OSCE contributes to Kyrgyzstan’s efforts in preventing extremism and radicalization through community policing

BISHKEK, 4 October 2011 – A two-day workshop on how community policing can help counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, organized by the OSCE Secretariat and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, in co-operation with Kyrgyzstan’s Interior Ministry, started today in Bishkek.

The workshop aims at promoting the development of partnerships between the police and civil society in Kyrgyzstan, mainly through the use of community policing tools, to jointly counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism, as well as to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.

About 60 representatives of the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry and other state bodies, non-governmental organizations, as well as their counterparts from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan will take part at this workshop.   

The Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, said: “Good co-ordination and trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies are crucial for maintenance of security in the country and in the whole region. This international workshop will become a platform for sharing international expertise and for elaboration of efficient ways of co-operation between relevant agencies in Central Asian states. Close ties and co-ordination can make our joint efforts to combat one of the strongest threats of our days efficient and fruitful.”

Zarylbek Rysaliev, Interior Minister of Kyrgyzstan, said: “Strengthened partnership between the police and the civil society will help prevent problems arising from violent extremism. This forum will encourage all stakeholders in Kyrgyzstan’s society, including non-governmental organizations and governmental structures, to get closer involved in the preventive work of law enforcement bodies aimed at ensuring security and safety of people.”
                 
The event is part of the Community Policing Project organized by the OSCE Secretariat’s Strategic Police Matters Unit, the Action against Terrorism Unit and by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek as part of the Police Reform Programme.