Bali, Indonesia 23-26 September - UNODC and National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT) strengthened Indonesia’s capacity for the treatment of children associated with terrorist groups - including children recruited and exploited by those groups, as well as those returning from conflict zones - with a workshop through which 40 security professionals explored neuroscience and adolescent development, delivered in partnership with Canada under the project Protecting Children in Contexts of Insecurity.
The world has been witnessed children's recruitment by – and exposure to - terrorist and violent extremist groups and is only just beginning to understand the long-lasting effects that this has on their physical and psychological well-being, behaviour and ability to develop and maintain relationships. Multiple crises including those of climate change, inequality and insecurity have forced children into situations of vulnerability but – all too often – they are viewed as threats and perpetrators without recognition of the devastating violence that they have suffered.
Major General Sudaryanto, Deputy Head of BNPT for Prevention, Deradicalization and Protection, acknowledged the complex nature of the phenomenon stressing that “it is not enough for the Government to invest solely in security; it is also crucial to invest in prevention and rehabilitation and reintegration efforts to improve the protection of children in the context of counter-terrorism” and added “this is the approach Indonesia has been promoting both at national and international levels”.
Children are more than the events that have been forced upon them. When provided with space and opportunities for healing, education and social connectedness, they can become stories of growth and change.
"We must do everything we can to enable these children to move beyond their exploitation to find meaning and internal safety so that they become constructive members of our communities. It is not the burden of the child alone. True healing and community resilience demand a multi-stakeholder cooperation and systemic approach. This is not only in the interests of the children affected, but also of protecting our society from the threats of terrorism," underscored Alexandra Martins, Team Leader, Ending Violence Against Children, UNODC.
Interactive sessions explored ways of recognizing – and effectively responding to – trauma in children formerly associated with terrorist groups. Communication and connection does more to advance safety than isolation and traditional punitive measures. However, security professionals often feel ill-equipped to relate to children who may display characteristics of aggression, distrust, self-harm, hopelessness, low self-esteem and hypervigilance.
"Building connections with children is very challenging and sometimes dangerous" noted a participant.
Security professionals were equipped with practical, evidence-based tools to support them in communicating sensitively and creating safe and nurturing environments whilst looking after their own mental health.
Mr. Andhika Chrisnayudhanto concluded the workshop by recognizing the multiple, interlinked roles and responsibilities of various ministries and agencies in protecting children in the context of counter-terrorism and noting that “the training activity was instrumental towards raising awareness of BNPT professionals regarding the importance of integrating child protection, mental health and psychosocial support, and strategic communication into broader security related interventions.”
Background
This initiative builds upon a longstanding collaboration between the Government of Indonesia and UNODC, which led to the "Bali Call for Action," a political declaration endorsing the UNODC Roadmap on the treatment of children associated with terrorist and violent extremist groups. In recent years, Indonesia has played an increasingly critical leading role in protecting children from terrorism at national, regional, and global levels, including by submitting a draft resolution for consideration by the 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. Co-sponsored by 44 Member States, Treatment of children associated with terrorist groups*, including children who are recruited and exploited by those groups was unanimously recommended to the Economic and Social Council for approval and subsequently adopted at its 37th plenary meeting on 23 July 2024.
A paper series on adolescent brain development developed by UNODC and UNICEF and presented in the margins of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in 2024, provides valuable insights into the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt. By unlocking and applying the science of how the brain shapes relationships, behaviour and development, security and child protection can be advanced across systems. All papers have been translated into Bahasa Indonesia and are available upon request.
