A few minutes ago, the Human Rights Council adopted its first resolution on human rights and preventing and countering violent extremism.

On behalf of a cross-regional core group of States, I would like to thank states for their cooperative and constructive approach during weeks of consultations.

This core group consists of Albania, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Colombia, France, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Peru, Tunisia, Turkey and United States.

We believe the diversity of the core group was instrumental in considering valuable contributions from various national perspectives. The support of close to 60 co-sponsors was also a good indicator of trust and motivation.

This is an important milestone in the Council. The resolution is intended to contribute to and complement the broader UN debate on how to address the newly emerged concept of violent extremism.

The adoption is also timely. This week, leaders from more than 100 countries as well as multilateral bodies and civil society organizations met in New York to review progress in countering DAESH and countering and preventing violent extremism. The central role of UN is underscored in addressing these challenges, demonstrating the international community's resolve.

This resolution has the merit of addressing violent extremism in a very broad lens, in all its forms and manifestations.

It is focused on prevention and complements previously adopted counter-terrorism resolutions. It also brings a "Geneva perspective" to this issue, with a clear focus on protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

It emphasizes that violent extremism cannot be associated with any religion, ethnicity or nationality.

Crucially, it underlines the need for States to address the conditions conducive to violent extremism, and adopt a whole-of-society approach in prevention efforts, highlighting the role of education.

Tolerance and inter-cultural dialogue is another main topic, with references to initiatives such as the Alliance of Civilizations and the 16/18 resolution of the Council on combating intolerance based on religion and belief.

Great emphasis is placed on the enhancement of international cooperation for preventing and countering violent extremism, as well as the guiding nature of best practices in implementation.

For instance, the work of international bodies like the UN Counter-Terrorism Forum and its Ankara Memorandum on Good Practices for Countering Violent Extremism are recognized.

Finally, the resolution requests the holding of a panel and a compilation of best practices by the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. We believe that these concrete outcomes will pave the way for further action in the Council on this critical issue.