In recent years, terrorism and violent extremism based on xenophobia, racism, intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief (XRIRB) have escalated into a significant threat. In some Member States, XRIRB groups are associated with anti-institutional violence. These actors, inspired by diverse ideologies, are often connected to racism, misogyny, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and hatred toward minorities and the LGBTQ+ community.
Recognizing the need to assist Member States in better understanding and responding to this phenomenon, UNODC published the Manual on Prevention of and Responses to Terrorist Attacks on the Basis of Xenophobia, Racism and Other Forms of Intolerance, or in the Name of Religion or Belief in April 2022.
The region of Latin America and the Caribbean is not exempt from the XRIRB phenomenon. XRIRB groups have been able to maximise their usage of social media platforms and other online tools, increase their reach, fundraise, and influence, and thus mobilise supporters. To address this threat in the region, UNODC organised two trainings on online investigation of violent extremism and terrorist acts, including those committed on the basis of XRIRB. The first one took place in Brasilia on 10 – 13 September 2024 and the second in Buenos Aires on 19 – 22 November 2024.
The two events brought together authorities from relevant national agencies and international experts. The trainings, conducted by the Spanish National Police, focused on capacity building for criminal justice officials to address terrorist attacks and violent extremism through online investigations, while also strengthening the understanding of the XRIRB phenomenon with a view to enhance the two countries’ capabilities in countering XRIRB actors.
In Brazil, during the opening ceremony of the training, Dr. Hans-Ulrich von Schroeter, Counsellor for Political Affairs from the German Embassy in Brazil, warned of the growing threats of terrorism and extremism, stating, “The growing threat of terrorist acts and violent extremism is not limited to Islamism. There has been an increase – in many countries – in right-wing extremism, xenophobia, racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of intolerance.” He stressed that “these acts of violence by a few create an atmosphere of fear for many” and urged for greater investment in preventing terrorism and extremism.
In Argentina, Candice Welsch, UNODC’s Regional Representative for the Andean Region and Southern Cone highlighted the global rise in violence driven by XRIRB. She emphasized, “For some countries, this phenomenon currently represents the most serious threat to national security, demanding increased attention from law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and counter-terrorism efforts.” Ms. Welsch called for strengthened international cooperation and preventive measures to address these escalating challenges.
Participants in both activities were trained on the XRIRB phenomenon in Brazil, Argentina and Spain, open-source intelligence, virtual accounts, artificial intelligence, investigations, legal frameworks, real-life cases, evidence collection, elaboration of police reports, preparation of reports for courts and operations for arrest and house search, among other topics.
To raise awareness among responsible State actors and equip them with the necessary tools to more effectively tackle XRIRB-related challenges, UNODC has already delivered workshops and training sessions in Latin America, Europe, and Africa. The long-term goal of these efforts is to establish a professional forum to share lessons and experiences, foster stronger inter-institutional collaboration, and enhance regional and international cooperation.
These trainings were made possible thanks to the support of the Federal Republic of Germany.
