Youth and Radicalization: International Challenge, Family Challenges Geneva, 17 June 2014 – The radicalization leading some young people to fight in conflict zones of the Middle East constituted the main issue of a Human Rights Council side event organized by the International Institute for Peace, Justice and Human Rights (IIPJHR) and the Global Network for Rights and Development (GNRD). The discussion highlighted the need to change the common perception of these young fighters. During the discussion moderated by Mrs. Margaux Scherrer, Project Manager at the IIPJHR, the panel analysed the radicalization affecting some young people, turning them into fighters in conflict zones of the Middle East. The panel’s approach took into account the security perspective – main concern of states – and the social and family perspectives. Dr. Imène Ajala, Project Manager at the IJPJHR, focused on the challenges for the states and families raised by the return (or non-return) of young fighters. The overcoming of these challenges is complicated by the plurality and complexity of the situations. She concluded on the issue of terminology as another challenge to be faced, considering the need to rename these young fighters into “neo-mercenaries”. Mrs. Dominique Bons, President of the Association “Syrien ne bouge agissons”, which she created herself after her son and his half-brother’s disappearances in Syria in 2013, shared her story with the audience. She insisted on the necessity to unite the families facing the same tragedy and called to distinguish the victims of indoctrination from experienced fighters. Mrs. Houda Ben Youssef, Secretary General of the Arab Family Organization, said that “danger looms” and it is urgent to act. She stressed the essential role that family and education have to play. The International Institute for Peace, Justice and Human Rights and the Global Network for Rights and Development will follow up on this event in September by discussing the role of the Internet and other tools of the digital era. Contact: International Institute for Peace, Justice and Human Rights Rue Richard Wagner, 1 1202 Geneva Switzerland iipjhr@gmail gnrd.net/seemore.php?id=372
Posted on: Wed, 18 Jun 2014 16:08:06 +0000