The future is now: Engaging youth to prevent violent extremism in Iraq

July 15, 2021

Photo: Youth Workshop, 2021.

In Iraq, engaging youth on issues related to preventing and combating violent extremism is vital to securing a peaceful future after decades of conflict. On 12 July 2021, UNDP Iraq and the National Committee on the Implementation of the Strategy to Prevent/Combat Violent Extremism at the National Security Advisory concluded a two-day workshop engaging fifty youth representatives from across Iraq on the implementation of the strategy at national and local levels. Representatives from the Ministry of Youth and Sports were also present to respond to questions from the youth and discuss their role in the strategy’s implementation.

Photo: Ali Abdullah Albedeiri and participants, 2021.

Ali Abdullah Albedeiri, chairman of the National Committee on the Implementation of the Strategy to Prevent/Combat Violent Extremism in Iraq, states, “This has been a very beneficial workshop that has shortened the distance in engaging with youth and has helped us to reorient the committee’s work at the governorate level. We have agreed to continue this discussion soon with support from UNDP.”

Photo: Mohammed, 2021.

“In Basra, I think communities need youth to be in the forefront of battling problems, including tribal and security issues. We need to engage and integrate youth in the government-run youth centers to help them to develop their skills and be more positive. We also need to provide them with job opportunities.”

-Mohammed, 30, Basra

Photo: Saraa, 2021.

“I would like to work on the implementation of the plan with the Office of the National Security Advisor to prevent violent extremism in my region as Ninewa has been through many challenges and it represents an Iraqi mosaic with people from all different backgrounds.”

-Saraa, 31, Ninewa

Photo: Saja, 2021.

“We need to raise awareness on preventing violent extremism with civic activists and influencers, who will spread these concepts to community members. We need to focus on extremism related to religion, politics, and culture. This involves working with religious institutions, and raising awareness during elections when political parties are campaigning, and among tribal sheikhs.”

-Saja, 24, Diwaniya

Photo: Hala, 2021.

“What I liked about the workshop is that the national committee was open to discuss with us and hear our ideas. I spoke about including the history of religion in the strategy because it is so important for people to learn about all religions and not just their own. In future, I would like to work on projects related to hate speech, which has become an issue in Iraq.”

-Hala, 28, Wasit

Photo: Maitham, 2021.

“To prevent extremism in society we need to focus on cultural and skills building aspects and mobilize religious and government institutions to support projects to prevent extremism for youth. This workshop is an important first step by the government toward positive change.”

-Maitham, 30, Missan

 

The 11-12 July session is part of a series of engagements, including a previous workshop with deputy governors in June 2021, and next steps include specialized sessions to build the capacity of main actors at the governorate level to enhance their role in the implementation of the national strategy to prevent/combat violent extremism.

Support to Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in Iraq is part of the UNDP Social Cohesion Programme to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq.