A/HRC/RES/33/21 taken to counter terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism have been implemented in a way that improperly targets specific groups; 16. Welcomes the work carried out by the special procedures of the Human Rights Council on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; 17. Recognizes the important role of education, respect for cultural diversity, preventing and combating discrimination, employment and inclusion in helping to prevent terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and welcomes the engagement of relevant United Nations agencies with Member States to implement strategies to prevent violent extremism conducive to terrorism through education; 18. Also recognizes the importance of preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and in this regard recalls General Assembly resolution 70/254 of 12 February 2016, in which the Assembly welcomed the initiative by the Secretary-General and took note of his Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, and resolution 70/291, in which it encouraged United Nations entities, in line with their mandates, to implement relevant recommendations of the Plan of Action, including by providing technical assistance to Member States upon their request, and invites Member States and regional and subregional organizations to consider developing national and regional plans of action to prevent violent extremism conducive to terrorism; 19. Acknowledges that the active participation of civil society can reinforce ongoing governmental efforts to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; 20. Calls upon States to ensure that measures to combat terrorism and preserve national security are in compliance with their obligations under international law, in particular under international human rights law, and do not hinder the work and safety of individuals, groups and organs of society engaged in promoting and defending human rights; 21. Urges States to ensure that gender equality and non-discrimination are taken into account when shaping, reviewing and implementing all counter-terrorism measures; 22. Calls upon States to highlight the important role of women in countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and to consider, when appropriate, the impact of counter-terrorism strategies on women’s human rights and women’s organizations, and to seek consultations with women and women’s organizations when developing strategies to counter terrorism and preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism; 23. Recognizes the important role of religious leaders and institutions, local communities and community leaders in preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism; 24. Reiterates that, given their potential status as victims of terrorism and of other violations of international law, all children alleged as, accused of or recognized as having infringed the law, particularly those who are deprived of their liberty, and child victims and witnesses of crimes, should be treated in a manner consistent with his or her rights, dignity and needs, in accordance with applicable international law, in particular the obligations set out under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and, bearing in mind relevant international standards on human rights in the administration of justice in this regard, urges Member States to take relevant measures to effectively reintegrate children formerly associated with armed groups, including terrorist groups; 3