UNODC supports the Tajik Border Troops in countering terrorism and extremism

UNODC supports the Border Troops of the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan in strengthening capacities in countering terrorism and radical extremism, including through the relevant training of border officers. 

From 20 to 24 July, fifteen operative officers from the divisions and units of the Border Troops were trained on investigative work at border areas.

The training was delivered by the national experts from the Border Troops who have longstanding expertise in conducting similar trainings.

In his opening speech, Mr. Michael Kopper, the Border Security and Law Enforcement Adviser, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Office at the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, highlighted the nexus between terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and weapons smuggling. He pointed out that the successes of the Tajik Border Troops in countering those threats at the regional level would provide tangible benefits for the world.

“We thank UNODC and the US INL for organizing and funding similar trainings aimed to increase the border officers’ knowledge in countering terrorism and extremism which they will share with their colleagues to perform their daily activities in the field more effectively,” noted Colonel Khushvakht Kishvarsho, Deputy Commander of the Border Troops. 

During the training, the officers reviewed legislative acts and the Criminal Code’s articles regulating terrorism and extremism in Tajikistan and learned about the peculiarities of interaction between law enforcement agencies of Tajikistan in fighting terrorism and extremism, among others.

“With all the contributed efforts, we hope this course will ultimately support the Border Troops in improving operative activities related to countering terrorism and extremism in the border management work and will strengthen the operative support system of the Border Troops,” said Mr. Shah Salman Khan, Project Coordinator, UNODC Programme Office in Tajikistan, in his concluding remarks. 

 

The training was conducted as part of the Initiative on Strengthening Control along the Tajik-Afghan Border under the UNODC Programme for Central Asia 2022-2025. The initiative aims to enhance the Border Troops’ capacities to counter transborder crime effectively. It is in line with the National Border Management Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2010-2025.

The initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).  

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Nurangez Abdulhamidova

Communication and External Relations Officer

UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia

Email: nurangez.abdulhamidova[at]un.org