As Sixth Committee Begins Session, Speakers Stress Measures to Combat Terrorism Must Not Diverge from International Law
Despite multifaceted international efforts, speakers in the Sixth Committee (Legal) today noted with alarm the growth of terrorist groups, stressing that if measures diverged from the norms of international law, the crisis would only worsen.
As the Committee opened its first meeting of the seventieth General Assembly session and considered the Secretary-General’s report on measures to eliminate international terrorism (document A/70/211), delegates emphasized that terrorism was a global problem and no single country was immune to such threats. Stronger cooperation and collaboration was needed within the international community.
Nonetheless, the representative of Brazil commented that while the ultimate goal of combating terrorism had brought the international community together, some of the tools chosen to implement counter-terrorism efforts had clearly been counterproductive and were of questionable legality.
Almost all delegations stressed the need to combat terrorism through cooperation and in adherence with international law, although many pointed out actions that appeared not to have met that standard.
Burundi’s representative, underscoring the transnational nature of terrorism which moved around as conditions permitted, saw a shift under way from the Middle East towards Africa and other regions. Thus, it was important to analyse the root causes of terrorism and other tensions including, among other things, “double standards” in implementing international law.
Echoing that stance, the representative of Armenia, speaking for the Collective Security Treaty Organization, condemned the politicization of the issue and the use of double standards, including using the threat of terrorism to interfere in the affairs of sovereign States, while the representative of Nicaragua expressed concern that wars were being waged on that pretext, causing the deaths of thousands. Yet, terrorism was growing, she said.
Urging that international sanctions be lifted from his country, the representative of Sudan offered an example of how such sanctions, in fact, stymied efforts to combat terrorism: by making it difficult for people to acquire needed medications, people were in turn forced into illegal activities that supported terrorism in order to purchase what they needed. He also questioned the unilateral blacklisting of countries alleged to support terrorism, which he said served only to politicize international relations.
Iran’s representative, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, also called the unilateral compilation of such lists inconsistent with international law and said it could be labelled a form of psychological terrorism.
Yet many delegations called for greater cooperative efforts. The representative of Turkey, recounting the terrorist attack her country had suffered just days ago — the worst in her country’s history — said “Our long and painful fight against terrorism has taught us that these challenges can only be addressed through international solidarity, as well as effective bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”
One way to combat terrorism, many speakers around the room said, was to cut off its financing. The representative of Lebanon, recalling that 25 members of its Armed Forces were still being held hostage by Da’esh and Al Nusra for over a year, stated that his country was committed to a “complete cut-off” of such financing, noting that strengthened collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) had led to a significant decrease in the antiquities traffic, profits from which were used to finance terrorism.
The representative of South Africa, speaking for the African Group, underscored that the payment of ransoms constituted one of the main sources of financing for terrorists, a matter of grave concern for the international community and that one Member States should address.
Virtually all speakers called for the United Nations to play a central role in combating terrorism through its Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which consolidated the activities of Member States and presented a common strategic and operational framework to fight terrorism. Many also called for conclusion of the draft comprehensive convention on measures to eliminate terrorism, which had eluded the United Nations for 10 years.
Urging Member States to resolve the outstanding differences on the matter, the representative of Sri Lanka said the international community needed to send a clear message on its resolve to combat terrorism for the sake of all its victims. However, he emphasized, countries must ensure that any and all measures taken to combat terrorism fell in line with the United Nations Charter, international human rights law and refugee rights lest they “brush shoulders with the very evil we seek to eradicate”.
Taking up organizational matters at the start of the session, the Committee Chair noted that at a meeting on 15 June 2015, the Committee had elected three Vice-Chairpersons: Boris Holovka (Serbia), Natalie Y. Morris-Sharma (Singapore), and Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik (Norway). The Committee had also elected Idrees Mohammed Ali Mohammed (Sudan) as Rapporteur.
The Committee today also established three working groups for the session and named their Chairs. They were on: the scope and application of universal jurisdiction to be chaired by Georgina Guillén-Grillo (Costa Rica), who chaired that Working Group last year; measures to eliminate international terrorism, to be chaired by Rohan Perera (Sri Lanka), who had chaired that Working Group since 2000; and Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission, to be chaired by Thembile Joyini (South Africa).
In addition, the Committee today approved the Organization of its work contained in document A/C.6/70/L.1/Rev.1 as per the Allocation of agenda items to the Sixth Committee by the General Assembly found in documents A/C.6/70/1 and A/C.6/70/1/Add.1.
Speaking on measures to eliminate international terrorism were representatives of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (speaking on behalf of ASEAN), Trinidad and Tobago (speaking on behalf of CARICOM), Ecuador (speaking on behalf of CELAC), New Zealand (also speaking for Canada and Australia), Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia (speaking for OIC), Cuba, Qatar, Guatemala, Libya, Senegal, Serbia, Israel, Eritrea, Indonesia, Nigeria, United Republic of Tanzania, Russian Federation, Democratic Republic of Korea, Iraq, Norway, Kyrgyzstan, Zambia and Uganda. Also speaking was a representative of the European Union Delegation.
