“We are facing a major crisis situation today. It is with balanced policies that go beyond repression and take into account both safety and human rights issues that we can face these challenges together” stated Leen Verbeek (Netherlands, SOC), Vice-President of the Congress, addressing the participants of the Lab “Countering radicalisation”, as part of the fourth World Forum for Democracy on 19 November 2015. This Lab focused on new strategies to prevent radicalisation and to improve outcomes for all residents by more successfully integrating migrants into society. “Local and regional authorities are the main vectors for inclusive policies and can contribute to sustainable solutions in response to radicalisation” the vice-president said. Talking about the ‘’Strategy to combat radicalisation at grassroots level’’, he reminded the participants not to fall into the trap of equating refugees with terrorism. “As local authorities we have to stand together in this fight. It is essential that we work together and profit from the experience of each other”, Leen Verbeek concluded.
