Violent extremism affects people all around the globe and is threatening to stunt prospects of development. In its resolution 30/15, the Human Rights Council called States and local entities involved in supporting the prevention and countering of violent extremism efforts to continue to facilitate the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including through human rights education and training as well as due process and rule of law. Africa bears the brunt of the impact of terrorism in lives lost, economies ruined and relationships fractured.

UNDP estimates that between 2011 and 2016, more than 33,300 Africans lost their lives due to violent extremism. In response, UNDP, working with regional institutions such as the African Union Commission, ECOWAS, IGAD and the national governments of 14 countries, has developed a regional programme to prevent and respond to violent extremism (PVE) through a development lens.

Complementary to UNDP’s interventions on the ground focusing on socio-economic support, rule of law,disengagement and reintegration, media, community resilience and gender specific initiatives, the photo exhibition Stories of Survivors - developed by photographer Malin Fezehai and supported by the Government of the Netherlands - seeks to shed light on and amplify the voices of those who often suffer in silence. Theirs are stories of resilience, perseverance and the triumph of humanity, as they rebuild their lives again. The survivors’ diverse religious, ethnic and national backgrounds highlight that violent extremism is a shared burden, and one that humanity, as a whole, must respond to.

Where:

- Palais des Nations, Passerelle, E building, 3rd floor, Door 40

When:

- From 23 February to 8 March. Vernissage: Wednesday 28 February.

Who:

- Maria Luisa Silva, Director, UNDP Office in Geneva
- H.E. Malloum Bamanga Abbas, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Chad to the United Nations Office in Geneva
- H.E. Monique Van Daalen, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations Office in Geneva

How: 

RSVP: Iris Gayet-Chichignoud: iris.gayet-chichignoud@undp.org