REMVE Initiative
The growing number of cases of Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism (REMVE)* around the world presents a dangerous and increasingly transnational threat. Criminal justice actors have a critical role to play in countering this threat. From identifying, investigating, disrupting and prosecuting REMVE cells, networks and lone actors, to incarcerating REMVE offenders and expanding pre-trial services, to providing prison rehabilitation programmes and post-release monitoring, the scope of criminal justice practitioners’ responsibilities in this area are broad and wide-ranging.
Over the past twenty years, criminal justice practitioners have gained significant experience in counter-terrorism, primarily in addressing the threat posed by ISIS, al Qa’ida and their affiliates and branches, along with individuals inspired by their rhetoric. While some of this experience and expertise is directly relevant to countering REMVE, there are also significant differences that require new knowledge, approaches, strategies and tools.
* REMVE is also referred to as Violent Right-Wing Extremism or RWT by the United Kingdom and other European governments.
With support from the
UNGA 76 Side Event: Countering REMVE
On 23 September, the IIJ, along with the Governments of Sweden and the United States, hosted an online side event in the margins of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly.
The Side Event on Countering the Transnational Threat of REMVE brought together an expert panel of senior policy officials from the Governments of the United States of America and Sweden, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. The panel discussed what is a concerning and growing threat at both the national and transnational levels, measures in response, and the importance of the new IIJ Criminal Justice Practitioner’s Guide for Addressing REMVE.
During the event, the U.S. Department of State announced the establishment of a new Counterterrorism Law Enforcement Forum (CTLEF) to serve as a venue for senior officials to engage in dialogue and coordination on issues of common concern related to international cooperation to counter REMVE threats.
Did you miss the event? Watch a replay.
Launch: REMVE Practitioner's Guide
In July 2021, we launched the much anticipated IIJ Criminal Justice Practitioner’s Guide for Addressing REMVE, with support from the Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom,
The Launch event brought together 115 practitioners, policymakers and civil society representatives from 30 different countries. The High Level Day featured presentations by senior officials from some of the countries involved in the Guide’s development. A Practitioner’s Day followed, focused on addressing REMVE threat in various jurisdictions.
Did you miss the Launch? Watch a replay (High Level Day)
In Action
IIJ REMVE Initiative: Scoping Workshop on Addressing REMVE