Speaking today on organizational matters were representatives of Argentina, Cuba, Paraguay, and Belarus.
The Sixth Committee (Legal) would next meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 13 October, to continue its consideration of measures to eliminate international terrorism.
Opening Remarks
EDEN CHARLES (Trinidad and Tobago), Chair, said that since the founding of the United Nations, the work of the Sixth Committee had been crucial to promoting respect for international law. He recalled that Pope Francis had noted in his address to the General Assembly on 25 September that the codification and development of international law had been one of the Organization’s many accomplishments. The international legal instruments adopted by Member States provided the essential framework for the international rule of law and were the basis upon which new developments in international law took place.
He also went on to say that the Committee had a “well-earned” reputation of working collaboratively and diligently. Noting that this session commemorated the seventieth year of United Nations, he called upon the Committee to contribute substantively to the issues before it, some of which had remained unresolved over many years.
Statements
GHOLAMALI KHOSHROO (Iran), speaking for the Non-Aligned Movement, condemned and rejected terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including, among others, those in which States were directly or indirectly involved. Terrorist acts constituted a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. However, terrorism should not be equated with the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation, for self-determination and national liberation. Furthermore, terrorism must not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. He urged all States to fulfil their obligations under international law to combat terrorism, including, among other actions, through prosecution or extradition of the perpetrators. He also urged States to refrain from supporting such acts, through supplying arms or other weapons that could be used for such acts, to name a few, in the territories of other States.
He said he rejected the use or threat of use of force by any State against any member of the Non-Aligned Movement, under the pretext of combating terrorism, including by directly or indirectly categorizing them as terrorism sponsoring-States. In addition, the unilateral compilation of lists accusing States of allegedly supporting terrorism was inconsistent with international law and could be labelled as a form of psychological terrorism. All States should condemn any form of, and refrain from extending political, diplomatic, moral or material support for terrorism. States should also ensure that refugees or any other status should not be abused by perpetrators, organizers or facilitators of terrorist acts, and that claims of political motivation should not be recognized as grounds to refuse extradition requests. Expressing concern over the acute and growing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, he emphasized the need for States to address the issue.
He encouraged all States that had not yet done so, to ratify or accede to the thirteen international instruments relating to combating terrorism and implement them along with regional and bilateral instruments. The Security Council sanction committees should also streamline their listings and delisting procedures. Reiterating the call for an international summit conference under the auspices of the United Nations to formulate a joint international response to terrorism, including identifying its root causes, he stressed the importance of concluding a comprehensive convention for combating international terrorism, and called upon States to cooperate in resolving outstanding issues. It was the primary responsibility of Member States’ to implement the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. Condemning criminal instances of hostage-taking, which resulted in ransom demands or other political concessions by terrorist groups, he called upon all States to cooperate actively on the issue.
KHIANE PHANSOURIVONG (Lao People’s Democratic Republic), speaking for the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said the international community’s concerted efforts and comprehensive approach were needed to address the complex and evolving threat of international terrorism. He outlined ASEAN’s collective counter-terrorism efforts at the regional and international levels, which were in line with the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant United Nations conventions and resolutions. He also noted that ASEAN’s primary framework for cooperation was its Convention on Counter-Terrorism.
Underscoring that human rights and the provision of fundamental freedoms must be ensured while fighting terrorism, he said terrorism could not and must not be associated with any religion, race, nationality or ethnicity. Furthermore, the main principles of international law, especially international humanitarian and human rights law, should be respected. Expressing hope for the finalization of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, he called on Member States to work together to address outstanding issues.
LIZANNE ACHING (Trinidad and Tobago), speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), said closer international collaboration and cooperation were urgently needed in order to effectively combat terrorism. Committed to addressing conditions which contributed to the spread of terrorist activities, several CARICOM States had enacted legislation to prevent and counter acts of and the financing of international terrorism.
Counter-terrorism measures should be in accordance with international law, she said. Strategies adopted outside the parameters of international law could potentially “blur the line” between measures taken to fight terrorism and those taken to promote it. The draft comprehensive convention was long overdue and Member States should resolve political differences, particularly those related to the legal definition of international terrorism and the scope of acts to be included, with a view to finally achieving consensus on the convention before the end of the General Assembly’s current session. Furthermore, a high-level conference on international terrorism would be a useful opportunity for Member States to interact with various counter-terrorism committees, as well as other actors, on ways to enhance the implementation of related resolutions and treaties.
DIEGO MOREJÓN (Ecuador), speaking for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), expressed concern about the negative impact that State surveillance and/or interception of communications, including those conducted extraterritorially, could have on the exercise and enjoyment of human rights. Any interference or restriction on the right to privacy should be adequately regulated in conformity with international law, to ensure that measures taken were not arbitrary. Unilateral blacklists accusing States of allegedly supporting and sponsoring terrorism was inconsistent with international law and should be discontinued, he underscored, adding that he welcomed the recent exclusion of a CELAC member country from a list of that kind.
