The OSCE has 56 member states covering the whole of Europe, the Former Soviet Union, the United States of America and Canada. In its region it is the key instrument for early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation. The OSCE's approach to security is comprehensive and co-operative. It deals with a wide range of security issues, including arms control, preventative diplomacy, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, election monitoring and environmental security. These attributes make the OSCE a unique organisation and set it apart from other organisations and institutions in Europe.

Also working within the framework of the OSCE are the following:

• High Commissioner on National Minorities, based in The Hague, who seeks to resolve ethnic tensions which might endanger peace in the region
• The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODHIR), based in Warsaw, which promotes the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and development of democracy and the rule of law
• The Representative on Freedom of the Media (FoM). Established in December 1997 to observe media developments in OSCE participating States with a view to providing early warning of violations of freedom of expression.