Quilliam speaks at EU Conference on "Recognizing Radicalization" in Amsterdam

Maajid Nawaz (Director of the Quilliam Foundation) and Ghaffar Hussain (Head of Quilliam Outreach and Training Unit) were invited to participate in a conference organized by the European Commission, in cooperation with a number of partner cities (including Birmingham), 27th - 28th November 2008 at Amsterdam's City Hall. The conference reported on the findings of a project called ‘Recognizing Radicalization’ or ‘RecoRa’ which involved the cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Essen, Rotterdam and Utrecht.

The main focus of the conference was the role local authorities, young professionals and relevant communities could play in counter radicalization. The goal was to demonstrate from a variety of perspectives the ways to understand, recognize and react to Islamist radicalization. Special attention was paid to training options for street-level professionals.

Ghaffar Hussain ran a workshop on the Radicalization Awareness Programmes offered by Quilliam's Outreach and Training Unit, focusing on the key themes that need emphasizing when countering the Islamist worldview. He also offered practical advice on how to engage with individuals who may be under the influence of Islamist extremism.

Maajid Nawaz narrated his experiences as a leading member of Hizb ut-Tahrir. How he was transformed from a young impressionable teenager growing up in Essex to a very active and vocal member of a leading Islamist group. Maajid also touched upon the ideas which he first encountered in an Egyptian prison which led him to question and subsequently renounce Islamism. He also made a number of important recommendations for individuals who are involved in countering extremist rhetoric.