Acknowledging steps taken by the Security Council 1267/1989 Sanctions Committee towards more fair and clear procedures, he voiced strong support for the Ombudsperson’s role, which had significantly improved the fairness and transparency of the delisting process. The position of Ombudsperson should be independent and made permanent, so as to ensure due process in Security Council sanctions regimes. He also called upon all Member States to show flexibility, so that all pending issues with respect to the comprehensive anti-terrorism convention, including in particular those related to the definition and scope of the acts, could finally be resolved. As well, he expressed hope that substantial results could lead to a high-level conference on terrorism.
THEMBILE JOYINI (South Africa), speaking for the African Group and associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that a balanced and holistic approach to terrorism was needed. Unequivocally condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he underscored that African States suffered from that scourge and, thus, had long taken concrete measures, among them adoption by the Organization of African Unity, and its successor the African Union, of the Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism in 1999, which entered into force in 2002. The African Centre for Study and Research on Terrorism has also been established and had elaborated a Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative, which the Group welcomed, as it did the Madrid Declaration and Plan of Action on Combating Terrorism in West and Central Africa. Those initiatives strengthened the capacity of African countries to adopt coordinated approaches to counter terrorism.
Decrying kidnapping and hostage-taking, he underscored that the payment of ransoms constituted one of the main sources of financing for terrorists, a matter of grave concern for the international community and one Member States should address. In the same vein, he condemned the unilateral formulation of lists accusing States of allegedly supporting terrorism, which was in conflict with international law and constituted a form of psychological and political terrorism. He reiterated the importance of the early conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, calling upon all States to cooperate in resolving the long-outstanding issues. He also urged serious consideration for the convening of a high-level conference, under United Nations auspices, to finalize an international response to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
EGLANTINE CUJO, European Union Delegation, said the international community must redouble its efforts to work together in the framework of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, on the occasion of its tenth anniversary and review during the current Assembly session. The Strategy continued to be central to address the evolving trends of the terrorist phenomena in an integrated and balanced way. Noting the need for intensified efforts to prevent radicalization and recruitment to terrorism, she thanked the United States for catalysing the Countering Violent Extremism agenda and said that endeavour should remain coordinated for a successful outcome.
The European Union, she continued, was committed to tackling the threat of foreign terrorist fighters, as reflected in its strategy for Syria and Iraq. It was critical to address the conditions conducive to the spreading of terrorism and to defeat the ideology of violent extremism. Greater cooperation among States and with international and regional organizations was needed to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices. Lessons learned from the Union’s Syria Strategic Communication Advisory Team could set an example in that regard. Underscoring the potential of religious and traditional leaders in developing “alternative narratives” to prevent radicalization, violent extremism and terrorism at their early stages, she said civil society, including youth, women and victims of terrorism must be included to counter the terrorist narrative.
The European Union had developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle the multiple aspects of terrorism financing, she said. It would continue to take a proactive stance, particularly against the looting and smuggling of cultural heritage items from sites in Iraq and Syria, by identifying best practices and tracking financial flows. The Union’s counter-terrorism engagement was growing in political importance, geographic scope and monetary terms, with actions totalling €142 million of ongoing projects. It would continue to address related issues and engage in dialogue with countries around the world, with the Middle East and North Africa region as a priority. In addition, it had been actively involved in implementing criminal law provisions on foreign terrorist fighters in Europe through the negotiation of an Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the prevention of terrorism.
TIGRAN SAMVELIAN (Armenia), speaking for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), expressed concern at the increase in terrorist activity, adding that the terrorist threat could only be combated on the basis of international law. Thus, he urged all States to implement relevant Assembly and Security Council resolutions. The Collective Security Treaty Organization had an initiative on the coordination of forces opposing the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Sham (ISIL/ISIS) and other terrorist groups in accordance with relevant Security Council resolutions on establishing a United Nations anti-terrorist coalition. It would unify mechanisms for the prosecution of persons engaged in such activities, create a single list of terrorist organizations and also extirpate the root causes of terrorism and extremism.
Noting that terrorism must not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, he called on all States to join efforts against the terrorist threat, but condemned politicization of the issue or the use of double standards, including using that threat as an excuse to interfere in the affairs of sovereign States. While all terrorist organizations must be countered, ISIL should be the primary focus. Overcoming the threat of foreign terrorist fighters must also be a priority. To that end Member States must implement relevant Security resolutions, notably resolution 2178 (2014).
CAROLYN SCHWALGER (New Zealand), speaking also for Canada and Australia, said that their countries had been working bilaterally, regionally and internationally to counter terrorism. Such efforts had focused on disrupting both the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and access to financial and economic resources, while providing humanitarian and stabilisation support to impacted communities. Much more remained to be done, however. She expressed support for the conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, as well as efforts to bridge outstanding differences. Recalling Security Council resolution 2178 (2014), which required States to prevent radicalism to terrorism, recruitment and travel of foreign terrorist fighters, she said those efforts must be pursued through a “whole-of-society approach”, addressing local factors that put individuals at risk of radicalisation to violence.
