The Department of University Psychological Counseling at the University of Information Technology and Communications (UOITC), in cooperation with the Psychological Counseling Unit at the College of Business Informatics and the Directorate of University Security at the Iraqi National Security Service (INSS), organized a security and awareness workshop titled “Countering Violent Extremism Leading to Terrorism.”
The workshop, which was presented by a specialized team from the Directorate of University Security, reviewed the most prominent dangers of extremism in its various forms. It defined the approved security and awareness methods and procedures to limit its spread, in addition to discussing ways to protect youth from being exploited by extremist discourse and enhancing community awareness to contribute to consolidating security and stability.
The lecturers addressed intelligence and digital efforts in tracking extremist activities and groups, the importance of digital analysis in monitoring suspicious movements, as well as the legal frameworks associated with confronting behaviors that threaten public security in accordance with legislation in force. Highlighting efforts aimed at reducing extremist discourse, the role of religious and community institutions in promoting moderate discourse was emphasized, along with the critical role of the family in protecting youth and mitigating factors of intellectual deviation.
Furthermore, the workshop addressed the dangers of cybercrimes and electronic extortion (cyber-blackmail) and ways to deal with them, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe environment for victims and supporting them confidentially to enhance prevention and community protection efforts.
The workshop concluded by emphasizing that confronting violent extremism is a shared responsibility that requires the integration of security, community, religious, and family efforts, as well as raising awareness among youth to contribute to building a safer and more stable society, in line with the workshop’s slogan: “Together We Protect Our Youth and Build a Safe Society.”