With 57 participating States, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organisation and is the primary instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation in Europe, Central Asia and North America. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically but not legally binding basis.
The OSCE has a comprehensive and cross-dimensional 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, persons belonging to national minorities, democratisation, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. See the OSCE website for a full breakdown of all the different roles and structures.