Commending the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s significant contributions to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, she welcomed the recent adoption of two new framework documents on women and countering violent extremism, and good practices on denying the benefits of kidnapping for ransom by terrorists. Underscoring the international community’s responsibility to hold terrorists to account when a State did not or could not exercise its national jurisdiction, she said Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001) and 2178 (2014) provided a framework to that end by requiring every Member State to have serious criminal offences in its domestic law that enabled it to prosecute those who participated in international terrorism outside that State’s territory. She urged Member States’ close cooperation to prevent the kidnapping and hostage-taking by terrorist groups and to secure the safe release of hostages without ransom payments or political concessions. All Member States must also prevent the illicit trade in cultural property, including through full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2199 (2015).
OMER DAHAB FADL MOHAMED (Sudan), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Group and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expressed his pleasure at rejoining the Sixth Committee after a 15-year absence. His country was active in counter-terrorism strategies under the auspices of the League of Arab States and the OIC. Domestically, his Government was implementing measures across ministries and with other sectors of society. Formulation of the national strategy had included civil society, religious leaders and academics. Its first pillar stressed political measures, including strengthening the rule of law and countering trans-national organized crime. The second was a pillar for social justice and the third pillar was cultural, recognizing that strengthening the national culture would engage people and inhibit their being drawn to terrorism.
Legislative measures were being taken against cybercrime and money laundering, he went on to say. Children, particularly in secondary schools, were being educated about terrorism and there were a “raft” of committees under the Ministry of Justice participating in a society-wide awareness raising campaign particularly geared towards the most vulnerable, such as women. International support was needed for those measures. He then urged international sanctions on Sudan be lifted, as such sanctions stymied his country’s efforts to combat terrorism. As an example, he pointed out that the sanctions made it difficult for people to acquire needed medications, thus forcing them into illegal activities that supported terrorism in order to purchase what they needed. Condemning unilateral blacklists of countries alleged to support terrorism, he said they only served to politicize international relations. The international community must find a global consensus under the United Nations by all of the Member States.
NAWAF SALAM (Lebanon), noting that his country was tragically and continuously affected by terrorist acts, said it was also at the forefront of the fight to eradicate terrorism. Today more than ever, its military and security forces remained committed to free the 25 members of its armed forces, who had been held hostage by Da’esh and Al Nusra for over a year. The cooperation of the Lebanese armed forces and internal security forces with international partners had led in the past year to the disruption of terrorist cells, and to the arrest of major terrorist figures. Committed to a “complete cut-off” of terrorism financing, his country had co-sponsored Security Council Resolution 2199 (2015). It had also joined the 25-member Counter-ISIL Finance Group.
Lebanese authorities, in particular security forces and customs, had strengthened collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), leading to a significant decrease in the antiquities traffic, profits from which were used to fund terrorist activities, he said. Turning to the protection of cultural heritage, he said his country had co-sponsored General Assembly Resolution 69/281, “Saving the cultural heritage in Iraq”. It had also participated in the two-day Cairo conference held in May this year, which had resulted in a declaration outlining practical recommendations, such as the establishment of a task force to combat cultural racketeering.
A.K. ABDUL MOMEN (Bangladesh) said his country had a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and had waged an uncompromising battle to root out the evils of extremism and terrorism. In recent years, his Government had made sustained efforts, including through legislation, to combat terrorism and the financing of it. Its Ministry for Law had recently announced the establishment of a separate court for counter-terrorism cases in each district. In 2014, his country had become a board member and pilot country for the Global Fund for Community Engagement and Resilience, a public-private global fund to support local and grassroots efforts to counter violent extremism.
The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy remained central to its national efforts to counter terrorism, he said. His Country was also committed to the full implementation of relevant resolutions, including Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001), and 1540 (2004), which provided a fundamental framework for international efforts and to develop national, regional and sub-regional capacities. Underscoring the importance of effective coordination within the United Nations system, he said continued dialogue, globally coordinated approaches, cooperation, capacity development and sharing of best practices were also needed.
Mr. ALTHARI (Saudi Arabia), speaking for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), said that terrorism contradicted the practices and principles of Islam. It should not be associated with any religion, race, faith, theology, values, culture, society or group. A comprehensive approach was needed to combat terrorism by addressing its root causes. Moreover, terrorist organizations should be combated wherever they existed without distinction. Member States should enhance cooperation and coordination to prosecute perpetrators, prevent financing, deny safe havens, and prevent weapons transfer to terrorist groups and organizations, among other things. The United Nations Global Counter Terrorism Strategy was a living document, which should be updated regularly, and implemented in a balanced manner. He urged banning the payment of ransom demanded by terrorist groups and stressed the importance of building the capacity of Member States to implement their United Nations obligations as well as increasing resources for the Organization’s entities dealing with the subject.
He underscored the need for progress on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and reiterated a proposal made previously by the OIC on the scope of the draft. Committing to make every effort to resolve outstanding issues relating to the definition of terrorism, he noted that those included the distinction between terrorism and the struggle for the right to self-determination by people under foreign occupation, and colonial or alien domination, as well as on the scope of the acts the draft would cover. He further reiterated the call to hold a high-level conference, under United Nations auspices, to formulate a joint organized response by the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to conclude on an agreed definition of terrorism.
