Qatar Calls For Comprehensive Approach To Prevent Violent Extremism In Somalia, Other Hotspots

Tribune News Network New York Qatar has reiterated its commitment to a comprehensive approach to preventing violent extremism in Somalia and other hot spo...

Tribune News NetworkNew York Qatar has reiterated its commitment to a comprehensive approach to preventing violent extremism in Somalia and other hot spots in the world, by being guided by innovative methods and by relying on modern technology.This came in a statement delivered by Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Ambassador HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani at an event on the sidelines of the second United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week entitled “facing the new and evolving challenges in the new decade: through rehabilitation and reintegration in Somalia”. It was organised by Qatar in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund.Sheikha Alya explained that Qatar provides support to the Global Fund because its mission is in line with its comprehensive approach to preventing and combating violent extremism and terrorism, and its firm belief in the inevitability of ending violent extremism from its roots, as the Global Fund has been performing valuable work in many beneficiary countries, including Somalia. Qatar has several initiatives at the international level aimed at building peaceful, just and inclusive societies, and promoting stability and equity at the political, social and economic levels, she added.Sheikha Alya explained that Qatar aims to promote a culture of peace and tolerance through tools such as education and sports, and is keen to improve economic conditions by providing job opportunities and development assistance, noting that in the context of these efforts, Qatar focuses on communities in need, and those living in disputed situations or those emerging from them.She stressed that Qatar has always been a reliable international partner for Somalia, as it provides it with political and other forms of support, including military aid, to strengthen the security and improve its ability to confront persistent threats and terrorism. She underlined Qatar’s realization that addressing violence and terrorism and adopting security approaches are not sufficient alone, therefore, Qatari aid to Somalia is focused on the people and directed towards providing development assistance and investing in vital areas such as education and providing job opportunities to help Somalia restore stability and prosperity.The envoy noted that creating job opportunities is an effective tool to reduce violence, and is essential for efforts to facilitate the separation and rehabilitation of youth previously associated with violent extremist groups, and this rehabilitation is followed by a long-term process of reintegrating them into society, indicating the process requires adequate funding and the active involvement of traditional and religious leaders and local NGOs, while the role of these local actors is essential, international partners can also provide assistance.She highlighted the role of Silatech, a Qatari non-governmental organisation concerned with social development and works to connect youth with jobs and empower successful projects in many countries of the region.She stated that the organisation is working with partners in Somalia to promote economic integration and peaceful coexistence and is implementing programs to provide thousands of young refugees, displaced and returnees with sustainable livelihood opportunities through vocational training, small business skills development, agricultural and fishing skills, and the employment of graduates.Sheikha Alya added that within the framework of partnership with the Qatar Fund for Development, a capital fund was established for lending aimed at financing projects and creating job opportunities for thousands of Somali youth.