Objectives
Youth radicalisation and the associated use of violence have become a growing issue of concern in Europe and its neighbouring regions. There has been an increase in hate speech, in the incidence of hate crimes and attacks on migrants and refugees, propaganda and violent xenophobia, as well as a rise in religious and political extremism and in terrorist attacks in Europe and its neighbouring regions (EU-COE Youth). Radicalisation leading to violence of young people has an impact on their wellbeing, as well as on the wellbeing and stability of their communities and the entire world, as it challenges the democratic values of society. The threat of this type of radicalisation needs to be recognised and prevented through early interventions, which can help increase young people’s resilience to extremism and the use of violence.
THE ANTIDOTE TO HATE: Countering Radicalisation and Hate Speech” is a two-stage training course tackling comprehensively the topic of radicalisation of young people and hate speech, setting the stage for collaborative efforts of combating hate thoughts and speech that results to radicalisation and extremism. The project’s first main goal is to prevent and fight extremism and radicalisation through concrete measures within the local community. The objectives are to strengthen the role of youth organiSations in countering violent extremism; and promote the role of intercultural dialogue and gender mainstreaming in countering extremism and radicalization.
Activities
Within the frameworks of this project, we are going to assemble groups of youth workers from wide variety of countries, particularly dealing with young people with fewer opportunities (groups vulnerable to the influence of violent extremism) and work together during 2 Training Courses to increase our skills so we could better address our youth learners in the subject of preventing violent extremism and counter extremist narratives in speech. As it is all described in details in relevant parts of the application form.
Impact
The project will improve youth workers’ knowledge, skills and attitudes about preventing violent extremism and countering extremist-narratives. It will address directly the needs expressed by young people in our research. It will counter the roots of extremism which stay beyond hatred in speech and thought. We address it particularly to people who belong to groups (with fewer opportunities) more vulnerable to its influence.