Film transcript / en

What is the OSCE?

Text from the film’s caption track.

This transcript has not been checked word for word against the audio and does not describe all visual information.

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0:07 With 57 participating states in Europe, Asia and North America,
0:12 the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is the world’s largest regional security organization.
0:20 The OSCE is an inclusive forum for dialogue on security issues
0:25 and a platform for joint action to improve the lives of individuals and communities throughout the OSCE area.
0:37 The OSCE’s approach to security is comprehensive and its engagement covers many relevant areas:
0:44 from hard security issues such as conflict prevention and arms control,
0:48 to fostering economic development, ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources,
0:53 and promoting full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
0:59 The OSCE traces its origins to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe,
1:04 which led to the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975 –
1:09 a ground-breaking agreement that established ten fundamental principles for governing relations between states,
1:15 focusing on co-operation and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
1:21 Today, the OSCE is an intergovernmental organization
1:25 in which all 57 participating States work as equals.
1:30 Decisions are taken by consensus, on a politically binding basis.
1:35 Each year, a different participating State chairs the Organization,
1:39 with that country’s foreign minister serving as Chairperson-in-Office.
1:43 A Ministerial Council meeting is held annually to review OSCE activities and provide overall direction,
1:50 while ambassadors meet each week in Vienna at the Permanent Council
1:53 and the Forum for Security Co-operation.
1:58 The OSCE has several structures, each with its own area of competence and mandate.
2:04 The OSCE Secretary General acts as the representative of the Chairperson-in-Office
2:09 and supports him or her in all activities aimed at advancing the goals of the OSCE.
2:15 The Secretary General is also the Organization’s chief administrative officer
2:20 and heads the Secretariat, based in Vienna, which directly supports the Chairmanship.
2:27 As a tool of conflict prevention, the High Commissioner on National Minorities, based in The Hague,
2:32 uses quiet diplomacy and early action to seek resolution of ethnic tensions
2:37 that might endanger peace, security and stability.
2:42 The Representative on Freedom of the Media, based in Vienna,
2:45 provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom,
2:50 and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments.
2:56 The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, based in Warsaw,
3:01 promotes respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,
3:05 strengthens democratic institutions and promotes tolerance and non-discrimination,
3:10 and acts as the OSCE contact point on Roma and Sinti issues.
3:16 The Parliamentary Assembly brings together more than 300 lawmakers
3:20 from the parliaments of OSCE participating States
3:24 to promote inter-parliamentary dialogue and co-operation.
3:28 Most of the OSCE’s staff and resources are deployed in field operations
3:34 that support their host countries in the implementation of their OSCE commitments.
3:38 Or, like the Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, are engaged in crisis management or conflict prevention activities.
3:47 The OSCE helps to bridge differences and build trust –
3:51 at no time in recent history has this mission been more vital for European security than it is today.
3:58 In times of growing division within Europe
4:01 and increasingly complex transnational and global threats and challenges,
4:05 the OSCE remains a key regional platform for inclusive dialogue and joint action.