COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM

The Kosovar Center for Security Studies (KCSS) on 9th of December has organized the conference ”Community Involvement in Preventing Violent Extremism” in Gjakova, part of the project ”United Agaisnt Violent Extremism” that is being implemented in a local level in Kosovo.

In this conference, causes and consequences of radicalizaztion and violent extremism in Kosovo in general and in Gjakova in particular, were discussed. The role of youth was emphasized and the need for young people to have extra curricular activities was considered to be one of the major solutions of radicalization and violent extremism of youth. Moreover, it was stated that women need to be empowered and the special role of schools and media in prevention and de – radicalization was noted during the conference.

Part of the panel were:

Z.Skender Perteshi – Researcher at KCSS

Znj.Mimoza Kusari – Lila – Mayor of Gjakova

Z.Kriste Gjokaj – Head of the Police Station in Gjakova

Z.Visar Koshi – Representative of the Islamic Association in Gjakova

This activity is organized in the framework of KCSS programme to counter violent extremism supported by the US Embassy in Prishtina, a project that aims to engage citizens' and community of 11 Municipalities of Kosovo in countering and preventing violent extremism and radicalization in Kosovo.