Preventing violent extremism
Background
Independent of the recent and topical discourse of preventing violent extremism, swisspeace has vast experience in research and practice in violence prevention and conflict transformation. Building on this experience, swisspeace is developing innovative approaches to preventing violent extremism that are grounded in the principles of conflict-sensitivity and peacebuilding. Recent research on the prevention of violent extremism reveals the importance of local, sustainable approaches to interrupting cycles of violence. These approaches can be found in the practice of peacebuilding and conflict transformation, and must be grounded in the principles of human rights. These approaches privilege local, community-based knowledge and practice over international discourse on the prevention of violent extremism.
Objective
To further develop research and peacebuilding activities, applying an interdisciplinary approach to include insights from violence prevention and conflict transformation projects and to engage in Switzerland’s efforts to prevent violent extremism, broadening the scope from security-focused activities to a more holistic agenda of violence prevention and conflict transformation.
Expected Benefit
- In partner countries: It is crucial to ground approaches to the prevention of violence extremism, and to violence prevention more broadly, in the principles of human rights and peacebuilding. Comprehensive context analysis and better exchange between research, practice and policy will enable the development of more sustainable approaches to preventing violence and building sustainable peace.
- In Switzerland: Switzerland can contribute to a sustainable approach of preventing violent extremism beyond a narrow security approach. The promotion of human rights based approaches to violence prevention will both strengthen the security situation in Switzerland and enable Switzerland to promote more sustainable approaches to preventing violent extremism.
Contact Information
Elizabeth Mesok, , phone: +41 31 556 50 55
