Ukrainian MP, the founder of the Institute of Human Rights and Prevention of Extremism and Xenophobia (IHRPEX) Oleksandr Feldman expressed his condolences to the people of Pakistan, and declared about the necessity to intensify struggle against extremism.
“During ten days, the world faced three huge terrorist attacks: in Ankara (Turkey), in Brussels (Belgium) and yesterday in Lahore (Pakistan), which caused the deaths and injuries of hundreds of innocent people. I present my condolences to all relatives and close people of those who became innocent victims. These events result in fear in the society, as well as uncertainty about the future. The organizers of these crimes must be punished sternly, and the issues of security must become the priority in the global agenda,” the politician emphasized.
However, according to his words, zero tolerance to terrorists must not lead to the radicalization of the society. Mr. Feldman emphasized that the increase of radical moods and popularity of extremist movements gaining strength in many countries, including Ukraine, is a very dangerous tendency.
“Terrorism has already crossed the European borders, it has became the threat for the citizens of the EU, and Ukraine, on its steady way to Europe, must not ignore this threat. Taking the current situation in the country into account, namely war, problem borders, a lot of uncontrolled weapons in the country, Ukraine must pay special attention to the security issues,” the MP considers.
Mr. Feldman also stressed that the spreading of extremist urges, in particular in the Internet and social networks, becomes a global problem. The politician urged everyone, and in particular, the leaders of public opinion – politicians, public figures, journalists, bloggers – to be responsible in their statements, and not to promote the fomentation of hate on ethnic, religious or any other grounds.
“Extremism and terrorism have no nationality and religion. This is the global problem of the world, which may be overcome only by joining the efforts of the whole society interested in the reestablishment of peace and stability. Ukraine cannot and must not stand apart. It is necessary to prohibit the use of the ‘language of hatred’ breaking the society with its xenophobic, extremist and racist content,” the MP emphasized.
It should be reminded that the Institute of Human Rights and Prevention of Extremism and Xenophobia (IHRPEX) was founded in 2010. Together with the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), it constantly carries out sociological studies of the situation with human rights and national minorities in Ukraine. It should be noted that the IHRPEX cooperates with the International Network against Cyberhate and the range of other organizations. Within the framework of the activity of the IHRPEX, the EU-Ukraine forum is held in the European Parliament aiming at the closer relations between the peoples of Europe and Ukraine. In addition, under the support of the Ukrainian Jewish Committee and the European Council of Religious Leaders, the meetings of the board of the International Interfaith Forum are carried out on a regular basis.
