Intervention of the delegation of Ukraine at the Geneva Conference on Preventing Violent Extremism

Session ”Addressing the Drivers of Violent Extremism”

April 7, 2016

Mr. Chairman,

We would like to extend our gratitude to the UN for its commitment to addressing violent extremism as well as to the Government of Switzerland for hosting this timely event.

Ukraine takes seriously the threat posed by violent extremism and terrorism. We believe that one of its drivers – prolonged and unresolved conflicts – is often used by some powers in their attempts to weaken one of another by fuelling those conflicts. That`s exactly what Ukraine faces with the Russian aggression.

Despite all international efforts, the Russian Federation continues to export terrorism to Ukraine by supplying weapons, including heavy ones, to the illegal armed groups, training their members, organising recruitment of former Russian military and law-enforcement servicemen and their transfer to the East of Ukraine to strengthen combat capabilities of local territories.

Ukraine continues to rely on further support from the international community to put additional pressure on Russia so it stops fuelling violent extremism.

Mr. Chairman,

Terrorism and violent extremism have taken on many forms and manifestations. We see it in Donbas, Crimea, Syria and other places. We face it in cruel actions of ISIL-Daesh militants. Ukraine is profoundly concerned about the impunity enjoyed by their perpetrators all over the world and will spare no effort, including as a non-permanent UN Security Council Member, in order to effectively address their root causes.

We look forward to extensive expert and high-level discussions on exploring possibilities for UN and its Member States to redouble their joint efforts in responding to the evolving treat of violent extremism.

Thank you.