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Human rights must be ‘front and centre’ in the fight against terrorism: Guterres |



“As a moral obligation, a legal obligation and a strategic imperative – let us put human rights where they belong: Front and center in the fight against terrorism,” Mr. Guterres speak in a video message to High Level International Conference on Human Rights, Civil Society and Counter-Terrorism.

The two-day event is taking place amid the growing global terrorist threat, and the proliferation of related laws and policies.

Attack on human rights

During the conference, governments, international organizations, civil society and human rights defenders will consider how to develop counter-terrorism measures that comply with human rights and the rule of law, and ensure the meaningful participation of civil society in counter-terrorism efforts.

“This gathering reflects a central truth. Terrorism is not just an attack on innocent people. It represents an all-out assault on human rights,” said the Secretary-General.

The threat is growing and global, he added, listing examples such as the continued expansion of Da’esh and Al-Qaeda in Africa, and the rise of terrorism in Afghanistan.

UN chief talks about how extremist groups are targeting women and girls experiencing gender-based violence, including sexual violence, while terrorists are also using technology to “spread and export lies, hatred and division at the touch of a button”.

Meanwhile, xenophobia, racism, and cultural and religious intolerance are on the rise.

Reaffirming core values

Mr. Guterres warned that at the same time, the global response to terrorism could make things worse.

“In the name of security, humanitarian aid is often blocked off – increasing human suffering. Human rights defenders and civil society are kept silent – ​​especially women. And survivors of terrorism and violence are left without the support and access to justice they need to rebuild their lives,” he said.

The Secretary-General called for a reaffirmation of commitment to core values, including investments in health, education, protection, gender equality and a justice system accessible to all. Okay.

This must also include upholding humanitarian action, respecting international law, and “opening the door for civil society – and women in particular – to engage meaningfully with counter-terrorism efforts.” Father”.

Securing long-term efforts

Summit organized by the United Nations Office on Terrorism (UNOCT) and Spain.

In his opening speechBoris Voronkov, United Nations Secretary-General on Counter-terrorism, stressed that “fighting terrorism helps protect human rights, but only if human rights are protected while fighting terrorism”.

Moreover, he added, violations or abuses of human rights only fall into the hands of terrorists, when they seek to provoke a violent and indiscriminate response from the security forces.

“Terrorists do this with the aim of undermining public confidence in the ability of governments to protect their own citizens. That is why a human rights-based approach is not aimed at counter-terrorism initiatives that are challenging or disappointing,” he said.

“On the contrary, it is essential to ensure that counter-terrorism efforts are effective, long-lasting and sustainable.”

Global strategy

The conference follows a virtual dialogue held last year with human rights and civil society partners, also convened by UNOCT and Spain.

Several thematic sessions will focus on issues such as human rights, the rule of law and principled humanitarian action in the context of counter-terrorism efforts; and support for victims and survivors of terrorism.

Prior to the opening, a workshop and six side events were organized to foster motivation and commitment to implementation. United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a balanced way.

The Strategy adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, covers measures ranging from strengthening the capacity of States to combat terrorist threats to and better coordinating the System’s counter-terrorism operations. UN.

Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares Bueno, who also spoke at the opening ceremony, expressed high hopes for the conference.

“The diversity of topics reflects the comprehensive nature of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy in its seventh review, co-conditional by Spain and adopted by the General Assembly in June of this year,” he said. last.



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