UN Press Conference on Preventing Violent Extremism in the Age of New Technologies

International Day to Prevent Violent Extremism

• 🗓️ The UN is observing the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, with this year's theme focusing on new and emerging technologies.
• 🤝 Preventing violent extremism is highlighted as a challenge requiring collective action from member states, UN systems, civil society, the private sector, academia, and the media.

New and Emerging Technologies in Extremism Prevention

• 💡 Artificial intelligence and other online technologies hold promise for early detection of harmful narratives and targeted interventions.
• ⚠️ However, these technologies are also being misused to amplify disinformation, spread extremist content, and facilitate recruitment, especially among young people.
• ⚖️ The UN is expanding support to help member states navigate digital risks, including workstreams on AI and online gaming, while reinforcing human rights-based prevention approaches.

Repatriation and Reintegration of Former Fighters

• ⚖️ Former fighters who committed crimes should be investigated and prosecuted according to national or international standards.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special attention is given to women and children, with examples like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan making efforts to reintegrate and socially rehabilitate families of former fighters.
• 🌍 The repatriation process is complex due to differing national legal frameworks and some countries stripping citizenship, hindering reintegration.

Global Counterterrorism Efforts and Challenges

• 🌍 The UN Office of Counterterrorism is expanding practical support to member states, reinforcing evidence-based and human rights-based prevention approaches.
• 📈 The upcoming review of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy provides an opportunity to assess evolving threats, particularly in digital spaces.
• ⚠️ While the Middle East remains a focus, significant terrorist threats are also emerging in West Africa and the Sahel, accounting for over 50% of global deaths from terrorist attacks last year.
• 💰 Budget cuts are affecting the UN's ability to carry out its work, impacting positions and reallocating staff, highlighting the need for member states to pay assessed contributions in full.

Root Causes and Legal Protections

• 🌳 Access to natural resources, such as land and water, can be a root cause of radicalization, particularly in conflict zones like the West Bank.
• 🤝 The UN acknowledges the humanitarian dimensions and the need for mediation and political negotiations alongside prevention efforts.