The emergence and expansion of groups propagating violence rooted in ideologies ranging from xenophobia, antisemitism, misogyny, islamophobia, to hatred and racism towards minorities and the LGBTQ+ community are intensified by pandemics, conspiracy theories, conflicts across the world and the spread of disinformation in a borderless online environment.
As a result, the world is witnessing a rise in terrorist attacks and violent extremism on the basis of xenophobia, racism, and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief (XRIRB), posing a threat to global and national security. Social media and online platforms are exploited by individuals and groups motivated by XRIRB to reach and mobilize unprecedented numbers of transnational supporters. These events have, in some Member States, resulted in anti-institutional violence against governments, mainstream media, and politicians.
As XRIRB networks develop at an alarming rate, there is a clear need to increase awareness and capacities to investigate the links between violent groups embracing XRIRB ideology and organized crime groups. In Latin America, this dangerous nexus exacerbates security challenges by fuelling violence and undermining public safety. The trans nationalization of these violent attacks and the nexus with organized crime underscores the need for strengthened international and regional cooperation.
UNODC and the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais held the 4th Terrorism, Radicalisation and Transnational Crime (TRAC) on 3-4 April 2024, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, with the support of Norway. The event gathered policymakers and professionals from security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in Latin America, as well as international experts and academics, providing the unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration between decision-makers and practitioners.
The forum addressed the links between XRIRB, transnational organized crime, terrorism financing and disinformation through expert discussion panels and case studies. Officials in Brazil and neighbouring countries discussed complex cases of terrorism and violent extremism based on XRIRB and strengthened understanding of the phenomenon, building on UNODC’s Manual on Prevention of and Responses to Terrorist Attacks on the Basis of XRIRB.
