De-radicalization and Disengagement in Counter-Terrorism Strategies Conference” 20-21 June 2011

July 20, 2011 | By AD | Category: HDFF’s Programs

“De-radicalization and Disengagement in Counter-Terrorism Strategies Conference”

20-21 June 2011 (Summary)

Human Development Forum Foundation (HDFF) along with “The Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Thailand”, “Hanns Seidel Foundation”, “German-Southeast Asian Center of Excellence of Public Policy and Good Governance, Thammasat University, Thailand”(CPG)  and the “Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, St. Andrews University Scotland” hosted and supported a two day conference on 20-21 June 2011 entitled “De-radicalization and Disengagement in Counter-Terrorism Strategies.”

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After a short introduction by General (ret) Bunchon Chawansin, HDFF Chairman (left) and Mr. Henning Glaser, Head of CPG (right) the interesting conference started with impressive presentations and lively discussions.

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Keynote speaker Max Taylor along with several prestigious experts in counter terrorism representing Europe, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand came together to define de-radicalization and disengagement and to share best practices, insight, experience and goals for the future. Above all, learning and working together as an ASEAN and international community was emphasized. The conference was moving, educational and inspiring to take action in this newly developing field.

HDFF’s direct co-operation partners in various programs contributed to this conference in form of Keynote Speaker Professor Max Taylor and Dr. Peter Lehr (Senior Research Associate), both from the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, St. Andrews University, Scotland and Professor Rommel Banlaoi, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, Philippines to underscore the good relationship between the institutes and HDFF which since 2011 was extended to include the CPG of Thammasat University Thailand led by Mr. Henning Glaser.

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Other key themes included:

• Understanding the defining factors that contribute to terrorism and therefore how to mitigate its roots and consequences is imperative.   There are several ways of defining and understanding the approaches to combating radicalism in the context of terrorism.

• These government and organizational approaches, depending on main causations, domestic policies, values and resources, should integrate a holistic method.  Globalization is pertinent to identifying solutions. Some approaches include pursue, prepare, protect, prevent.

• Two large contributors to the growth of terrorism is radicalization within prisons and on the internet. Those who enter prison common criminals are often being “converted” and “recruited” to radical causes. The internet provides an easy platform to share information, form relationships and network.

• Terrorists are now using a variety of propaganda to reach out to a wider audience than ever, including English magazines (ex. Inspire).
• Within a country and within a region, practices that integrate all state, non state and international actors together are the most successful. Loopholes diminish effectiveness.

• Counseling as an effective soft approach for prison detainees. Terrorism is related to ideologies and a successful way to work against extremism is work with those ideologies not against them.

• Counseling allows terrorists to share their experiences, air grievances, gain personal relationships, feel heard and understood. Most importantly, they allow themselves to be re-educated.

Thomas K. Samuel representing the de-radicalization program in Malaysia emphasized that youth is an extremely worrisome growing part of terrorism. Stating “terrorism is in the mental sphere of our youth.”  Often youth are recruited because they are easy to influence, more expendable and have no previous records. Youth are captivated by the empowerment, status, identity and purpose.

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Participants and presenters were fully satisfied with the outcome of this conference and expressed their sincere thanks to the organizing and supporting partners for conducting this conference.

In this context HDFF would like to take the opportunity to ensure all of the involved partner organizations of our highest consideration and cooperation in the near and long term future.

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Coming Soon! Chairman’s Circle5

May 11, 2011 | By AD | Category: HDFF’s Programs

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FORUM FOUNDATION

Chairman’s Circle/Strategic Forum 2011-5

General (ret) Bunchon Chawansin, HDFF Chairman

“Human, arms and drug trafficking in maritime Southeast Asia and
respective security implications for Thailand and Malaysia.”

Guest speaker: Mr. Karsten von Hoesslin, Senior Analyst with Risk Intelligence
and Visiting Fellow with the Centre for International Law,
University of Singapore

on: Thursday 26 May 2011

Special E-Magazine

July 7, 2010 | By AD | Category: HDFF’s Programs

Click the picture to read out E-Magazine special issue - From the Chao Praya to the Ayeyarwardy

E-Magazine Vol. 4

July 7, 2010 | By MN | Category: HDFF’s Programs

Click the picture to read our E-Magazine Vol. 4

About Decentralization study trip to South Tyrol/Italy 7-15 June 2008

E-Magazine Vol. 3

July 7, 2010 | By AD | Category: HDFF’s Programs

Click the picture to read out E-Magazine Vol. 3

About the German Flood Expert In Thailand

E-Magazine Vol. 2

July 7, 2010 | By AD | Category: HDFF’s Programs

Click the picture to read our E-Magazine Vol. 2

About  The Community Flood Damage Prevention Project

E-Magazine Vol. 1

July 7, 2010 | By AD | Category: HDFF’s Programs

Click the picture to read our E-Magazine Vol. 1

About the study trip to South Tyrol/Italy 7-15 June 2008

Flood prevention follow-up

June 3, 2010 | By AD | Category: HDFF’s Programs

In the framework of the flood prevention project, the HDFF offered a series of follow up seminars after the study trip to Germany for about 35-40 experts focusing on the enhancement of their leadership skills, especially under crisis situations. The experts were introduced to the importance of value based leadership and the coordination of combined efforts. This was practiced and deepened through practical exercises.

Community Flood Prevention

June 3, 2010 | By AD | Category: HDFF’s Programs

After Ayutthaya suffered from flooding throughout 2006, HDFF established a project called “Community Flood Damage Prevention.” The project lasted from September 2007 until February 2009 and took place in the province of Ayutthaya, Bang Sai District, Bann Krachaeng. This project was launched in cooperation with the Friedrich Newmann foundation (FNF) and Thai-German Institute – Innovation Technology Services (TGI-ITS) under the umbrella of the Armed Forces, Bund, Canal and Dam (ABCD) Program of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

The main target groups included those in the community that were already experts on flooding and those that were community representatives engaged in flood prevention activities. Through these target groups the overall objective was to create preventative strategies against flood damage while also raising the Thai people’s understanding on floods.

This project implemented various events including an eight-day trip to Cologne, Germany by 12 Thai community representatives. The primary goal of this trip was to familiarize the group with German flood prevention strategies through visiting various organizations knowledgeable on the issues associated with flooding. The participants valued this trip as an important opportunity to gain new knowledge, inspiration and information. Another activity was furthering flood understanding within the community. This was done by conducting 55 activities and events regarding flood awareness and prevention within the communities affected. Overall, the “Community Flood Damage Prevention” project familiarized approximately 300 people with knowledge over flood prevention and management.