Topic: 2025 – Reducing Recruitment Capabilities of Terrorist Groups
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Tillee Woods
Since antiquity, nations have struggled with terrorism.Over time, the things that are considered terrorism have changed, and at one point many of the things that we consider to be terrorism today were actually accepted military strategies. The rise of anarchist groups in the 19th century was largely because of poor housing, poverty, and lack of government support. These same factors drive people to join terrorist organizations today. Following the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, countries across the globe were faced with not only understanding the threat terrorist groups presented but also trying to stop them from recruiting their citizens. Now, it is more difficult than ever with terrorists targeting vulnerable people online.
Italy aggressively investigates and prosecutes terrorists, going as far as deporting foreign nationals with suspected ties to terrorist groups. Italy is also a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) and co-lead of the Counter-ISIS Finance and Africa Focus Groups. Additionally, Italy was one of the top contributors of troops to Iraq to combat ISIS. Italian law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies regularly exchange information about terrorist activities. Intelligence agencies work to gather intel on people with suspected terrorist connections, and law enforcement helps to prosecute them to the full extent of the law. Italy has anti-terrorism legislation in line with the highest international standards. Although there is a relatively small Muslim population, many do not live in “inner-city” areas that are prone to violence and poverty. These locations are where most terrorists target since the people who live there are more likely to be recruited to join terrorist organizations. A survey shows that 81% of Italian Muslims love Italy and its culture.
In the future, Italy hopes to work with the US Department of Defense to improve its screening of terrorism, as well as migrants. Italy also will continue to update its policies regarding the prosecution of terrorists to make sure it protects its citizens, and the global community as well as possible. Italy will also help its allies in the UN, EU, and NATO to help fight against the recruitment of the young, impoverished, and vulnerable. Italy will do so by increasing public awareness about how terrorists recruit people, especially children. Also, Italy will help increase awareness in law enforcement and government agencies about how to effectively deal with terrorists, which includes passing anti-terrorism legislation at a higher standard. The best ways to stop the spread of terrorism are to educate people, and to reduce the number exposed to poverty and poor conditions. Italy will offer some financial aid to countries in order to build more clean housing, help bring people out of poverty, and provide essentials for those in need. Italy supports legislation that increases the awareness about terrorism, and increases the severity of the punishment for suspected terrorists.
