A/HRC/33/29
independent and effective judicial and parliamentary checks guaranteeing the protection of
human rights while preventing and countering violent extremism.
IV. Best practices and lessons learned on human
rights-compliant programming to prevent and counter
violent extremism
25.
During the Human Rights Council panel discussion on 17 March 2016 (see
A/HRC/33/28), the Deputy United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stressed
that responses to violent extremism that respect and protect human rights are more effective
and sustainable.44 Drawing on the diverse range of contributions received, the present
section of the report is aimed at capturing best practices and lessons learned to ensure that
programming to counter and prevent violent extremism complies with human rights
standards.
26.
“Direct prevention” is aimed at eliminating risk factors and establishing a legal,
administrative and policy framework designed to prevent human rights violations, while
“indirect prevention” is aimed at preventing recurrence of violations by identifying and
addressing their causes.45 For a response to be effective, it must take into account the
specific context it is aimed at addressing. States have long been implementing programmes
aimed at combating social exclusion or marginalization, enhancing access to economic,
social and cultural rights, furthering gender equality, and ensuring the real and equal
participation of all in political and public life to help individuals feel properly represented
by their institutions. In other situations, the perception of corrupt and poor governance
produces anger and disillusion. A culture of impunity and lack of accountability contributes
to moving individuals and societies towards violence. Some States have been investing in
strengthening rule-of-law institutions to reduce anger and grievances. These activities are
indispensable to build inclusive and cohesive societies, and help to create understanding
and mutual respect between different communities. While such activities can certainly
contribute to preventing the emergence of violent extremism, human rights obligations exist
independently. The duty to protect, promote and fulfil human rights ought to continue to be
an objective in its own right, rather than become a tool subordinated to the agenda related to
preventing and countering violent extremism.46 Furthermore, social, education and other
policies or programmes will be less effective and civil society space may shrink if they are
approached through a security mindset. 47
27.
Continual monitoring of the human rights impact of measures to prevent and counter
violent extremism, in particular on women, children, and ethnic and religious communities,
and meaningful and independent oversight, are crucial to safeguarding human rights. This
44
45
46
47
10
Contribution of Kate Gilmore, Deputy United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to the
panel discussion on the human rights dimensions of preventing and countering violent extremism,
held on 17 March 2016, available from www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/
DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=17245&LangID=E.
See A/HRC/30/20, paras. 9-10.
See A/HRC/31/65; and Naz Modirzadeh, “If it’s broke, don’t make it worse: a critique of the U.N.
Secretary-General’s plan of action to prevent violent extremism”, Lawfare Blog (23 January 2016),
available from www.lawfareblog.com.
Input from the American Civil Liberties Union and Brennan Center for Justice; Article 19, statement
on proposed amendments to the Russia Federation extremism law (July 2006); and Jayne Huckerby,
“The complexities of women, peace, security and countering violent extremism” in Just Security,
24 September 2015.
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