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PREVENTING VIOLENT EXTREMISM – Facilitating Dialogue
FEBRUARY 2019 / DECEMBER 2019
Out of the box supported in 2019 the facilitation of 9 sectoral workshop “Strengthening Resilience project SR2” around Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) in Lebanon under the Lebanon national PVE strategy. Each PVE sectoral workshop brought key actors of the network into an inclusive consultative process focused on key national objectives. The tasks associated with this activity will work towards supporting the PVE specifically in beginning to build the network and in the identification of ideas for the national action plan.
The prevention of violent extremism has become a global priority. It is constantly on the agenda of states and international and regional organizations as these have developed national strategies and regional policies to prevent extremism, as well as in the organization of conferences, symposia and workshops to enable states to share their experiences with this issue.
In this context, a number of states have developed integrated strategies to prevent and counter violent extremism. The United Nations Secretary-General issued the United Nations Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism on 24 December 2015, and a number of international and regional organizations have adopted this approach.
Such action is particularly urgent in Lebanon due to its strategic geographic location, and its presence in a regional environment where violent extremism and calls for the settlement of internal conflicts through the use of violence are proliferating.
Moreover, this strategy is aimed at maintaining security and social peace, emphasizing the responsibility of the state to adopt practical policies and safeguards, and at allowing all components of Lebanese society to enjoy a better future. This will be done by preventing the country from being adversely affected by the negative repercussions of the surrounding regional developments and by ensuring sustained economic growth and balanced regional development. These will be coupled with respect for the human rights of all Lebanese communities in order to ensure the optimal utilization of Lebanese human capital and to make the most of the creative human wealth embodied in Lebanon’s social diversity.
The strategy development process, action planning, and efforts for mainstreaming PVE in Lebanon are coordinated by a National PVE Coordination Unit established under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and headed by the National Coordinator for Preventing Violent Extremism.
STRATEGIC PILLARS
PILLAR 1
DIALOGUE AND CONFLICT PREVENTION
The pillar of Dialogue and Conflict Prevention is central to the implementation of the Strategy for Preventing Violent Extremism. Dialogue is indeed both a goal and a means: it is a goal since it establishes the values of pluralism, acceptance of others and reliance on peaceful means to resolve problems. It is also a means used by civilized democratic societies to deal with their social components. This is linked to the fact that the greater the space of dialogue among individuals and groups, the less likely that conflicts will erupt. Therefore, Dialogue and Conflict Prevention should be seen not only as a stand-alone category, but rather as one in which all the following areas intersect.
PILLAR 2
THE PROMOTION OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
Develop the institutional capacities of the state agencies and their coordination mechanisms. Build the capacities of technical and administrative staff of state and social institutions. Affirm the values and practices of transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption. Rely on research institutions and the findings of scientific research, especially in the field of early warning signals.
PILLAR 3
JUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE RULE OF LAW
Enforcing the constitution and the law equitably without discrimination. Respecting human rights as stipulated in international conventions and the Lebanese constitution and following up on their implementation. Adopting balanced, fair and sustainable public policies. Empowering disadvantaged and marginalized groups. Improving the environment of prisons and rehabilitating prisoners to facilitate their integration into society.
PILLAR 4
URBAN/RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Develop balanced, equitable and sustainable development, economic and financial policies at the national and local levels. Consider the developmental balance between regions. Develop community participation in local development programs. Develop national industries and local handicrafts. Monitor urban transformations and predict their effects and implications.
PILLAR 5
GENDER EQUALITY AND EMPOWERING WOMEN
Raise women’s awareness on their constitutional and legal rights and on the risks of violent extremism at the individual and family levels. Amend legislation relating to women so as to achieve justice and eliminate all forms of discrimination against them. Encourage women’s participation in social, cultural and development activities. Encourage women’s participation in decision-making and policy-making processes.
PILLAR 6
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Develop educational curricula at all levels to protect youth from the risks of violent extremism and spread awareness among those involved in the educational process. Develop creative and intellectual skills among young people. Develop training programs to make young people more responsive to market needs and job opportunities.
PILLAR 7
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION
Develop fiscal, tax and industrial policies that stimulate sustainable economic development, achieve developmental justice and create more job opportunities. Address all forms of economic inequality and poverty through economic and financial development policies and plans, especially marginalized and disadvantaged groups and regions. Encourage innovation, creativity and capacity building, especially among young people and women, enabling them to participate in the labor market. Develop an encouraging economic environment for entrepreneurship at national and local levels in partnership with private and civil sectors.
PILLAR 8
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATICS AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Use all state, private and civil institutions as partners for raising awareness against the risks of violent extremism. Use the Internet to increase the public’s awareness about the values of moderation, social diversity, tolerance, the risks of violent extremism and the dissemination of the values of critical and creativity thinking. Use all traditional and modern means of communication to support the culture of the state and highlight the role of its institutions, especially the army and the security forces, in the fight against violent extremism. Prevent the use of the Internet as a platform for promoting ideas relating to violent extremism
PILLAR 9
Introduce the public to the efforts made by the State to empower young people and the opportunities available to intensify and strengthen these efforts. Involve young people in the decision-making process at all levels so that they may fulfill themselves, allowing society to benefit from their views. Strengthen the personal capacities of young people so as to facilitate their integration into society and the labor market.