OSCE Programme Office supports international roundtable discussion in Kazakhstan on countering terrorism

ASTANA, 22 September 2016 – Current trends in international terrorism and ways to prevent young people from engaging in violent extremism and radicalization were among the topics of an OSCE-supported international roundtable discussion, which took place today in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event was co-organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in co-operation with the Mazhilis (lower chamber) of Parliament and the National Security Committee.

Some 120 parliamentarians, the Chair of the Mazhilis of Parliament, Deputy Chair of Senate of Parliament, Chairs of Parliamentary Committees, Deputy Chair of the National Security Committee, the Religious Affairs and Civil Society Minister, the Deputy Prosecutor General as well as representatives, of the Supreme Court, Ministries of the Interior, Religion Affairs and Civil Society, national and international experts, leaders of religious congregations as well as civil society, media and political parties representatives reviewed the factors underlying violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism and the ways to effectively address this threat.

They discussed proposed amendments to the Draft Law on Introducing Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Countering Extremism and Terrorism. An expert from the Russian Federation shared his country’s experience on countering terrorism as well as effective methods to deter youth from violent extremism.

“Countering terrorism and extremism is a key element of the national policy on ensuring security,” said the Chair of the Mazhilis of the Parliament Nurlan Nigmatullin. “This roundtable brings parliamentarians, representatives of civil society organizations, political parties and journalists together to comprehensively discuss the effective ways to prevent and counter this threat and elaborate concrete recommendations to the draft law amendments.”

Ambassador György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana noted the need for action to combat terrorism and emphasized the Office’s readiness to provide support including expertise. “Working across borders and with all elements of our society is of such importance if we are to succeed.”

Per a request from the Mazhilis Committee for International Affairs, Defence and Security of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights ODIHR will provide expert legal analysis of the proposed changes in the legislation before the second reading of the draft law amendments.

The event is part of the OSCE Programme Office’s multiyear efforts to assist the host country in countering violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism with due regard for human rights and fundamental freedoms.