The Conference “Return, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of FTFs and Their Family Members: Taking Stock and Way Forward” was organized by RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation in cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 23 April 2024.
In addressing the intricate challenges posed by Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) in South East Europe, RACVIAC and the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina are dedicated to promoting collaboration and dialogue. This conference serves as a vital milestone in consolidating regional endeavours, exchanging knowledge, and formulating strategies that can adeptly tackle the distinct facets of FTFs’ return, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Together, RACVIAC and the OSCE aspire to enhance security and resilience across South East Europe.
The Conference was opened by RACVIAC Deputy Director RADM Predrag Stipanović and Ms Selma Zeković, Chief of Anti-terrorism unit, OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In her Opening Remarks Ms Zeković praised the cooperation with RACVIAC pointeing out that this cooperation has resulted in the jointly organized important regional security and defense events like this one. Referring to the topic of the Conference per se she pointed out that in order to solve the concerns of all of us, we have only one choice: to come together and jointly tackle the issue at hand. That requires an effective partnership between the government, civil society, and religious communities, she concluded.
RADM Stipanović said that this Conference is just a continuation of a series of previously organized RACVIAC activities on the topic of FTFs in cooperation with the OSCE Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He used the opportunity to thank RACVIAC partners for the support they have given in the preparation of this activity.
RADM Stipanović, furthermore, reflected on the aim of the Conference which is to assess the current situation, share insights on ongoing initiatives, and collaborate on the strategy on the way forward: „By bringing together experts, policymakers and practitioners from the region the Conference aims to formulate region-specific solutions that balance security considerations with respect for human rights“.
He also welcomed and thanked all distinguished experts and panellists whose contribution in this event is, he added, undoubtedly invaluable.
The Conference was divided into three parts. The first part included the keynote presentations which consisted of three different topics and it was moderated by Mr Krešimir Mamić, Head of the Counter-terrorism service Zagreb, Croatia: “Overview of the situation of citizens from the SEE region being held captive in Syria”, “Role of civil society in Rehabilitation and Reintegration of FTFs and their family members in SEE”, and, “Programs and challenges related to international assistance in rehabilitation and reintegration in the SEE region”.
Panel One, titled “Criminal Justice Responses to Returning FTFs: Overview of Policy and Practice in South East Europe”, was moderated by Ms Selma Zeković, Chief of Anti-terrorism, OSCE Mission to BA.
Criminal justice responses to relocating or returning FTFs, their affiliates or those inspired or directed by them were discussed during this session. It also tackled the challenges in prosecuting individuals suspected of terrorism in distant conflict areas using evidence collected by the military.
Panel Two, titled “Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programs within and outside the Criminal Justice System: Experience and Lessons Learned”, was moderated by Ms. Jasna Hodžić, Programme Officer, Anti-terrorism, OSCE Mission to BA.
This session deliberated on the experiences gained and insights garnered from handling and supporting returned Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) and their families with a specific focus on women, girls, and boys.
The Conference ended with the Closing remarks which were delivered by Ms Selma Zeković and RADM Predrag Stipanović, who also delivered certificates to the panellists and participants. They expressed gratitude to all attendees for their valuable contributions and participation in the conference. Additionally, they extended best wishes to everyone and wished them a safe journey back home.
The Conference gathered more than 30 participants and experts dealing with terrorism, law enforcement, social protection, education and health from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Hungary, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Türkiye and Kosovo* as well as professionals members of the civil society, international organizations, academia, media and religious communities.
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*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence. (In accordance with Arrangements regarding regional representation and cooperation.)
