Youth in focus of OSCE Centre in Bishkek conflict prevention work

BISHKEK, 18 November, 2010 - A police training seminar on prevention of juvenile delinquency and a youth football tournament that started today both illustrate the crucial role youth play in conflict prevention efforts, said the Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere.

The OSCE Centre supports both events, which were organized by the Interior Ministry.

"Supporting such events is part of the OSCE Centre's work to foster a relationship of trust and confidence between law enforcement authorities and society, particularly youth, to prevent crime," Tesoriere said.

More than 80 senior police inspectors from across the country are taking part in the three-day training seminar at the Kyrgyz Police Academy.

"Improving the police service's work with young people is a priority for the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. This training seminar, along with other OSCE-supported activities, aims to reduce the crime rate among youth," said Evgeny Cherenkov, OSCE Centre's Police Reform Adviser.

Also today, a two-day youth soccer tournament for teams from youth centres started. The tournament, organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the Interior Ministry, the Football Federation of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the non-governmental organization "Nashe Pravo" aims to build trust between youth and police.