TANIERIS DIEGUEZ LAO (Cuba), associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement and CELAC, said combating terrorism must be holistic and done through a direct confrontation with and prevention of its root causes. The practice of States financing and supporting subversive acts to bring out change in a regime and messages of intolerance or hate of other peoples’ cultures or political systems violated the United Nations Charter and international law, and should also be a focus in the work to combat terrorism. As party to 18 international conventions dealing with the question of terrorism, her country remained committed to strengthening the role of the United Nations in the adoption of a broad legal framework to combat international terrorism.
Mr. AL MALIK (Qatar), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and with the OIC, said there could be no solution to the problem of terrorism through military solutions alone. Treaties were needed and the root causes of the scourge must be eliminated. Furthermore, foreign occupation and State terrorism must be ended. The international community was late in addressing terrorism’s causes. More now than ever, a convention against terrorism was needed. In addition, a high-level conference on the matter should be convened in accordance with the relevant resolution adopted at the sixty-ninth session of General Assembly.
A clear definition of terrorism was needed and a distinction must be made between terrorism and the legitimate fight for self-determination, he went on. There was a lacuna in international law on that point, of which terrorist groups took advantage. He enumerated the terrorism-related conventions that Qatar had ratified and pointed out that a national strategy was being implemented, which included internationally organized workshops. Party to many bilateral agreements on security, his country had also hosted the fifteenth United Nations Conference on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. His Government would continue to strengthen its legislative framework on transnational crimes such as money laundering and measures were being taking in other areas such as cybercrime and financing for terrorism.
ANA CRISTINA RODRÍGUEZ PINEDA (Guatemala), associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement and CELAC, said Governments must strengthen the rule of law in their countries to develop “social anti-bodies” against terrorism and other forms of crime. Concerned about the ways in which terrorism and transnational organized crime were dealt with “indiscriminately”, she emphasized that the features of each phenomenon must be recognized; the motivations of terrorists differed from those who participated in transnational organized crime. She also pointed out that radicalization could give rise to non-violent behaviour and did not always lead to terrorism.
Noting the need for strengthened international cooperation, she joined the call for Member States to overcome their differences in order to conclude a draft comprehensive convention. Recalling that during the 2005 World Summit, Heads of State had agreed that a convention would be concluded before the end of the sixtieth session, she said it was unfortunate that terrorism had fostered a favourable environment to conclude a convention. The United Nations must take the lead in the global efforts against terrorism. Its seventieth anniversary presented an opportunity to strengthen its role in that regard.
ALINA JULIA ARGÜELLO GONZÁLEZ (Nicaragua), aligning her delegation with the Non-Aligned Movement and CELAC, expressed concern that wars were being waged on the pretext of combating terrorism, causing the deaths of thousands of people. Yet, terrorism was growing. She condemned double standard policies, whereby countries condemned terrorism but harboured its perpetrators. She appealed to all States to cooperate with one another towards combatting the scourge. Global capitalism had sown insecurity, destruction and created warlike crises in terms of food and other necessities. The United Nations must respond to the crisis to bring about the prosperity of all people.
ESSA A. E. ESSA (Libya) associating himself with the African Group, the Non-Aligned Movement and the OIC, noted that his country had acceded to all international and regional instruments on combating terrorism. It was clear that the legitimate authorities in Libya were being challenged by terrorist groups which had taken over certain cities in an effort to appropriate the wealth in those areas. It was in the interest of the international community to implement Security Council resolution 2214 (2015). The Libyan army, engaged in combating those groups, must be supplied with the necessary arms. It was also essential to implement resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters. Because terrorism was linked to all other transnational crimes, it was imperative to enhance international and regional cooperation to face all such crimes. Noting that the Organization’s Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy should be implemented in a balanced manner, he also supported the high-level conference and called upon all countries to finalize the draft of the convention on measures to eliminate international terrorism.
GORGUI CISS (Senegal), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Group and the OIC, said the 18 international legal instruments adopted to counter terrorism seem to not have produced the expected results. In that regard, the Global Anti-Terrorism Strategy must be made relevant to adapt to new challenges. His country had adopted an approach based on prevention, cooperation and rapid reaction. It had ratified 13 of the 19 legal instruments of the United Nations concerning counter-terrorism, as well as the Convention of 1999 of the African Union, among others. At the subregional level it had endorsed several decisions by the Economic Community Of West African States and other agencies. He called upon the international community to show greater solidarity to African countries affected by terrorism, including Mali. Special attention also should be given to Nigeria and neighbouring countries. Underscoring that the conclusion of an international convention on international terrorism was no longer an option, but an urgent need, he called on States’ greater cooperation towards that end.
ALBERT SHINGIRO (Burundi), associating himself with the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement, said the threat of terrorism was transnational and did not come from any particular State. Moving around when conditions so permitted, it was currently shifting from the Middle East toward Africa and other regions. The causes that made Africa vulnerable to that scourge were not new. The Sahel Sahara region faced so many challenges, including insecurity, religious and radical extremism, terrorism, all kinds of trafficking, as well as organized crime. It was important to analyse the root causes of terrorism and other tensions, including poverty, marginalization, and “double standards” in implementing international law.
