Cross-Dimensional Approaches to SSG/R

For the OSCE to implement a cross-dimensional approach in the field of SSG/R and to effectively support national reform processes in a comprehensive manner, joint efforts by actors in all three dimensions are needed and should be pro-actively sought in all related activities, irrespective of whether the activities “institutionally” fall under one dimension or another.

There is a risk that the cross-dimensional approach may be understood in terms of actors from each dimension providing support in their own area of SSG/R without seeking to understand or contribute collectively to a common objective or to build on related synergies. It is thus necessary to move beyond a “one-dimensional” approach to ensure that appropriate links between the dimensions are identified and supported. In a country-specific context, a cross-dimensional approach requires that common goals be set, to which actors in all dimensions contribute in order to maximize the overall impact. Support from senior management to establish strategic frameworks will be necessary to implement such an approach, starting from the programmatic planning stage.

Ultimately, the purpose of supporting cross-dimensional approaches to SSG/R is to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and impact of OSCE support. Furthermore, cross-dimensional approaches provide legitimacy to the OSCE when raising awareness among national actors about the need to adopt a comprehensive national approach to SSG/R.

While many OSCE commitments call for a cross-dimensional approach, cross-dimensionality may not always be achieved in practice. Many SSG/R activities might be treated under the first dimension, thereby neglecting pertinent contributions from the other two dimensions.

Additionally, some activities are not always institutionally led by one dimension but cut across several dimensions, known as cross-cutting activities. This is the case, for instance, with OSCE activities to combat human trafficking, to counter terrorism or to promote gender equality and human rights in the security sector, all of which require expertise from all three dimensions. While some of these cross-cutting issues, like gender or human rights, are addressed in first dimension activities, they are at times simply tacked on at the end of a process, rather than being mainstreamed throughout it, starting from the planning stage. Likewise, opportunities to strengthen good governance of the security sector have sometimes also been missed because the issue is seen as only relevant to the second dimension.