Violent Extremism Remains a Global Threat but Can Be Prevented by Addressing Root Causes
Violent Extremism Remains a Global Threat but Can Be Prevented by Addressing Root Causes
Violent Extremism Remains a Global Threat but Can Be Prevented by Addressing Root Causes
GCERF Urges Greater Investment in Preventing Violent Extremism Before It Starts
Geneva, 8 February 2023: Marking 12 February, the first International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) calls on governments and partners to seize opportunities to prevent violent extremism by addressing root causes which can lead to radicalisation.
Projects funded through GCERF grants in 17 hot-spot countries are proving that preventing radicalisation works and is far more cost-effective than security responses to violence. Yet there is the risk that current events, such as the war in Ukraine and its effects on the world economy, food security and global cooperation are eclipsing opportunities to prevent violent extremism before it takes hold, as a path towards a more peaceful world.
“Violent extremism continues to be a threat to millions of people around the globe,” said GCERF Executive Director, Khalid Koser. “Yet, we fear that with world leaders distracted by other global challenges, commitments to counter violent extremist forces may falter. Prevention of violent extremism saves lives. It must be maintained.”
Globally, the number of terrorist attacks increased by 17% in 2021 compared with 2020, largely due to increases in the Sahel and Afghanistan. Current data shows a shift in the balance of terrorist activity, with fewer terrorist events in Western countries as of end-2021, but more frequent attacks in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. [1] While terrorist activity is just one aspect of violent extremism among others, incidence of terrorist attacks can be seen as an indication of trends in violent extremism.
GCERF, the only international organisation committed preventing violent extremism, has invested more than USD 75 million in community-led efforts that have proved highly effective in prevention. Initiatives supported by GCERF have had a direct positive impact on the lives of nearly 3 million people, with projects that build social cohesion, create equal access to social and income- generating opportunities, empower communities, and offer individuals a sense of purpose. Indirectly, grant-funded initiatives in the Sahel, Southern and East Africa, Asia and Europe have reached an additional 19.9 million people to provide hopeful alternatives to incentives offered by violent extremist groups.
GCERF currently provides grants to 275 local partners, in settings where terrorist recruitment poses the greatest risk to stability in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, Kosovo, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, the Philippines, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
Proposed to UN member states by the Republic of Austria, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Republic of Iraq, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Qatar, the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December of 2022.
To learn more about the work of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), please see:
GCERF website
Where GCERF Works- Global Map and Fact Sheet
ENDS
Media inquiries:
Rosie Vanek/ Communications Manager: r.vanek@gcerf.org +41 79 720 5062
Sai Aashirvad Konda/ Communications Officer: s.konda@gcerf.org
media@gcerf.org
[1] Global Terrorism Index 2022, Executive Summary, p.6