Where terrorism was present, it killed hope and any prospect of economic and social development, he said. Criminal organizations imposed themselves as authorities and discouraged foreign investment, leading to the deterioration of States and even their collapse. That, in turn, endangered the stability of States and regional and international security. It was time to have a counter-terrorism convention, with a clear definition, and put an end to attempts to confuse the issue.
BORIS HOLOVKA (Serbia) associated himself with the European Union, noting that his country was party to 14 of the 18 international counter-terrorism instruments and was doing its utmost to implement relevant United Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council resolution 1373 (2001). Serbia had been a sponsor of that body’s resolution 2178 (2014) and was an active member of the coalition against ISIL, convinced that the threat of foreign terrorist fighters and violent extremism could only be countered through a multidimensional approach with respect for human rights. He detailed a number of measures the country had undertaken at the strategic-political, normative, institutional and operational levels to combat the flow of foreign terrorist fighters as part of the accession process to the European Union.
He further delineated actions Serbia had taken as current Chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), among them a focus on implementing that body’s Declaration on the OSCE Role in Countering the Phenomenon of Foreign Terrorist Fighters in the Context of the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2170 (2014) and 2178 (2014). Among other efforts, an event on youth radicalization in Belgrade and an expert workshop on media freedom and responsibilities in the context of counter-terrorist policies had been held in recent months.
AMIT HEUMANN (Israel) said that during the past two weeks, his country had faced a relentless and brutal campaign of terror, including car bombs, stabbings and stoning. Nevertheless, it did its utmost to ensure that any measure taken to combat terrorism complied with its obligations under international law. Disrupting funding of terrorism could effectively interrupt terrorist organizations’ growth and activities. Financial measures, such as designations and the freezing of assets, could prevent the next deadly terror attack. As such, those measures must be supported by intelligence sharing and cooperation by States. However, if the international community was serious about eliminating terrorism it must start with “its world’s leading sponsor — the Islamic Republic of Iran”.
While the international community might think Iran’s behaviour would change after the agreement with P5+1 (China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, United States and Germany), Khamenei, the “Supreme Leader of Iran”, had declared that Iran would continue to support terrorists in the Middle East and around the world, he went on to say. After signing the agreement, Khamenei had clearly added that Iran’s goal was to eliminate Israel from the map in 25 years. However, Iran would not change its behaviour and Israel would always remain on the map. His country had become an expert in counterterrorism and shared its expertise on a broad range of issues, including forensic investigation methods and aviation security. Next month, it would host the second international conference to address the “lone wolf phenomena”, along with other parties, including the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime.
STEPHANIE GEBREMEDHIN (Eritrea), associating herself with the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement, said that terrorism was becoming “increasingly global in its appeal, complex in its means and more horrendous in its destruction”. Its spread and the crisis in Yemen were threatening the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. Eritrea continued to strengthen its cultural and legal instruments to prevent, suppress and fight all types of extremism and terrorism. Among measures taken were a recently published penal code and the 2014 enactment of an anti-money laundering and terrorist financing proclamation, as well as a role in regional activities.
A balanced implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was crucial, she said, noting that her country, located in a volatile region, had a population that was half Christian and half Muslim that lived in peace and harmony. Any development concerning peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region directly affected Eritrea’s security and development. For the country to effectively contribute to the fight against global terrorism and to protect its sovereignty and territorial waters, it was paramount for the Security Council to unconditionally and immediately lift sanctions.
ABDURRAHMAN MOHAMMAD FACHIR (Indonesia) stressed the need to rethink how the threat of terrorism was analyzed, as its root cause had gotten more complex. While hijacking religion for terrorist purposes was prevalent, misinterpreting religion was no longer the underlying cause for terrorism. Other factors behind extremism and terrorism included bigotry, intolerance, anger, exclusion, marginalization, discrimination, fear, and a sense of being under threat from a different group. Prolonged conflicts also helped shape extremist views and provided safe haven for terrorists. Hard measures, such as imprisonment, or use of military means, contributed to further radicalization. Preventive and soft measures must be mainstreamed into responses. On a national level, Indonesia had for years been active in promoting the spirit of tolerance and empowering the moderates. It engaged civil society and religious leaders, including from two of the largest Islamic organizations, to devise a counter-terrorism narrative. There was a need to ensure that multilateral cooperation was capable of countering the dynamic threats of extremism and terrorism. In that regard, the United Nations must be among the first to understand the changing nature of those threats.
HUSSEIN ABDULLAHI (Nigeria) said terrorism constituted the most serious threat to international peace and security. He voiced support for establishing a working group to finalize the drafting of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, noting that a compromise would be achieved in the areas that had impeded progress: the question of exclusion from the scope of the convention of acts committed in situations of foreign occupation; exclusion of acts of military forces of a State during peace time; and inclusion within the Convention of acts considered to constitute “State terrorism”. The brutality committed by Boko Haram had strengthened his country’s resolve to combat terrorism through development of national plans and closer cooperation with its neighbours and the international community. In addition, more must also be done against cyber threats.
