Workshop at OSCE aims to find ways to prevent violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism

VIENNA, 24 October 2008 - How to best prevent radicalization and violent extremism that lead to terrorism was the focus of a workshop held at the OSCE in Vienna today.

During the one-day workshop, organized by the OSCE's Action against Terrorism Unit and funded by the United Kingdom, more than 100 government and international organization officials, counter-terrorism experts and civil society representatives discussed measures that would counter radicalization while complying with human rights commitments.

"Combating terrorism requires minimizing the recruitment of new members by terrorist groups," OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut told participants. "Countering radicalization and violent extremism that lead to terrorism is a strategic area of importance when addressing the terrorist threat."

He also cautioned against associating the workshop's theme with any particular religion or nation. "In today's globalized and interdependent world, no country, community or individual is isolated from the influence of radical and extremist ideology leading to violence."

Ambassador Ian Cliff, Head of the UK Delegation to the OSCE, said violent radicalization and extremism posed a threat to democratic societies and values.

"We are all threatened by radical groups and individuals who adopt terrorism instead of democratic dialogue to achieve their objectives. The OSCE, as an organization dedicated to dialogue and security, has a duty to tackle this phenomenon root and branch," he said.

Raphael Perl, the Head of the OSCE Action against Terrorism Unit, emphasized that the Internet could be used to incite terrorism and recruit terrorists.

"Extremism poses a serious challenge to our societies, and we must protect especially new generations from being affected by violent ideologies," he said. "The danger we face is a transnational one, and international co-operation of the kind promoted by the OSCE is essential here."