# WaiDai

How to counter Extremism?

Media & Dialogue

Ø  Raise awareness about religious interpretations and beliefs, and open space for further discussion about Islam and faith. Explore traditional Muslim networks to combat extremism.

Ø  Work with the media to promote respectful and pluralistic freedom of speech and religion, and hold the media accountable for perpetuating hate speech and extremism.

Ø  Use a variety of communications channels to expand public debate and engagement, especially among youth. Develop and apply counter-narratives in support of women’s rights.

Ø  Coordinate across national borders to share tactics and create a cohesive regional media strategy.

Development & Security

Ø  Recognize the effects of religious extremism on development and security. Move beyond a sole focus on anti-terrorism and military solutions and incorporate development goals and initiatives into de-radicalization and counter-terrorism efforts.

Ø  Initiate a reform of current development policies and practices to ensure outreach and impact in the most vulnerable areas and communities, especially among young men who are most prone to recruitment by extremist groups.

Education & Society

Ø  Integrate peace education, including civics, and the importance of human rights and democratic laws into curricula. Implement programs, and mobilize resources to support community engagement for peace.

Ø  Understand the modalities and strategies used to spread extremism, including the social and value-based drivers of extremism, through additional research and policy dialogue.

Ø  Engage indigenous women’s movements to develop new strategies to support their efforts in promoting women’s rights.

Ø  Ensure that policies and programs address social cohesion and plurality.

Ø  Recognize the impact of extremism on women and children, and highlight the role of mothers and families in countering extremist attitudes and encouraging reconciliation in communities.

Perhaps most importantly, direct engagement is needed with the communities and sectors of society most affected. Extremist movements take advantage of basic human needs, including the desire for dignity, respect, and economic, political and social inclusivity. These motivations need to be understood and addressed in domestic and international efforts, particularly in terms of comprehensive social and development policy and programmatic alternatives. Fostering and reinvigorating the culture of tolerance, plurality and diversity in these countries is central and urgent to curbing the rise of extremism, and promoting sustainable and just peace and security.