OSCE Centre in Astana supports seminar on countering violent extremism and terrorism

A three-day seminar on countering violent extremism and terrorism began in Atyrau in Kazakhstan on 3 October 2013. The event was organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana in co-operation with the Prosecutor General’s Office Institute.

The event brought together more than 50 representatives from law-enforcement agencies and regional authorities to discuss the prevention of violent extremism and terrorism, as well as the identification of factors which lead to intolerance and terrorist radicalization. The development of a co-ordination mechanism between law enforcement, other state agencies and civil society to prevent violent extremism and terrorism was also on the agenda.

Saltanat Tursinbekova, Director of the General Prosecutor’s Office Institute, emphasized the importance of international co-operation and sharing of experiences: “Today's event will help us discuss problematic questions, effective measures and interdepartmental methods to best address terrorism and violent extremism.”

OSCE Centre Political Officer Colin McCullough, addressing the training participants, spoke about the importance of human rights-based approach to countering terrorism: "Human rights are not only compatible with the fight against terrorism, they are an integral part of this fight. If the government agencies, including law enforcement bodies, respond to terrorism observing the rule of law and human rights, terrorists will not achieve their goals of destabilizing societies.”

The seminars are a part of the Centre’s efforts to support Kazakhstan in combating violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.