Director-General/Executive Director
20 September 2017
Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you for inviting me to speak today about preventing and countering violent extremism, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Violent extremism nourishes murderous acts of terrorism, undermines prison systems and weakens the security and safety of all our societies.
Terrorist organizations are adept at exploiting hidden gaps in criminal justice systems to radicalize and recruit supporters.
Both the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Secretary-General's Plan of Action to PVE recognize the importance of strengthening human rights, and promoting the rule of law, in efforts to defeat violent extremism.
The Doha Declaration has also committed member states to counter violent extremism and radicalization to violence
UNODC assists member states by producing criminal justice responses to terrorism. Severing terrorism funding, preventing the spread of extremist propaganda, and promoting and protecting the rights of victims, are an invaluable part of this work.
UNODC is also engaged in upholding fundamental human rights in criminal justice responses to terrorism.
The Internet and social media are tools in the hands of those who seek to radicalize vulnerable individuals, including children, to violence.
UNODC supports states through training on special investigative techniques, and the successful prosecution of these cases.
There is a need to criminalize the following: terrorism recruitment, the incitement and glorification of terrorism acts, and so-called preparatory acts of terrorism.
But prevention is always better than the cure. Criminal justice responses aimed at before and after the arrest and conviction of individuals can help break the cycle of radicalization to violence.
Many appalling acts of terrorism involve individuals originally thought to have been radicalized inside prisons and detention centres.
I would highlight three crucial areas requiring intervention: prison staff training, risk management within prisons, and rehabilitation efforts.
Perhaps our strongest instrument in the battle against violent radicalization in prisons is the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners-known as the Nelson Mandela Rules-setting out good practices on prisoner treatment and prison management.
Our goal in prison management must be to prevent individuals who enter prisons enraged and bitter, from leaving determined to kill and maim.
There are no simple cures, but we must set prisoners on the path to rehabilitation and reintegration. This means maintaining prisons that are both fair and just.
Another area of concern is youth. I congratulate the Government of Qatar on their support for the Doha Project's Education for Justice Initiative, which builds awareness among young people about crime and terrorism.
We must be able to inspire and motivate young people, and to build their resilience to violent ideas and behavior.
This leads me directly to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals where the work for peace, development and security are mutually reinforcing.
Lifting people out of poverty, enabling them to achieve a better education, and improving their employment opportunities can assist those who might be vulnerable to radicalization to violence.
Just as importantly, UNODC's own work on drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism supports development, and helps create peaceful societies.
With its focus on building accountable and inclusive societies, Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda recognizes the need to face issues that obstruct and hamper the development of peaceful societies.
The UN's wider work on conflict prevention and peacebuilding and peacekeeping is key to reducing the appeal of terrorism and prevent radicalization to violence.
To strengthen our cooperation with UN peace missions, we will soon sign a Framework with our partners, including DPKO, for a strategic partnership regarding Counterterrorism and the Prevention of Violent Extremism.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Violent extremism, and its habitual companion terrorism, is one of today's most pressing issues.
If it is to be prevented, we must continue our efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda, strengthen institutions and promote fair and just criminal systems.
Thank you.