News

Thematic Component: 1. Institutional Development of Border Control Agencies
Country: All region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

From 17 to 19 May 2022, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia held a regional workshop in Tashkent on strategic risk analysis for representatives of the law enforcement agencies engaged in the border management of Central Asian countries. The workshop developed a strategic approach to risk analysis as a key decision-making tool in identifying, assessing and minimising risks.

During the workshop, participants familiarised with the basic principles of the Common Integrated Risk Analysis Model (CIRAM), which establishes a conceptual framework to assist Frontex and EU Member States in the preparation of risk analyses. This system strengthens the capacity of border security and increases the quality of control. Moreover, the use of a unified system improves the quality of information exchange and ensures a platform for a successful fight against cross-border crime.

The experts from the State Border Guard College and the National Customs Board of Latvia introduced the basic principles of CIRAM. The participants were trained in modern instruments and techniques to collect information on strategic management, exchange of information and preparing analytical products. The expert team also facilitated discussions on differences and commonalities among the risk analysis systems in the EU and Central Asian countries.   

Thematic Component: 2. Improvement of Detection Capacities
Country: Kazakhstan

From 17-19 May, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia held a workshop in Nur-Sultan on the investigation of cross-border crimes such as trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. The workshop targeted the representatives of the investigation and criminal intelligence units of the Committee of National Security, Border Service, Ministry of the Interior Affairs Border Guard Academy and Academy of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Kazakhstan, specialising in investigating trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.  This is the second workshop of its kind conducted by the BOMCA Programme in the Central Asian region, following similar activity this year in Kyrgyzstan.

This workshop strengthened the investigation capacities of criminal intelligence officers and investigators of the national security, internal affairs and border guard agencies in the field of cross-border crimes. The workshop looked into the United Nations and European legal instruments for countering trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants as well as novel methods of investigating organised cross-border crimes, profiling and identification techniques of victims of trafficking. Special attention was paid to case studies and practical exercises.

As a result of discussions and analysis of the existing practices, a pocket-size handbook is planned to be developed as a tool to support officers in addressing cases of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

Thematic Component: 2. Improvement of Detection Capacities
Country: Tajikistan

From 11 to 13 May, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia held a workshop in Dushanbe for investigators of cross-border crimes. The workshop enhanced the capacity and capabilities of law enforcement personnel in tackling drug smuggling and drug precursors.

During the workshop, the expert team from the Customs Criminal Service and the Precursors Control and Risk Assessment Division of the Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Department, under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, introduced the European Union’s good practices for drug control measures and investigation of organised cross-border crimes, related to smuggling of drugs and drug precursors.

The workshop covered the main tendencies in drug trafficking, legislative models for drugs and precursors control, various tools and special investigative techniques, as well as case studies related to drug smuggling and the diversion of legal substances for the illegal production of drugs. As a result of the workshop, standard operating procedures on the investigation of drug smuggling and drug precursors will be developed.  

Thematic Component: 3. Facilitation of Trade
Country: Uzbekistan

From 11 to 13 May, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia organised a short-term traineeship in Latvia for representatives of the Customs Institute of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.  The objective of the traineeship was to upgrade the qualification and competencies of the academic and training staff of the Customs Institute.

In the framework of this event, the participants visited the International Business and Customs Institute of Riga Technical University and the National Customs Board of the State Revenue Service of Latvia. Participants were introduced to the training system under the programme “Customs and Tax Administration” of the Riga Technical University and the system for improving the professional qualifications of employees of the State Revenue Service of Latvia. The participants also studying the experience of developing customs areas relevant to the specialisation of the participants.

As part of the activity, participants and experts from Latvia drafted recommendations to improve the training and professional development of customs officers in Uzbekistan and agreed to strengthen cooperation with the academic staff of Riga Technical University in research and development in customs areas relevant to the trainees' specialisations.

Thematic Component: 3. Facilitation of Trade
Country: Kyrgyzstan

From April 26-28, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia organised a technical assistance mission and a roundtable in Bishkek to introduce cooperation models between government institutions and business associations in Kyrgyzstan. The assistance targeted Kyrgyz national professionals from the Customs Service; Ministry of Economy and Commerce; Veterinary and Phyto-Sanitary Security Service; and the Department of Chemicalisation, Plant Protection and Quarantine, under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic and business and trade associations.

Thematic Component: 4. Improvement of Cross-Border Cooperation
Country: All region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

Attention! At 11:00 (Vienna time) on 4 May, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (Phase 10) will host an information session within its Call for Proposals for civil society and non-governmental organisations working in the border regions of the Central Asian states.

Potential applicants will receive detailed information on the technical and administrative aspects of the application process, as well as live answers to their questions during the meeting.

All interested persons can join the meeting at the following link: https://icmpd.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tI9WE8EOTlmi6veuduh-HA 

For detailed information on the requirements and application procedure, please refer to the Call for Proposals Guidelines available at the ICMPD Electronic Application Platform: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/icmpd/aspx/Tenders/Appraisal

The BOMCA 10 team is looking forward to meeting you!

Thematic Component: 3. Facilitation of Trade
Country: Tajikistan

From 26 till 28 April, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia held a national workshop in Dushanbe on trade facilitation for veterinary and phytosanitary services. The workshop assisted national authorities in assessing their trade facilitation measures and trained authorities in the areas covered by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and on sanitary and phytosanitary measures. This is the third workshop of its kind conducted by the BOMCA Programme in the Central Asian region, following similar activities implemented in March of this year in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Thematic Component: 1. Institutional Development of Border Control Agencies
Country: All region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

From April 26-28, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia held a regional workshop on e-learning methodologies in training institutions of the Central Asian border and customs agencies, as well as veterinary and phytosanitary services. The workshop equipped representatives of the training institutions with the necessary skills for the effective use of modern digital educational tools and training methods.

Thematic Component: 4. Improvement of Cross-Border Cooperation
Country: All region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

On 20 April 2022, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia (Phase 10) launched the 1st Call for Proposals for civil society and non-governmental organisations working in the border regions of the Central Asian states. The combined value of the grants under this call will be up to 300,000 EUR.

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