Clustered interactive dialogue with:
- Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
- Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights

Thank you Mr. President,

We thank both SR's for their presentations. Our statement will focus on the issue of terrorism.

Terrorism and violent extremism do not grow out of nowhere. They need a supportive environment, an encouraging community and an accepting society. They require the approval of the elite and the welcoming nod coming from the leadership. They flourish where the glorification of martyrdom is part of the schools' curriculum; they increase where summer camps for children are turned into hatred indoctrination centers; they expand where financial support is allocated to families of terrorists; they get stronger where incitement is streaming through the media on a daily basis.

Mr. President,

In our view, the first step towards effectively confront extremism is to identify and publically denounce those who support and encourage it - some of them are sitting in this chamber among us.

There is no point in empowerment campaigns, when at the same time those who support terror, are allowed to do that without interruption. Only when they will feel isolated and condemned, then there is a chance that educational efforts may succeed.

If a leader who calls for martyrdom and blood spilling, is accepted here like a hero, why should his community aspire to be moderate? If a member state which pours billions of dollars into the pockets of terrorist organizations, is welcomed in this shrine of human rights, why should its citizens feel they are obliged to change?

Mr. President,

Israel is probably one of the most targeted countries by terrorists. Only two days ago, another indiscriminate murderous attack has occurred on the streets of Jaffa, killing an American tourist and injuring 11 people among them two Russian tourists.

We believe that in order to eradicate violent extremism, decisive counterterrorism measures are required. We also recognize the importance of educational efforts. Let us begin educating for moderation and peace, by first showing zero tolerance towards those who educate for the opposite.

Thank you.