International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism 2025

Violent extremism poses a significant threat to global peace, human rights, and sustainable development. It is not confined to any specific region, religion, nationality, or ideology, making it a universal challenge that affects nations worldwide. Extremist groups such as ISIL, Al-Qaida, and Boko Haram have dramatically shaped the modern perception of violent extremism through their use of terror tactics, territorial control, and digital propaganda to spread their ideologies.

The United Nations (UN) highlights that violent extremism fosters intolerance—whether religious, cultural, or social—leading to devastating humanitarian consequences. These actions not only impact direct victims but also contribute to mass displacement, instability, and global security concerns.

Understanding Violent Extremism and Its Impact

The Consequences of Violent Extremism

Violent extremism results in numerous socio-political and economic challenges, including:

• Humanitarian crises: Civilian populations often become direct targets, facing violence, destruction, and displacement.
• Forced migration: Millions flee from conflict zones controlled by extremist organizations, leading to complex refugee movements.
• Radicalization and recruitment: Extremist groups attract individuals through false promises of empowerment, identity, and change.
• Political and economic instability: Violence disrupts governance, leading to economic decline and long-term instability in affected regions.

While nothing can justify violent extremism, understanding the root causes is essential for devising effective counter-strategies. Factors such as perceived injustice, oppression, economic disparities, and lack of good governance often create fertile ground for radical ideologies to take root.

History and Significance of the International Day

Establishment of the Observance

In recognition of the rising global threat posed by violent extremism, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 77/243, establishing February 12 as the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism. This annual observance serves to:

• Raise awareness about the dangers of violent extremism.
• Strengthen international cooperation in combating extremist ideologies.
• Promote peaceful solutions and preventive measures against radicalization.

The Role of the United Nations

The General Assembly has emphasized that violent extremism should never be linked to any single religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. Instead, it recognizes the collective responsibility of:

• Governments
• International organizations
• Civil society
• Religious leaders
• Media platforms

Each plays a crucial role in countering extremist ideologies and preventing their spread through proactive engagement, policy-making, and education.

The UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism

Introduction to the Plan

To combat the increasing global threats posed by violent extremism, the United Nations introduced the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism on January 15, 2016. This comprehensive framework goes beyond traditional counterterrorism measures, focusing on addressing the root causes that fuel radicalization.

Key Recommendations of the Plan

The plan outlines over 70 recommendations for UN Member States, urging them to implement policies that tackle the social, political, and economic factors that make individuals vulnerable to extremist influences. Some core aspects of the plan include:

1. Strengthening Governance and Rule of Law

• Good governance helps in reducing corruption, human rights violations, and socio-economic inequalities.
• Transparent legal frameworks and justice systems help combat grievances that extremists exploit.

2. Education and Youth Empowerment

• Education reforms focused on critical thinking, peace education, and intercultural dialogue help counter radical ideologies.
• Youth-focused programs provide alternative pathways to empowerment, steering young individuals away from extremist recruitment.

3. Engaging Communities and Civil Society

• Collaboration between local communities, religious leaders, and civil organizations is essential to build resilient societies.
• Civil society can play a role in identifying early signs of radicalization and intervening with effective counter-narratives.

4. Countering Online Radicalization

• Extremist groups use social media and digital platforms to spread propaganda and recruit followers.
• The plan calls for responsible digital policies, including content moderation, fact-checking, and counter-narratives to combat misinformation.

5. Gender Perspectives in Countering Extremism

• Women and girls often suffer disproportionately from violent extremism, both as victims and as potential targets for recruitment.
• Empowering women as peacebuilders helps strengthen counter-extremism efforts.

The Role of Global and Local Initiatives

International Cooperation and Multilateral Efforts

The fight against violent extremism requires cooperation between nations, international organizations, and regional alliances. Some key global initiatives include:

• United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT): Leads global efforts in counterterrorism and preventing violent extremism.
• Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF): A multilateral platform promoting best practices in combating terrorism.
• UNESCO’s Prevention of Violent Extremism through Education (PVE-E): Focuses on educational approaches to combat radicalization.

National and Local Strategies

Countries implement unique strategies tailored to their regional and socio-political contexts. Effective approaches include:

• Community-led deradicalization programs
• Law enforcement and intelligence collaboration
• Development programs addressing socio-economic disparities