New York – The second anniversary of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) comes with major achievements in Iraq since the launch of the National Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism in 2019, which has been supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since 2020.

Violent extremism in Iraq once led to widespread devastation and mass displacement, with marginalized groups such as women, children, young people, and persons with disabilities disproportionately affected. The Government of Iraq is proactively taking steps to ensure a resilient society free from all forms of violent extremism. This included the tabling of resolution 77/243 by the Iraqi representative to the United Nations which introduced the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism. The designation was approved by the General Assembly in December 2022 and underscores the shared responsibility of the international community in addressing these critical issues and demands global commitment to principles of peaceful coexistence and the promotion of moderation and tolerance.

“Iraq has made major strides towards our shared vision for a safe and prosperous Iraq, free from all forms of violent extremism. I commend the Government of Iraq for their proactive efforts and leadership.” said IOM Iraq Chief of Mission, Giorgi Gigauri, during an interactive event on the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to terrorism, at the United Nations Headquarters New York, organized [AR1] by the Iraqi Government. "As Iraq begins the next chapter of its development, we will continue to provide support to operationalize its National Strategy; these efforts are fundamental to addressing the root causes of violent extremism and building strong, resilient, and prosperous communities for all Iraqis.”

IOM is the first international organization to formally partner with the Government of Iraq on the implementation of the National PVE Strategy. Since 2020, IOM works in partnership with the Government of Iraq, and community members, to develop whole-of-society programs and strategies to address the root causes of violent extremism. Through this cooperation, several major milestones have been achieved:

• In January 2024, recognizing the importance of women’s leadership and inclusion in the prevention of violent extremism, the Iraqi Government launched the Iraqi Women in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Working Group, with the support of IOM.
• In 2023, IOM supported the development and launch of seven plans of action, which localize and contextualize the National PVE Strategy to the district level. IOM is continuing to support their implementation through technical assistance and joint activities with the government led sub-committees.
• In 2022, IOM established the Wasl Civil Society Fund that has since supported 41 civil society organizations to deliver 50 projects, catalyzing community led initiatives that address drivers of instability, displacement, and violent extremism.
• Since 2020, close to 900 government officials, civil society representatives, and community leaders were equipped with technical assistance to identify and respond to the needs of their communities.
• To effectively respond to the evolving and localized drivers of violent extremism, IOM Iraq has published more than 30 targeted evidence-based research papers, policy documents, and advocacy materials. 

“Iraq developed a comprehensive strategy and we continue to take steps in the right direction in the prevention of violent extremism and the hate speech that has produced nothing but destruction in our country. The International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism is an international message that Iraq contributed to and set the foundation for to foster joint efforts on prevention of violent extremism, and become a beacon for peace and tolerance. We are keen on fighting any form of violent extremism that threatens to harm our country, people and our social cohesion.” said Mr. Qasim al-Araji, the National Security Advisor.

Violent extremism does not respect borders and demands joint action and cooperation from the global community. IOM is grateful for the unwavering support from our international donors and partners to this important cause.

For more information, please contact:

Iraqipublicinfo@iom.int