(Transcript from World News Radio)
World leaders are gathering in Washington this week to discuss a co-ordinated global response to violent extremism.
Australia says it's participating, as part of continuing efforts to show leadership on the issue.
Olga Klepova reports.
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The United States announced the summit following a series of recent attacks, including those in Paris, and the hostage situation at Martin Place in Sydney.
US Attorney General Eric Holder says it's an opportunity to create a set of comprehensive global guidelines to deal with extremist groups.
"We will bring together all of our allies to discuss ways in which we can counteract this violent extremism that exists around the world. Only if we work together, through sharing of information, by pooling our resources, will we ultimately be able to defeat those who are in a struggle with us about our fundamental values."
United Nations Deputy-Secretary-General Jan Eliasson is urging a united international approach in the fight against extremism.
"In our responses to the threat let us be aware that these extremist groups want to spread fear by competing in brutality. They aim to polarize. The United Nations global counter-terrorism strategy made clear that states cannot afford to deal counter-terrorism in isolation or solely through military reaction. A truly effective response must leverage the resources of the international community and look at all aspects of the problem, including the underlying factors leading to the recruitment of new terrorists."
Jan Eliasson says many UN members need help to strengthen their criminal justice systems in order to respond to the complex nature of terrorist and extremist crimes.
"There is no standard. There is no universal solution to the serious, complex and global threat of terrorism. When we continue to strengthen in our cooperation, we must also take into accountant the context of each Member State and each region. A very worrying factor in my view in several situations is the destructive interaction going on between organised crime and terrorism. Another such disturbing factor is the linkages being established between extremists and terrorist groups."
Chair of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Raimonda Murmokaita is pleading for a quicker reaction to the changing nature of terrorism.
"The recent deadly attacks in Paris reminded us once again that terrorist can strike any place anytime. [edit] Their methods and reach continue to evolve, adapt and mutate. As terrorist threats shift and change worldwide we too must adjust and change and act faster and work forcefully."
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop agrees the nature of people taking part in extremist activity is changing.
"We believe that over 20 Australians have been killed in the conflict in Syria and Iraq. They are not martyrs. They are just cannon fodder for an evil cause. Disturbingly, the demographic of those fighting tends to be younger. There are people in their teens. We are seeing more women who either are seeking to join their foreign fighter husbands or are becoming what are called 'jihadist brides'."
Julie Bishop claims Australia has already shown it's at the forefront of global efforts to fight extremism overseas - and at home.
"We are working with our communities to counter the spread of radicalisation, to build resilience through a program worth about $545 million, investing in social inclusion initiatives, a program to counter violent extremism, and other initiatives. Internationally, we have taken a lead role through co-sponsoring the UN Security Council resolution on foreign terrorist fighters, requiring all nations to prevent the activities of terrorists, through their financing, their travel and other activities."
Australia will be represented at this week's Washington summit by federal Attorney-General, George Brandis.
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