UN Human Rights Council 43: UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism

Thank you, Madam President.

We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report, and reaffirm our support for her mandate. All activity to combat terrorism must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, while protecting the security of our citizens through effective and proportionate legislation.

We agree with the Special Rapporteur on the importance of engaging with the broader conditions conducive to violent extremism and terrorism. Ensuring trust in governments, and addressing State accountability, justice and good governance, is a vital part of a successful strategy in this field.

We also agree on the importance of engaging civil society and local communities when forming and delivering policy. As she says in her report, civil society, and the voice they provide for the marginalised and vulnerable, can foster greater transparency and accountability in CT work. In the UK we run engagement events with local partners, civil society and community members, inviting the public to learn about the Prevent programme and offer their views. This helps to focus our interventions towards those most at risk of radicalisation.

With this point in mind, can the Special Rapporteur provide any further examples of where civil society has helped to positively shape policy on preventing violent extremism?

Thank you.