Increasing the Resilience of Caregivers and Families to Prevent Violent Extremism

The West Asia-North Africa Institute, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Iraq, aims to develop training materials within a comprehensive facilitator's guide. This guide is designed to enhance the community's ability to counter the messages and methods used by violent extremist groups to attract and recruit youth and increase families' resilience to prevent violent extremism.

The training materials provide the necessary tools and knowledge to recognize and address early signs of extremism, equipping primary caregivers such as parents, teachers, and social workers, as well as women, youth leaders, and other influential actors in the lives of young people, with the ability to identify the pathways and contexts of extremism. The materials also aim to raise awareness of the factors that can protect individuals from drifting towards extremism, with a focus on building positive relationships within the family and community, and promoting non-violent communication.

The West Asia and North Africa Institute conducted 26 interviews with local and international experts and government officials in Iraq regarding the needs and challenges faced by caregivers in rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, as well as the lessons learned. Furthermore, the guide's design is based on the available literature on rehabilitation practices, interventions, and prevention, emotional security theory, and more.