The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism (PVE Day) is annually observed across the globe on 12 February to raise awareness of the threats linked to violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism and to enhance international cooperation.
- 12 February 2024 marks the observance of the 2nd International PVE Day.
Background:
i.On 20 December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/77/243. It declared the 12 February of every year as International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism.
ii.The 1st ever International PVE Day was observed on 12 February 2023.
Note: The UNGA invited the Office of Counter-Terrorism, in collaboration with other relevant entities of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, to facilitate the observance of the International PVE Day.
Violent Extremism:
i.Violent extremism poses a significant threat to the fundamental principles upheld by the UN. It undermines peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.
ii.The threat of terrorism persists, with groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaida exploiting various vulnerabilities.
iii.No country or region is immune from the threat of terrorist attacks and the impact of terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism on social cohesion, sustainable development, and human rights.
Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE):
PVE is a commitment and obligation under the principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international human rights instruments.
UN’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy:
i.Since 2006, the UNGA has consistently reviewed the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy biennially.
ii.The review serves as an opportunity for Member States to reaffirm their commitment to international collaboration in countering terrorism.
iii.The 8th review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy took place in 2023 and the resolution (A/RES/77/298) adopted by the UNGA on 22 June 2023 underscores:
- A need for enhanced cooperation among Governments and the international community to prevent and combat terrorism.
- Cooperation must be coordinated, transparent, and inclusive, respecting human rights, with a gender-responsive approach.
Note: The resolution introduces a change, requiring the Secretary-General to submit progress reports at the eightieth session instead of the previous biennial timeline.
Key Points:
i.The President of the UNGA appointed co-facilitators from the Permanent Representatives of Canada and Tunisia, supported by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) as the substantive secretariat.
ii.The 9th review in 2026 aligns with the 20th anniversary of the Strategy’s adoption.
Global Programme on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE):
i.The Global Programme on PCVE is a vital initiative delivered through the UN Counter Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) within the UN Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT).
ii.This program is dedicated to enhancing the resilience of individuals and communities against violent extremism and mitigating the threat of terrorism.
- The primary aim is to empower beneficiaries and partners, fostering resilience and reducing the risk of violent extremism globally.
2024 Events:
i.On 12 February 2024, an online event under the theme “PVE as and when Conducive to Terrorism: From Programming to Real-World Impact” was organized by the Counter-Terrorism Compact Working Group on PCVE conducive to Terrorism.
ii.On 13 February 2024, an interactive event on International PVE Day was organised by the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the UN.
About United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC):
High Representative for the UNAOC– H.E. Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America
Established in 2005
