A/HRC/33/28
32.
The moderator asked panellists to comment on the appropriate age at which children
should be engaged on the subject of violent extremism. Mr. Abbadi believed that such
engagement should start early but should not be in the form of a lecture. He added that it
was essential to collaborate with leaders in the entertainment industry in order to develop
films and games to foster a positive message. Ms. Farooq agreed that it was never too early
to engage children. The programmes of the World Organization for Resource Development
and Education focused on children as young as 10. Children of that age were already
exposed to risk factors, including bullying and intolerance. Many positive values could not
be taught, however, and an environment where children could experience such values and
learn for themselves had to be cultivated. Ms. Ghanea was also of the opinion that values
such as plurality, diversity and respect had to be taught to children at an early age.
Encouraging children to connect with diverse communities could give them a sense of
purpose, protecting them from feelings of disenfranchisement and injustice. Mr. Garatea
concurred and stated that a nurturing, diverse community was a civilizing force for a child
and should be encouraged.
IV.
Summary of the interactive discussion with stakeholders
33.
During the interactive discussion with stakeholders, contributions were made by
representatives of the following States on behalf of others: Albania (on behalf of the core
group on the resolution on countering violent extremism), Australia (on behalf of Mexico,
Indonesia, Republic of Korea and Turkey), Kuwait (on behalf of the Group of Arab States),
Morocco (on behalf of the Platform for Human Rights Education and Training), Norway
(on behalf of the Nordic countries) and Pakistan (on behalf of the Organization of Islamic
Cooperation). The following States also made contributions: Australia, Austria, Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Brazil, China, Croatia, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic
of), Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian
Federation, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey and
United States of America. Representatives of the European Union and the Council of
Europe also made contributions.
34.
In addition, contributions were made by representatives of the following nongovernmental organizations: Article 19 (on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union,
CIVICUS — World Alliance for Citizen Participation, the Association for Progressive
Communications, the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, the International
Humanist and Ethical Union, Human Rights Watch, the Center for Inquiry, the
International Federation of Human Rights Leagues and the Asian Forum for Human Rights
and Development), Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme (on behalf of
the Women’s Federation for World Peace International and Al-Hakim Foundation),
Americans for Human Rights and Democracy in Bahrain, Amnesty International,
Association Miraisme International, Global Network for Rights and Development and
World Jewish Congress.
A.
General observations
35.
Most participants expressed support for the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to
Prevent Violent Extremism and welcomed the panel discussion. Some called for concerted
measures to be taken to prevent and counter violent extremism, including cooperation at the
international and regional levels to develop plans built on global experiences. Noting that
manifestations of violent extremism differed between regions, however, some States
thought that an international plan would be difficult to develop. While many States believed
that the United Nations should take the lead at the international level, others argued that
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