OSCE facilitates discussion on preventing terrorist radicalization in Kyrgyzstan

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 29 November 2012 - An OSCE seminar on countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism concluded today in Osh in the south of Kyrgyzstan.

The seminar facilitated an open discussion among over 60 representatives of state authorities and civil society in Kyrgyzstan on how to prevent terrorist radicalization following a multi-dimensional approach in which the respect for human rights and the rule of law is an integral part of security.

"Violent extremism and radicalization remains a potential problem in southern Kyrgyzstan, but it is important when addressing the issues that both security and human rights factors are taken into consideration,” said Ross Brown, the Head of Politico-Military Unit of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

Participants also discussed the factors conducive to terrorism and ways to prevent it.

“Preventing terrorist radicalization requires state authorities and civil society to actively address the social, political and economic issues terrorists exploit to validate their narratives and attract sympathizers and new recruits,” said Mehdi Knani of the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department/Action against Terrorism Unit.

The event, which was jointly organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and financially supported by Germany, was a follow-up to a seminar organized by the OSCE on 28-29 May 2012 in Bishkek.