International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing 12 February each year as the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as fostering terrorism.
Violent extremism is a diverse phenomenon with no clear definition. It is neither new nor exclusive to a particular region, nationality or belief system. In recent years, terrorist groups such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaeda and Boko Haram have shaped the image of violent extremism and sparked debate in the international community on how to counter this threat. The terrorist groups' message of intolerance - religious, cultural, social - has had drastic consequences for many regions of the world.
The resolution (A/77/L.41) was adopted on 20 December 2022 with 154 votes in favour, none against and 4 abstentions (Belarus, Congo , Madagascar, Russian Federation). In accordance with its provisions, the Assembly, resolved to declare 12 February as the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism to raise awareness and strengthen international cooperation on the issue, stressing that terrorism and violent extremism cannot be linked to any religion, nationality or group of people.
Furthermore, the resolution calls on all UN member states and UN system organisations, as well as other international and regional organisations, to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner, including by initiating educational activities and any undertakings that foster public awareness of the issue.