Forum: Issue: Human Rights Council Preventing violent extremism through youth empowerment Student Officer: Nayoon Park Position: Deputy President Introduction Violent extremism is a practice that involves violence to achieve radical, ideological, religious, and political views. Many use terrorism as a term to define violent extremism. However, violent extremism is more of a narrowed concept such as Islamist violence and forms of ideologically motivated or justified violence that affects countries. The behavior of violent extremism roots from controversial religious and ideological views. The main causes of violent extremism are institutional factors and psychological factors that impact the action and practice of individuals. Preventing counter violent extremism while upholding human rights through youth empowerment in society is the main focus of the issue. The cause of violent extremism stems from desire to spread extremism and leads to slow investment, constraints of children from attending schools, place additional burdens on already fragile health care systems and undermine political transitions. Several organizations have achieved aims to address the issue and overcome threats from specific regions, however, have failed to completely eliminate the violent extremism to advocate and spread certain ideologies. The solutions briefly include education, development of employment, improved strategic communications through the use of social media, and improving gender equality aimed towards youth empowerment in countries who are registered United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Definition of Key Terms Extremism Belief and support for ideas that are very far from what the majority consider reasonable. Attitudes and beliefs that are far outside the norm are considered extremism. Violent extremism Violent extremism is advocating, engaging in, preparing, or otherwise supporting ideologically motivated or justified violence to further social, economic or political objectives. Research Report Page 1 of 9
Terrorism Strategy adopted to achieve a political goal and ideology which may exploit fear and violence. Terrorism is a violent act to wide spread political, extreme, and social ideology to the general public. It often results in countless injuries and deaths. Soft power The ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without using force or violence. Youth Youth is a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood s independence and awareness of one s interdependence as a member of a community. In the context of this issue, the upcoming generation is referred to as youth. Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Countering violent extremism or CVE is one of the approaches the United Nations Security Council has established to countering the spread of terrorism and violent extremism. Radicalization The action or process of causing another individual to adopt a radical position on political, social, controversial, or religious issues. Radicalization may lead to not only violent extremism but also terrorism. Meaning the targeted victims are not just the young population, but the entire country. Empowerment An active participation for equality, economic freedom, access to the productive resources that can increase benefits. Empowering the youth will reduce the risk of violent extremism for the future generation and young population being targeted as violent extremism. Background Information Violent extremism may appear in a variety of practices. The most common method is through recruiting young adults into extremist groups. According to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), from 2001 to 2017, the government of the United States spent more than 1.78 trillion dollars to fight terrorism and violent extremism. Alongside the United States, the European Union spent 93.5 million euros by the end of 2009 to resolve the issue. Many organizations have already achieved creating youth empowerment through the encouragement of environmental and democratic participation in equal and active opportunities for all youth leaders. Often times violent extremism is passed down naturally without being called out and the solution is to empower the upcoming generation in order to adjust society. This is because young adults are mostly the targets of recruitment methods Research Report Page 2 of 9
and are made victims. The cultural diversity initiatives already undertaken in many countries facilitate the protection and promotion of individual heritage and cultural life for individuals around the world. Protection and promotion of individual heritage will allow to build a strong foundation of the ideologies adapted to the society. This will prevent the chances for young populations to even interfere with the extreme ideologies. A real-life example that had occurred amongst Afghanistan's next generation of leaders, whom we call youth leaders, broke out the cycles of violence that resulted in civil wars, raised awareness of human rights abuses and domestic violence that had occurred in the region for the past decades, and achieved to fight back the violence within the country. ISIS is also considered as a terrorist organization that causes violent extremism. The main aim of ISIS is to enlarge the population of their territory and spread their ideology that is against the world we live in today. There are many ways to eliminate this issue, nonetheless, youth empowerment is an ideal