The UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch (UNODC/TPB), together with the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia and in coordination with the Government of the Maldives, held a national workshop on countering radicalization and addressing the phenomenon of the foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) in Male on 1-3 September 2015.
The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding and knowledge of Maldivian officials of counter radicalization practices, along with existing international and national legal frameworks related to FTFs. This was the first event of this nature in the Maldives gathering representatives from all the relevant government agencies involved in counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation. Thirty-nine national officials from various ministries and departments, including representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, home affairs, justice, education, finance, the Department of Immigration and Criminal Justice, as well as law enforcement sectors participated in the workshop.
During the sessions, the Maldivian officials and international experts shared experiences and challenges in countering radicalization in their respective countries. The workshop also addressed soft measures targeted at countering radicalization, including the engagement and empowerment of local communities, de-radicalization, reintegration and rehabilitation approaches, as well as community policing.
Participants were encouraged to share good practices related to the incorporation of relevant legislative and administrative measures into the domestic legislation, including United Nations Security Council resolution 2178 (2014), and of experiences in implementing international and national provisions dealing with FTFs and counter-radicalization. The final session of the workshop was devoted to discussing the country's Anti-Terrorism Bill. UNODC representatives, as well as the Maldivian participants highlighted the importance of ensuring the protection of human rights in their counter-radicalization efforts.
The workshop was organized under the UNODC Global Programme on Strengthening the Legal Regime against Terrorism, with the financial support from the United States of America.