Countering violent extremism through Australian aid

Today I launch a new policy framework, 'Development Approaches to Countering Violent Extremism', to guide the inclusion of countering violent extremism activities across Australia's aid program.

The framework will ensure development assistance considers countering violent extremism in targeted and sensitive ways, including across education, civil society, governance, livelihoods, justice and the rule of law.

Violent extremism is a significant threat to global and regional security. It negatively affects economic growth and stability in developing countries, and undermines Australia's efforts to deliver humanitarian and development assistance.

The Australian Government has already increased our support to international efforts to target violent extremism, including providing $3 million to the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund and $2.5 million to establish a Commonwealth Secretariat Counter-Violent Extremism unit.

We endorsed the UN Secretary General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, which recognises that countering violent extremism requires a concerted approach by UN member states.

In 2016, Australia supported a revision of OECD rules to make non-coercive efforts to counter violent extremism eligible for Official Development Assistance.

The Australian Government will continue to protect Australians and help build a more prosperous and stable region.