A/RES/72/17
Effects of terrorist acts directed against religious sites on the culture of peace
Recalling also its resolutions 70/109 of 10 December 2015 on a world against
violence and violent extremism and 70/291 of 1 July 2016 on the United Nations
Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review,
Recalling further its resolution 55/254 of 31 May 2001 on the protection of
religious sites,
Reaffirming the primary responsibility of States to protect the population
throughout their territories,
Recognizing that cultural diversity and the pursuit of cultural development by
all peoples and nations are sources of mutual enrichment for the cultural life of
humankind,
1.
Strongly condemns all acts or threats of violence, destruction, damage or
endangerment, directed against religious sites as such, that continue to occur in the
world;
2.
Expresses its deep condolences to the families of victims of heinous
terrorist attacks directed against religious sites, including the recent terrorist attack
that took place in northern Sinai, Egypt, on 24 November 2017, targeting worshippers
during prayers, in which at least 305 people, including 27 children, were killed;
3.
Reaffirms its unequivocal condemnation of all acts, methods and practices
of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomsoever
committed, regardless of their motivation, as criminal and unjustifiable, and renews
its commitment to strengthening international cooperation to prevent and combat
terrorism and to deny impunity and pursue accountability in relation to the
perpetrators of terrorist acts;
4.
Strongly condemns any advocacy of religious hatred that constitutes
incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, whether it involves the use of print,
audiovisual or electronic media or any other means;
5.
Reaffirms the essential need to strengthen international, regional and
subregional cooperation aimed at enhancing the national capacity of States to prevent
and effectively suppress international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations;
6.
Urges all States, therefore, to take all appropriate measures to combat
hatred, intolerance and acts of violence, including those motivated by religious
extremism, and to encourage understanding, tolerance and respect in matt ers relating
to freedom of religion or belief;
7.
Requests the Secretary-General to devote, in consultation with the relevant
bodies of the United Nations system, attention to the question of the effects of terrorist
acts directed against religious sites on the culture of peace in his forthcoming reports
relevant to the question;
8.
Decides to continue consideration of the question of the effects of terrorist
acts directed against religious sites on the culture of peace under the item entitled
“Culture of peace”.
61st plenary meeting
1 December 2017
2/2
17-21455