The foreign terrorist fighter challenge: think globally, act locally Hans Bonte Mayor of Vilvoorde Belgian Federal Parliament member

Vilvoorde = surprisingly a laboratory for radicalism and Syrian Fighters About Vilvoorde Syrian Fighters from Vilvoorde: the facts & figures Vilvoorde is a laboratory for CVE Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

About Vilvoorde Small town of >43,000 inhabitants near Brussels Strong ties with the capital, sociologically one In prosperous region, growing dualization Fastest growing town in Belgium Strong growth of the North African community 1 out of 4 inhabitants is not from Belgian origin Among minors that is >40% High unemployement in that community Structural shortage of public infrastructure For years grappling with racism and discrimination Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

Syrian Fighters in Vilvoorde: the figures 28 people left for Iraq and Syria 9 killed 8 returnees 75 people at risk Including under-aged boys and girls Nobody left since spring 2014, but challenges are evolving Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

Some obersvations Huge social impact with: There’s no standard profile youngsters schools families (Islamic) communities There’s no standard profile Girls and boys Young and old Belgian and non-Belgian origins Shared elements: Vulnerability Indoctrination Isolation Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

Vilvoorde is a laboratory for CVE Departures from every high school or neighbourhood First people left in 2012 On the run for justice and prison Leaders of international militias of ISIS Recruited other Belgian youngsters Youngsters with frustrations and no hope in the future Since 2013 we’ve developed a method to deradicalise these youngsters and prevent departures Trial and error Multilateral approach Town deradicalisation officer Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

Radicalisation = indoctrination + isolation Idea forced upon: special part to play Expected to clear any obstacle Message simultaneously via various channels Isolation: Introduction to convert to Islam All ties with others have to be broken Permanent media coverage of conflict in Syria and Iraq Unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict More successful with people in weak positions Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

De-radicalisation = information + involvement Exactly the opposite of radicalisation process Receiving signals of concern Increasing the awareness of different actors As accessible as possible on different fronts Signals go to town deradicalisation officer and police Partners’ Table: Strengthening and restoring social relations Key persons with religious insights are brought in Effective follow-up by police and security services Investing in involvement, social environment, giving warmth Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

De-radicalisation = information + involvement Open door policy Willing to meet with everyone, also FTFs and their families Don’t wait for them to find you, find them Outreachers are vital part of our local policy No taboos Eg. Second Wave project between youngsters and local police Muslim communities are our most important partner Organizations such as mosques, but also individuals Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

Conclusions and considerations Think globally, act locally Fight IS internationally in Iraq and Syria Combat radicalisation locally in our cities Ostriches Should be on top of the agenda in all countries Not see the problem – Will go away by itself Everybody has to take responsability Icebergs Not only focus on visible part Look at deeper causes, frustration of a group of people in our society: breeding grounds Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

Thank you for your attention Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017