OSCE presents publication on referral mechanisms for preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism

SARAJEVO, 10 June 2019 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) presented today in Sarajevo its publication on referral mechanisms for preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (P/CVERLT).

The publication, entitled Understanding Referral Mechanisms in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism - Navigating Challenges and Protecting Human Rights: A Guidebook for South-Eastern Europe explains the concept of a referral mechanism for P/CVERLT and provides practical guidance on some basic elements that should always be included in such a mechanism.

Particular focus is placed on a number of critical considerations that policymakers and practitioners need to bear in mind when developing and operationalizing such mechanisms, as well as factors specific to South-Eastern Europe that might affect efforts to develop referral mechanisms for all forms of VERLT.

“This publication represents a valuable tool for assisting policymakers and front-line workers in making informed decisions when establishing referral mechanisms for preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization that leads to terrorism, and to better understand ways in which they translate into practice,” said the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Ambassador Bruce G. Berton. “As such, it will help to ensure that integrated local-level responses are human rights-compliant and that they do not lead to unintended consequences in local communities.”

Samir Rizvo, Assistant Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina said that the development of the referral mechanism would improve prevention and assist in the fight against violent extremism and terrorism, while enhancing protection of human rights and freedoms. “We have to develop our capacities to be capable of recognizing any risk situation and any risk behaviour and in order to be able to respond in an adequate manner through non-criminal structures.” 

This publication was developed by the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department as a response to the need for the development of impactful, sustainable, and responsible policies and programmes to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. Such policies and programmes need to enable a multidisciplinary approach to the identification of those at risk of engaging in violent activities, and to interventions with them.