An Integrated Communications Approach in Tajikistan

Supporting the Governments of Tajikistan in improving its awareness of P/CEVE strategic communication approaches and tools for preventing and countering extremism and violent extremism through a new communication strategy to complement the Government’s Strategy and Action Plan on Countering Extremism and Terrorism 2021-2025.

This initiative focused on strengthening institutional capacities, developing a comprehensive communication strategy, supporting effective campaign implementation, and enhancing government-led monitoring mechanisms. Following Hedayah’s recommendation, an official ‘Secretariat’ was established by a Presidential Decree, tasked with steering, coordinating, and evaluating the implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan. It also launched a nationwide strategic communication campaign, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, directly supporting national counter-extremism objectives.

Equipping credible religious and community leaders with counter-messaging strategies to refute extremists’ and violent extremists’ narratives and develop contextualized and effective campaigns. In close coordination with Government institutions, civil society organizations, and credible voices, the initiative has successfully trained 39 credible religious and community leaders.

It also developed a comprehensive curriculum in Tajik, endorsed for nationwide dissemination at the request of the ‘Committee of Religion, Regulation of Traditions, Celebrations, and Ceremonies’ of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. The counter-messaging content was tailored for vulnerable communities across the country, addressing issues such as reintegration of Daesh returnee families, youth radicalization, and misinterpretations of religious texts.

Through the program, religious and community leaders designed a campaign to support the reintegration of children of Daesh foreign terrorist fighters. This campaign aims to support the reintegration of 86 repatriated children, ages 5 to 15, returning from conflict zones. It also seeks to prepare Tajik communities to accept these children back into society and to break the cycle of extremism and violent extremism.

Finding innovative solutions to the terrorist use of the Internet.  Hedayah created Tech2Protect – a flagship new program focused on a platform for the Tajik youth, to support them in developing their own solutions to terrorist use of the internet and keep their peers safe online. Through Tech2Protect, Hedayah connected and provided expert guidance to tech companies, young people, and students to develop their own solutions to online propaganda through a dedicated tech innovation hub.

27 Tajik university students were selected to participate in this unique tech initiative. Among its key achievements was the development of ‘Rohbalad,’ a digital platform that connects at-risk youth with employment and internship opportunities. The National General Prosecutor’s Office, which uses the platform to post job vacancies, has led to successful employment for many users. The platform has also offered internships for participants in the Tech2Protect cohort, providing hands-on, real-world opportunities to apply the skills they’ve gained through the program.

This impactful outcome shows that the program’s objectives were successfully achieved, not only improving digital counter-messaging skills among youth but also creating economic opportunities and resilience within this group, thus making a significant contribution to the overall fight against extremism and terrorism in Tajikistan.

This initiative also delivered a five-day Innovation Camp, eight mentorship sessions, and a two-day symposium, equipping students with the tools to refine their digital solutions and counter-narrative strategies. Initiative also delivered a five-day Innovation Camp, eight mentorship sessions, and a two-day symposium, equipping students with the tools to refine their digital solutions and counter-narrative strategies.