- Irina van der Vet, University of Helsinki, Stephan Klose, VUB & Leena Malkki, University of Helsinki: The INDEED model: Towards an evidence-based evaluation of P/CVE and De-radicalisation programmes
- Vânia Sampaio, IPS - Innovative Prison System, Sara Afonso, IPS - Innovative Prison Systems & David Hansen, Oslo Metropolitan University: Improving cross-sectoral criminal justice staff P/CVE competencies in the Balkans: Findings from a country-tailored training programme
- David Hansen, Oslo Metropolitan University: The HOPE mentoring scheme
- Tarik Gherbaoui & Zsofia Baumann, TMC Asser Institute: Countering Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism (REMVE) using the Recommendations of the GCTF REMVE Toolkit
Abstracts
The INDEED model: Towards an evidence-based evaluation of P/CVE and De-radicalisation programmes
Most researchers, policy planners and practitioners broadly agree that thorough evaluations of existing P/CVE and De-radicalisation programmes are essential to advance effective - and prevent harmful – policy responses to violent extremism. Yet, despite growing interest and investment in evaluation, there are to date no agreed standards which determine what a thorough evaluation of P/CVE and De-radicalisation programmes implies. This paper addresses this problem by introducing the INDEED model and digital tool, which offer a novel approach and set of suggestions for standardised evidence-based evaluation practices based on the principles of evidence-based approach. The paper, in a first step, defines evidence-based evaluation as “a process of planning and implementing evaluations which integrates the best available evidence, professional expertise and stakeholder values, preferences and circumstances”. In a second step, the paper presents the INDEED model which outlines how the principles of evidence-based evaluation can be applied to different stages of an evaluation process, including the preparation, design, execution and utilisation phase. Finally, the paper introduces the INDEED tool which offers practical guidance for an extended number of stakeholders for the implementation of evidence-based evaluations in the field of P/CVE and de-radicalisation.
Improving cross-sectoral criminal justice staff P/CVE competencies in the Balkans: Findings from a country-tailored training programme
Pedro Liberado, IPS - Innovative Prison Systems, Vânia Sampaio, IPS - Innovative Prison Systems, Sara Afonso, IPS - Innovative Prison Systems, Margarida Damas, IPS - Innovative Prison Systems & David Hansen, Oslo Metropolitan University
Despite the considerably reduced number of terrorist attacks and the slight decrease in arrests for terrorism-related offences in 2022, violent extremism and terrorism remain a threat to the EU’s internal security and within its justice and home affairs policy foci. As prisons have consensually been considered hotbeds of radicalisation, hosting a vulnerable population where recruitment and planning can occur, EU policy highlights the training of prison and probation staff, the support to local actors (as critical stakeholders to ensure the prison-exit continuum), and the cooperation with the (Western) Balkans’ governments as cornerstone priorities for an effective European-wide response. The HOPE ‘Holistic Radicalisation Prevention Initiative’ project, by deploying a cross-sectoral training programme whilst creating a mentoring model based on the Norwegian (prison and community) updated approach, intended to improve the competencies of prison, probation, and civil society practitioners in the area of P/CVE. Focused on a sample of 103 practitioners from prison, probation, and civil society organisations from Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia, this paper highlights the results from a pre- and post-test on the effectiveness of the project’s training approach, as well as the mentoring’s model theoretical and practical concept, its limitations, and next steps.
The HOPE mentoring scheme
David Hansen, Oslo Metropolitan University
As part of the HOPE ‘Holistic Radicalisation Prevention Initiative’ project (2020-2023), the University College of the Norwegian Correctional Service (KRUS) developed a draft mentoring scheme for violent extremist or terrorist offenders (VETOs). In contrast to the existing mentoring scheme, the HOPE-mentoring scheme approaches the challenges in rehabilitation, reintegration and resocialization of VETOs into society by having a holistic approach – and explicitly underscores the importance of working (also) with deradicalization, and not only with disengagement goals – as the current mentoring scheme does. The scheme presents itself as one example of an exit program. The scheme has a specific spotlight on prison and probation, and offers tools and techniques for specific interventions to achieve disengagement and deradicalization - by using (professional) trained mentors. The scheme is part of a broader training package developed in the HOPE-project, and consists of a report (empirical basis) in addition to four sets of video training material divided into the following themes: 'mentoring in theory and practice', 'Using the Imam and religion as tools in mentoring', 'Initial cases – RWE inmate', Motivational Interviewing (MI)-inspired “Change Talk” cases – 'Working with a RWE inmate' – in addition to explanatory videos to the material – 59 videos in total.
Countering racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism (REMVE) using the recommendations of the GCTF REMVE Toolkit
Tarik Gherbaoui & Zsofia Baumann, TMC Asser Institute
As a response to the challenges posed by Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism (REMVE), including the 2011 attacks in Oslo and Utøya island, the United States and Norway partnered in 2021 under the auspices of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) to launch the REMVE Toolkit Initiative. Presented to GCTF Members in September 2022, the REMVE Toolkit is a non-binding document providing guidance and strategies for policymakers, practitioners, civil society, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders. It addresses the policy, operational, and legal challenges associated with designing, implementing, communicating, and managing measures to prevent and respond to the threat of REMVE.
As such, the aim of the REMVE Toolkit is to strengthen the capacity of GCTF Members and other key stakeholders, including states, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to develop and implement counter-REMVE strategies, policies, and programs that reflect relevant GCTF good practices and comply with applicable domestic and international law, including human rights law. The REMVE Toolkit further provides key stakeholders with concrete recommendations to enhance appropriate international cooperation, while addressing gaps in the international community’s understanding of REMVE threats, offering practical guidance to complement existing resources. The REMVE Toolkit is designed to be a resource for both states without REMVE-specific legislative provisions or policies, and for states that may already have explicitly REMVE-focused or REMVE-applicable statutes, strategies, and programs.