On 24 September, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD) hosted a closing ceremony marking the completion of the six-year Stabilization of Tajikistan's Southern Border Region with Afghanistan project. Funded by the European Union's Foreign Policy Instruments with a contribution of EUR 10.6 million, the project has been implemented by the OSCE POiD in close co-operation with the Border Troops of Tajikistan since 2020. It has contributed to enhancing border security and stability while supporting the long-term operational capacity of the Border Troops.
The project delivered a range of important results: more than 2,100 officers, including 120 women, were trained in operational and medical capacities; personal protective and medical equipment, six motor boats, two 4x4 vehicles, three ambulances, generators and map-printing equipment were provided; five classrooms and three prefabricated containerized buildings were refurbished or provided for Border Troops detachments; and a fully equipped hospital unit in Khorog was handed over. Of the 182 CCTV systems provided, 110 were installed, while the Border Troops were equipped with the capacity to independently install these and other cameras.
The closing ceremony brought together the European Union Delegation to Tajikistan, headed by H.E. Ambassador Darski, representatives of the Border Troops of Tajikistan, including Major General Mirzozoda, as well as representatives of UNHCR, UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Since the project's inception, UNHCR, UNICEF and ICRC have played an important role in integrating human rights principles into relevant training activities, contributing to a comprehensive approach to border security.
During the ceremony, OSCE POiD Senior Management highlighted the project's achievements and expressed appreciation for the European Union's substantial financial support, as well as for the strong co-operation established with the Border Troops and partner organizations throughout the project's implementation.
The POiD Officer-in-Charge, Dominik Drasnar, stressed the project's broader significance: "the OSCE is proud to support the National Border Management Strategy through concrete projects that strengthen border security, vital to ensure cooperation and exchange across borders, while protecting communities. Let me stress that such efforts are not only vital for Tajikistan's national security, but also for the stability of the wider OSCE region"
The event concluded with the signing of a donation agreement for the transfer of the project's final assets to the Border Troops of Tajikistan. These included two pickup vehicles equipped with GPS tracking systems, as well as office equipment and other facilities to support border patrol operations and daily duties.
Claudia Ditel (right), Project Manager, and Major General Mirzozoda (left) sign a donation agreement for the transfer of the project's final assets to the Border Troops of Tajikistan.
Participants also had an opportunity to view a photo exhibition showcasing key results from activities implemented by the OSCE team since the launch of the project's first phase.
The completion of the project marks an important milestone in the partnership between the European Union, the OSCE and Tajikistan, supporting security, stability and sustainable capacity-building along Tajikistan's southern border.
