Summary

In this report, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism addresses the global and national effects of the widespread use of policies and practices aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism.

The Special Rapporteur acknowledges the social and political imperatives of addressing violent extremism but underscores that only rights-affirming and rights-focused policies will have long-term success in preventing violence. She underscores the lack of a robust scientific basis for the current policies and practices aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism and the complete absence of human rights-based monitoring and evaluation, including by United Nations entities.

The Special Rapporteur cautions against the simplistic deployment of policy aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism in complex conflict and fragile settings, where a broader spectrum of interconnected interventions is necessary to stem violent extremism. She notes in particular the lack of precise legal definitions of extremism and violent extremism and the widespread abuses of human rights that that produces. Violations of derogable and non-derogable rights are experienced particularly by religious groups, minority groups and civil society.

The Special Rapporteur notes the persistent lack of meaningful consultation with and participation of communities targeted by measures to prevent and counter violent extremism. She highlights the commodification of women and girls to advance policy aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism, identifying multiple ethical concerns. She reminds United Nations entities of their foundational due diligence obligations when supporting technical assistance in and capacity-building on preventing and countering violent extremism.