Prevention of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism for first responders focus of OSCE Mission to Montenegro workshops

In close co-operation with the National Coordinator for Countering Violent Extremism, from 26 to 28 October 2021, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro organized a series of workshops on prevention of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism for first responders.

The workshops were organized in Budva, Kolašin and Podgorica, gathering teachers, youth and medical workers of local health centres, employees of centres for social work, as well as representatives of religious organizations, local media and local self-government units from the northern, central and southern regions of the country.

With the aim to strengthen capacities to identify, prevent and combat radicalization and violent extremism, the participants discussed concepts and types of extremism and radicalization, prevention and use of the internet. Marija Đorić, Research Associate at the Institute for Political Studies in Belgrade and author of the handbook for recognition, prevention and suppression of radicalization and violent extremism among students, facilitated the workshops.

Stephen Harmon, Mission’s Security and Co-operation Acting Programme Manager, said that first responders should be especially proud of their contribution to society on a daily basis. “Experience has taught us that preventing violent extremism requires commitment from all of society. As first responders, you are in daily contact with people who are vulnerable to influence that can lead to violent extremism,” said Harmon.

Rade Milošević, State Secretary at the Ministry of Interior and National Coordinator for the Prevention and Suppression of Violent Extremism, said that although violent extremism is not specific to a particular age, gender, group or community, young people are the ones most vulnerable to messages from violent extremists and terrorist organizations. “The dynamic of extremist groups is such that it offers them a sense of belonging, inclusion, equality and meaning. Education is the best tool to prevent violent extremism, build youth resilience to it and foster a positive sense of identity and belonging,” said Milošević.

This activity was a continuation of 2019 and 2020 Mission’s workshops for educators and youth on prevention and combating violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism.