Youth Radicalization

Abstract

Many of young Palestinians have been the target of extremists’ appeal. Studies have shown that radicalization gains grounds in poor socioeconomic and lacking human rights environment. Radical groups have been successful to exploit deprivation feeling for recruiting purposes. The Lebanese government, on the other hand, has imposed various limits on Palestinian refugees’ civil rights in the pretext of insuring the “right to return”. These limits include significant restrictions on refugees’ socioeconomic development, livelihood, and movements. A situation that has served fertilizing the ground for radicalization. This paper highlights the significance of civil rights deprivation in driving youth toward extremism. It, thus, offers a response to whether the deprivation of civil rights is a major driver to radicalization. In contrast, it explores whether ensuring civil rights can serve as prevention of violent extremism (PVE). The evidence is extracted from previous empirical studies as well as from focus group discussion (FGD) conducted with radicalized Palestinian youth in Ain El Helwe Refugee Camp. At the same time, experts’ opinions are compiled to confirm assumptions and validate conclusions.