Comments
On October 20, 2021, the Council of Europe (CoE) recommended to its member states a set of measures to “better protect children against radicalization for the purpose of terrorism.” According to a CoE press release, the recommendation, which was prepared by the Committee on Counter-Terrorism, focuses on the protection of the child and the need to develop preventive strategies against the radicalization of children. The recommendation calls for the involvement of first-line practitioners, civil society, and the private sector. It emphasizes the importance of adopting an evidence-based approach while implementing policies and measures to protect children against radicalization. The Committee calls upon the member states to identify the drivers of and mechanisms for the radicalization of children, to safeguard the children that experienced trauma and/or spent time in conflict zones, and to develop strategies to prevent the radicalization of children that focus on conflict de-escalation, reducing polarization, and community building. The Committee, furthermore, recommends proper training for first-line practitioners to deal with conflict resolution and mediation, offering education for children in critical thinking, and cooperation with private sector, especially with the internet service providers to filter and remove illegal content, and to ensure availability of messages countering terrorist propaganda.