Our work

Fields of work

Under its comprehensive approach to security, the OSCE structures its work into three, equally important, dimensions: the politico-military, economic and environmental, and the human dimension. Operationally, this concept translates into 23 fields of work in which we are engaged.

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Our approach to security

Politico-military dimension

Representing what became known as ‘Basket I’ of the Helsinki Final Act 1975, the first dimension includes ten principles dealing with such issues as confidence-building measures and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Within the politico-military dimension, the OSCE seeks to create greater openness, transparency and co-operation and has developed the world’s most advanced framework of arms control and confidence- and security-building measures. Areas of work include reforms in the security sector and the safe storage and destruction of small arms, light weapons and conventional ammunition.

Economic and environmental dimension

The second dimension represents Basket II, dealing with co-operation in the field of economics and the environment.

Recognizing that economic and environmental factors can pose threats and challenges to security and stability, the OSCE supports its participating States in promoting good governance and environmental awareness, tackling corruption and sharing natural resources, and in the sound management of environmental waste.

Human dimension

Co-operation in humanitarian and related fields are subject of the third dimension, representing Basket III.

Based on the conviction that lasting security cannot be achieved without respect for human rights and functioning democratic institutions, the OSCE helps its participating States with a broad array of commitments in this field: strong democratic institutions; genuine and transparent democratic elections; gender equality; respect for human rights, media freedom, rights of national minorities and the rule of law; as well as tolerance and non-discrimination.

Cross-dimensional work areas

Security issues that cover two or more dimensions.

Several security challenges affect two or more dimensions, such as education, gender equality and youth-related issues, while others are transnational, including the fight against trafficking in human beings, as well as challenges resulting from migration. The OSCE promotes stronger co-operation between its participating States, creating private-public partnerships and engaging civil society.