Publication ‘The Children of ISIS. The indoctrination of minors in ISIS-held territory’

The joint NCTV/AIVD publication ‘The Children of ISIS. The indoctrination of minors in ISIS-held territory’ sheds light on the indoctrination process of minors by ISIS and their use in committing acts of violence.

It must be emphasized that the point is not to stigmatise these children or to foster fear. The goal is to render a realistic picture of what minors in ISIS-held territory go through. Knowledge of the extent of indoctrination, exposure to violence and living conditions of minors in ISIS-held territory is required in order to be able to accurately estimate what is needed in the event children from the ‘caliphate’ return or enter the Netherlands.

Governments and authorities must be aware of the care needed for these children while simultaneously be alert to the risks posed by this group. At the same time, from the perspective of children’s rights, these minors should in particular be regarded and treated as victims of ISIS.