Maldives: UNODC champions multi-disciplinary community-based approaches to counter violent extremism 

Male, Maldives/23 November 2023: In the global fight against violent extremism, the importance of strengthening multi-disciplinary and community-based rehabilitation and reintegration strategies cannot be overstated. Traditional approaches often fall short in addressing the complex and interconnected challenges posed by individuals involved in extremist activities.

By adopting a holistic approach that brings together experts from various fields, including criminal justice, law enforcement, and community leaders, a more comprehensive understanding of the root causes and dynamics of violent extremism can be achieved.

Such efforts were brought in focus at a recent UNODC national workshop, organized within the framework of a project for the enhancement of ability in Maritime Safety and Security—funded by the Government of Japan. The workshop marked a significant step in fostering collaborative efforts against violent extremism in the Maldives, bringing together 47 key national stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organizations and local communities. Drawing expertise from Germany, Indonesia, Singapore, and Kazakhstan, along with UNODC experts, the workshop adopted a practical approach that combined presentations with group exercises and plenary discussions. Discussions were focused on enhancing the knowledge and capacities of criminal justice, law enforcement, and relevant national authorities, as well as practitioners working on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) and rehabilitation and reintegration (R&R).

The Maldives workshop served as a crucial platform for practitioners, centred around the development and implementation of sustainable community-based R&R programs through a whole-of-society and multidisciplinary lens. An important aspect raised in the discussions was the role of civil society and communities in R&R efforts, emphasizing the need for inclusive environments and tailored approaches with age and gender-related considerations.

The initiative helped facilitate engagement and the building of long-term trust-based partnerships between practitioners, CSOs, and local communities.

The collaboration with local stakeholders and the exploration of additional technical assistance needs signal a continued commitment to advancing regional efforts in combating violent extremism in South Asia. The outcomes of the workshop will not only guide future activities in the Maldives but also contribute to the broader discourse on effective counter-extremism strategies in South Asia.

The activity contributed to SDG 16 and SDG 17: https://sdg-tracker.org/ 

(Supported by the Government of Japan)