Preventing and countering violent extremism

As a member of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, UNICRI contributes to the implementation of coordinated and coherent efforts across the United Nations system to prevent and counter terrorism. The Institute plays a key role in supporting Member States in translating the good practices identified within the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy into national policies.

Drawing on over fifteen years of experience in the field of preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), UNICRI identified three priority areas for its future initiatives in support of the UN’s Global Counterterrorism Strategy and affiliated resolutions. These areas are: enhancing efforts for rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremist offenders and returning foreign terrorist fighters, both inside and outside prisons; supporting local communities and civil society organizations in preventing and countering radicalization and extremist activity; and working with vulnerable populations, particularly at-risk youth, to strengthen P/CVE trough empowerment and resilience.

UNICRI is also contributing to enhance knowledge of the nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism and is assisting Member States in incorporating effective measures within their crime prevention and counter-terrorism strategies. This includes initiatives aimed at improving policies to prevent the trafficking of persons, drugs, arms, and CBRN materials (among others), both for profit and operational use.