Accept International
International non-governmental organization
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Accept International is an international non-governmental organization (INGO) founded by Yosuke Nagai, aiming at achieving a society free of terrorism and armed conflict, with its headquarters in Japan.[1] The organization's stated purpose is "Empowering everyone as agents of peace, together we will break the chains of violence".[2]
It promotes deradicalization, reintegration, and rehabilitation of combatants, gang members, defectors, prisoners, and detainees from non-state armed groups—particularly those involved in violent extremism—in regions such as Somalia, Yemen, Kenya, Indonesia, Colombia, and Palestine.[1][3][4] It engages these individuals through support systems and direct outreach, including a surrender hotline that offers safe passage to those seeking to leave violent extremist organizations.[5][6][7] It was originally founded as a student-led "Japan Somalia Youth Organization" in 2011 at Waseda University to address issues in conflict-ridden Somalia.[1][8] In 2017, the name was changed to "Accept International" with the idea of 'accepting rather than excluding' as an official nonprofit.[1] It holds a Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).[9][10][11]
Awards and nominations
- 2014 The 28th JCI JAPAN TOYP (The Outstanding Young Persons)[12]
- 2014 Encouragement Award from the Minister of Foreign Affairs[13]
- 2018 Selected in Forbes Japan "30 UNDER 30 JAPAN 2018"[14]
- 2020 Peace and Security Category at the Paris Peace Forum 2020[15]
- 2020 Received Peace Award at "King Hamad Youth Empowerment Award to Achieve the SDGs" hosted by UNDP[16]
- 2020 The 55th Social Contribution Awards (The Nippon Foundation Prize)[17]
- 2022 Nakasone Peace Institute Encouragement Awards[18]
- 2023 The 2nd SDGs Japan Scholarship Iwasa Award[19]
- 2025 The 28th Chikyu Rinri Suishin Awards[20]