Workshop on Preventing Youth from Online Radicalization leading to Violent Extremism

The worskhop entitled “Preventing Youth from Online Radicalization leading to Violent Extremism” will look at the measures in place to ensure an Internet of Trust in the wake of violent extremism that is becoming a major challenge for many societies and is threatening the security and fundamental rights of citizens all over the world. The Workshop which is taking place within the framework of the Internet Governance Forum 2018, will take place at UNESCO Headquarters (Room IV), in Paris, France.
The United Nations System acknowledges that violent extremism has reached a level of threat and sophistication that requires concerted action beyond law enforcement, military or security measures to address development, good governance, human rights and humanitarian concerns. In 2013, the UNESCO General Conference passed already a resolution on Internet-related issues, which encouraged international and interdisciplinary reflection and debate on the ethical challenges of emerging technologies.

While there is a growing concern of the dissemination of violent extremist ideas through new means of communication, which are exploited for the purposes of extremist propaganda, recruitment by radical groups and incitement to commit violent acts motivated by hate and intolerance, the Québec’s Call for Action encourages all stakeholders to facilitate access to and use of the Internet and new communication technologies as tools and platforms that help prevent radicalization and violent extremism, condemn violence and hate speech, and promote inclusion, equality and intercultural dialogue.