Pejanović: Young people are a significant factor in the prevention of violent extremism

The danger of violent extremism and radicalization leading to terrorism in our country is at a low level, but Montenegro is, despite this, seriously committed to facing this challenge, said the State Secretary in the MUP and national coordinator for the fight against violent extremism Dragan Pejanović at the opening of the event Be a responsible partner!, which was organized by the MNE Forum in cooperation with the National Interdepartmental Operational Team (NOT) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth.

A high-quality strategic, normative and legislative framework for the prevention and fight against violent extremism and radicalization has been established in Montenegro, Pejanović announced.

The State Secretary pointed out that violent extremists and terrorist organizations do not choose means to recruit young people for the realization of their ideas and goals, and that education and engagement of all segments of society are key in the fight against extremism. "Children and young people are a sensitive category, and it is the duty of all of us to enable them to grow up in a favorable social environment, so that they become useful members of the social community," Pejanović pointed out.

As he emphasized, special attention is paid to preventive activities, in order to recognize in time the elements of radical behavior that can lead to these negative phenomena. In this struggle, the involvement of all relevant actors of society is needed, especially those who have direct contact with social communities, and therefore greater opportunities for early recognition and suppression of these phenomena.

Pejanović used this opportunity to appeal to young people to be partners with state institutions and the civil sector in this fight, to show a responsible attitude towards themselves and their peers, and of particular importance is the safe use of the Internet and social networks.

During today's event, participants will create recommendations for the prevention and suppression of violent extremism, which will be an integral part of a short brochure, the Youth Manifesto. The brochure will represent the basis for the participants who, after the event, will prepare and conduct workshops with their peers during the Week of Youth Activism in the prevention and suppression of violent extremism in Rožaje, Plav, Nikšić and Podgorica.

The event is carried out within the project Be a responsible partner! - The role of young people in the prevention and suppression of violent extremism, which is financially supported by the European Youth Foundation.