From 18-19 September 2017, the regional thematic seminar on the topic “The History of Two Crises: Migration and Violent Extremism. Interrelation of Migration, Education and Development and Prevention of Violent Extremism” was held within the framework of USAID’s project “Dignity and Rights” in Astana. This event was organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in close cooperation with UNESCO, UNDP and with the support of the Library of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The objectivesof the regional thematic seminar were: 1) building the capacity of governments, non-governmental and public organizations in the participating countries to intensify and strengthen preventive measures to counteract radicalization; 2) discussion of approaches to the prevention of extremism through education and development.

Particular attention was paid to the vulnerabilities of migrants, including those who received a ban on re-entry, and their potential to fall under the influence of propaganda for violent extremism. The pushing and attracting factors characteristic of migrants from Central Asia were analyzed based on the results of IOM’s regional assessments "Vulnerability of migrants and the needs of integration in Central Asia".

Government officials/parliamentarians (local and national levels), NGOs, leaders of diasporas and communities, religious leaders, journalists/media representatives, representatives of the private sector, national and international experts from five Central Asian countries attended the seminar. From the NGO "Sana Sezim" participated the social worker Yussupzhanov Shakhlo.