OSCE seminar in Kazakhstan aims at preventing terrorists from crossing borders

ASTANA, 2 June 2016 – An OSCE-supported seminar focusing on the use of a technologically advanced passport verification system, the International Civil Aviation Organization’ Public Key Directory (ICAO PKD), concluded today in Astana.

The two-day workshop brought together relevant experts from migration and border agencies in Kazakhstan in order to acquaint them with the ICAO PKD - a multilateral technical platform enabling the effective validation of electronic security features stored in biometric passports.

Organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the discussion focused on the achievements and challenges of integrating the PKD in Kazakhstan, as well as on the new updates and developments related to the system.

Membership in the ICAO PKD is a proactive approach in fighting international terrorism and preventing the cross-border movement of terrorists because it allows for a fast and effective multilateral validation that an ePassport is genuine.

The OSCE is working to increase the membership and the effective use of the ICAO PKD by organizing targeted workshops focusing on either awareness-raising or facilitating participation for those States wishing to join. Kazakhstan has been a member of ICAO PKD since 2008.

Since the adoption of the OSCE Ministerial Council Decision in 2009 on promoting the ICAO PKD, similar workshops have been held in Albania, Armenia, Moldova, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

To learn about the OSCE Travel Document Security Programme visit: //www.osce.org/atu/73637