OSCE-supported conference in Uzbekistan underscores need for international and regional co-operation in countering terrorism

TASHKENT, 22 April 2015 – An international conference on fighting terrorism as a transnational threat to security, supported by the OSCE, began today in Tashkent.

The event brings together more than 60 experts from academia, national parliament, judiciary, law enforcement agencies and civil society, as well as representatives from the OSCE, Regional Office for Central Asia of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Anti-Terrorism Centre of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

“Terrorism poses a threat to all countries. It cannot be identified with any nationality or people; it has no homeland,” said Head of Uzbekistan Police Academy, General Shavkat Ikramov. “This conference will help to enhance national policies, programmes, and approaches to tackle terrorism through sharing relevant experiences.”

Local and international experts will consider some key challenges and policy options in preventing and combating terrorism, discussing the importance of promoting interaction and co-ordination in counter-terrorism efforts at different levels.

OSCE Co-ordinator for Addressing Transnational Threats Alexey Lyzhenkov, said: “The stunning rise in the number of foreign terrorist fighters, and the countless attacks by terrorists around the world, are all constant reminders that the only way to effectively confront terrorism is to strengthen international, regional, sub-regional, and bilateral counter-terrorism co-operation, in accordance with international law.”

OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan Ambassador Gyorgy Szabo said: “Effective anti-terrorism programs should be developed and implemented through whole-of government approaches, closely aligned with the efforts of international and non-governmental partners. This threat to our security can only be addressed collectively, most notably through sharing information and good practices.”

The panel discussions will provide an opportunity to develop the knowledge of prosecutors, law makers and law enforcement officers on the international legal framework against terrorism, as well as on the conditions conducive to terrorism. Participants will also discuss the need to uphold human rights and the rule of law in the context of measures to prevent and counter terrorism.

This event is organized in co-operation with the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, as part of the multi-year support provided by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan to the National Police Academy to improve the staff training system for law-enforcement bodies.