Almaty – As part of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Dignity and Rights project, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Central Asia held a regional workshop in Almaty on June 6-7, 2018 on regulating migration and reducing risks of radicalization among migrants for the Consular Services’ Representatives and leaders, representatives of official diaspore organizations of five Central Asian countries in main Destination Countries: Russia Federation, UAE, Turkey and Kazakhstan.  

Representatives from Consular Services and leaders, representatives of official diaspore organizations participated in the workshop, designed to increase their ability to identify the vulnerabilities that drive migrants towards violent extremism and to help reduce the risks of radicalization. Over the course of the two-day workshop, invited experts and participants from all Central Asian countries shared their experiences, best practices and ways to identify the vulnerabilities that can lead migrants to violent extremism. They also discussed possible areas of cooperation and joint approaches to preventing violent extremism in youth, women, families and communities. 

 Invited experts and speakers included: 

• Mr.  Dragan Aleksoski (Senior Regional Emergency and Post-Crisis Specialist, IOM Regional Office in Vienna) shared his experience in dealing with Preventing Violent Extremism and diaspora engagement.
• Ms. Alima Kassenova (Programme Assistant, IOM Kazakhstan) conducted session on international law and protecting migrants’ rights.
• Ms. Chinara Esengul (Central Asian Advisor and Kyrgyzstan Country Manager, Peace Nexus Foundation, Kyrgyzstan) shared her expertise on how to find approach to migrants in protecting their rights and assistance to reduce risks of radicalization among migrants.