What is the issue?
- There has been a series of terror attacks in western countries by “lone wolves” including the recent attack in New York.
- To tackle this, countries like Canada have been focusing on assimilating migrants into their cultural mainstream.
How can radicalism be prevented?
- A lone wolf, lone-wolf terrorist or lone actor is someone who prepares and commits violent acts alone, outside of any command structure and without material assistance from any group.
- It is the lack of belonging that is driving many to destroy their host countries.
- Enhancing the “sense of belonging” among different groups rather than looking for reasons to detain or expel them could help.
- Efforts for preventing polarisation along religious or ethnic lines through effective social integration is needed.
- Investigators need to examine all the concrete details of the perpetrators’ lives rather than just the act of violence.
- The root causes of radicalism should be identified and be dealt with the active support of community leaders.
What is Canada’s immigration policy?
- Social Integrtaion - Understanding the plight of migrants, their worldview and their aspirations is key to any integrationist effort.
- Enhanced social and personal relationships contribute greatly to the development of a ‘sense of belonging’.
- For peple to forge a new beginning in the host society, having some form of a legal status and a job are crucial.
- Ensuring free assess to rental services, financial systems, education and healthcare opportunities are also major aspects.
- Cultural Integration - Canadian Multiculturalism Act, 1988 formalized a policy to encourage cultural diversity.
- Developing a sense of tolerance through recognition and understanding became an aspect of public policy.
- Accommodating the language of the migrants and funding multi-cultural initiatives can help.
- Explaining Canadian customs and legal systems to the refugees is also given importance.
What is the way forward?
- While enhancing surveillance and safety structures might help to an extent, they are only temporary measures.
- Building a broader acceptance for other cultures is key to liberal democratic ethos.
Source: The Hindu
