1. The foreign terrorist fighter challenge: think globally, act locally
Hans Bonte
Mayor of Vilvoorde
Belgian Federal Parliament member

2. Vilvoorde = surprisingly a laboratory for radicalism and Syrian Fighters
About Vilvoorde
Syrian Fighters from Vilvoorde: the facts & figures
Vilvoorde is a laboratory for CVE
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

3. About Vilvoorde Small town of >43,000 inhabitants near Brussels
Strong ties with the capital, sociologically one
In prosperous region, growing dualization
Fastest growing town in Belgium
Strong growth of the North African community
1 out of 4 inhabitants is not from Belgian origin
Among minors that is >40%
High unemployement in that community
Structural shortage of public infrastructure
For years grappling with racism and discrimination
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

4. Syrian Fighters in Vilvoorde: the figures
28 people left for Iraq and Syria
9 killed
8 returnees
75 people at risk
Including under-aged boys and girls
Nobody left since spring 2014, but challenges are evolving
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

5. Some obersvations Huge social impact with: There’s no standard profile
youngsters
schools
families
(Islamic) communities
There’s no standard profile
Girls and boys
Young and old
Belgian and non-Belgian origins
Shared elements:
Vulnerability
Indoctrination
Isolation
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

6. Vilvoorde is a laboratory for CVE
Departures from every high school or neighbourhood
First people left in 2012
On the run for justice and prison
Leaders of international militias of ISIS
Recruited other Belgian youngsters
Youngsters with frustrations and no hope in the future
Since 2013 we’ve developed a method to deradicalise these youngsters and prevent departures
Trial and error
Multilateral approach
Town deradicalisation officer
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

7. Radicalisation = indoctrination + isolation
Idea forced upon: special part to play
Expected to clear any obstacle
Message simultaneously via various channels
Isolation:
Introduction to convert to Islam
All ties with others have to be broken
Permanent media coverage of conflict in Syria and Iraq
Unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict
More successful with people in weak positions
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

8. De-radicalisation = information + involvement
Exactly the opposite of radicalisation process
Receiving signals of concern
Increasing the awareness of different actors
As accessible as possible on different fronts
Signals go to town deradicalisation officer and police
Partners’ Table:
Strengthening and restoring social relations
Key persons with religious insights are brought in
Effective follow-up by police and security services
Investing in involvement, social environment, giving warmth
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

9. De-radicalisation = information + involvement
Open door policy
Willing to meet with everyone, also FTFs and their families
Don’t wait for them to find you, find them
Outreachers are vital part of our local policy
No taboos
Eg. Second Wave project between youngsters and local police
Muslim communities are our most important partner
Organizations such as mosques, but also individuals
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

10. Conclusions and considerations
Think globally, act locally
Fight IS internationally in Iraq and Syria
Combat radicalisation locally in our cities
Ostriches
Should be on top of the agenda in all countries
Not see the problem – Will go away by itself
Everybody has to take responsability
Icebergs
Not only focus on visible part
Look at deeper causes, frustration of a group of people in our society: breeding grounds
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017

11. Thank you for your attention
Hans Bonte - Mayor Vilvoorde – Barcelona, November 2017