Stronger together: How Kurdistan’s communities are leading the fight against extremism

From 19th to 21st January 2025, local committees from Halabja, Chamchamal, and Ranya took part in a P/CVE (Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism) Masterclass. The event aimed to develop tailored action plans to address and prevent violent extremism within their communities. Organised by SPARK, Sparda Organisation, and the Human Security Collective, the three-day masterclass facilitated in-depth discussions on the root causes of extremism, regional prevention strategies, and collaborative decision-making processes. This initiative has established a strong foundation for advancing peace and security efforts in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
From 19th to 21st January 2025, the P/CVE Masterclass took place in Erbil as a landmark three-day event. Organised by SPARK, its local partner Sparda Organisation, and the Human Security Collective (HSC)—a Dutch organisation specialising in preventing and countering violent extremism (PVE)—the masterclass brought together local committees from Halabja, Chamchamal, and Ranya. The event aimed to empower these committees to develop area-specific local PVE action plans, addressing the root causes and drivers of violent extremism in their respective cities.
The masterclass was carefully designed to equip participants with essential PVE concepts, tools, and approaches, enhancing their ability to make practical decisions and implement effective strategies. It sought to lay the groundwork for comprehensive PVE action plans tailored to the unique challenges faced by Halabja, Chamchamal, and Ranya. By fostering collaboration between local committees and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the event aimed to align efforts at both city and regional levels. Additionally, the masterclass emphasised knowledge sharing among committee members, enabling them to develop community-specific strategies while learning from the experiences of other cities. A key focus was also placed on strengthening the role of the Halabja Centre of Excellence, positioning it as a central knowledge hub for PVE efforts in the region.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by the newly appointed Netherlands Consul General Mr. Adriaan IJsselstein, a KRG representative, and the head of the KRI PVE Committee from the Ministry of Interior Colonel Dlshad Hassan Ali. Attendees included parliamentarians from Halabja, Chamchamal, and Ranya, alongside senior advisors, KRG Presidency officers, and university representatives. These participants shared valuable insights, particularly from the established Centre of Excellence, enriching the discussions with an educational perspective.
Three days of action: Learning, sharing and building
The masterclass packed its three-day schedule with interactive presentations, lively discussions, and hands-on workshops. Each day had a clear focus:
Day 1 started by unpacking the root causes of violent extremism in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Participants also looked back at the achievements of local committees over the years, celebrating their progress and lessons learned.
Day 2 explored how security and development go hand-in-hand. Teams discussed global and regional strategies to prevent extremism and learned practical research methods tailored to their cities’ unique challenges.
Day 3 shifted to teamwork. Groups refined the core elements of their Local PVE Action Plans, then pitched their ideas to a panel of international experts and KRG officials for feedback.
Stronger together: Shared solutions emerge
By working side-by-side, participants crafted a unified vision for tackling violent extremism. By the end of the event, they’d built a clear framework for Local Action Plans, which they’ll now adapt and roll out in Halabja, Chamchamal, and Ranya. SPARK, Sparda Organisation, and HSC will stay involved, offering ongoing support to keep collaboration and knowledge-sharing alive.
Looking ahead: A safer tomorrow starts now
This masterclass wasn’t just an event – it was a blueprint for change. By uniting local leaders, academics, and international partners through the Network of Change, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it set the stage for stronger, community-led efforts to prevent extremism in Halabja, Chamchamal, and Ranya. This milestone marks a leap forward in building lasting peace, security, and resilience across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
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