21/09/2018 Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons
Although the overwhelming majority of refugees arriving in Europe clearly flee violence and extremism in their countries of origin and are hoping for safe and secure life, there is a real danger of radicalisation on the way, including in refugee camps and detention centres, the Migration Committee stressed. And the absence of comprehensive migration policies, she added, "greatly increases the risk of the spread of violent extremism and radicalization among migrants”.
Following the proposals of the rapporteur Sahiba Gafarova (Azerbaijan, EC), the committee called for close and co-ordinated collaboration between all relevant stakeholders at all levels of governance (local, regional and national), including with civil society to combat radicalisation. Member States should promote policies that highlight the benefits of diversity and develop young people's perception of their positive personal identity, free from any inferiority complex.
Parliamentarians expressed concern about the recent, rapidly spreading phenomenon of radicalisation via the internet and social networks. "A comprehensive approach, which affects all Internet users, should be developed and include all stakeholders, including the web industry, Internet service providers, public authorities and civil society," the parliamentarians said. For their part, the media should also show the positive aspects and benefits of diversity, and "not just the potential threats".
Women and women's organisations that play a key role in preventing radicalisation within the family, but also in the community, "should be more involved in policy making, educational activities and preventive community work”.