General Women, Peace and Security

The dozens of ordinary men, women and children in a park in Lahore killed by a suicide bomber targeting Christians at Easter; the dozens of lives lost in terrorist strikes at Brussels’ airport and metro, and today, the tragic attacks in Baghdad killing at least 85 people underline the urgency of this debate.

Only by combining more nuanced and comprehensive countering and prevention measures that address governance deficit, promote social development and dialogue and respect for the rule of law and human rights, develop strategic communications, engage women and youth and expand public-private partnerships can we reduce the appeal of and support for terrorist groups and enhance resilience against them. 

As occurred on Sunday with Cairo, Today we woke up to the news of new attacks in Baghdad, which have caused more than 70 fatalities. Most of the victims were women who were going to do their daily shopping. Once again, the daily lives of citizens have been tragically cut short. I offer my most heartfelt condolences to the people and the authorities of Iraq, and its Ambassador here present.

We know that in society itself — in civil society — there are moral forces and authoritative voices that rise against terrorism and violent extremism, and we must identify those voices. Besides having leaders and credible and authoritative voices, it is important to integrate the groups and communities that undertstand the problems and wish to contribute their proposals: young people, women, students and civil society organizations.

On a final note, I wish to stress that terrorist attacks do not discriminate among women or children; they do not discriminate between old or young; black or white; Muslims, Jews or Christians; rich or poor. All of us are potential victims of terrorism. In our response to this threat, let us not allow the terrorists to divide us.

Long before the Geneva Conventions existed, Prophet Muhammad and subsequent scholars instituted a just-war doctrine. Among other things, during the conduct of war, Muslims are forbidden from harming non-combatants, particularly women, children, the elderly and the sick, as well as envoys, diplomats and those praying in houses of worship.