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What we do
Our Approach

Shouting out ‘NO’ to leaving terrorists behind

Accept International works to de-radicalize and reintegrate not only individuals and areas that face high risks of radicalization, but also those who were already involved in acts of terrorism. By downsizing human resources of terrorist groups in the field level, we aim to resolve terrorism and unending conflicts

Conventionally, armed conflicts have been resolved by the form of peace treaties. This approach is one that is done through dialogues between people and parties concerned in the conflicts. However, in the face of increasing numbers of conflicts caused by terrorist groups - accounting for approximately 44% of armed conflicts worldwide - it is significantly difficult to engage communication, thus the international society is in heavy search for innovative approaches.

Through the approach of providing and creating a path to de-radicalization and proactive reintegration for persecutors of armed conflicts, such as terrorists and gang members, we aim to encourage them to defect and break free from their current environment. Furthermore, by preventing vulnerable individuals from joining such terrorist groups, we establish a positive virtuous cycle towards conflict resolution.

Absolutely no one is born a terrorist, and we have learned from history that armed forces alone does not help end terrorism. This is why we use peaceful methods such as workshops, skill training programs, and counseling sessions to de-radicalize and reintegrate individuals into society.

Activity in Somalia
Activity in Kenya
Activity in Indonesia
Activity in Nigeria
Activity in China(Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region)
Activity in Japan

Where we operate

Accept International takes action in areas where little focus is paid, though issues of terrorism and armed conflicts are most severe.

Currently, we have been conducting our operations in Somalia, Kenya, and Indonesia. We have carried out projects in Nigeria and China (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous District) as well.

Rather than implementing programs with uniformity, we arrange its contents according to the conditions of each country. More precisely, arrangements are made within each country, such as districts and cities, with substantial results. In addition, we carefully monitor each individual’s situation, with successive follow-up programs.

As well as projects preventing radicalization targeting individuals and areas with a high risk of becoming radicalized, Accept International focuses on projects of ‘De-radicalization, Re-insertion and Re-integration’ for those who have already been radicalized. The main targets of this project are former terrorists incarcerated in prisons and individuals who have been released from it.
These target groups have a high demand to be supported, and through the provision of psychological, economic, and social support, we attempt to prevent re-radicalization while backing their new lives in local communities. Moreover, we aim to create an environment where individuals once radicalized can return to society, and increase the number of defectors from terrorist organizations.

  • De-Radicalization

    The organization provides support to break away from extremist ideologies and highly illegal actions. Ideologically, in the process of de-radicalization, we change the individuals’ belief of taking ‘justifiable’ violent and illegal measures to achieve religious, political convictions, while accepting and analyzing how they came to the process and system of their ideologies. Physically, we break off individuals from terrorist activities and take them out of the groups engaged in those activities.

  • Re-insertion & Re-integration

    The organization supports target individuals to establish their livelihood in local communities, and confront their realities surrounding them. In addition to practical economic and societal assistance such as income generation and building contacts with local communities, we focus on a psychological approach to strengthen their mindset, especially when individuals face severe situations just after their release, which can be particularly problematic. In contrast to the conventional approach, which takes a corrective and rehabilitative manner, we value an interactive and communicative approach, and stand at the same eye level with them.

Taking action towards de-radicalization and reintegration of former extremists, we have developed the RPA model, an innovative three-step framework built up from our experience in this field. The three steps, ‘Redefine, Prepare, Action’ reflects our approach and goal to resolving terrorism and armed conflict. Instead of a one-sided approach forcing the individual to be reformed and re-educated, Accept International utilizes meaningful conversations tailored to each of them, in order to adjust their ideologies and behavior for the better. Based on this framework, we implement de-radicalization and reintegration projects that are arranged by the condition of each operating country.

The RPA model

  • Much to our effort, the RPA model was selected for one of the most innovative projects in resolving worldwide issues at the Paris Peace Forum (PPF) 2020. Led by the French President Emmanuel Macron, stakeholders including theUN Secretary General, heads of states, and experts from various fields participate in the PPF, and aim to introduce and debate solutions to worldwide issues. The RPA model was proudly selected as the first innovative project from Japan.
  • De-radicalization
    Disillusion management session

    TThe risk of re-radicalization can increase when defectors face the reality that things don’t work as well as they had expected. During this session, we discuss possible obstacles and seek solutions together so that we can minimize the risk of re-radicalization of each individual in advance.

  • De-radicalization
    Interactive session towards reconciliation

    There are many cases where ex-terrorists and gang members do not recognize how the community think of them, and vice versa. This has the potential to create an emotional distance between the two actors. To solve this, we invite leaders of the community, and host an interactive session so that both our participants and community leaders are able to deepen their mutual understanding of present conditions.

  • Social Reintegration
    Skill Training / Life Skill Training Program

    With the aim to achieve financial and social independence of ex-terrorists and former gang members, we provide training for skillsets locally in demand and give support in finding employment. In addition, we put an emphasis on training real-life skills where we provide access to information and help them build relationships with others preparing them for the harsh realities ahead.

  • Social Reintegration
    Long-Term Counselling

    In order to promote social re-integration, we continue supporting ex-terrorists and gang members long after they complete our rehabilitation programs. We make sure to build a relationship where they can trust and feel comfortable to rely on us. Subsequently, we provide counselling and conduct monitoring on a regular basis. Furthermore, we support their re-integration by providing consulting for their business activities and investments.

You guys gave me hope.
You are ones that changed me.

ー Ex Somali Gang Member / Abdifatar

Born in 1991, Kismayo, a southern city in Somalia, Abdifatar fled to Kenya as a child when the civil war in Somalia intensified. As an illegal refugee, he found himself in a refugee camp in Nairobi around the Eastleight Area, where many Somalis lived. For the sake of his survival and protection of his fellow comrades, he joined a Somali gang. In 2014, Abdifatar joined our project. Although he had earned his living by dealing Marijuana before joining our project, he now concentrates on taking care of other former-gang members as well as newcomers to our projects as a staff.

  • UN-Habitat

    Hassan Abdicadir

    I really feel that Accept International is the answer to terrorism in Somalia and the rest of the world. Terrorist organizations tend to approach those who are left behind by the society. This is exactly why we have to care for those kind of people. Right now, commitment to places and people left behind from the world as well as governments is required. I hope that together with Accept International we can provide something of value.

  • Director of Tawakal Medical Clinic

    Mohammed Abdikadir

    We first started collaborating in 2013 and now I feel that the work of Accept International now plays a huge part in providing a solution for issues in Kenya and Somalia. The key to changing the radicalised youth lies in their identity and self-respect. Their idea to change the youth of Somali into young leaders is innovative and meaningful.

  • Ex Somali Gang Member

    Jenjes

    I joined the program of Accept International in the summer of 2015. Until then, I had never been paid attention by society, so I remember well how it came as a surprised to me that they accepted us without any prejudice. It was a meaningful time for me. Holding my certificate of completion, I did my best to find a job. Now, I work strenuously in a job with electronic equipments from morning to night.

I can easily imagine how I could be portrayed by the community.
Still, I want to start building my life again.

Ex-combatant of the Islamic militant group, Al-Shabaab/Abdi

Abdi was born in 1996, Baidoa, a city in the southwestern Bay region of Somalia. When his family members were killed at a young age, he started to live with his uncle. He was invited by a recruiter to join Al-Shabaab at a nearby mosque and at the same time felt peer pressure to join by his friends. As a result, he became a member of Al-Shabaab. Although he spent one year at a training camp of Al-Shabaab, he made a decision to leave Al-Shabaab with his friends. He is currently taking part in our rehabilitation program.

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