On Friday 8 April 2016, the High Level Segment of the Geneva Conference on Preventing Violent Extremism was underway, aimed at better understanding the various aspects and causes of violent extremism.

Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Jean Asselborn, was in attendance as part of the international community concerned about the virulent spread of violence-based extremism. Discussions moved towards adopting a comprehensive strategy that includes not only current safety-based measures to fight against terrorism, but also systematic prevention initiatives directly addressing the causes of violent extremism at the local, national, regional and global levels.

"Over the course of the last few months, the terrorist attacks in the Middle East, in Africa and in Europe have sinisterly illustrated that international jihadism as a doctrine and a mode of action is an undeniable reality, which continues to seduce thousands of people throughout the world," warned Minister Asselborn in his speech, before stating that "the secret to an effective anticipation and prevention lies in routine multidisciplinary work, in cooperation between representatives of public authorities and non-governmental actors and the implementation of a range of measures."

He further emphasised that "the prevention of violent extremism must be part of an approach of democratic governance and which is respectful of human rights, a pluralism approach, which respects human diversity and aims to consolidate peace", before affirming that violent extremism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group.

The Foreign Minister detailed the measures that Luxembourg has implemented since 2005 in the fight against terrorism and the prevention of violent radicalisation.

"Violent extremism has become a hallmark of our time. It affects all of us, everywhere," commented Michael Møller, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG). "It not only challenges international peace and security, but undermines the crucial work that Member States and the UN family are conducting to uphold human rights, take humanitarian action and promote sustainable development."

 


Photo by MAEE (L-R: Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Didier Reynders; Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn)