The City of Ghent will continue to focus on a preventive approach to radicalization, extremism, and polarization over the next six years with a new action plan. This plan includes the further development of ‘brave spaces’, the expansion of the KOMBI and BARST! projects, and the establishment of a network to map potential tensions.
Radicalization rarely arises overnight. Therefore, the City invests in strong relationships with residents, organizations, and communities. By timely detecting signals, bringing people into dialogue, and supporting professionals, the City aims to prevent people from becoming isolated. Several concrete actions are now bundled into a new action plan. Although the number of radicalization reports in Ghent remains stable, vigilance is necessary due to new online phenomena, international conflicts, and societal divisions.
Young people are daily exposed to online influence, disinformation, and hate speech. The educational game [BARST!] is therefore being expanded. Through interactive scenarios, young people learn to deal with conflicts, peer pressure, and transgressive behavior. Additionally, the City, together with partners, is investigating how online hate speech and disinformation can be better mapped, enabling professionals to respond more quickly to harmful online trends.
The City is also further developing the so-called 'safe' and 'brave spaces'. In these accessible places, young people can talk about societal themes, identity, and experiences in a safe environment. The [KOMBI project] is also growing, bringing young people and the police closer together through sports activities and meeting moments in various Ghent neighborhoods.
When international events or local conflicts lead to tensions between groups, the City will act quickly through a new urban network. If necessary, a crisis team will immediately coordinate on-site actions to prevent further escalation. Finally, the City continues to invest in training for teachers, youth workers, social workers, and other frontline professionals, so they can better recognize and handle signs of polarization and radicalization.
The action plan is based on three core principles: care, proximity, and clear boundaries. The plan will be discussed in the municipal council committee on Monday, October 19, after which it will be rolled out across all involved policy areas and evaluated throughout the entire legislative period.
