20211213-UNDP-Annual_Report_on_Prevention_of_Violent_Extremism_Areas_of_PVE_Programming_21页_509kb

2020 UNDP Annual Report on Prevention of Violent Extremism Summary

Core Content

The 2020 Annual Report on Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Crisis Bureau highlights the organization's efforts in addressing the root causes and structural drivers of violent extremism through a multi-faceted, inclusive and rights-based approach. The report emphasizes the integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), the role of social media in both exacerbating and mitigating violent extremism, the intersection of climate change and PVE, gender-sensitive strategies, and the return and reintegration of former fighters.

Main Themes and Key Points

1. PVE Programming and Strategic Priorities

• UNDP's PVE work is guided by the Secretary General's Plan of Action, UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and various UN resolutions.
• The focus is on peaceful societies, inclusive development, rule of law, human rights, anti-corruption, good governance, and civic engagement.
• PVE initiatives aim to prevent radicalization and support the reintegration of former fighters by addressing underlying grievances and promoting social cohesion.

2. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Integration

• MHPSS is critical in understanding and addressing the psychological factors that contribute to radicalization and reintegration.
• A qualitative mapping of MHPSS approaches in PVE was initiated in 11 countries, with a finalization expected in 2021.
• In the Philippines, PVE programming was restructured to integrate MHPSS, with notable success in addressing psychosocial indicators of violent extremism.
• The report stresses the need for a more robust framework for integrating MHPSS into peacebuilding processes.

3. Addressing Hate Speech and Social Media Monitoring

• PVE programming tackled hate speech and misinformation through a three-pronged approach: monitoring, counter-narratives, and addressing root causes.
• Projects in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Sudan, Tunisia, and the Arab States used big data, AI, and sentiment analysis tools for hate speech monitoring.
• UNDP emphasized the use of technology and the arts to counter hate speech and promote unity in diversity.

4. Online Engagement and Digital Transformation

• The pandemic accelerated the shift to online engagement, allowing UNDP to reach more people through virtual platforms.
• The STRIVE Asia project in Kazakhstan demonstrated the effectiveness of online training and individual consultations in addressing radicalization.
• A new online 'Resource Hub' was developed to curate resources and field experiences for effective community engagement in PVE.

5. Climate Security and PVE

• A policy brief was published in 2020 highlighting the intersection of climate change and PVE.
• It emphasized the importance of considering climate-related security risks in PVE programming, as they can influence drivers of extremism.
• The Crisis Bureau planned to engage in a consultative process in 2021 to strengthen PVE interventions in the context of climate security.

6. Gender-Sensitive Approaches

• UNDP and UN Women published research on the role of gender in violent extremism, particularly in Asia.
• The report shows that harmful gender norms and ideologies are key drivers of violent extremism.
• UNDP contributed to the revision of WPS indicators and supported the inclusion of gender perspectives in PVE programming through behavioral science experiments and community engagement.

7. Return and Reintegration of Former Fighters

• The issue of reintegration has become increasingly urgent due to the collapse of ISIL and ongoing conflicts in regions like the Sahel.
• UNDP supported reintegration programs in the Philippines, where returnees were engaged through culturally sensitive group and individual consultations.
• A global framework for the reintegration of returnees from Syria and Iraq was developed in 2020, with UNDP providing technical support to Country Teams in several countries.

8. Behavioral Science in PVE

• Behavioral Insights (BI) were integrated into PVE programming to enhance evidence-based approaches and monitoring.
• BI experiments helped increase inclusivity and effectiveness in PVE initiatives, particularly in promoting women's participation in programs.
• The use of BI is seen as a cutting-edge tool to design and measure PVE interventions.

9. Partnerships and Global Collaboration

• UNDP strengthened partnerships with regional and country-level actors, including the STRIVE Asia project with UNOCT and UNODC.
• The organization also engaged in global knowledge sharing through practitioner sessions, involving over 1100 participants.
• Collaboration with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UN Women helped promote the integration of MHPSS and gender perspectives in peacebuilding.

Key Initiatives and Projects

• STRIVE Asia Project: Implemented in five Central Asian countries, supported by EU funding, to address PVE through community-based approaches and digital tools.
• Extreme Lives Initiative: Reached 13 million Facebook users in Bangkok, promoting dialogue on racism, extremism, and identity.
• Mashwara Para Ko Kapamulong (Conversations for Healing): A reintegration program in the Philippines using local languages and cultural sensitivity.
• UNDP-UNOCT Action Plan: Focused on enhancing online monitoring and analysis capabilities for PVE.

Conclusion

The 2020 report underscores UNDP's commitment to a holistic, rights-based, and inclusive approach to PVE, emphasizing the importance of mental health, digital engagement, climate security, and gender considerations. The year was marked by innovation, collaboration, and the adaptation of PVE strategies to new challenges, especially those posed by the global pandemic. The report sets the stage for continued efforts in 2021, with a focus on strengthening the evidence base, enhancing monitoring and evaluation, and promoting global learning and best practices in PVE programming.