The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week is a biennial gathering of Member States and international counter-terrorism partners.
Kicking off this years Counter-Terrorism Week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on all nations to “stand as one” to fight the scourge.
“When it comes to combatting terrorism, we must stand as one against this global threat,” he said on Monday at the High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies that is at the core of week-long programmes.
“In the names of all those who have suffered and continue to suffer, and in the names of all victims and survivors, let’s intensify our work to create a future without terrorism.”
Al Qaeda and the Islamic State terror groups are continuing to make headway in Africa, while Neo-Nazi and White supremacist movements are emerging as the primary internal security threat in several countries, he said.
The UN chief said that preventing terrorism is not just foiling attacks but it also requires addressing the factors that help its spread.
He listed the top factors as poverty, discrimination, disaffection, weak infrastructure and institutions and gross violations of human rights.
“We must ensure that counter-terrorism strategies and measures reflect all communities, constituencies and voices — especially minorities, women and young people — and do not hinder civil society in carrying out their vital work,” Guterres added.
From The Shadows Emerges Knowledge