Centre Director is Special Rep on radicalisation

The head of the research centre on extremism based at King's College London, Professor Peter Neumann, has been appointed Special Representative on Countering Violent Radicalisation to the Office of the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE). Professor Neumann who is Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) , was appointed to the post by OSCE Chairman and Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz today. OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization working towards global stability, peace and democracy and comprises 57 participating states across three continents. OSCE said the appointment was part of its renewed efforts 'to address the alarming phenomenon of growing radicalisation and violent extremism, especially among young people.' 'Massive threat' 'More than 10,000 people from the OSCE area served as foreign terrorist fighters. They not only create inconceivable suffering, but are also a massive threat to our internal security when they return,' said Minister Kurz. He has identified fighting radicalisation as one of the top priorities of Austria's OSCE chairmanship. 'We must enhance our common efforts in identifying and addressing root causes and triggers for the seduction and radicalisation of young people.