ACERWC African Committee of Experts on the Rights & Welfare of the Child 5.14 Radicalization and violent extremism As noted in the Report of the Secretary General, Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism socio-economic exclusion and violation of human rights can lead to radicalization.479 Profound feelings of frustration and injustice about social exclusion are some of the main causes that contribute to vulnerability of young people and children to join violent extremist groups.480 Profound feelings of injustice are often linked to segregation, marginalization from ‘mainstream’ society and discrimination.481 Children on the move, in particular migrant children are subjected to marginalization and discrimination from social services which might make them vulnerable to radicalization and violent extremism. In addition, lack of social purpose and hopelessness can lead to young people and children to develop interest in social actions that are sold to them including by radical charismatic leaders who can skillfully approach them in different social contexts.482 Child migrants or refugees who are deprived of hope and sense of purpose may buy into ideas of radicalization and violent extremism. The vulnerability of these children to radicalization and violent extremism is heightened in detention centers where they are subjected to torture and inhuman treatment. Militants’ groups are employing smugglers to recruit disillusioned unaccompanied children, who are vulnerable to pledging allegiance to extremist groups in order to continue with their migration journey.483 Violent extremist groups like the ISIL, Boko Haram, and Al Shabaab recruit people living in refugee camps by paying cash, and by promising funding of onward journeys on the condition that they join their groups.484 This exposes the children to the risk of radicalization and joining violent extremist groups. 5.15 Inaccessibility of sexual reproductive health services Children on the move, particularly adolescent girls, face many challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health services. This is attributable to marginalization and exclusion from social services including health services. Structural barriers such as conflicting health services, legal status and inadequate state protection have adverse effects to sexual and reproductive health rights of children on the move.485 The discriminatory migrant and asylum policies expose the children to marginalization from sexual and reproductive health services. The situation is worsened in instances where there is extensive criminalization of irregular migrants, including children, because criminalization makes it near-impossible for children termed as ‘illegal migrants’ or ‘illegal aliens’ to access sexual and reproductive health services. In South Africa, migrants have cited fear of being attacked due to waves of xenophobic attacks as a cause limited social movement to seek health services.486 This fear of movement in public 479 480 481 482 483 484 485 486 Report of Secretary General, Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism A/70/674 para 25. Council of Europe’s Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development Resolution on Preventing the Radicalisation of Children by Fighting the Root Causes (2016). As above. As above. All Africa, Africa: Militants Prey on Lone Child Migrants to Drive Recruitment - Report https://allafrica.com/stories/201702070245.html accessed 29 July 2018. As above. K Mukondwa & L Gonah, ‘Accessing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among Undocumented Migrants in South Africa: A Documentary Review’ (2016) 43(4) Medical Journal of Zambia 247 – 251. As above. 84