Countering Violent Extremism

The Commonwealth supports international efforts to counter violent extremism in all its forms.

Commonwealth Heads of Government have affirmed that violent extremism represents a serious threat to international peace and security, shared values and aspirations, social harmony and economic and social development.

In line with the mandate given by leaders at their Malta summit, a dedicated unit was established within the Commonwealth Secretariat in 2017 to support national strategies to counter violent extremism (CVE).

Our approach recognises that, as violent extremists are adept at exploiting their own cross-border networks to recruit and to use violence, those dedicated to preventing this phenomenon must be just as adept.

The Commonwealth advantage in countering extremism

The Commonwealth Secretariat is uniquely placed to assist member countries in sharing good practice and harnessing the role of governments and individuals to enhance the resilience of society to violent extremist messages.

Our programme work leverages decades of experience in supporting governments – for example in strengthening the rule of law, human rights and youth empowerment – while drawing on the shared values, cultural and regional diversity of the Commonwealth.

By using non-coercive approaches to address the drivers of violent extremism, the Commonwealth Secretariat seeks to reduce the vulnerabilities of at-risk communities.

This involves responding to mutually identified gaps in the capacity of member governments, mapping existing support mechanisms and resources, exchanging experiences and practices, and harnessing the ‘network of networks’ that is the Commonwealth.

Supporting Families in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE)

When someone becomes radicalised and behaves in an ‘extreme’ way, this does not only affect the person, but also their family, friends, wider social circle and society. Families, youngsters and children are confronted with recruitment by terrorist/Violent Extremist groups. Today’s reality is one in which radicalisation is not uncommon as a phenomenon. For vulnerable individuals and their social environment, current prevention challenges are:

Detecting those who are at risk of radicalisation
Being able to get into contact with them and support them and their families in a change of direction
Supporting both the individual and their family during the disengagement process

Supporting Families in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) - PowerPoint
Supporting Families in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) - PDF

Women and P/CVE

Women can play critical roles in developing responses to violence and terrorism, and challenging and delegitimizing extremist narratives. Women can be powerful agents of change, and can even play a crucial role both in detecting early signs of radicalization and intervening before individuals become violent. Understanding these varied roles of women is critical to developing more nuanced and targeted efforts to counter violent extremism and prevent terrorism. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 notes, women are disproportionately affected by violence during conflict, and have in many places played important roles in efforts to prevent and mitigate conflict and violence, and rebuild the resilience of affected communities.

Women and P/CVE - PowerPoint
Women and P/CVE - PDF

Counter Narratives for Countering Violent Extremism

Extremists and violent extremists have always sought to use compelling messages and narratives as a means of attracting followers to their cause. In the modern age it follows that the internet and social media represent a significant and easy to use medium to inspire, radicalise and recruit young people. It is apparent that if Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) is to be effective, there must be greater focus and resources made available to the development of effective counter narratives, both online and offline. It must be noted that Counter Narrative Programmes are time and resource intensive and require committed action.

Counter Narratives for Countering Violent Extremism - PowerPoint
Counter Narratives for Countering Violent Extremism - PDF

Countering Violent Extremism in Prisons

As the threat of violent extremism (VE) has grown – prevention and counter strategies have focussed on limiting space and opportunity for VE recruiters to work. A key element to such strategies is understanding the radicalisation process and the conditions and drivers that facilitate people becoming violent extremists. Venues for radicalisation are many and varied – in person, online, in schools and places of worship. Prisons may provide a unique “safe haven” where extremists can network, compare and exchange tactics, recruit and radicalise new members. Prisons may also provide a unique opportunity for authorities, drawing on global best practice, to counter the efforts of violent extremists to radicalise and recruit new members.

Countering Violent Extremism in Prisons - PowerPoint
Countering Violent Extremism in Prison - PDF

Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism: A Development Framework for Non-Profit Organisations in Trinidad and Tobago

This document is intended to support departments and officers of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GoRTT) to effectively engage and capacity-build non-profit organisations (NPOs) for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) activity.

A Development Framework for Non-Profit Organisations in Trinidad and Tobago (PDF)

Capability Assessment Toolkit: A Development Framework for Non-Profit Organisations in Trinidad and Tobago

Capability Assessment Toolkit (PDF)

Fast facts on the Secretariat's CVE programme (PDF)

Listen to the CVE Unit's podcast on CVE in the Commonwealth