Main area: Peace and security
Theme: Preventing violent extremism
Assessment: ODA-eligible
Provider country: Switzerland
Recipient country: Developing countries, unspecified
Implementing agency: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Budget (USD x 1000): 4 468
Year(s): 2015-2019
Purpose code: Not applicable (multilateral)
Case number: Peace and Security / 38
Contribution to Global Community Engagement (GCERF)
The Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) is the first global effort to support local, community-level initiatives that address the local drivers of violent extremism and strengthen resilience against violent extremist agendas. This international funding mechanism works in partnership with governments, civil society and the private sector in beneficiary countries to provide support to: specific local drivers of radicalisation; provide tangible, positive alternatives to what violent extremist groups may offer; counter violent extremist narratives and messaging; and build capacity of governments and civil society to prevent violent extremism. GCERF is governed by a fifteen-member board made up of representatives of governments (donor and beneficiary), civil society, the private sector and foundations.
Strengthen resilience against violent extremist agendas through community engagement; prevent recruitment and/or radicalisation to violence by addressing the local drivers of violent extremism
Of the USD 35.3 million approved budget for 2016, it is expected that USD 15 million will be for a new round of proposals in the three initial countries receiving support (Bangladesh, Mali and Nigeria), USD 15 million will be for grants to begin work in Kenya, Kosovo and Myanmar, and USD 5.3 million will cover Secretariat and governance costs. In 2017, the plan is to include three more countries for an estimated annual budget of USD 52.9 million. Discussions have begun for potential future inclusion of Indonesia, Tunisia and Kyrgyzstan.
Expected results are improved community resilience to recruitment and radicalisation to violent extremism in various developing countries.
This activity is deemed ODA-eligible (multilateral ODA contribution). GCERF was included on the DAC List of ODA-eligible international organisations in 2015 (Annex 2 of the Reporting Directives).
Acknowledging that issues of conflict and fragility are important challenges to development and are areas that must be addressed in reducing poverty and promoting economic growth, the Reporting Directives explicitly mention preventing violent extremism, stating that “In the spirit of the recommendations of the 2016 UNSG Plan of Action to prevent violent extremism, activities preventing violent extremism in developing countries are reportable as ODA, as long as they are led by partner countries and their primary purpose is developmental.” They further clarify the ODA-eligibility with a list of examples of eligible activities. To be eligible for funding from GCERF, countries must be on the DAC List of ODA Recipients, face a challenge of radicalisation to violent extremism in the country, and have government commitment to address the issue.
This document was approved by the Development Assistance Committee under a written procedure on 20 October 2017 and prepared for publication by the OECD Secretariat.
This document, as well as any data and map included herein, are without prejudice to the status of or sovereignty over any territory, to the delimitation of international frontiers and boundaries and to the name of any territory, city or area.
© OECD 2017
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
This work is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. By using this work, you accept to be bound by the terms of this licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Attribution – you must cite the work.
Translations – you must cite the original work, identify changes to the original and add the following text: In the event of any discrepancy between the original work and the translation, only the text of original work should be considered valid.
Adaptations – you must cite the original work and add the following text: This is an adaptation of an original work by the OECD. The opinions expressed and arguments employed in this adaptation should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its Member countries.
Third-party material – the licence does not apply to third-party material in the work. If using such material, you are responsible for obtaining permission from the third party and for any claims of infringement.
You must not use the OECD logo, visual identity or cover image without express permission or suggest the OECD endorses your use of the work.
Any dispute arising under this licence shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) Arbitration Rules 2012. The seat of arbitration shall be Paris (France). The number of arbitrators shall be one.
