Countering terrorism and violent extremism: objectives 2017 to 2018
Published 16 February 2018
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-development-assistance-oda-fco-programme-spend-objectives-2017-to-2018/countering-terrorism-and-violent-extremism-objectives-2017-to-2018
1. Overview
Terrorism and violent extremism pose a significant threat to international security, global political and social stability, and economic development, and requires a robust and coordinated international response. Our Counter Terrorism work is crucial to protecting the UK and our citizens and interests overseas. The Government’s strategic response is set out in the UK’s counter terrorism strategy (CONTEST).
The government contributes to these objectives by collaborating with other countries to build their capacity to tackle terrorism and extremism and their effects on security and socio-economic conditions. This reinforces wider efforts to tackle conflict, build stability and contribute to global security. This supports the UK’s National Security Strategy and the UK’s Aid Strategy: Strengthening global peace, security and governance.
2. FCO objectives on countering terrorism and violent extremism
The UK is seen as a world leader in counter terrorism and our technical, analytical and operational expertise is highly valued. Terrorism and violent extremism impacts the economic and social development of countries and also threatens the security of the UK. The UK is helping to develop partner states’ capacity to address these threats.
This programme funds a range of projects that contribute to the international elements of HMG’s Counter Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST). Projects support one or more of the following outcomes:
- develop our understanding of international terrorism
- counter terrorist threats and attack plans
- increase the capacity of international partners to counter the threat from, and mitigate the impact of, international terrorism and violent extremism
- reduce vulnerabilities to the terrorist threat
3. Official Development Assistance and countering terrorism and violent extremism
Terrorism and violent extremism undermines good governance and poses a significant threat to the social stability and economic development of developing countries. The programme funds a range of targeted, ODA-eligible project activities, which aim to strengthen the ability of developing countries to address these threats.
FCO countering terrorism and violent extremism programmes are funded by a blend of ODA and non-ODA. ODA scoring within countering terrorism and violent extremism programmes are limited to ODA-eligible activities in DAC-listed countries.
4. Project objectives on countering terrorism and violent extremism
In support of the above outcomes, this programme seeks to weaken the drivers of international terrorism and violent extremism, and mitigate the socio-political and economic impacts of terrorism and violent extremism for developing countries as well as the UK and our international partners.
Key workstreams under this programme support the development of human rights compliant criminal justice and other institutions among partner countries, including developing countries, in order to counter radicalisation, investigate and prosecute criminal cases related to terrorism, and improve security of vulnerable infrastructure.