A/HRC/33/28 efforts should be handled nationally. One State noted that combating the global threat of terrorism and violent extremism required joint efforts by the entire international community, while respecting the Charter of the United Nations, the principles of equality and sovereignty of States and of non-interference in their internal affairs. 36. It was stressed that measures to prevent and counter violent extremism must strictly adhere to the three-fold test of legality, proportionality and necessity, as outlined in the Rabat Plan of Action. In addition, one State referred to the recommendations made in the Rabat Plan of Action on mobilizing social media, the academic world and civil society to combat intolerance. There was widespread agreement that measures to prevent and counter violent extremism should be focused on human rights and the rule of law and that respect for human rights and efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism were mutually reinforcing. A number of States called for fundamental freedoms, such as freedoms of expression, religion and peaceful assembly, to be respected. Measures to prevent and counter violent extremism had to be developed within the bounds of existing international obligations. 37. Several States expressed concern that human rights defenders, civil society representatives and journalists were often targeted by violent extremists. They called for efforts to be made to protect those individuals. Furthermore, the importance of human rights training and education was highlighted. One State called on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to strengthen its relationship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. 38. It was pointed out that States had a responsibility to protect individuals within their territory by addressing the root causes of violent extremism, not just by prosecuting violent extremists. The swift and stern handling of violent acts could send a message of zero tolerance, but a softer approach was also needed to counter the radicalization that led to violent extremism. B. Calls for a holistic approach 39. There was general agreement that, in order to be successful, policies to prevent and counter violent extremism would require a holistic approach. A “security-only” strategy would fail. Governments, civil society entities, the media and local communities had to come together if conditions conducive to violent extremism were to be addressed. Moreover, a number of government institutions, including the departments of education and public health, had to work in a complementary manner. The different perspectives brought by the panellists demonstrated that collaboration across disciplines was essential. That said, civil society organizations cautioned against measures to counter violent extremism that involved the media because they could also threaten the free flow of information online; those organizations expressed serious concern about blocking access to the Internet, targeting anonymity, weakening encryption and mounting pressure on private companies to be complicit in government censorship and surveillance. 40. The importance of community resilience was raised by a number of States. Civil society was called upon to become more involved in efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism as part of a holistic approach. Several States described how they had engaged community and religious leaders to foster tolerance and mutual respect. Others discussed the role of social services in preventing and countering violent extremism. Civil society participants stressed the need for human rights defenders to be included in the process. In addition, the important role of economic development was emphasized, as was the importance of social justice and harmony. One State referred to the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable 9