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The UN established February 12 as the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism. This day aims to raise awareness and promote global cooperation to combat extremism.
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism is observed on February 12. (Image: Shutterstock)
International Day For The Prevention Of Violent Extremism As And When Conducive To Terrorism 2025: Violent extremism poses a serious challenge to global peace, human rights and sustainable development. It is not confined to any particular region, belief system, or nationality, making it a universal concern. The actions of groups such as ISIL, Al-Qaida and Boko Haram have shaped modern perceptions of violent extremism, largely due to their use of terror tactics, territorial control, and exploitation of digital platforms to spread their ideology.
According to the United Nations, these extremist groups promote intolerance, whether religious, cultural, or social, leading to devastating consequences across various parts of the world.
The impact of their actions extends far beyond their immediate victims, aggravating humanitarian crises, forcing mass displacement, and fueling instability.
In many cases, people are forced to flee from territories controlled by extremist organisations, creating complex migratory movements. Some individuals seek refuge and safety, while others, drawn by false promises of empowerment and change, are recruited into extremist causes, further destabilising affected regions.
While nothing can justify violent extremism, it is essential to understand that it does not emerge in isolation. Factors such as perceived injustice, oppression, and lack of good governance often create fertile ground for extremist ideologies to take root. Addressing these underlying issues is key to preventing the spread of violent extremism.
History And Significance
In recognition of the growing 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 observance aims to raise awareness of the dangers associated with violent extremism and strengthen international cooperation to combat it effectively.
The General Assembly reaffirmed that violent extremism and terrorism should never be linked to any single religion, nationality, civilisation, or ethnic group. It emphasised the crucial role of governments, international organisations, civil society, religious leaders and the media in countering extremist ideologies.
The Office of Counter-Terrorism, alongside other UN entities, plays a key role in coordinating efforts to observe this International Day and promote collaborative strategies for combating violent extremism worldwide.
The UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism
To address the global rise in violent extremism, the UN introduced the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism on January 15, 2016. This framework emphasises a comprehensive approach, going beyond security-based counterterrorism measures. It focuses on preventing radicalisation by tackling its root causes.
The plan outlines more than 70 recommendations for UN Member States, urging them to implement policies that address the social, political, and economic factors that make individuals susceptible to extremist influences.
Key Aspects of the Plan
- Addressing Root Causes: Ensuring good governance, upholding human rights, and promoting social inclusion to prevent marginalization and radicalisation.
- Strengthening State Capacity: Helping governments develop policies and institutions that counter extremist threats.
- Empowering Local Communities: Involving community leaders, educators and youth in countering extremist narratives.
- Countering Extremist Propaganda: Using media and digital platforms to challenge extremist ideologies and promote messages of peace.
- Enhancing International Cooperation: Encouraging countries to collaborate and share intelligence to prevent the spread of violent extremism.
Observing The Day In 2025
On February 12, 2025, the UN will mark the third International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism with various events and discussions.
The observance will highlight global efforts in combating extremism and reinforce the commitments made in the Pact for the Future—an initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation for a safer world.
A Global Commitment To Sustainable Peace
The fight against violent extremism requires long-term, collaborative efforts from governments, international organisations and local communities. In 2024, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to this cause during the Summit of the Future, adopting the Pact for the Future and its associated strategies.
A key element of this commitment is Action 23, which aims to:
- Prevent and address the root causes of violent extremism.
- Strengthen state capacities to counter extremism.
- Uphold human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
- Implement comprehensive strategies involving both governments and society.
- Counter the misuse of emerging technologies by extremist groups.
- Enhance global cooperation through the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
By reinforcing these commitments, the international community seeks to transform words into action, ensuring that the fight against violent extremism leads to tangible results that safeguard peace and security for future generations.
The Role of the United Nations
The UN remains at the forefront of global efforts to combat violent extremism, providing targeted capacity-building programs, fostering partnerships, and promoting human rights-based approaches to counterterrorism. Through its Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, the UN enhances cooperation among its agencies and supports Member States in their efforts to prevent extremism.
With a strong emphasis on community engagement, youth empowerment, gender equality, and digital innovation, the UN is working towards sustainable solutions to one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
As the world comes together to observe this day, it is an opportunity to renew our commitment to eliminating violent extremism and fostering an environment where every individual, regardless of background, can live free from fear, violence and oppression.