TULLY MALECELA MWAIPOPO (United Republic of Tanzania) said terrorism had shifted from a dependency on State sponsorship to non-State actors, with terrorists taking advantage of porous borders and interconnected international systems of finance and communication. All States had to adhere to international conventions and protocols for the initiatives to be effective. Furthermore, countries needed to enhance their national capacities and their cooperation among States. Especially critical was the areas of capacity building, information sharing and combatting terrorism financing. His country was party to nine universal counter terrorism instruments and one regional instrument. It also had continued to take administrative legislative measures to eliminate terrorism. Programmes had been created to alleviate poverty and give its youth a sense of self-dependence, purpose and pride in a collective unity as a country and people. The international community needed to speed up its efforts to conclude a comprehensive convention on international terrorism.
ELENA S. MUKHAMETZYANOVA, (Russian Federation) pointing out that terrorists were able to adapt to ever changing circumstances, and their links with transnational organized crime were growing, she stressed that combating foreign terrorist fighters required a systematic approach. Thus it was important to adapt national laws to step up bilateral cooperation among law enforcement, border, customs and immigration agencies. It was also crucial to enhance international cooperation to combat terrorism with the United Nations as the central coordinator. A victory over terrorism was possible only through a coordinated effort by all States, conducted in accordance with international law without politicization and double standards.
In that light, it was essential for all States to implement relevant Security Council resolutions, she said, also expressing support for the Council’s Counterterrorism Committee and the 1267/1989 and 1540 Committees. While looking forward to the Secretary General’s action plan to counter terrorism, she stressed the need to strengthen treaty regimes and the legal basis for international terrorism, which meant increasing the number of parties to the various conventions on the matter. Concluding the draft convention on the elimination of international terrorism would promote that goal. Pointing out the importance of harmonizing national legal instruments regionally, she noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Collective Security Treaty Organization had experience in that area.
JO JONG CHOL (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), associating with the Non-Aligned Movement, said that terrorist acts were endangering regional security and the territorial integrity of sovereign States, adversely affecting economic and social development. He underscored the need to eradicate State terrorism which was being presented as the “war on terrorism”. State terrorism was one of its gravest forms and aimed at regime change, which was a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. Certain States had categorized other States as sponsors of terrorism and had imposed sanctions on them. Highlighting the negative policy by the United States towards his country, he urged for the inclusion of State terrorism in the comprehensive convention against international terrorism currently being developed.
HALIT CEVIK (Turkey) said that last Saturday her country’s capital of Ankara was hit by one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Turkey’s history. The “heinous” and “cowardly” attack had claimed the lives of at least 100 people and left families in grief. “Our long and painful fight against terrorism has taught us that these challenges can only be addressed through international solidarity as well as effective bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” she said. All terrorist organizations ought to be fought with the same resolve. No terrorist organization could be legitimized under the pretext that it was fighting another terrorist organization. It was also imperative to ensure that all members of terrorist organizations were brought to justice and that no act of terrorism goes unpunished.
Emphasizing the need to fully implement Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), she stressed that States should not turn a blind eye on propaganda, financial and recruitment activities of terrorist organizations. Turkey faced an imminent threat from Da’esh, the Kurdistan Workers' Party and the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party–Front. Those groups transitioned through Turkey to travel to conflict zones. Reiterating that foreign terrorist fighters were a global threat requiring a global response, she called for global cooperation and solid information sharing and underscored that Security Council Resolution 2178 (2015) set out the same requirements for source, transit and destination countries alike. It was important not to ignore the impact of unresolved conflicts and mismanaged crises, resulting in mass displacements, intolerance and xenophobia. Looking forward to the Secretary-General’s awaited action plan, she said it was vital to reduce vulnerability to extremist ideologies by addressing conditions conducive to terrorism.
MAIS ADIL ABDULLAH (Iraq) said her country was among the first targeted by terrorist groups. With their self-financing methods, terrorists had recently demolished mosques, churches, even graveyards. They had killed children, women and even old men. Noting that terrorist groups had been using modern advanced technology to “upgrade” their illegal acts, she urged the international community to not only explore measures to eliminate terrorism, but also to provide help and rehabilitation to victims of terror. In her country alone, there were 3 million refugees and displaced persons. It was critical to implement deterring measures to stop that phenomenon and to build international cooperation, including on information exchange, against terrorism and organized crime. The national and international regulatory entities must improve their capacities, especially in monitoring terrorism financing, human trafficking and the illicit trade of women, among others.
ANDREAS MOTZFELDT KRAVIK (Norway) said the situation in Syria should make clear that terrorism continued to be a grave threat to international peace and security. The unprecedented brutality of ISIL, a group with both political and territorial ambitions, demonstrated the ability of terrorist organizations to adapt and pose threats not only to the immediate region, but to the international community as a whole. Preventing terrorism required a comprehensive and long-term approach. However, in order to put a stop to terrorism, violent extremism — and its root causes — must be defeated. If the United Nations was to fulfil its leadership role in that regard, all Member States must give their full support, he said, welcoming the Secretary-General’s initiative to draw up a new action plan on the prevention of violent extremism.
