OSCE supports national seminar on a whole-of-society approach to prevention of violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism in Serbia

A two-day national seminar on a whole-of-society approach to preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT) concluded on 26 November 2021 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Held in a blended format and organized by the Serbian Ministry of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue in co-operation with the OSCE Mission to Serbia and the OSCE Transnational Threats Department’s Action against Terrorism Unit (TNTD/ATU), the seminar aimed to inform the review process of Serbia’s National Strategy for the Prevention and Countering of Terrorism for 2017-2021 and the development of the next National Strategy in 2022.

Around 70 participants came together to share good practices in the implementation of a whole-of-society approach to P/CVERLT in the local context and to advance an inclusive approach to the process of reviewing and developing National Strategies.

“A participatory, consultative and transparent approach is important for a successful process of policy making and its implementation,” said Jan Braathu, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia.

“The OSCE Mission remains a committed partner to Serbia, and is ready to continue to support the efforts of a wide range of stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society and academia in preventing extremism and terrorism. Ultimately, this strengthens the safety and security of all citizens in Serbia,” Braathu continued.

The seminar provided a platform for dialogue between civil society, the security sector and other government representatives, as well as academia, and experts from international organizations, such as the OSCE, EU and the UN. The discussion provided an opportunity to enhance multi-agency co-ordination among state authorities and collaboration between government and non-governmental actors.

“The goal of this Seminar is to provide a platform for dialogue and co-operation between the public and the civil sectors and to receive support from international experts, in the implementation of the whole-of-society approach to preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism,” said Žarko Stepanović,  Assistant Minister of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue.

Special attention was given to human rights based approaches in addressing all forms of violent extremism, integration of gender perspective in P/CVERLT programming and the safe engagement of young persons in the prevention of violent extremism.

Anja Jokic from the National Youth Council of Serbia stressed the importance of developing security policies and activities with youth input. "Young people have specific security needs and problems that require a unique approach. Though young people are an important part of our society, with great potential, the voices of youth often remain unheard. It is necessary to develop policies at all levels not only for, but also with young people," she stated.

Pursuant to the OSCE Ministerial Council Declaration No.4/15 and in support of the UN Action Plan to Prevent Violent Extremism, the OSCE has supported more than a dozen national seminars at the request of participating States. The seminars have stressed the importance of collaboration between government, civil society and the communities to find local solutions, rooted in international human rights, as well as to prevent violent extremism and protect communities from terrorist recruitment.