LocationsUNDP, Canada, and the Government of Tajikistan Lead Efforts in Preventing Radicalization
July 15, 2024
Government officials, civil society members, spiritual leaders, and international organizations at the "Legal and Faith Basis to Combat Extremism in Modern Tajikistan: Prevention and Rehabilitation" conference supported by UNDP
The expansion of Advisory Groups Nationwide and the Comprehensive Approach to Implementing the National Strategy for countering extremism and Rehabilitation Programs are Discussed.
Dushanbe, Tajikistan – On July 1, 2024, "Legal and Faith Basis to Combat Extremism in Modern Tajikistan: Prevention and Rehabilitation" – a conference that brought together more than 200 participants, including government officials, civil society members, spiritual leaders, and international organizations.
The conference was organized by the Prosecutor General's Office of Tajikistan, in collaboration with the Center for Islamic Studies under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, UNDP in Tajikistan, and funded by Global Affairs Canada.
Prevention of radicalization and extremism is a key area of cooperation between UNDP and the Government of Tajikistan with financial support from donors like Global Affairs Canada, the Government of Japan, and the EU. UNDP plays a crucial role in this area by supporting the development and implementation of national strategies and programs, building the capacities of key national partners, and raising public awareness about preventing radicalization.
UNDP’s support includes providing expertise, establishing advisory regional groups, facilitating the Secretariat's activities to coordinate the national strategy, involving young women and men in these processes, organizing meetings, seminars, and conferences to build the capacity of key stakeholders, and developing critical and analytical thinking skills of vulnerable youth as well as media literacy.
Manuchehr Makhmudzoda, Head of the Center for Countering Extremism and Terrorism at the General Prosecutor’s Office, emphasized the success of the cooperation with UNDP: “Through our partnership, we have successfully established Advisory Groups on the prevention of extremism and radicalization in 8 (eight) pilot districts. These groups serve as vital platforms at the local level to address early signs of radicalization. Expanding these Advisory Groups nationwide is now crucial, as it will significantly enhance our ability to counter extremism and protect our communities.”
It should be mentioned that the event marked a significant milestone in Tajikistan's efforts to combat extremism, aligning with the President's directives and the Strategy on Countering Extremism and Terrorism of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2021-2025 and its Action Plan.
UNDP's contribution to preventing violent extremism focuses on development solutions stemming from the Sustainable Development Agenda (in particular SDG 16), which recognizes the link between peace, stability, and sustainable development. UNDP in Tajikistan also pays special attention to the socio-economic inclusion of youth, given their positive role in preventing conflict, and violent extremism, and strengthening social cohesion.
Spiritual leaders of Tajikistan
In the meantime, the Center for Islamic Studies, the Department of Religion, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of RT, OSCE, GIZ, IWPR, PO Tahlil, and UNDP emphasized the importance of national values, religious tolerance, and combating extremist ideologies.
Discussions covered all aspects of the Strategy on Countering Extremism and Terrorism for 2021-2025 in the Republic of Tajikistan and its Action Plan, rehabilitation programs for returnees from conflict zones (2023-2027), and reintegration programs for individuals with extremist pasts (2024-2028).
The event underscored the need for bilateral and multilateral cooperation to implement these strategies and outlined future international initiatives by Tajikistan to combat extremism and terrorism. This conference underscores Tajikistan's commitment to creating a secure, resilient society by addressing the root causes of extremism through legal, educational, and religious frameworks. The establishment of nationwide PVE Advisory Groups exemplifies proactive measures, setting the stage for a safer future for all citizens.
Shakarbek Niyatbekov, UNDP Tajikistan Governance Cluster Team Leader
“We appreciate the support of our key donors, namely the Government of Japan, Foreign Affairs Canada, and EU, in funding UNDP initiatives to prevent violent extremism in Tajikistan and look forward to continuing fruitful partnerships in this regard,” said Shakarbek Niyatbekov, UNDP Tajikistan Governance Cluster Team Leader. He also highlighted the importance of partnership with the national counterparts such as the Prosecutor’s Office, the Center for Islamic Studies under the President, and the Committee on Youth and Tourism for the achievement of sustainable results in the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization in the country.
Media inquiries: Nigora Fazliddin, Communications Analyst, UNDP Tajikistan, nigorai.fazliddin@undp.org
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