solution when considering the human rights perspective. Empowering the young population by giving them equal rights and needs will not only empower a strong foundation of the society but also regulate the violent extremism that is occurring around the world. Laying out the basic foundation of human rights such as education, gender equality, employment, raising awareness of violent extremism, and most importantly fostering youth society around the region, will lead to an ideal society. The youth in the society are leaders of our future, and are impressionable when it comes to extremist ideas, meaning they can easily be targeted when it comes to extremist ideologies. Radicalization and violent extremism on youth The recruitment of violent extremism mainly focuses on the younger generation in the community. The overwhelming number of the younger generations are the targets of the recruitment process and be radicalized. Radicalization and violent extremism on youth may brainwash the ideology of their young minds in familial, social, cultural, and religious aspects of life. The extreme ideologies these youths now carry will lead to the later formation of a society filled with violent extremists. A violent extremist society may result in terrorism, destruction of countries, and even large-scale conflicts. According to Countering Youth Radicalization and Violent Extremism in South Asia, approximately 50,000-70,000 Twitter accounts are self-proclaimed to support ISIS, each with an average of one thousand followers. These public gatherings in social media can be reduced by constant monitoring and eliminating of the platform of ISIS leaders. The platforms of these violent extremism are expanding everyday on the internet and social media, the most familiar platform where all teenagers interact and are exposed to. The solution of the impact of violent extremism on youths is to empower and give the correct and accurate education towards young populations to enable them to distinguish between the good and bad. Proper education will act as a guideline of the ideologies the society has adapted to, preventing the risk of exposure to violent extremism. Radicalization and violent extremism on women Research Report Page 3 of 9
The European Parliament s Policy Department for Citizens Rights and Committee on Women s Rights and Gender Equality collaborates and focuses on the question of women s radicalization and their involvement in violent extremism in the European Union (EU) and aims to identify the potential of women in preventing radicalization. In order to empower the youth in individual regions, we must not forget and ignore the perspective of women in this situation. The hidden roles of women on radicalization and violent extremism cannot be ignored. The protection and prevention on women can be achieved at the same time when empowering the young population. Major Countries and Organizations Involved United States Agency for International Development (USAID) United States Agency for International Development or USAID is known for their long recognition of development in addressing social, economic, governance, and other grievances that can fuel violent extremism or radicalization of individuals and communities. USAID s main goal is to prevent state failure. USAID established The Development Response to Violent Extremism and Insurgency policy in 2011 outlining the foment extremist violence and fragility. This recognizes the causes and effects of violent extremism and provide methods to avoid such consequences. Along with the policy, USAID currently manages programs that address drivers of violent extremism in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks (COSATT) COSATT successfully published Countering Youth Radicalization and Violent Extremism in South Asia that suggests changes and better solutions to radicalization that might be fitting in Asian countries. Both our past and present world is reflected directly on the report outlining the different methods of radicalization and violent extremisms. The COSATT conference is held three times a year with a theme and topic that focuses mainly on terrorism and violent extremism around Asia. Thanks to the conference, newly updated solutions and suggestions have been outlined and developed. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) With the influence of over 50 registered countries, the UNDP aims to develop policies against violent extremism to sustain better lives for all. The UNDP focuses specifically on Africa and other undeveloped countries to overcome violent extremism. It promotes the significance of empowering and building up rights for the younger generation in countries that lack basic rights especially amongst teenagers. The UNDP also outlines the previous solutions that have been established on its official website spreading awareness of the issue. The strict consequences of violent extremism and reasons why the motivation of violent extremism must stop are highlighted. A donating system on the website allows money received to be used to empower youth by supporting education and access to new technology to as many nations as possible. Research Report Page 4 of 9
