United in countering violent extremism: online and offline
Violent extremism and terrorism in today’s world are complex, multi-faceted challenges that are not confined to national borders. In order to prevent and counter violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism we need a comprehensive, nuanced, and internationally co-ordinated response. The OSCE participating States have been unequivocal in their support of a multidimensional approach that focuses on the prevention of radicalization and of violent extremism that leads to terrorism (VERLT).
To underscore that we at the OSCE stand together as one in countering violent extremism that leads to terrorism, in 2015 the OSCE Secretary General and Serbia’s OSCE Chairmanship launched the “OSCE United in Countering Violent Extremism (#UnitedCVE)” campaign. The aim of the campaign is to speak out against the corrosive appeal of violent extremism by promoting mutual understanding, tolerance, pluralism, inclusion, cohesion and empathy.
Amplifying voices of local practitioners from across the OSCE area who are working to prevent and counter VERLT (P/CVERLT) Is the focus of the second iteration of the campaign that started in 2019. Successful P/CVERLT initiatives are rooted in a whole-of-society approach that harness the influence and efforts of civil society. Civil society actors are often well positioned, credible and experienced in working with specific groups to help identify and address the grievances that make individuals more vulnerable to the influence of violent extremist groups.
Let’s speak up together loud and clear for peace and security!