Baghdad – Today, the United Nations marks the first ever International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when conducive to terrorism. In December 2022, the General Assembly designated this international day to advocate the dangers of violent extremism and the international cooperation required to prevent it. The designation itself was introduced by the representative of Iraq, emphasizing how Iraq has suffered at the hands of terrorist groups.

Preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism is a priority for the UN family in Iraq, and an integrated approach is required to ensure sustainable community solutions. Ensuring factors that contribute to economic marginalization and inequality are addressed, and the provision of mental health support and livelihood opportunities, are key to mitigating the risks of violent extremism.

Violent extremism in Iraq has led to widespread devastation and mass displacement, with marginalized groups such as women, children, young people and persons with disabilities disproportionately affected. As part of efforts to build peace and mitigate factors that compel people to leave their area or country of origin, the UN in Iraq supports a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to address underlying factors, drivers, and motives that could contribute to increasing the risk of violent extremism, including through support to national and subnational government actors and civil society to devise and implement plans of action and interventions to identify and address these risk factors.

The UN in Iraq, in partnership with the Government of Iraq, is committed to supporting women and children, religious leaders, youth, educators, local authorities, civil society, and all members of Iraqi communities to prevent violent extremism and promote peaceful coexistence.

“This international day represents an opportunity for us to acknowledge the dangers of violent extremism and raise awareness on activities and interventions to prevent it. We all have a part to play in preventing violent extremism, and the United Nations in Iraq is working together in partnership with the Government of Iraq to involve a cross-section of society in advocacy and preventative measures. Together, we must keep working to address the marginalization, lack of livelihood opportunities, and spread of discourse that is conducive to violent extremism in Iraq,” said Resident Coordinator Ghulam Isaczai.

“This idea for this day was presented by the Iraqi representative to the United Nations, thus it is very important to us. The National Committee for the Prevention of Violent Extremism believes that this day will open horizons for international cooperation, agreements and memorandums of understanding, and coordination on capacity building. We hope to continue to work closely with the international community on this important topic,” said Ali Abdullah Al-Badiri, Chairman of the National Committee on the Implementation of the Strategy to Combat Violent Extremism in Iraq.

Violent extremism undermines the values that bind us together. It threatens our collective efforts to promote security and peace, protect human rights, provide humanitarian aid, and advance sustainable development. We must be more vigilant than ever, and continue to work together to prevent it, for a safer and brighter future for Iraq.

Media Contact:

Zainab Salih, Communications Officer, zainab.salih@un.org, 009647901105664