Section outline
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Social inclusion is critical for the success of P/CVE efforts. Social inclusion is the process of improving the terms for individuals and groups to take part in society and the process of improving the ability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged on the basis of their identity to take part in society. This is significantly important for marginalized communities, who also play a critical role within P/CVE efforts. From religious minority communities who work on inter and intra-faith dialogue to ethnic minority communities who work towards community resilience and harmonization, all of these efforts are critical in P/CVE efforts.
For example, there are currently around one billion women and girls, men and boys, and sexual and gender minorities with disabilities, affected by a range of sensory, physical, psychosocial and/or intellectual impairments. This number is rapidly increasing due to global population aging, increased incidence of chronic diseases and injuries caused by environmental factors such as climate change, natural disasters and conflict. This number represents around 15% of the global population, making persons with disabilities the largest minority group in the world. More than half of all persons with disabilities live in countries affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Evidence demonstrates positive returns when persons with disabilities are included in development and humanitarian decision-making. Yet research, policy and practice has mostly focused on the vulnerabilities of persons with disabilities – as victims of discrimination, marginalization, violence and abuse – as opposed to their skills and potential as peacebuilders. As a result, very little attention has been paid to the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in peacebuilding processes, the factors and dynamics that contribute to their inclusion or exclusion, the challenges of ensuring effective representation, and the most successful mechanisms for inclusion. This example captures the importance of engaging communities with an intersectional lens and approach to make P/CVE interventions more holistic and sustainable.
Push and pull factors for marginalized communities vary depending on the group and context, but often include political, economic, and social exclusion or discrimination.
Photo Source: Serbia EuroPride was canceled this year (2022) in Belgrade by the President due to threats from right-wing extremists and fears of clashes. Gec, Jovana. “Serbia Cancels EuroPride Due to Extremist Threats.” PBS. August 27, 2022. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/serbia-cancels-europride-celebration-due-to-extremist-threats.
