Secretary-General's message to International Conference on Religious and Cultural Pluralism and Peaceful Co-existence in the Middle East

I thank the Government of Greece for hosting this important and timely initiative.  The history of the Middle East is characterized by co-existence and pluralism.  Today, however, the region’s civil wars, unresolved conflicts, particularly between Palestinians and Israelis, ethnic and confessional tensions and the unprecedented and growing level of violent extremism are endangering Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and directly undermining economic and social progress for the Arab world. An immediate impact has been the largest displacement of people since the Second World War, more than half of whom are Syrians.  The impact is keenly felt in Syria’s neighbours and throughout Europe, including here in Greece, presenting grave challenges for refugees and host communities.  The killing and massive displacement of civilians from various ethnic and faith groups is changing the fabric of societies and undermining their traditional co-existence.  This is compounded by an education crisis that is affecting millions of children and youth.  An entire generation is at risk of unemployment and social exclusion. 

Violent extremists often deliberately target communities – Shiites, Sunnis, Yazidis, Christians, Jews and others – who differ from them.  They destroy their cultural references, including heritage sites, books and manuscripts, places of worship and learning, and deny their traditional practices.  UNESCO rightly describes this phenomenon as ‘cultural cleansing’.  I will be presenting my “Plan of Action on Preventing Violent Extremism” to the General Assembly early next year.

The impact of the conflicts in the Middle East is a stark reminder of the urgent need to deal seriously with the root causes of these human tragedies.  As well as seeking political settlements of debilitating conflicts, such as those in Syria and Yemen, and implementing a number of Security Council resolutions related to the Middle East, there are a number of long-term steps that should be taken to help stabilize the regional political landscape and to prevent identity-based politics and conflicts from blocking further progress in the region.

We must vigorously promote democratic governance, with respect for justice, tolerance and freedom of expression.  Each nation should also define the relationship between religion and State that best reflects its values but is also within the context of universal principles and equal rights for all.

The region needs to preserve and promote the integrity of the State, put in place accountable and responsive governance and ensure the equal application of the rule of law that protects all individuals.  None should feel the existential threat of fragmentation, and none should feel the threat of oppression and exile.

As a priority, there also needs to be a focus on conditions and opportunities for youth.  Without hope to pursue their dreams and aspirations, young people will despair and be vulnerable to the siren calls of extremist voices.  For this, we need quality education.  An international fund could be established to support their educational needs.

States must create the environment to allow civil society to flourish.  Youth and women, religious and community leaders, must all be involved and be given responsibility for charting the road ahead.  Religious leaders have a special responsibility to use their moral authority to promote inclusion, not exclusion, forgiveness, not vengeance, equality, not superiority.  The establishment of a group of respected leaders – which I suggested during the March Security Council debate – could help advance these efforts.

As we move forward in addressing the immediate humanitarian crises in the region, our action should be guided by universal humanitarian principles and by international law.  Lifesaving assistance must be delivered to all in need without political considerations.

Lastly, under the Human Rights-up Front initiative, the United Nations must be able to act on early warning signals before atrocities occur, to prevent violations of human rights and to protect people at risk.

There are no quick remedies.  Resolution of the schisms of society will have to come from and be owned by the people of the Middle East.  That is the only way to preserve the pluralism and diversity of this unique region.

We must inject urgency in ending the cycle of violence and extremism.  The United Nations stands ready to work with all partners to promote peaceful co-existence throughout the Middle East.

I wish you a successful and productive conference.