UNRCCA AND UNOCT ASSISTED TURKMENISTAN ON DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL STRATEGY ON PREVENTION OF VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND COUNTERING TERRORISM FOR 2020-2024

10 Dec 2019

UNRCCA AND UNOCT ASSISTED TURKMENISTAN ON DEVELOPING THE NATIONAL STRATEGY ON PREVENTION OF VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND COUNTERING TERRORISM FOR 2020-2024

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On December 6, 2019, at the expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, His Excellency President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved the adoption of the National Strategy on Prevention of Violent Extremism and Countering Terrorism for 2020-2024, which was developed with the support of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia and the UN Counter-Terrorism Office.

On December 10, 2019, in Ashgabat, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Natalia Gherman took part in a roundtable dedicated to the adoption of the National Strategy of Turkmenistan and its implementation. The round table was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and attended by senior officials of relevant ministries and agencies, as well as the Permanent Representatives of Turkmenistan in the international organizations.

The development of the Strategy was initiated by Turkmenistan, taking into account international best practices in countering violent extremism and terrorism, including the basic principles outlined in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the recommendations of the Executive Directorate of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee. The experience of other countries in the region and neutral states was also taken into consideration. The strategy reflects relevant areas such as migration, border control, the Internet, terrorist financing, socio-economic and political aspects, as well as human rights and the rule of law.

While developing the National Strategy of Turkmenistan, special attention was paid to the principle of a comprehensive approach. For these purposes, a working group was established which included representatives of twenty-four government structures and public associations.

In her statement, Special Representative Natalia Gherman noted that “Turkmenistan, by adopting the Strategy, has demonstrated to the international community the seriousness of its intention to counter the violent extremism and terrorism in accordance with the principles of national and international law.”

UNRCCA and UNOCT will assist Turkmenistan in coordinating an action plan to implement the provisions of the National Strategy.