Remarks by Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, 28 May

Excellencies, Terrorist and violent extremist views often appeal to those who feel marginalized or alienated from their governments or societies, whether because of inequality, injustice or a lack of opportunity. That is why prevention and counter-terrorism strategies and responses require an integrated and comprehensive approach.

Ladies and gentlemen, Despite setbacks, we must recognize important gains in countering terrorism in Africa.

2. In the Secretary-General's recent visit to Nigeria, he saw first-hand the positive results obtained from a combination of successful action against Boko Haram and socio-economic initiatives aimed at reintegration and reconciliation.

Through similar approaches, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) has supported at their request Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Somalia with the <b?prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals formerly associated with terrorist groups</b>.

We have also worked with Tunisia and Uganda on initiatives focused on the management of violent extremists in prisons and detention facilities, with the aim of preventing terrorist radicalization in those environments.

UNOCT's new offices in Kenya and Morocco will play an important role in helping African Member States build the capacities they need to prevent and counter violent extremism. I call on your continued support to ensure the impact and sustainability of these Offices moving forward.

We are also continuing our work on the preparations for the United Nations - African Union Working Group Meeting on Countering Terrorism and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, which will help us further improve our coordination.

Nigeria and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism are planning to organize an African High-Level International Conference on Counter-Terrorism, in Abuja, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. More details will be shared with you in due course.

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