While his country had implemented all 13 United Nations counterterrorism conventions and related protocols, and encouraged other States to do the same, such actions were not sufficient, he said. An overarching and comprehensive instrument was needed to provide the necessary legal guidance and predictability if the international community was to succeed in its endeavour to eradicate international terrorism. Describing regional efforts to prevent terrorism, he noted that such instruments would only be able to reach their full potential with an internationally agreed definition of terrorism. “Only the United Nations with its status as universal creator of norms and legal standards can resolve this issue,” he emphasized.
NURAN NIYAZALIEV (Kyrgyzstan), associating himself with the Collective Security Treaty Organization, called Security Council resolution 2178 (2014) “a decisive step” in combating foreign terrorist fighters. Earlier this year, Kyrgyz courts recognized ISIL and other similar groups as terrorist and banned their activities in Kyrgyzstan. In July, a law was adopted that established liability for mercenary activities and participation of citizens in armed conflicts or military actions.
“We clearly understand that one cannot overcome terrorism through the use of force,” he said, adding that his Government was using tools of “soft power” to counter conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. That included improving social conditions and fighting corruption, among others. He also expressed support for the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) and the establishment of a working group in the Sixth Committee to finalize the process of drafting a comprehensive convention on international terrorism.
CHRISTINE KALAMWINA (Zambia), associating herself with the African Group and Non-Aligned Movement, said all acts of terrorism were criminal and inhumane and could not be justified by international law. Her country had continued to develop and implement measures that would ensure that people and organizations engaged in terrorist activities did not find a safe haven within its territories. In March of this year, her Government had presented to Parliament a view to amend its anti-terrorism act of 2007 to establish an anti-terrorism centre. She said she was optimistic that that would be enacted into law before the end of the year. Noting that negotiations on the draft convention had reached an impasse, she reiterated the importance of concluding such an instrument on international terrorism and encouraged all Member States to cooperate and show flexibility.
VARUNI MUTHUKUMARANA (Sri Lanka), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which consolidated the activities of Member States and presented a common strategic and operational framework to fight terrorism. Sri Lanka also remained an active participant in global efforts to counter the illegal movement of funds for terrorist purposes, he said, encouraging all States to pool their resources and share intelligence.
Despite broad support for the draft comprehensive convention, he said that a positive conclusion to negotiations had eluded the United Nations for more than a decade. It was important to finalize those negotiations as a vital step to complement the existing sectoral Conventions. Urging Member States to resolve the outstanding differences, he said the international community needed to send a clear message on its resolve to combat terrorism for the sake of all its victims. Finally, countries must ensure that any and all measures taken to combat terrorism fell in line with the United Nations Charter, international human rights law and refugee rights lest they “brush shoulders with the very evil we seek to eradicate”.
PATRICK LUNA (Brazil), associating himself with CELAC, said that repudiation of terrorism was enshrined in his country’s Constitution as a guiding principle of foreign policy. Brazil was a signatory to fourteen international legal instruments against terrorism negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations, as well as to the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism. No single country was immune to terrorist threats and while the ultimate goal of combating terrorism had brought the international community together, some of the tools chosen to implement counter-terrorism efforts, had clearly been counterproductive and of questionable legality.
Reiterating the call made by CELAC about overcoming the stalemate in the negotiating processes leading to the adoption of the comprehensive convention, he added that “filling this unjustifiable legal gap” would contribute to reinvigorating the rule of law dimension of counter-terrorism. The lack of a universally accepted legal definition could also undermine the proper understanding of the linkages between “terrorism,” “radicalism” and “violent extremism”. A comprehensive convention would minimize the risk of confusion arising from imprecise terminology.
DUNCAN MUHUMUZA LAKI (Uganda), associating himself with the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement, said the international community must collectively engage in efforts to deny terrorists any safe havens. Such collective efforts with his country’s partners in the East African Community had led to the arrest of Jamil Mukulu, the leader of the “so-called Allied Democratic Forces”, a vicious terrorist outfit fashioned along the ideals of Al-Qaeda. Jamil Mukulu, who was in custody and awaited trial under Uganda’s legal system, had been accorded all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, underscoring that even in the most despicable of situations, his country would uphold the rule of law.
To successfully combat terrorism, he said the international community must be prepared to make the hard decisions, including defining terrorism. The conditions under which terrorism thrived must be identified and properly addressed. Eradicating sources of terrorist financing, reducing state vulnerability, and enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities must also be part of States’ collective efforts. Under the auspices of the African Union, he said his country was the biggest contributor to the African Union Mission to Somalia forces, and in that capacity, had been at the forefront of fighting the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. Reiterating the call to address the issue of toxic waste dumping off the coast of Somalia, he cautioned that toxic waste dumping sites could be turned into ready arsenals by terrorists recycling the material in their quest to obtain weapons of mass destruction.