Preventing Violent extremism through inclusive development and the promotion of tolerance and respect for diversity UNDP’s RPR approach Response – Prevention – Research

Conceptual principles Avoid sole focus on religious extremism. “Radicalization” not necessarily the problem. Violent extremism emerges when radical behaviour starts to make use of fear, violence and terrorist activities as the means of expression. Youth are not the problem, they are part of the solution Global and national problem but local solutions are critical Links between conflict, fragility, violent extremism and movement of people. Spiral effect: Migration exploited by a xenophobic ideology; reactions out of fear for loss of entitlements Problem of returning extremists: are our tools for reintegration fit for purpose> Not a new but more complex phenomenon

UNDP’s approach takes into consideration two interlinked trends Rise of violent extremism Co-existence: the governance of increasingly diverse, multi-cultural societies. The inclusive governance of multicultural societies: more attention needs to be paid to ensure that political settlements adjust institutions and processes so that they can promote the peaceful governance of increasingly heterogeneous societies, Tolerance and understanding for diverse ideas and cultures (global citizenship) are at the heart of the new development agenda. More inclusive and tolerant societies are better able to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.

Drivers – push factors Radicalisation Violent extremism Individual, emotional and psychological factors Socialisation (friends, family, education, church, mosques…) Active recruitment Drivers of violent extremism Role of global and regional geopolitics Economic exclusion & limited opportunities for upward mobility Political exclusion, shrinking civic space (media) & limited opportunities for participation Perceptions of injustice, corruption & mistreatment of certain groups Rejection of socio-economic and political system Rejection of growing diversity in society Weak legitimacy and state capacity and failing security Changing global culture & banalization of violence A complex problem- multi-dimensional nature of pull and push factors Pull factors

Silent support for violent extremist ideology Structural drivers of radical behavior and action Radicalisation Peaceful advocacy and contestation as a driver of change Violent extremism Radicalization, peaceful contestation and violent extremism

UNDP’s response – a development approach to PVE The root causes: shortcomings in development, failures of governance; failure of conflict resolution systems absence or weakness of early warning systems. Security approach is needed but needs to be complemented by development and peacebuilding/ governance solutions. Sustainable solutions require an inclusive development approach anchored in tolerance, political and economic empowerment, and reduction of inequalities.

Preventing Violent extremism Alternative socio- economic opportunities for groups at risk intermediaries to promote dialogue with alienated groups & reintegration of former extremists Engage youth in decision-making and building social cohesion Rule of law and human-rights- based approach to PVE Enhancing the fight against corruption Enhanced participatory decision making and civic space at national and local levels Working with media to promote a local narrative of tolerance, respect for human rights and diversity Working with faith-based organsations and \religious leaders Educating respect for human rights, diversity and global citizenship in schools and universities The building blocks of regional and national strategies for preventing violent extremism Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment Community based early warning &prevention, deradicalisation, reintegration, reconciliation Local governments capacity for service delivery and security Ideology People Institutions

RPR approach The global project takes a three pronged RPR approach: Response to immediate needs arising from the threats of violent extremist; address tensions and structural fault lines existing within the communities, avoiding the persistence of a fertile ground for rise of extremist thought and expression Prevention of violent extremism by addressing root causes and drivers of violent extremism; strengthening the social contract, identity, social cohesion, equality Research and exchange of experiences to ensure a better understanding of the complexity of the problem including on governance models for managing diversity in society.

Early warning:7 criteria to monitoring progress A focus on cities and municipalities 1.More visible participation by minority, marginalized, and “ghettoized” groups in decision-making processes. 2.Narrative of the political, civic, religious leaderships and media are re-oriented towards tolerance, inclusion and dialogue 3.There are visible processes of outreach, engagement and integration; 4.Efforts are made to visibly orient the justice & security system (law enforcement and community policing) towards confidence- building with marginalized groups, so that security sector institutions are not only seen in punitive terms. 5.Increased ability on the part of youth, women, faith-based leaderships, and trusted intermediaries (e.g. teachers) to engage alienated or radicalized groups and individuals 6.The availability of jobs and economic opportunities in particular for groups at risk 7.The existence of legitimate formal and informal mechanism to address grievances over entitlements (land, entitlements etc).

The future of humanity is a world of co-existence We are in the business of hope