"VAN" (Europe Bureau - Aleksey Vesyoliy) :: Transforming violent extremism.
Violent extremism is one of the most pressing issues of our time. It touches communities around the globe. Violent extremism confronts our communities in unexpected ways and we reflexively accept simple explanations of violence. Violent extremism comes in different forms and take different expressions depending on the context where it grows.
As stated in the United Nation Plan of Action on Preventing Violent Extremism, “Violent extremism is a diverse phenomenon, without clear definition. It is neither new nor exclusive to any region, nationality or system of belief.”
Until the mid-1990s, violent extremism was primarily linked to national and regional conflicts. During the last decade, the global level of incidents has rised. The operations of extremist groups have so far mostly been followed by militarized counter-terrorism response. Such an approach may temporarily halt the most radical manifestations, but has proven incapable of addressing the complexities behind the drivers of extremism. The connection between conflict, marginalisation and violent extremism therefore calls for development actors to define the linkage between peacebuilding, development and the prevention of violent extremism.
The cost of conflict and armed violence, including violent extremism, always reach beyond the number of lost lives. The economic and social impact of violent extremism has long-lasting effects that are mostly felt in developing countries. The presence and operations of violent extremist groups affect livelihood possibilities and food security, especially in the most marginalized areas.
It is not enough to counter violent extremism - we need to prevent it
No one is born a violent extremist – they are made and fueled. Disarming the process of radicalization must begin with human rights and the rule of law, with dialogue across all boundary lines, by empowering all young women and men, and by starting as early as possible, on the benches of schools.
In order to quell the violence and maintain security, it is important to turn to conventional solutions such as increased militarization or increased use of force. However, these responses are often inadequate and disconnected from the affected communities. The situation can easily morph into essentializing narratives, social exclusion, political manipulation and racial or ethnic profiling, thereby weakening community relationships. A new approach is needed.
There’s never been a more crucial time for working to create a more inclusive society
There is a need for ways to reintegrate those who have committed violent extremist acts back into their communities. As human beings we look for inspiration to move forward. Inspiration can be gained from those who surround us – their stories, initiatives and new ways to approach issues. Inspiration can also come from within.
In comparison to many other efforts around the world, Towards an Inclusive Peace focuses on a human-centred approach that recognizes human dignity. By taking a peacebuilding perspective based on conflict transformation practices, Towards an Inclusive Peace creates a space for the discussion of a human-centered approach to address this phenomenon.
Towards an Inclusive Peace uses human-centered approaches addressing extremism of all kinds. By bringing together local-level grassroots peace builders, educators, local and national authorities, community leaders, civil society representatives and everyday citizens from all over the globe and national and international policy makers at the special setting of Caux, creating an atmosphere that allows for learning and reflection.
Towards an Inclusive Peace is a shared space where the expertise of the international community meets the contextual knowledge of local leaders and peacebuilders. Towards an Inclusive Peace is a three-year project (2017-2019) part of the Caux Forum that looks beyond security driven approaches to violent extremism. Towards an Inclusive Peace is a project led by young people trained in conflict transformation and benefits from Initiatives of Change (IofC) Switzerland’s expertise in trust-building, facilitating dialogue bringing multi-sectoral and multi-cultural actors together, and personal transformation.
Towards an Inclusive Peace will take place from 8 - 12 July, 2019 in Caux, Switzerland. This year event will discuss what constitutes progress on the path to greater resilience for communities and peacebuilders, focusing on the three principles of prevention: inclusiveness, sustainability and context-specificity while also discussing the role of resilience in preventing societies from descending into crisis.
Peacebuilders are exposed to high levels of stress and secondary trauma, when working in conflict-affected settings. This can have an impact on their work and on their levels of empathic understanding. Hence, to be effective as peacebuilders, to be present and able to do the work required, we need to take of ourselves. This involves developing our own toolkit of selfcare, reflective and mindful practices.
The 2019 Caux Scholars will act as co-facilitators, helping with logistics and ensuring the conference’s success. You are kindly invited be part of this journey!
Further information on Towards an Inclusive Peace:
https://www.iofc.ch/experience-caux-forum/main-events/towards-inclusive-peace
#CauxForum #CauxTIP #inclusivepeace
Please read full story with photos at EUNetwork.lv!
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