UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses to the Interactive Dialogue on the Conditions Conducive to the Spread of Terrorism on June 11 (UNITED NATIONS WEBSITE)

After addressing the Interactive Dialogue on the Conditions Conductive to the Spread of Terrorism, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended the UN Victims of Terrorism Support Portal in New York City on June 11.

The website (http://www.un.org/victimsofterrorism/en) was developed by the UN Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) office, as "a major step" in protecting the rights of victims of terrorism and providing the services they need.

"Nothing can justify terrorism. No grievance or cause can justify acts of terrorism. But terrorism thrives when conflicts continue to simmer, or where rights are systematically violated, where discrimination is institutionalized, or where there are few prospects of a secure and stable livelihood," Ban said

"Our shared challenge is to ensure that terrorists do not find fertile ground to promote hate and intolerance," he added.

John Ashe, President of the General Assembly, noted that lack of employment and education, prolonged conflicts and the absence of good governance help terrorists gain sympathizers, find fresh recruits and raise funds.

He asked all the Member States, with support from the UN system, should collect and disseminate good practices on de-radicalization efforts; rehabilitation of former terrorists, including in prison settings; enhancing the reach and quality of education and upholding human rights and the rule of law.

(Reporting from New York City)