Abu Dhabi conference discusses terrorism and extremism prevention

ABU DHABI // Experts in criminal justice and law enforcement have met in the capital to develop strategies to prevent terrorism and extremist violence.

The International Conference on Preventing and Countering Radicalisation and Violent Extremism was attended by more than 60 experts, policymakers and civil society representatives, reported state news agency Wam.

It was organised by Hedayah, the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of Hedayah steering board, said conferences such as this were helping put in place legal and judicial mechanisms to develop good practices in criminal justice, as well as measures to address the threat of foreign terrorists.

Maqsoud Kruse, executive director of Hedayah, highlighted the importance in sharing good practices and approaches for preventing violent extremism.

Mauro Miedico, UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch Representative, said, “Terrorism needs to be tackled at its roots and combating it alone is insufficient. We need to seek prevention, especially since violent extremism is not rooted in any specific region, religion, nationality or ethnic group”.

“Military and legal intervention is not enough any more the issue of violent extremism is one involving social, economic, historic and psychological institutions. This is also why centres such as Hedayah focus on research and skill building to generate the expertise and knowledge required for combating this dangerous phenomenon,” he said.

Dr Hatem Aly, of the UNODC Office for the GCC Region, underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between UNODC and Hedayah.

The three-day conference, which began on Tuesday, aimed to produce a list of recommendations for good practices and ways forward in developing ways to counter extremism.