Practical application of the instruments used in screening of signs of radicalisation, risk and needs assessment of violent extremist prisoners (VEP-specific tools), marginalised and at risk from radicalisation, individual approach to their rehabilitation and their preparation for release, including defining post-release support that will be needed, were in the foreground of a three-day training for prison practitioners from Kosovo Correction Service, which took place on 17-19 June 2024 in Istog, Kosovo.* Front-line staff and management from security and treatment sector in Dubrava Prison and the High Security Prison, along with representatives of the Kosovo Probation Service, and representatives of the Prevention and Reintegration Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, refreshed their knowledge on the core principles of the use of VEP-specific tools and implementation of the treatment and rehabilitation approach in working with this profile of prisoners. They reviewed the techniques for overcoming the most frequent challenges, such as unmotivated, resistant VEPs refusing to engage in any treatment or rehabilitation opportunities. In addition, the participants practiced the implementation of all steps of the pre-release programme and post-release support framework, developed with the help of the Council of Europe, and addressed the main preconditions to piloting of these tools and programmes in Kosovo, such as: creating an institutional infrastructure for the work with offenders; reintegration support; effective coordination between the agencies involved; and especially establishing a working alliance with VEPs as the end beneficiaries of such programmes. Piloting of the tools and programmes in Kosovo is due to begin in July this year. The training was organised under auspices of the Regional Action “Enhancing co-operation in the Western Balkans in managing violent extremism in prisons and preventing further radicalisation after release”, and the third phase of the Horizontal Facility Programme, co-funded by EU and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.  

*All references to Kosovo, whether the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be understood in full compliance with United Nations' Security Council Resolution 1244 and without prejudice to the status of Kosovo.