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) UNESCO aims to prevent violent extremism and supports counter violent extremism around the world. UNESCO is in favor of the idea of soft power in order to avoid violent extremism that may appear as threat, hatred, and ignorance of the people. UNESCO s achievements include: increasing education for youths, development and employment facilitation, youth empowerment, communication through internet and social media, and gender equality. This organization sets up an equal environment where both young males and females get the opportunity to become active global citizens. Countries who has already actively promoted youth empowerment are Afghanistan, Germany, Denmark, Australia, United Kingdom and etc. Timeline of Events Date November 11, 2013 January 22, 2014 October 8, 2014 July 28, 2015 August 22, 2015 September 14, 2015 Description of event Experts for countering violent extremism and ensuring security and development meet under the organization of Human Security Collective in Abu Dhabi. The approach of youth leadership and empowerment was highlighted during the meeting. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Justice & Peace and Human Rights Defenders worked together and published a program, introductory papers, and recommendations for the EU. The UN first addresses violent extremism alongside terrorism in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. During the United Nations Conditions Conducive Terrorism (UNCCT), a new framework was developed within the UN. In the Human Security Collective organization under the UN, a counter terrorism committee, measures and polices are mentioned. The experts discussed the challenges, risks, and threats of terrorists and violent extremists. The Global Forum is formed towards international youth, peace, and security. This forum encourages young leaders to prevent conflict and counter violent extremism through sustaining and including peace. The Human Security Collective attended the 10th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1624. The resolution successfully addressed the threats of the terrorist acts that motivate extremism. Measures of countering violent extremism is included in the resolution. Research Report Page 5 of 9
November 20, 2015 The Hague Institute for Global Justice hosted Global Terrorism Index 2015. The information provided in the index gave an indication for the policymakers to produce measures regarding the impacts of the underlying motives of terrorists. December 7, 2015 December, 2015 January 15, 2016 February 12, 2016 July 1, 2016 October 21, 2016 October 25, 2017 CVE and development opportunities are arising in Africa. Thanks to the Dutch Embassy and the Global Center on Cooperative Security, the Human Security Collective was able to contribute to the foundation of CVE in Africa. The International Countering Violent Extremism research conference first opened. The Secretary-General presented a Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism to the General Assembly. After the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism was presented to the General Assembly, the committee adopted a resolution that "welcomes the initiative by the Secretary-General, and takes note of his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. The United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus resolution (A/RES/70/291) on the Fifth Review of Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy reinforcing a global consensus in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Counter terrorism and international humanitarian law is published in the College of Europe organization. The UNDP publishes the Extremism in Africa report. After more than 33,300 deaths in Africa due to violent extremism in 2016, the report is finally published ensuring the rights of the young population in the country. Relevant UN Treaties and Events The resolutions below are all published within the UN aiming to reduce and eliminate the spread of violent extremism and empower the young generation in society. It is important to keep in mind that the resolution adopted from the General Assembly originates from the Secretary General s proposal of the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. The resolution submitted by the General Assembly emphasizes counter terrorism and the global consensus against violent extremism. The Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism itself is a proposal that suggests methods the UN can publicize to reduce violent extremism in different nations. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 291, 1 July 2016 (A/RES/70/291) Research Report Page 6 of 9
Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, 24 September 2014 (S/RES/2178) UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, 9 December 2015 (S/RES/2250) Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, January 2016 (A/70/674) The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review, 1 July 2016 (A/RES/70/291) United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, 8 September 2006 (A/RES/60/288) Previous Attempts to solve the Issue There were multiple attempts both in and out of UN to solve the issue. Many governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations strengthened the youth empowerment policies in each region to fight violent extremism. Since violent extremism may lead to a world crisis if not prevented earlier, many attempts were achieved within and out of the UN. Solutions to overcome violent extremism include the following: With the help of the European Commission, the Kofi Annan Foundation established peer-to-peer engagement and learning within the young generation. The Kofi Annan foundation has