From 13 July to 7 August 2026, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, in co-operation with the Prosecutor General's Office of Tajikistan, organized a series of workshops for public servants across Sughd Region.
The workshops supported local efforts to implement Tajikistan's National Strategy on the Prevention of Extremism and Terrorism until 2040 and its Action Plan. A total of 595 government representatives (136 women and 459 men) took part, including 19 deputy heads of districts and towns across the region.
Representatives of local government institutions and civil society, including the NGONGO
non-governmental organization "Javononi Peshsaf", also participated in the initiative. The exchange of experiences provided an opportunity for stakeholders involved in implementing the strategy to discuss common challenges, share practical experience and strengthen co-operation.
The sessions focused on the objectives and priorities of the strategy, its implementation framework and ways to measure progress. Participants examined challenges related to violent extremism and terrorist radicalization and discussed practical approaches to strengthening prevention efforts at the local level.
"Extremist and terrorist organizations are increasingly using social media and other information sources to employ new forms of brainwashing and recruit young people, while existing responses are not always sufficiently effective. The growing use of computer games to disseminate violence, extremism and terrorism among young people is also a growing concern," said Mr. Asliddin Qurbonzoda, Prosecutor at the Unified Information Centre for Preventing Extremism, Terrorism and Cybercrimes under the Prosecutor General's Office.
The role of the education sector in preventing violent extremism among youth was also highlighted during the workshops. Participants discussed human rights safeguards in counter-terrorism efforts, as well as measures to prevent the misuse of the internet and new technologies for terrorist purposes.
"Preventing terrorism and extremism begins in the family, where the foundations of moral and spiritual values are laid. Educational institutions foster knowledge, national self-awareness and civic responsibility, while these values are reinforced in a society built on unity, tolerance and the rule of law. Only through a united society and joint efforts can we ensure peace and stability, sustainable security and a brighter future for generations to come," said Mr. Zafar Tojibekzoda, Prosecutor at the Unified Information Centre for Preventing Extremism, Terrorism and Cybercrimes under the Prosecutor General's Office.
By bringing together local government representatives, law enforcement and civil society, the workshops helped strengthen local capacities and promote a more co-ordinated approach to preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism across Sughd Region. The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe continues to support national and local partners in strengthening their capacity to address these challenges in line with Tajikistan's national priorities.
