Virtual Consultation: National-Local Cooperation in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Initiative

Virtual Consultation: National-Local Cooperation in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Initiative

20-23 April 2020

Australia and Indonesia, CVE Working Group Co-Chairs, organized a global virtual consultation, in the form of an online survey and a series of webinars, in lieu of the second expert workshop initially planned to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia. During the virtual discussions, participants shared their experiences on NLC in P/CVE and deliberated on key elements of the draft framework document and areas that need strengthening. The online survey complemented and enhanced the webinar discussions. Key takeaways from this virtual consultation include:

  • building on existing programs, instead of designing new and parallel P/CVE structures, as it is cost-effective and reduces financial requirements for effective P/CVE programs and interventions;
  • the importance of a clear division of labor based on the principle of subsidiarity;
  • the role of national governments in ensuring effective coordination and governance of P/CVE efforts, as well as in establishing a robust legal framework to ensure all programs are in compliance with international law, including international human rights law;
  • the importance of developing cooperation and information exchange mechanisms on P/CVE among the different levels of actors;
  • the development of well-defined and narrow P/CVE definitions;
  • the responsibilities of sub-national governments in, amongst others, providing basic services related to education, housing, health care, social services, vocational training;
  • the important role that victims of terrorism as powerful voices against violent extremism; and
  • engaging the private sector on P/CVE.