successfully created an environment where religious, political, and ideological extremism experiences are shared amongst the targeted victims. UNESCO achieved publishing guidelines for the policymakers regarding the topic of preventing violent extremism through education, giving the public suggestions for avoiding violent extremism. Specific education methods, activities younger generation might take, and global leader gathering to promote youth empowerment are some examples of UNESCO solutions. The means of preventing violent extremism has been outlined in journals, articles, clauses, resolutions, and reports. Informative reports include: Journey to Extremism in Africa by the UNDP, The Prevention of Violent Extremism by Dushanbe, Preventing Violent Extremism by UNESCO, Preventing Violent extremism (PVE) Through Development by SIDA, etc. Possible Solutions Although countless solutions are brought out already, many might argue that not enough actions were taken besides publishing guidelines and resolutions for the public and the policymakers. The action to reform and build the rights and powers of the younger generation should be more emphasized. Simple empowerment can start from education, expanding the rights of youths, and highlighting the significance of their voice and existence. When violent extremists aim by targeting and recruiting young adults, protecting and preventing youths from these issues should be the main focus of the solution. Laying the Research Report Page 7 of 9
foundation of the causes, consequences, side-effects, and abnormal ideologies can be addressed when resolving the issue. On an extreme note, preventing abnormal ideologies away from the community by limiting their use of internet and interaction can lessen the spread of radicalization, and will eliminate the initial root of the issue. Approaching the issue from the perspectives of all identities involved in the issue can be solutions of the topic. Although empowering youth is a method to reduce the spread of extreme ideologies, educating those who already have abnormal ideologies can be alternative solutions to resolve violent extremism. In order to empower the youth, the basic human rights must be established beforehand. Furthermore, human rights such as gender equality, national and other rights must be achieved in order to empower the younger generation. Bibliography Journey To Extremism in Africa. UNDP, journey-to-extremism.undp.org/content/ downloads/undp-journeytoextremism-report-2017-english.pdf. Preventing Violent Extremism though Education for Policymakers. unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002477/247764e.pdf. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (13 October 2010. A/RES/64/297). Preamble. Accessed on 22 November 2016. http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=a/res/64/297. "Empowering Young People to Prevent Violent Extremism." Kofi Annan Foundation, 3 Dec. 2015, https://www.kofiannanfoundation.org/news-releases/empowering-young-people-to-prevent-violentextremism/ Framing Development Solutions for the Prevention of Violent Extremism. 15 June 2016, http://www.eurasia.undp.org/content/rbec/en/home/presscenter/events/2016/prevention-of-violentextremism--dushanbe-2016.html Secondary School Madrasas in Bangladesh: Incidence, Quality and Implications for Reform; by Mohammad Niaz Asadullah, Nazmul Chaudhury and Syed Rashed al-zayed Josh; World Bank, 2009. http://siteresources.worldbank.org/bangladeshextn/resources/295759-1271081222839/6958908-1281045267820/madrasareportfinal.pdf UNESCO, 2011, The Cultural Diversity Lens: A practical tool to integrate culture in development Pedagogical Guide http://www.unesco.org/new/fileadmin/multimedia/hq/clt/pdf/the%20cultural%20diversity%20lens_ Pedagogical%20guide.pdf. Research Report Page 8 of 9
Good Practices on Community Engagement and Community-Oriented Policing as Tools to Counter Violent Extremism. https://toolkit.thegctf.org/document-sets/community- engagement-communityoriented-policing?page=0,1,0. OSCE/ODIHR, 2007, Toledo Guiding Principles on Teaching about Religions and Beliefs in Public Schools. http://www.osce.org/odihr/29154?download=true. Csis-prod.s3.amazonaws.com. (2018). [online] Available at: https://csis-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs- public/publication/171017_report_islam%20and%20the%20- War_on_Terrorism_.pdf?iI4pb6Py.S_5J9D73QmtXxX5NlXev5bv Appendix I. http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/global-policycentres/oslo_governance_centre/pve.html This website is the UN Development Programme official website that explains the methods to prevent violent extremism and the past actions the UNDP has established. As an official UN organization, the information and campaigns proposed are accurate and recent. This website will give a brief idea of the history of the solutions for violent extremism until today. II. https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/ctitf/plan-action-prevent-violent-extremism On the UNESCO website, a detailed plan of action to avoid violent extremism is written regarding the previous attempts to solve the issue undertaken by the UN. The well-structured solutions organized as a timeline will give a brief outline of the flow of the attempts to solve the issue in the UN. In summary, the action plan focuses on the adaptation of the interagency process of the General Assembly and the Security Council publication of the resolution. Research Report Page 9 of 9