting the cross-border movement of Foreign Terrorist Fighters and other cross-border crimes in the OSCE area

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