Preventing the radicalisation of our youth

Mi110,it;1Ajfairs. He states here that scare sponsors hip of moderate Islam neglects tl1e broader context of Muslim experiences, which is marked by socio-economic under-privilege and political alienation me Mumbai attacks and the Boston Marathon bomb ings are all examples of youth gone astray when their desire to believe is greater man meir capacity co judge good from tbe bad.

Ne ,vs that up to 150 Australians could be fighting in Syria and Iraq for the extreme radical militant group ISIS is indeed concerning for all Australians. The Australian government, law enforcement agencies and, more importantly, tl1e community need co cake steps to prevent forther raclicalisation of o ur youm.

The Federal Govern ment has in the past sec aside fun ds, such as up to $700,000 in 2013 for community progran1s, co tackle e.xtrem ism To an extent it seems robe working but it can be questioned if more can be done.

The challenge not only involves what needs to be done with those of Australian origin who are currently involved in tl1ese jih adist activities, but tl1ere are also concerns of hmv ro integrate them with society when they remrn ratl1er tl1an allow furtl1er proliferation of extremism in the country.

To combat such .radicalisation both Stace and Federal governments need to move decisively.

An insigh r in meeting iliis challenge is given by Shahram Akbarzadeh in his 2013 article 'Investing in Mentoring and Educational lnitiatives: The Limits of DeRadicalisation Programni.es in Australia,' which appeared in d1e Joumal rf lviwlitJJ

These experiences marginalise Australian Muslims and make die m vulnerable co extremist ideas This pattern is most evident an10ng the youth, whose sense of self is stiU in Aux, says Akbarzadeh Youtl1 in our communities are still trying to find their place between tl1e country of their parents' birtl1 and mat of their own upbringing. The share of Indian-born Muslims is 2.1 % according to the 201 1 Census and 5 6% for Pakistani-born :tvluslims

From me commmtit:y point of v iew, iLis important tl1at we address tl1ese i ssues so as to educate and franchise oLU· youth better.

\l(Thile Australia is home co them, their sense of identicy is still h)1)henated as they are referred co as Indian-Australians, Sri Lankan-Australians or Pakistani.Australians. To the educated classes, these distinctions can b ill[ w ith time. For tl1ose who may be from a Jess advantaged socioeconomic background however a nd are on d1e fringes of religious marginalisation from die mainstream, thtcre is more susceptibility to me pressures of the radicals within their society.

As the youth go searching for answers, tliose who can incite ratl1er than excite them about life should answer their questions

The 9 / 11 attacks, the London bombing,

Society needs to step in, and acceptance bas co be the keir. .Media, both social and traditional, has to be more accepting of d1e differences between peoples.

Political leaders need to aUow for more inclusiveness in tl1eir policy programs ratl1er t han jllst make token gestures. Businesses have to step up the educational campaigns to convey die benefits of diversity.

In. view of iliis, Attorney General George Brandis' intention to repe.'11 section 1 8c of die Racial Discrimination. Act 1975 is clearly wrong. 1t is the right of individuals from all walks of life to feel free and protected from unfair discrimination based on race The government needs to retain section l8c of the Act, which mal, es it unlawful for people to vilify otl1e rs on racial grounds Any repeal of iliis act can send our society backwards.

The Racial Discrimination Act helps create a fairer Australia for all, and stops i.nclividuals from offending, insulting, humiliating o r intimidating another person or a group of people, based upon race, colour or national or etlmic origin.

The problem of marginalised youtl1 in our migrant com1muuties could pose serious security concerns and so needs to be handJed sensitively.

Community acceptance and respect of eacb omer will be an important platform in this endeavour.