OSCE Office in Tajikistan supports incorporating protection of human rights while countering terrorism in law enforcement curriculum

DUSHANBE, 4 December 2009 - A course on how to protect human rights while countering terrorism will become part of the curriculum of Tajik law enforcement agencies following a workshop for instructors held by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), which ended today. 

The new course will be taught starting from next year.

"This occasion marks an important step in integrating a full course on promoting and protecting fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism into the regular curriculum of key national institutions dealing with terrorism issues in Tajikistan," said Kelly Low, ODIHR's Adviser on Anti-Terrorism Issues.

"The initial course is a key element of ODIHR's mandate to provide technical assistance and support to participating States in the development and implementation of effective counter-terrorism strategies."

The workshop brought together 16 law enforcement instructors to discuss ways of promoting and protecting fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. It followed a roundtable discussion on understanding violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism which was held in April.

"The course is an important part of the police reform activities of the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, and represents another example of the co-operation between the OSCE and the Tajik authorities to tackle complex policing issues," added Oliver Janser, Counter-Terrorism and Police Adviser at the OSCE Office.