Baghdad: The head of Iraq’s National Committee for Countering Extremism, Ali Abdullah Al-Badiri, emphasized that confronting extremism is not the responsibility of a single institution but a shared national duty. This task requires the combined efforts of all state institutions, religious authorities, academic and media elites, and civil society organizations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Badiri made this statement on the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism. He highlighted the pressing global need to address the intellectual, security, and social challenges that countries worldwide face, underscoring the importance of unified national and international action against extremism.

Al-Badiri noted a pivotal shift in the committee’s work from a purely security-based response to a comprehensive strategy focused on prevention and holistic treatment. This includes integrated national policies encompassing intellectual, educational, media, cultural, and social dimensions, aligning with Iraq’s international commitments and cooperation with the United Nations and its development programs to prevent violent extremism in Iraq.

Over four years, the committee has promoted concepts of moderation and citizenship, contributing to a reduction in extremist cases and restoring trust in communities affected by displacement and return. Community reintegration plans have shown promising results, supported by government institutions, community leaders, and civil society organizations.

Al-Badiri expressed appreciation for international institutions and organizations supporting the committee’s strategy through technical consultations, capacity building, and rehabilitation programs. These efforts have produced tangible results in preventing violent extremism, rejecting hate speech, and strengthening societal stability and peaceful coexistence.

He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to launching awareness and training initiatives with both international and Iraqi organizations. He stressed the importance of integrating preventive discourse into educational curricula and media plans to enhance societal awareness, particularly among youth, of the dangers of extremist ideologies.

In conclusion, Al-Badiri reiterated the committee’s determination to enhance coordination among governorates and intensify preventive programs addressing the root causes of extremism, promoting dialogue, pluralism, and respect for the rule of law to safeguard Iraq and its future generations.

The United Nations General Assembly voted at the end of 2022, following a proposal by Iraq’s national committee, to designate February 12 each year as the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, as part of global efforts to confront terrorist crimes and their serious security and societal repercussions.