Youth Urged To Refrain From Violence, Focus On Education and Employment

Manama, Bahrain (AHN) - "Post 9/11 attacks, extremism is invariably linked to Islam," MP Shaikh Adel Moawada told a 100-member delegation of youth and specialists gathered here Monday to find ways to counter radicalization of youth.

The Al Asala (conservative Sunni) bloc MP told AHN, " Muslims all over the world are affected by this extremism which is not accepted in Islam. The public opinion after 9/11, London or Madrid attacks against Muslims is divided. The youth should be educated and their energy should be utilized rather than promoted for radical thoughts by religious leaders who act as a fuel. Islam should not be blamed for the acts of extremists."

The lawmaker was speaking at the plenary session of a UNESCO gathering to counter ways of violent radicalization of youth. Top officials, diplomats, decision makers, and regional and international NGOs participated in the first-of-its-kind event.

"One channel of extremism from a school of thought should be stopped. The result is in front of us after 9/11 attacks, Afghanistan was burned, Iraq is still burning, and who's next?" Al Moawada added.

Among the key speakers was former President of the Republic of Colombia, Andres Pastrana, who told AHN, "We lack information of Islam and its philosophy in our side of the world. Young people are affected by violence and are being involved in acts of terrorism. The doors need to be opened for the youth who need to exchange ideas and cultural experience to tackle the problems in the Middle East."

The three-day event also features key speakers: UNESCO's Deputy Director General Marcio Barbosa; Joseph G. Jabbra, president of the Lebanese American University; Beirut and officials from local, regional and national governments.

"The statistics in detail reveal that more than 130 million young people are illiterate and almost 90 million are unemployed. In certain regions including in the Arab states account for up to half of those unemployed," said Barbosa in his speech.

The meeting aims to discuss best practices, strategies and approaches to integrate youth into society without straying into violence. Testimony of a Bahraini youth, Ahmed was showcased saying that several youths were brainwashed and paid money to participate in illegal gatherings in the country.

Youth comprise more than 60 per cent of the population of Bahrain. The unemployment rate in the country is below 4 per cent, according to official figures.