51³Ô¹Ï

mural
The mural at the 51³Ô¹Ï Headquarters by Spanish artist Jose Vela Zanetti illustrates mankind¡¯s enduring quest for lasting peace. Spanning more than 18 meters in length and nearly 4 meters in height, it vividly captures this universal struggle.
Photo: ?UN /John Isaac

The impact of violent extremism

Violent extremism is an affront to the purposes and principles of the 51³Ô¹Ï. It undermines peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. No country or region is immune from its impacts.

Violent extremism is a diverse phenomenon, without clear definition. It is neither new nor exclusive to any region, nationality or system of belief. Nevertheless, in recent years, terrorist groups such as Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and Boko Haram have shaped our image of violent extremism and the debate on how to address this threat. These groups¡¯ message of intolerance ¡ª religious, cultural, social ¡ª has had drastic consequences for many regions of the world. Holding territory and using social media for real-time communication of their atrocious crimes, they seek to challenge our shared values of peace, justice and human dignity.

The spread of violent extremism has further aggravated an already unprecedented humanitarian crisis which surpasses the boundaries of any one region. Millions of people have fled the territory controlled by terrorist and violent extremist groups. Migratory flows have increased both away, from, and towards the conflict zones - involving those seeking safety and those lured into the conflict as foreign terrorist fighters, further destabilizing the regions concerned.

Nothing can justify violent extremism but we must also acknowledge that it does not arise in a vacuum. Narratives of grievance, actual or perceived injustice, promised empowerment and sweeping change become attractive where human rights are being violated, good governance is being ignored and aspirations are being crushed.

About the International Day

In its , the General Assembly decided to declare 12 February the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, in order to raise awareness of the threats linked to violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, and to enhance international cooperation in this regard.

The General Assembly emphasized in this context the primary responsibility of Member States and their respective national institutions in countering terrorism, and underlined the important role of intergovernmental organizations, civil society, academia, religious leaders and the media in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism.

The resolution reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.

The General Assembly invited the , in collaboration with other relevant entities of the 51³Ô¹Ï Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, to facilitate the observance of the International Day.

Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism

On 15 January 2016 the Secretary-General a to the General Assembly. On , the General Assembly adopted a welcoming the initiative by the Secretary-General, and taking note of his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.

The Plan of Action 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 is an appeal for concerted action by the international community. It provides more than 70 recommendations to Member States and the 51³Ô¹Ï System to prevent the further spread of violent extremism.

2024 Commemoration

On 12 February 2024, the 51³Ô¹Ï will commemorate the second International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism through a series of events and activities. Join us!

Resources

Documents

Websites

Related observances

Ant¨®nio Guterres (right), Vladimir Voronkov, USG, Office of Counter-Terrorism

The 51³Ô¹Ï Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established on 15 June 2017 through the adoption of UN General Assembly resolution . Mr. Vladimir Voronkov was appointed as its first Under-Secretary-General. By providing Secretariat support, UNOCT works together with the members of 51³Ô¹Ï Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact to prevent and counter terrorism and the underlying spread of violent extremism.

 

A woman lights candle

The Support Portal is dedicated to and highlights the importance of those individuals across the globe that have been attacked, injured, traumatized or lost their lives during terrorist attacks. We reflect on the pain and suffering of those who lost loved ones; and we resolve to listen to them and learn from them. We commit to support survivors scarred by heinous acts of terrorism by amplifying their voices, protecting their rights, and seeking justice.

 

an abstract illustration of people engaged in an event

International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the 51³Ô¹Ï, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.