UN Marks International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism
The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to global peace and security as it marks the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, observed annually on February 12.
The UN General Assembly established the day through Resolution 77/243, aiming to raise awareness of the threats posed by violent extremism and to strengthen international cooperation in countering the menace.
Violent extremism has been linked to terrorist groups such as ISIL, Al-Qaida, and Boko Haram, whose activities have led to widespread displacement, destruction, and humanitarian crises. These groups exploit grievances, perceptions of injustice, and lack of good governance to recruit individuals and spread their ideology.
The UN emphasized that no religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group should be associated with violent extremism. The Office of Counter-Terrorism, in collaboration with other UN agencies, is leading global efforts to combat radicalization and address the root causes of violent extremism.
As part of its strategy, the UN’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, first introduced in 2016, recommends over 70 measures to help nations implement security-based counter-terrorism approaches while addressing socio-economic factors that fuel radicalization.
The UN has urged governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academia, religious leaders, and the media to play an active role in preventing terrorism and countering extremist ideologies.
The International Day highlights the need for a comprehensive, collective response to ensure a world free from the threat of violent extremism and terrorism.
