A major security operation is in place for the event at the RDS Simmonscourt Arena - with some traffic restrictions.

More than 1,500 delegates from over 70 countries are at the Ministerial Council - including more than 50 Foreign Ministers.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and the British Foreign Secretary William Hague are among those in attendance.

The Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore is hosting the OSCE Ministerial Council - the largest event of its kind held in Ireland. 

Protest due to take place before meeting

Frontline Defenders are set to protest outside the building, holding a silent vigil before the ministerial meeting.

The group wants to highlight 10 cases of human rights defenders who have been imprisoned, tortured and killed in countries from the OSCE region - and they want leaders to take action.

The Gardai have stated that they are well prepared to deal with any protests that are staged.

Mary Lawlor is the Executive Director of Front Line Defenders: