Almaty, 23 October 2024 – Terrorism and extremism pose significant challenges to Central Asian states. One essential part of addressing this threat is working with prisoners convicted of extremist and terrorist offenses. How can we effectively prevent radicalization among prisoners and ensure safety both inside prisons and in society after their release?
To address these challenges, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is holding a regional workshop on prison security. Starting from 23rd of October, the event brings together participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to build skills regarding safety, risk management, and the prevention of radicalization in prisons.
The workshop is one key step in a program, run by UNODC and funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism, that aims to make us all safer from terrorism, within the region and worldwide.
Building skills of key staff
Over three days, prison officers from across the region will take part in sessions on vital aspects of prison security. Special emphasis is placed on the assessment and categorization of prisoners, managing control systems, and utilizing modern communication and surveillance technologies. The workshop also covers radicalization prevention, managing prisoners with extremist views, and conducting prison security audits.
By the end of the event, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their work with violent extremist and terrorist prisoners.
Strengthening regional cooperation
Extremism is not an issue that can be tackled by countries working in isolation. This workshop is one of a number organized by UNODC that brings together representatives from penitentiary services across the region. International experts from Bulgaria and Sweden will share best practices in prison security and inmate management, providing opportunities to gain insight from effective approaches from further afield.
Madina Sarieva, Head of the UNODC Program Office in Kazakhstan, said:
"This workshop is a crucial step toward enhancing prison security and preventing radicalization. The joint efforts of Central Asian countries and international experts will help create safer and more stable conditions in penitentiary institutions across the region."
Long-term, wide-ranging change
This seminar is part of the second phase of the UNODC Returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) Detention Program. The program, implemented with financial support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Counterterrorism, aims to enhance the capacity of penitentiary institutions to manage prisoners convicted of extremist and terrorist offenses in Central Asia. It also seeks to prevent the spread of radical ideologies among prisoners, both during incarceration and after their release.
The program plays a key role in enhancing the capacity of Central Asian penitentiary systems to manage prisoners convicted of extremism and terrorism-related crimes. It provides a comprehensive framework for preventing radicalization and improving security in prisons. This increases safety and security within prisons and for wider society, both regionally and internationally.
The program is part of UNODC’s wider work on prison and penal reform worldwide: the organization works with over 50 United Nations Member States to reduce the scope of imprisonment, strengthen prison management and improve prison conditions, and foster the social reintegration prospects of offenders. Prison and penal reform offers benefits not only to the lives of incarcerated individuals but to their families, communities and to society as a whole.