CIS Countries and International Organizations Join Efforts to Develop Deradicalization Mechanisms

An international roundtable devoted to deradicalization and the reintegration into normal life of individuals previously involved in terrorist and extremist activities was held at the IPA CIS headquarters. The event brought together parliamentarians, representatives of relevant ministries and agencies, academics from CIS Member States and other countries, as well as experts from international organizations.

The roundtable was organized by the IPA CIS and the CIS Basic Organization for Research of Problems of Countering Terrorism and Other Manifestations of Extremism (FSB SRC). The discussion was moderated by the FSB SRC Head Alexey Maruyev.

The central theme of the discussion was the development of clear mechanisms for helping individuals who have served their sentences and returned from armed conflict zones reintegrate into law-abiding society.

Participants emphasized the need for a non-standardized, individualized approach and for comprehensive psychological, educational and professional rehabilitation with the involvement of civil society institutions.

IPA CIS Council Secretary General Dmitriy Kobitskiy addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. He stressed that, under current conditions, security measures alone are no longer sufficient.

At the conclusion of the roundtable, participants discussed the concept of draft Recommendations on the implementation of deradicalization measures and the promotion of social reintegration. The participants agreed that work with individuals returning from armed conflict zones requires a highly individualized and non-standardized approach, and supported the need for the prompt institutionalization of deradicalization activities as an independent area of public policy.