Saskia Tempelman

Ministry of Security and Justice

Countering Extremism in the Netherlands

How does the Netherlands define extremism?

Extremism = people or groups consciously exceeding the boundaries of the law and committing (violent) illegal acts, in their pursuit of certain ideals.

Focus on Islamist and right-wing extremism. Other forms: left/anti-asylum and animal rights extremism.

Extremism forms a threat to the democratic rule of

law and to the security of citizens.

Why is this a relevant social topic?

Who are we talking about?Mostly young (< 30). Also higher educated and women/girls. Particular danger of the ‘lone actor’.

Islamic radicalisation

Psychological/spiritual - social recognition and bonding - political injustice home/abroad. Gericht op external jihad.

Right-wing extremist radicalisation

frustration about the ‘multicultural’ society - emotional nationalism - sometimes political dimension, but not always. Drink & Drug-related multi-problems.

Animal Rights extremism and left-wing extremism

Small hard core with experience, international links and high security consciousness

Counter-extremism strategy

Prevent and prepare for extremist actions through

early detection and adequate intervention by:

• General sharing of knowledge and networks

• Risk-geared support of local actors

• Key means: good practices and good persons

Good Practices: training and intervention

Trainings for professionals:

• general and specific for lone actors.

• Thousands of police officers, social workers, school- and health care

practitioners.

Interventions:

• Mentoring of Individuals (prevention and de-rad/disengagement)

• Empowerment-Resilience trainings (for groups)

• Democratic development (for schools)

Connect and involve:

• network excellent professionals

• deradicalisation-specialists

• key civil society groups and persons

Good persons

Opportunities for the NAVT

Input of victim stories and insights into:

• trainings of professionals and key civil society

• individual mentoring

• empowerment trainings

• democratic development modules in schools

Learn methods: peer education, 2-sided presentation, systemic approach, experiential approach.

Thank you for your attention