Event Summary
On 27 August 2026, Law enforcement officials, faith leaders, civil society representatives, academics and international experts gathered in Dublin for the “Building Cohesive, Safer Communities: Law Enforcement and Faith Partnerships in Preventing Extremism” conference, co-hosted by the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities (IAFSC) and An Garda Síochána.
The conference brought together Irish and international expertise to examine the evolving threat of radicalisation and, critically, how stronger partnerships between law enforcement and faith communities can help prevent harm while strengthening trust and community resilience.
Discussions addressed the landscape of ideological violence and radical movements in Europe and Ireland, global radicalisation trends, the growing role of digital platforms and emerging technologies in radicalising youth, early behavioural indicators of radicalisation, and practical approaches to prevention, rehabilitation and disengagement.
Experts also argued that faith communities should be treated as independent and equal partners in prevention efforts. Participants emphasised the importance of interfaith dialogue as a mechanism to increase tolerance across society. They highlighted that effective responses must be based on trust, avoid the stigmatisation of communities, and focus on harmful behaviours and ideological manipulation, starting at the family level.
At the conclusion of the conference, the Interfaith Alliance for Safer Communities and An Garda Síochána announced the Dublin Principles, a joint statement setting out practical areas for continued cooperation between law enforcement and faith communities. The principles outline a comprehensive approach to preventing, detecting and responding to radicalisation.
