Accept International

Accept International contributes towards Peacebuilding and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) in a world where violent extremism continues to persist, with certain conflicts seeing little to no progress towards ending. In 2011, Yosuke founded the organisation in response to this troubling trend. Accept International has developed the RPA (Re-define, Prepare, Action) model, an innovative approach towards counter-extremism, primarily targeted on the de-radicalisation and reintegration of ex-violent extremists in a penal institution. Accept has also been promoting the defection of current members in violent extremist organisations (VEOs).

Through the first step, Accept helps to ""Re-define"" a participants identity without denying their beliefs, helping them create values that both belong to the individual yet unharmful to society. This approach respects their held backgrounds and the reasons they took such actions but diverts these emotions to productive and non-violent means. In the ""Prepare"" step, Accept empowers each individual by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their future, preparing for the difficulties of reintegration with useful life skills and reconciliation with the community. The final ‘Action’ phase involves continued support as they re-enter society, measuring their progress with follow-ups and continuous counselling.

Accept International has contributed to more peaceful and sustainable environments in Kenya, Somalia, and Indonesia. The organization has directly de-radicalised 89 defectors and 88 ex-combatants of VEOs, given indirect support on deradicalization of 1,070 former members, as well as defecting 107 active VEO members. Additionally, through its institution in Kenya, it has intervened to prevent radicalisation of 1,500 adolescents and 151 Somali gang members. Responding to a request from the UN-Habitat, Accept implemented Covid-19 response actions and 15 handwash stations for around 50,000 vulnerable people in Mandera and Nairobi, Kenya.