The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean participated to the Euro-Mediterranean Seminar for the Engagement of Youth and Women Against Extreme Violence and Radicalization, that took place from December 12 to 13, 2019, in Rabat, Morocco, organized by the UNESCO Chair in the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Extremism collaborated with Network Practicies H2020, l’Université Toulouse II Jean Jaurès, l’Association des militants des savoirs and l’Université de Mohamed V.
The aim of this two-day seminar was to bring together scientific experts from Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean, political decision makers from the cities and countries involved, professionals, as well as the economic actors. This meeting’s three objectives were to produce a database of skills and experts in prevention; to build consensus and dissensus regarding social prevention for youth and women (development, education, gender balance, fighting against radicalization, citizenship, equal opportunities, employability, etc.) and to produce a scientific action plan and operational recommendations for the Euro-Mediterranean area.
The meeting was addressed by a representative of the Moroccan Minister of Justice and the Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research, the French ambassador to Morocco, representative of the UNESCO office in Rabat, Le président de l’université Euromed de Fès (UEMF), Mostapha Bousmina, and it was attended by university professors, experts, researchers, students and national and international associations.
The PAM delegation included Sen. Lhou Lmarbouh, President Emeritus of the PAM, Hon. Sandrine Morch, PAM Rapporteur on Human Rights, Hon. Mohamed Hejira, member of the Moroccan delegation to PAM, and Mrs. Fatima Khachi, Deputy to the PAM Secretary General.
Sen. Lmarbouh noted in his statement at the opening session the need to strengthen preventive and educational measures against radicalization, in particular among young people, which are most vulnerable to extremism, stressing the important role of this age group in the fight against extremism and the spread of values of tolerance and coexistence. Furthermore, he reminded the commitment of the PAM concerning counterterrorism, mentioning the Resolution adopted during the 13th Plenary Session and de recommendation to effectively implement the UNSC Resolution on de-radicalization and rehabilitation of the foreign terrorist fighters.
Hon. Sandrine Morch intervened during the first round table, which addressed the role of the social prevention for youth, and highlighted the importance of integrating young people into society and creating spaces, places or moments dedicated to them.
Mrs. Fatima Khachi intervened at the round table on “Fundamental rights and the gender issues” and presented the PAM activities on human rights and counter terrorism, highlighting the crucial responsibility of the social and mass media in the perception of the female gender, since they should have the essential role to widespread positive images on women.
The objective of this meeting was to launch the network of the UNESCO Chair in the Euro-Mediterranean region, of which PAM has become a founding member.