On 8 December 2023, the representatives of UNODC and the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Kazakhstan visited the Situation Center established at the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The Situation Center is the strategic comprehensive concept that embraces such project initiatives as border liaison offices (BLOs) and computer-based training classes (CBTs). The Situation Center aims to unite all BLOs and CBT classes into a unique information and communication network. Thus, BLOs will become an example of new approaches to equipping border sections and creating a communication network between the relevant departments and the center. The Situation Center will also contribute to streamlining and improving the training activities countrywide via the effective organization of the training processes both online and offline, monitoring, and timely interventions, as well as creating a pool of national and regional trainers. The further development of the Situation Center will also enhance the centralized collection, processing and analysis of operational information received by the border authority and cooperation in information exchange based on intergovernmental and interagency agreements in countering transnational organized crime, smuggling, and breaching national legislation and international conventions.
“We are glad to know that this initiative is practically useful and highly motivates the border staff in enhancing their capacities to duly tackle the various risks that may undermine the border security and sustainability of the whole Central Asian region. The meetings in the format ‘Central Asia + Japan’ prove the essential importance of working together in countering illegal drug trafficking, terrorism, and transnational organized crime,” noted Kanata Tomohiro, Deputy Head of Mission, Counsellor, Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Nygmet Sadykanov, Head of the Situation Center of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, showed the facilities of the Situation Center to the visitors and briefed them on its daily operational activities. It is important to note that the management of the Border Service is planning to relocate the Situation Center to new premises which will be more appropriate for rolling it out to full potential. Meanwhile, with equipment provided to the Situation Center by UNODC within the first phase of procurement, the Border Service monitors and processes information from the regional departments.
Bauyrzhan Absamatov, Deputy Director of the Border Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan, thanked UNODC and the Government of Japan for extensive support in implementing this strategic initiative and expressed strong intentions for further strengthening cooperation in accomplishing this concept and then scaling it up through interlinking with the My Border mobile application and a “Call Center” concept.
Yusuf Kurbonov, UNODC International Programme Coordinator, appreciated the efforts of the Border Service in the successful implementation of the project goals and contribution to creating a positive practical impact in terms of effective border management and fostering communication with the population. He reiterated the UNODC’s plans to support further the development of the Situation Center and emphasized that the concepts of situation and coordination centers at law enforcement agencies, BLOs and CBT classes are the core pillars for the roll-out of the Regional Information and Communication Network jointly with the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre for Combatting Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors (CARICC).
UNODC supports the Kazakh Border Service with the establishment and operation of the Situation Center in the framework of the Regional Project on Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation by Strengthening the Capacity of Border Liaison Offices in Central Asia of Sub-programme 1 Preventing and Countering Transnational Organized Crime of the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022-2025. In 2023, UNODC provided technical equipment for the enhancement of the infrastructure of the Situation Center. Before this, UNODC organized a series of specialized analytical trainings for building capacities of analyst border officers who serve at the Situation Center.
For further information, please contact:
Nurangez Abdulhamidova
Communications and External Relations Specialist
UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia
Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org