OSCE, UNDP Train Border Officials from Afghanistan and Tajikistan on Border Management

Afghan border officers taking part in the group exercise in the Border Management Awareness Course, Dushanbe, 3 September 2015. (OSCE/Ozoda Nurmatova)

DUSHANBE, 3 September 2015 – Twenty three representatives from border agencies of Afghanistan and Tajikistan completed today a ten-day Border Management Awareness (BMA) course at the OSCE Border Management Staff College in Dushanbe.

Experts from the College, OSCE Secretariat, International Organization for Migration, UN Women and the Drug Control Agency of Tajikistan delivered the course, jointly organized with the EU-funded, UNDP-implemented Border Management Northern Afghanistan (BOMNAF) Project.

Participants received up-to-date training on core elements of border controls and co-operation, as well as characteristics of border police as duty-bearers. They gained a better understanding of methods of countering terrorism and movement of narcotics, precursor identification and investigation of supply sources. The course also involved group exercises to help participants improve their practical skills.

“Apart from enhancing professional skills of Afghan and Tajik border officials, this course aims at establishing closer partnerships between neighbours resulting in a greater exchange of information and collaboration in eliminating existing and emerging transboundary threats,” said Dita Nowicka, Director of the OSCE Border Management Staff College.

William Lawrence, EU-BOMNAF Project Manager, observed: “These series of courses offer excellent opportunities for Afghan and Tajik Border Agencies to work together and strengthen communications. They improve regional co-operation and play a key part in our international border management strategy.”