The Integrated Cooperation on Explosive Hazards (ICExH) Programme

The Integrated Cooperation on Explosive Hazards (ICExH) Programme is a flagship initiative of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). We provide a comprehensive framework to support Central Asian participating States in tackling the complex, transnational challenges posed by explosive hazards.

Addressing Shared Regional Threats

While the scale of the threat varies across the region, Central Asian nations and their neighbors face common and serious challenges related to explosive hazards. These threats include:

• Improper handling and misuse: The illicit use, mistreatment, abandonment, and neglect of explosive ordnance.
• Munitions safety: Risks stemming from unsafe storage, handling, and transportation of munitions.
• Criminal and terrorist actions: Threats originating from criminal activities and the actions of terrorist groups.

The ICExH Programme unites expertise and resources to effectively counter these risks, enhancing security and stability across the entire region.

Our Goal and Approach

The core objective of the ICExH Programme is simple: to enhance Tajikistan’s national capacity and support its efforts to improve the explosive hazard situation across all interested Central Asian nations.

This involves critical work in: Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Improvised Explosive Devices Disposal (IED‐D), Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Physical Security Stockpile Management (PSSM), medical training, etc.

At its foundation, ICExH is built on technical cooperation. Our model emphasizes delivering joint training courses that meet international standards, facilitating the exchange of hard-won experience, and maintaining regular communication channels among regional experts. Addressing these threats directly enhances security and promotes stability at both the national and regional levels.

Language of Instruction

To ensure maximum regional accessibility and understanding, all training courses and materials provided through the ICExH Programme are offered in the Russian language. This is the common working language for experts and participants from the Central Asian participating States, allowing for seamless communication and knowledge transfer. The Programme also offers courses in Tajik/Dari for relevant local groups.

Strategic Framework

The ICExH Programme is designed to provide targeted capacity building and technical assistance for explosive hazard risk reduction and response. We actively support regional dialogue by strengthening technical cooperation with participating States.

This collaborative approach focuses on two main outcomes for Central Asian nations:

• Increased National Capacity: Working with our international training partners, we help states build their own national capacity for integrated explosive hazard risk reduction in line with international standards.
• Expert Network Participation: We facilitate participation in a structured programme for the exchange of best practices. National experts and personnel are provided opportunities to join exchange programmes, become members of a dedicated expert network, and gain access to vital technical information and training materials.

Partnerships

The success of ICExH relies on a robust network of domestic and international partners:

OSCE Coordination

• OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (POiD): The Office supports regional engagement and manages the ICExH project through its countering security threats unit, handling resource mobilization and extrabudgetary contributions.
• OSCE Field Missions and Secretariat: Field Missions ensure effective implementation through regular contact with national authorities. The POiD also collaborates closely with the Conflict Prevention Centre and other relevant thematic units of the OSCE Secretariat.
• OSCE Participating States in Central Asia: Our beneficiaries are the relevant national agencies—including Ministries of Defense, Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations, and National Mine Action Agencies—who are the primary recipients of all trainings and exchange opportunities.

Training Implementing Partners

The ICExH Programme works with qualified and certified institutions globally:

• U.S. Army Central Command (U.S. ARCENT): Since 2014, U.S. ARCENT has been a long-standing partner, providing assistance in personnel training and aid for EOD Levels 1, 2, and 3.
• Belgian Defense Staff: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025 formally established a framework for partnership with the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Belgium, expanding our network of external training partners.
• Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) - James Madison University (JMU): We are working closely with CISR-JMU to strengthen the managerial capacity of the regional training center and pursue international accreditation, focusing on business plan sustainability and capacity development workshops.
• Certification: All trainings are certified by the Tajikistan National Mine Action Centre (TNMAC) and the relevant Agency for Supervision under the Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Training Host

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Tajikistan hosts all trainings at the facilities associated with the established Regional Explosive Hazards Training Center (REHTC). The Ministry continues to leverage the ICExH Programme for the REHTC's further development and sustainment, a vision the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe actively supports through the modernization of its training facilities.

Donor Community

As an extrabudgetary project, the ICExH Programme's vital work is entirely dependent on the generous support of the donor community.