The international symposium on anti-terrorism, de-radicalization and human rights protection was held in Geneva during the on-going 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council. China and other countries exchanged experiences of counter-terrorism and de-radicalization and discussed effective ways of enhancing international cooperation at the symposium.
The international symposium was jointly sponsored by the Mission of China to UN at Geneva, the Mission of Cameron to UN at Geneva, and the China Society for Human Rights Studies (CSHRS). Assistants to the special mechanism of the Human Rights Council, representatives of non-governmental organizations and officials of permanent missions of Cambodia, Britain, Mexico, Malaysia, Syria, Algeria, Serbia, Qatar, Laos, Niger and other countries attended this symposium.
Jiang Duan, Minister of the Permanent Mission of China in Geneva, said that the current global counter-terrorism situation is still serious, and that counter-terrorism and de-radicalization are the common responsibilities of all countries. The international community, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, should firmly establish a sense of community with a shared future, actively take comprehensive de-radicalization measures, eliminate the basis for the spread of terrorism, effectively prevent and combat terrorism, and promote and protect human rights.
Charge d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Cameroon in Geneva, said that terrorism, radicalization and secessionism pose serious threats to all countries in the world. The international community should strengthen cooperation to jointly combat terrorism and radicalization, including cutting off financing channels for terrorists in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Tang Xianwen, deputy secretary-general of the China Society for Human Rights Studies (CSHRS), emphasized that counter-terrorism and de-radicalization are contests between justice and evil, civilization and barbarism. The international community should build consensus on counter-terrorism and de-radicalization, oppose double standards, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and fully protect human rights.
A documentary film "Forefront of Counter-Terrorism in Xinjiang, China" was screened at the symposium. Experts and scholars from countries like China, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Sri Lanka, Serbia elaborated views on issues related to the definition of terrorism, the danger of terrorism to human rights, the basis of international law against terrorism, the double standards of western media on counter-terrorism, and how the international community cooperates on counter-terrorism and de-radicalization, and introduced the successful experiences their countries.
Chinese experts stated that thousands of terrorist attacks occurred in Xinjiang, causing huge losses to people's lives and property. Facing the serious threats of terrorism and radicalization, the Chinese government has adopted a series of counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures, including establishing the training center, and achieved positive results. China is willing to share the "Chinese experience" with the international community and make a positive contribution to the global counter-terrorism and de-radicalization.
Participants believed that some western countries like the United States and some western media adopt double standards in counter-terrorism and de-radicalization, and even condone terrorist forces, which is not conducive to international counter-terrorism cooperation. All the countries should adhere to the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, respect the counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures taken by countries based on their national conditions, strengthen exchanges and cooperation, oppose the use of counter-terrorism for ulterior gains, abandon double standards, jointly combat terrorism and radicalization, and promote the healthy development of human rights.
