Since 2011, the OSCE has been at the forefront of international efforts to highlight the need for gender mainstreaming to effectively prevent and counter terrorism. In particular, the OSCE recognized needs to systematically integrate gender aspects in technical and policy responses to violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism (VERLT) among operational law enforcement agencies and other government entities, including policy-makers. The OSCE Ministerial Council Declaration No.4/15on preventing and countering VERLT, which was adopted in Belgrade in December 2015,recognizes that UN Security Council Resolution(UNSCR)2242 (2015) calls for the greater integration by States of their agendas on women, peace and security, counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism which can be conducive to the spread of terrorism. This includes streamlining efforts to integrate both prevention of VERLT among women into operational responses to VERLT, as well as the advancement of women in law enforcement and government positions. Moreover, it requires taking into consideration the differential impact that measures to counter and prevent VERLT may have on the rights of women, gender equality and non-discrimination.

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