DUSHANBE, November 30, Asia-Plus — The European Commission’s Border Management in Central Asia Program (BOMCA) handed over the Computer Based Training (CBT) Centers in the Border Service Second Department on November 29.
During the handover ceremony it was noted that Five CBT sites had already been equipped for the Border Control authorities of Tajikistan through the provision of renovated and equipped training classrooms and CD-ROM based interactive learning software (Second Main Department of Border Guards in Dushanbe, Border Guards Units in Darvoz and Khorog, Counter-narcotics Department of the Ministry of Interior in Dushanbe and the Drug Control Agency headquarters in Dushanbe).
Moreover, five additional CBT sites are being established and equipped with computers and CD-ROM based interactive learning software (namely Training Center of Border Guards in Rudaki District’s “Rissovkhoz”, Customs Training Institute in Dushanbe, Border Guards Units in Khujand, Panj and Ishkashim).
The aim is to implement self-sustaining computer-based law enforcement training programs, creating a flexible and innovative method to deliver training to law enforcement personnel, to effectively counter drug trafficking, money laundering and related cross-border criminal activities. The currently available CBT modules focus, among others, on methods in conducting an inspection under border control posts and checkpoints, methods of inspection in airports and seaports, controlled deliveries and anti-money laundering.
A total cost of this component of BOMCA, implemented by the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia, is 200,000 euros.
Commander of Border Guards also deputy Chairman of the State Committee for National Security, Major-General Sherali Mirzo expressed gratitude to the European Union and the UNODC for the provided technical assistance and noted that the Center would allow raising professionalism of the Tajik border troops and make fight against trafficking in drugs and weapons more effective.
The overall objectives of the BOMCA Program are to enhance security in Central Asia and contribute to an increased flow of persons and legal goods across Central Asian borders. The specific objective of BOMCA is to strengthen the Central Asian states’ capacities in managing their borders in accordance with European best practices. BOMCA is a multi-annual assistance program funded under the European Union TACIS instrument. Components of the program include provision of infrastructure, equipment and training for the staff of law enforcement agencies at selected border crossing points and border outposts on specific transit corridors. Advice on legal reforms and institutional frameworks are subsidiary program components.
BOMCA is funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNDP.
