Each year, thousands of innocent lives are shattered by terrorist violence driven by violent extremism. Whether based on religious, ethnic or political grounds, extremist ideologies glorify the supremacy of a particular group, and oppose a more tolerant and inclusive society. Their message of religious, cultural, and social intolerance has wreaked havoc in many regions worldwide.
Terrorism, in all its forms and tactics, targets the very foundations of our societies and directly challenges our shared values of peace, justice, and human dignity. It aims to dismantle human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democracy. It threatens the territorial integrity and security of nations and seeks to destabilize legitimate governments.
To counter this threat, the international community must strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism. While countering terrorism requires interventions to protect the security of people and assets, prevention of violent extremism needs to look beyond strict security concerns to development-related causes and solutions. There is a crucial role to be played by international organizations, civil society, academics, religious leaders, and media outlets, in combating both terrorism and the violent extremism that can fuel it.
UN Response
Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
In a landmark move on 8 September 2006, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (). This unique instrument fosters international cooperation against terrorism and rests on four pillars:
- addressing conditions conducive to terrorism's spread;
- preventing and combating terrorism itself;
- building state capacity to counter terrorism and strengthening the UN's role; and
- ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law as the foundation for fighting terrorism.
The Strategy is a living document, reviewed every two years by the General Assembly to reflect evolving priorities in the fight against terrorism.
Office of Counter-Terrorism
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established on 15 June 2017 through the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution . The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) works to combat terrorism at the global, regional, and national levels. It provides technical assistance and capacity building to member states and strengthens coordination among UN entities.
It empowers UN member states by equipping them with policy guidance and deep knowledge of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
The five main functions of UNOCT are:
- Lead counter-terrorism efforts across the UN system.
- Coordinate counter-terrorism initiatives to ensure balanced implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
- Bolster UN counter-terrorism capacity building assistance to member states.
- Raise awareness, advocate for, and mobilize resources for UN counter-terrorism efforts.
- Ensure counter-terrorism is prioritized across the UN system and that preventing violent extremism is central to the Strategy.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works with member states to prevent and counter the evolving threats of terrorism and violent extremism. UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch promotes international legal instruments, aids domestic implementation, and facilitates global cooperation. Grounded in legal and human rights norms, and aligned with the UN Secretary General’s Common Agenda, UNODC empowers communities, reduces vulnerabilities, and ensures no one is left behind through inclusive strategies that prioritize people's safety, striving for a terrorism-free world.
Other main actors
- The Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact aims to improve cooperation across the UN system on counter-terrorism efforts. It includes 47 UN entities and other organizations.
- The UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) works to promote international cooperation in fighting terrorism. It supports member states in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy through programs and projects.
- The Security Council - Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of sanctions related to terrorism and terrorist groups.
- The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) supports Counter-Terrorism Committee by providing expert analysis and recommendations.
- The Victims of Terrorism Support Programme helps member states improve their capacity to support victims of terrorism.
Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism
On 15 January 2016 the Secretary-General a . It calls for a comprehensive approach encompassing not only essential security-based counter-terrorism measures but also systematic preventive steps to address the underlying conditions that drive individuals to radicalize and join violent extremist groups. The Plan provides more than 70 recommendations to Member States and the United Nations System to prevent the further spread of violent extremism.
Youth Engagement
“If we are serious about prevention, and particularly about preventing conflict, we need to be serious about engaging with and investing in young women and men”.
-- UN Secretary-General António Guterres remarks at "Investing in Youth to Counter Terrorism" on 12 April 2018
The UN is implementing a new global youth programme that aims to build on existing youth initiatives and create a more effective approach to preventing violent extremism. It is based on data, evidence, and the insights of young people themselves.
The programme's first phase focuses on strengthening young people's resilience against violent extremism. This will empower them to play a more significant role in preventing terrorism. The second phase will focus on putting this plan into action. It will involve building the capacity of young people and organizations to counter extremism. Importantly, it will also partner with youth-led groups and private sector partners, like gaming and social media companies.
Observances
- International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism (12 February) aims to raise awareness of the dangers posed by violent extremism, particularly when it leads to terrorism, and to encourage greater international cooperation in preventing it.
- International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (21 August) was established to honour and support the victims and survivors of terrorism and to promote and protect the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
- International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (22 August) encourages action to prevent such acts and promote tolerance and respect for diverse faiths and beliefs.
