On 25 November, Bishkek hosted the Regional Scientific and Practical Conference on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Prisons. Organized by the Kyrgyz Prison Service and Ministry of Justice, with the support of UNODC, the event gathered over 100 national and international experts to address the pressing challenge of preventing the spread of extremist ideologies within penitentiary systems.
Opening the conference, Aiaz Baetov, the Minister of Justice of Kyrgyzstan underscored the shared nature of this challenge: "Today, addressing violent extremist tendencies in prison systems is not just a problem for Kyrgyzstan—it is a global concern requiring innovative and collaborative solutions."
Participants from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Bulgaria, and Romania exchanged experiences and discussed effective approaches to managing violent extremism in prisons. Presentations revealed the critical importance of prevention strategies, including educational and psychological interventions to reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies among inmates.
Experts also focused on de-radicalization and rehabilitation efforts. International experts from Bulgaria, shared examples of successful programs designed to disengage individuals from extremist beliefs and reintegrate them into society. Kyrgyz specialists complemented these insights by presenting their own efforts to build resilience through tailored support for prisoners.
Another highlight of the event was the discussion on digitalization in prison systems. Innovative tools for assessing risks and managing prison operations were showcased, reflecting the growing need for technology in modern penitentiary practices. These discussions were bolstered by insights from the EU-UNODC project Justice for All, which aims to enhance justice and security across the region.
The conference also underscored the importance of continuous training for prison staff. Participants emphasized that equipping personnel with skills in dynamic security and modern rehabilitation methods is essential for effective prison management.
By the end of the day, participants had developed recommendations to strengthen regional cooperation, advance policies for de-radicalization, and improve reintegration programs for individuals convicted of terrorist-related offenses. The outcomes of the conference marked a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by violent extremism in prisons and reaffirmed the shared commitment of Central Asian countries to fostering safer and more secure societies.
This event is a testament to UNODC’s unwavering dedication to supporting member states in countering violent extremism and building sustainable solutions for the region.
The conference was organized as part of the Returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters Detention Programme (Phase II) with financial support from the U.S. State Department's Counterterrorism Bureau and the European Union.
