In line with the mandates given by leaders at the Commonwealth Head of Governments Meeting in Malta in 2015, the Commonwealth Secretariat established the Countering Violent Extremism Unit in 2017 to support Commonwealth member countries working to Prevent and Counter Violent Extremism (P/CVE).
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda in 2022, leaders reaffirmed that radicalisation leading to violence, violent extremism, and terrorism in all its forms are serious global threats. Heads also agreed that these threats require a multifaceted and whole-of-society approach, including working with all relevant stakeholders to address the root causes and drivers and focusing on building resilient and inclusive societies.
In line with the mandates given and refined by leaders at the London Summit and Kigali Summit, the Commonwealth Secretariat Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Unit works with Commonwealth member countries to prevent violent extremism and counter terrorism by working to define and understand the phenomenon of violent extremism in each specific context, and then convening discussions, sharing good practice, providing technical assistance and policy advice so that Commonwealth member countries can strategise, plan and act accordingly.
How we work
We assist member countries to increase their ability to implement violent extremism prevention, response and management policies, in line with the Commonwealth values and principles. The Commonwealth Secretariat CVE Unit:
Works with civil society, including youth and women so that they can prevent, respond and manage violent extremism.
Works with government agencies to strengthen the way that they cooperate to develop and implement violent extremism prevention, response and management policies.
Works with security and law enforcement institutions, including prisons services and police services.
Collaborates and shares best practice with partners across the Commonwealth and with regional and international partners to advance peace and security.
Supports Commonwealth work to build resilient and inclusive societies built on a foundation of respect.
Works with the private sector and non-government organisatons to understand and respond to terrorist use of the internet in the Commonwealth.
