A/RES/72/241
A world against violence and violent extremism
for all without distinction of any kind such as to race, colour, sex, language, religion,
political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth or other status,
Underlining that all Member States have undertaken to refrain in their
international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or
political independence of any State or in any other manner inconsistent with the
purposes of the United Nations,
Alarmed by the acts of intolerance, violent extremism, violence, including
sectarian violence, and terrorism in various parts of the world, which claim innoc ent
lives, cause destruction and displace people, and rejecting the use of violence, regardless
of any motivation,
Reaffirming the commitment made by all States under the Charter to promote and
encourage universal respect for and observance of all human rights and fundamental
freedoms without distinction, and reaffirming also that States are under the obligation
to protect and respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons,
Convinced that wars and armed conflicts can lead to radicalization and the spread
of violent extremism and disrupt development of human societies and thwart the well being of humankind,
Recognizing that a primary responsibility of each State is to ensure a peaceful and
violence-free life for its people, while fully respecting their human rights without
distinction of any kind, to live together in peace with its neighbours, in full respect for
political independence and the principle of sovereign equality of others, and to help to
maintain international peace and security,
Recalling that, as affirmed in the Preamble to the Charter, the practice of tolerance
is one of the principles to be applied to attain the ends pursued by the United Nations of
preventing war and maintaining peace, and convinced that the respect for and protection
of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, as well as tolerance, the
recognition and appreciation of others and the ability to live together with and to listen
to others, form a sound foundation of any society and of peace,
Welcoming the efforts made by the Secretary-General and his High Representative
for the Alliance of Civilizations to promote greater understanding and respect among
civilizations, cultures and religions,
Reaffirming that violent extremism constitutes a serious common concern for all
Member States, threatening the security and well-being of human societies, and
convinced that there is no justification for violent extremism, whatever the motivation,
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to preventing and countering
violent extremism and to addressing the conditions conducive to its spread, and
encouraged by increasing awareness in this regard,
Stressing that States must ensure that any measure taken to combat violent
extremism complies with their obligations under international law, in particular
international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, and underscoring that
counter-terrorism measures and the protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms
and the rule of law are not conflicting goals, but complementary and mutually
reinforcing, and are an essential part of a successful effort to counter violent extremism,
Recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace, determined to condemn
violent extremism, which spreads hate and threatens lives, and reaffirming that violent
extremism, in all its forms and manifestations, cannot and should not be associated with
any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group,
Recognizing also local, national, regional and multilateral initiatives aimed at
addressing both directly and indirectly the grievances that drive violent extremism,
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