OSCE Centre in Astana supports seminar on countering extremism and terrorism
KARAGANDA, Kazakhstan, 27 February 2013 – The first of two of OSCE-supported training seminars on countering violent extremism and terrorism concluded in Karaganda today.
The two-day seminar was organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana in co-operation with the General Prosecutor’s Office Institute, the British Embassy in Kazakhstan, and public foundation Astana Centre Consulting.
The event brought together more than 50 representatives from law-enforcement agencies and regional authorities to discuss the prevention of violent extremism and terrorism, as well as the identification of factors which lead to radicalism and intolerance in society. The development of a co-ordination mechanism between law enforcement, other state agencies and civil society to prevent violent extremism and terrorrism was also on the agenda.
“Radicalism and terrorism must be countered through joint co-operative efforts. Only then can tangible results be achieved, the threat of terrorist acts be reduced, and casualties prevented,” said OSCE Centre Political Officer Andrew Offenbacher, addressing the training participants. “However, one must remember that anti-terrorist activities that violate international human rights standards have a deleterious effect. It is essential to uphold human rights when fighting terrorism.”
In her welcome address to the participants, Saltanat Tursynbekova, the Director of the General Prosecutor’s Office Institute, said: “Issues related to religion, violent extremism and terrorism are a focus for many government agencies, NGOs and our entire society. It is no coincidence that we invited to today’s discussion state officials and NGO representatives, employees of the judicial and law-enforcement systems as well as leading scholars to share their experience in these fields.”
The seminars are a part of the Centre’s efforts to support Kazakhstan in combating violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism.