OSCE supports seminar in Kyrgyzstan on preventing violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism among youth

Some 40 representatives of the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry’s Juvenile Delinquency Inspectorate and the 10th Main Directorate of the Ministry on countering violent extremism participated in an OSCE-supported seminar on preventing violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT) among youth, on 10-12 November 2016 in Bulan-Sogottu village, Issyk-Kul province.

The three-day event organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the Iyman Development Fund and the Interior Ministry’s 10th Main Directorate was aimed at raising public awareness on prevention efforts by fostering dialogue and co-operation between the state authorities and youth. 

During the seminar the participants learned about the possible factors driving radicalization among youth and identified effective tools to prevent this phenomenon and to support young people.

“Young people might become victims of violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. In this regard, public authorities should closely work with them, as well as promote international co-operation to prevent potential threats,” said Pavel Khalashnyuk, Head of Police Affairs at the OSCE Centre. 

In December 2015, OSCE participating States adopted a comprehensive Ministerial Declaration on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism, which emphasizes the need to engage and empower youth.

The seminar was organized as part of the OSCE Centre’s programme on enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s capacity to effectively counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. A similar seminar was held last month in Osh, southern Kyrgyzstan. The events contribute to the OSCE’s United in Countering Violent Extremism (#UnitedCVE) campaign.