Preventing violent extremism by promoting social inclusion: The school's role

• In Event: Round-Table Session 5
  In Round-table Session: Health Literacy, Life Skills, Social Inclusion: Defining Minimum Outputs for Core Health Personal-Social Development (HPSD Education)

Proposal

Violent extremism refers to the use of violence in line with an ideological commitment to achieve political, religious, or social goals. These violent acts can be carried out by any individual or group from a range of beliefs and ideologies.

The importance of addressing violent extremism, especially in relation to its impact on children and youth and their potential role in prevention, has gained global attention in recent years. This issue was internationally acknowledged and supported through the Youth Action Agenda, presented at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2015, as well as through the passing of UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. Moreover, the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, launched in 2015, highlights the importance of quality education in reducing poverty and social marginalization, as well as in fostering respect for human rights and diversity, developing critical thinking, and contributing to peaceful coexistence and tolerance (UN Security Council, 2015; Report of the Secretary General, 2015; UNESCO 2016). These international agendas state the importance of education in reducing violence and contributing to harmonious societies.

Even still, the complex relationship between education, radicalization, and violent extremism is still not fully understood (Zeiger, 2014). It has been argued that there are two “faces” to education; it can promote inclusion, strengthen social cohesion, support the emotional development of children, and help develop engaged citizens (Bush and Salterili, 2000). On the other hand, education can exacerbate existing tensions and divisions, foster exclusion and inequality, and promote harmful ideologies and behavior (Bush and Salterili, 2000). Consequently, education initiatives must look within and beyond the classroom and into the broader mechanisms of governance, inclusion and representation to address the root causes that underlie different forms of violence and violent extremism. Education can play a critical role in addressing the ‘push’ and ‘pull factors’ that lead to violent extremism and other forms of violence (Global Counterterrorism Forum, 2014).

This presentation will address the role of education in preventing violent extremism.

Author

• Laura Davison, Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE)