The reintegration of men, women, and children who have returned from Syria and Iraq is challenging governments and civil societies across Europe. Actors such as penal institutions, probationary services, social welfare and youth welfare offices, and those working in psychosocial care play an especially important role. As part of the “International Forum for Expert Exchange on Countering Islamist Extremism” (InFoEx), we held this online event to discuss both challenges and good practices in approaches to the reintegration of returnees from Syria and Iraq. Departing from two case studies from Germany and Belgium, we assessed the role of governmental authorities and agencies and how they can be strengthened. We also looked at the cooperation with civil society actors and how approaches can be transferred to other countries.
Introduction:
Sofia Koller
Research Fellow; Project Leader “International Forum for Expert Exchange
on Countering Islamist Extremism” (InFoEx), DGAP, Germany
Panel:
Thomas Renard
Senior Research Fellow, Egmont Institute, Belgium
Alexey Manevich
Advice Center “Radicalisation,” Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, Germany
Mattie van der Molen
Child Psychologist and Coordinator of the Dutch National Advisory Team on Juvenile Returnees from Syria or Iraq, Netherlands
Steffen Saigusa Nielsen
Advisor, East Jutland Police, City of Aarhus, Denmark
Moderator:
Alexander Ritzmann
Associate Fellow, DGAP; Senior Advisor, Radicalisation Awareness Network (RAN), Germany
The event was held in German and English with translation.
Watch the Recording:
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