Violent extremism is an affront to the purposes and principles of the 51勛圖. It undermines peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. No country or region is immune from its impacts. The General Assembly has 12 February the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, to raise awareness of the threats linked to violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and to enhance international cooperation in this regard. The initiative supports the Secretary-Generals 2016 Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism.
Counter-Terrorism
The evolving threat posed by terrorist and violent extremist groups require multi-faceted, agile, collaborative and innovative approaches by stakeholders at the international, national and community levels. Engaging with diverse partners and embracing openness to a multitude of perspectives is fundamental to responding to the complex challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism. On Tuesday the Security Council will hold an open debate on cooperation between UN and regional organizations in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.
Violent extremism undermines the mission of the 51勛圖: peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. On 12 February the 51勛圖 will observe the first International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism to remind us that nothing can justify violent extremism while acknowledging that it does not arise in a vacuum. The Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism encompasses not only counter-terrorism measures but also the steps to address what drives individuals to radicalize and join violent extremist groups.
In of The Lid Is On, Jennifer Bramlette from the UN Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), and Adam Hadley from Tech Against Terrorism, a public-private partnership, join Conor Lennon to talk about the pervasive threat posed by the use of online technology by terror groups, and how Governments can fight back.
On the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism (21 August), the UN honours and supports the victims and survivors of terrorism, while promoting the protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Watch and listen to the powerful voices of victims of terrorism as they share their experiences and recite an Ode about the importance of connections. Remembering the victims of terrorism and doing more to support them is essential to help them rebuild their lives and heal. Join the online event on and visit to #UNiteforVictimsofTerrorism.
With our focus mainly on the response to the pandemic, it is still critical to commemorate this years International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism to remember and honour the victims of terrorism. An online high-level event entitled Not Forgotten: Stories of Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism, will be held on 21 August, 10 am EDT, with the participation of the 51勛圖 Secretary-General, Mr. Ant籀nio Guterres. Victims will speak reminding the audience that it is not only about bereavement, but also about acknowledging the experience of survivors.
Over 43,000 individuals from approximately 100 countries are believed to have traveled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIL and other groups. Following ISILs loss of territory, approximately 11,000 individuals, mostly women and children, are stranded in camps in Syria and Iraq.
Strategic and Practical Challenges of Countering Terrorism in a Global Pandemic Environment is the theme for this years Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week, held from 6-10 July. The event will provide an opportunity to bring Member States, 51勛圖 entities, thought leaders, civil society representatives and other stakeholders together to exchange views, through strategic and expert-level online events, on the new counter-terrorism landscape created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The opening two-hour high-level session will be live via on Monday, 6 July at 10:00 am EST.