UNDP Prevention of Violent Extremism

Violent Extremism is a global phenomenon. It requires global solutions. #PVE

Who we are

Since 2014, UNDP has built a cohesive practice on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) - including the reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters - in more than 40 countries as part of the Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions (CPPRI) Global Programme. The Global PVE Team at the Crisis Bureau in New York supports and advances these efforts through thought leadership, research and evidence-based policy development. UNDP welcomes practitioners across the UN, Civil Society, Member States, Private Sector and the public to discover development solutions which build on people’s agency to create avenues for enhanced community resilience, ultimately building and sustaining peace.

Our work

Guided by the UN Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (2015), UNDP designs and implements risk-informed, conflict-sensitive, and analysis-based development solutions for PVE at the global, regional, and country levels. Recognizing the rising evidence on the aggravating effects of merely security-driven responses to terrorism, as well as the role of development-related grievances, including poverty, corruption, lack of service delivery, and social exclusion in violent extremist groups’ (VEGs) recruitment efforts, UNDP aims to address both push and pull factors, mitigating the deprivations underpinning the decision to join VEGs.

Read our 2021 Annual Report

News

Black and white image of a young man in profile
Blog
The dynamics of violent extremism in sub-Saharan Africa

To better understand how violent extremist groups proliferate, and how they impact development and social cohesion, UNDP commissioned unique research to find out ...

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MHPSS event in Kazakhstan
Stories
From surviving to thriving

Mental health and psychosocial support for the reintegration of people (formerly) associated with violent extremist groups

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Stories
Bridge over troubled waters

From a mental health perspective, religion and spirituality can play a significant role in helping individuals overcome the destructive effects of conflict.

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Preventing Violent Extremism report series

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Data for PVE considerations graphic
Stories
Using online data to tackle violent extremism is a risk worth taking… if we’re smart about it. Here’s how.

Data. It’s a word that stokes anxiety in some and excitement in others.

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Stories
"If I can change the mind of one person, I have made a difference”

In Sri Lanka, a ground-breaking project aims to counter misinformation and reduce the vulnerabilities to violent extremism.

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Our impact

Our work is informed by its unique blend of development and conflict-sensitivity capacities, neutrality, and partnerships at all levels.

Here are some key facts about our work*.

*Data as of December 2021.

42

COUNTRIES

implement PVE programming

86%

OF PROJECTS

include gender equality as key objective

15

COUNTRIES

support youth empowerment and engagement

17

COUNTRIES

assist return and reintegration of ex-combatants

25

COUNTRIES

enhance religion and faith-based dialogue

40

COUNTRIES

address online hate speech and radicalisation

15

COUNTRIES

integrate MHPSS in peacebuilding

Featured

Cover page
publication
Dynamics of Violent Extremism in Africa

This report details the modus operandi and the evolution of violent extremist groups in Africa, examining how these groups have increased their influence as ideological affiliates of global terrorist organizations such as ISIL and Al-Qaeda.

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publication
Journey to Extremism in Africa

The second iteration of the Journey to Extremism research stems from the need to improve understanding of what drives violent extremism in Africa, and what can be done to prevent it.

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Publication
Perceptions, Vulnerabilities, and Prevention

This study provides an in-depth analysis on structural issues and pull factors of violent extremism in cross-border areas in Chad, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, and Sudan.

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UNDP Prevention of Violent Extremism
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