MEDIASTRATEGY
The Fergana Valley has long been considered a region fraught with conflict. Ethnic relations and competition for natural resources are traditionally seen as factors that cause conflict. Of particular concern is the fact that if a conflict takes on an ethnic or religious dimension, it becomes very difficult to rid it of these aspects in the future. In such conditions, violent extremism is one of the serious security problems. However, measures taken only from the point of view of ensuring security are insufficient to counter the threat. They may even exacerbate the problem. A more effective approach is recognized as prevention of extremism with a long-term perspective.
In order to counter the spread of ideas of violent extremism leading to radicalization, interethnic hostility, and terrorism, a regional media strategy has been developed within the project, which will be jointly used in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
As part of the project's activities, a regional media strategy has been created based on previously conducted research, "Consolidation of the Actions of State Structures, Media, and Civil Society of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan to Strengthen Friendship, Interethnic Accord, and Tolerance, to Form an Unacceptable Attitude towards Extremism Leading to Radicalization, Conflicts, and Terrorism," aimed at assisting in planning communication campaigns of state bodies, NGOs, media representatives, religious leaders, and civil society with the aim of promoting issues of tolerance and peace in the Fergana Valley and in the transboundary regions of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Trainings
Building the capacity of journalists and members of the media field in conflict-sensitive, peace journalism to make societies more resilient to radicalization and extremism.
During the 3-day training, participants will learn the basic principles of peace and positive journalism to prevent radicalization, raise awareness of the roots of violent extremism and the importance of good understanding, and build the capacity of local civil society and mutual understanding among citizens in the border regions. Training participants will gain knowledge that will help eliminate conflicts in a non-violent way and promote peace and stability in the region. The trainings will take place in the three countries participating in the project.
Subgrants
Building the capacity of journalists in non-violent reporting.
Ideas for media projects to participate in an open competition among journalists of border areas of the Fergana Valley to receive small grants for the production and distribution of a series of media products raising public awareness about inter-ethnic and inter-religious tolerance, prevention of radicalism and issues of good neighborliness and interethnic harmony between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Regional forum dedicated to presenting the media strategy developed as part of the project aimed at consolidating efforts to strengthen friendship, promote interethnic harmony and religious tolerance, and form an unacceptable attitude towards radicalization and extremism in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Among the objectives of the media strategy, developed with the participation of experts from the three countries, is to unite the efforts of government structures and civil society by strengthening the media within a comprehensive and coordinated approach to countering the spread of extremist ideas among young people leading to radicalization, interethnic strife, and terrorism. The implementation of this strategy is planned to be supported by the government and other sources of financing, national grants, as well as grants from international funds and organizations.
The forum was attended by national and international experts, representatives of government structures, civil society institutions, youth, media, and NGOs.
Participants discussed topical aspects of promoting mutual understanding, strengthening friendship and good neighborly relations, religious tolerance, and preventing radicalization, as well as increasing awareness of the roots of violent extremism and building the capacity of local civil society and media communities in the border regions of the three countries - Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.
