Mission to Skopje empowers youth to counter radicalization and violent extremism

Involving youth in understanding the causes and how to counter-radicalization and violent extremism is essential for enhancing future prevention efforts and facilitating effective reforms.

Students from law and security faculties at five different universities across North Macedonia took part in a recent training, focused on engaging youth to counter radicalization and violent extremism. The program, organized by the OSCE Mission in conjunction with the Faculty of Security at St. Kliment Ohridski University, took place in Veles, North Macedonia. 

The primary aim of the training was to equip the next generation of security experts and decision-makers with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and counter radicalization and violent extremism. “I learned about the terms of radicalization and violent extremism, and how much weight these words actually carry,” said Makedonka Stojkova, a law student at Goce Delchev University, about her experience with the workshop. “Involving young people in these discussions is essential to strengthen the fight against radicalization and violent extremism.”

Throughout the program, participants were introduced to communication and security concepts to gain a better understanding of the challenges associated with preventing violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism. “The course provided us with insight on how to recognize and deal with radicalization and extremism,” said Arijon Ramadani, a student of the Faculty of Security at St. Kliment Ohridski University. 

In addition to workshops and discussions, the students undertook site visits to bridge the gap between theory and practice. For example, a visit to the Special Police Unit, “Tigers” where they gained insights into its Counter-Terrorism response strategies. They also observed a Red Cross led, inter-agency exercise to counter a civil emergency and its repercussions.

These visits facilitated direct interactions with senior members of key institutions, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Coordinator for Countering Violent Extremism and Counter-Terrorism, and the Agency for Youth and Sport. 

This workshop marks a pioneering effort and part of the OSCE Mission to Skopje’s overall endeavour to further engage youth in discussions on the security sector.