National, Regional, International Efforts Crucial in Combating Global Threat Of Terrorism, Speakers Stress, as Sixth Committee Continues Debate on Menace
As the Sixth Committee (Legal) continued its debate on measures to eliminate international terrorism today, delegates detailed national, regional and worldwide efforts to combat the constantly evolving scourge in the absence of both an internationally agreed-upon definition and a comprehensive convention. (For background, see Press Release GA/L/3685.)
The international community, Haiti’s representative pointed out, has sufficient applicable legal tools to tackle the menace, with 19 universal and 36 regional instruments. In light of that, the continued discussions in the Sixth Committee underscore the need to re-evaluate the efficiency of existing initiatives, he noted.
On that point, Malaysia’s delegate voiced support for convening a high-level United Nations conference, noting that even if a comprehensive convention on international terrorism is not adopted, convening such a summit would help revitalize global efforts to counter the cross-border phenomenon.
For her part, the representative of India, expressing regret over the lack of an agreed-upon definition of the menace, pointed to the operative paragraph 3 of Security Council resolution 1566 (2004) that provides a comprehensive definition of international terrorism. This could serve as a basis for further discussion, she said.
In that regard, Albania’s representative underlined the Sixth Committee’s responsibility to reach consensus on this matter, as terrorist groups were taking advantage of the existing gaps in the international legal framework.
Notwithstanding the stalled negotiations at the global level, other speakers highlighted how, as the threat expands, States are continuing to fight terrorism, both nationally and regionally by adopting necessary measures and enhancing cooperation.
The issue is particularly pressing in Africa, Uganda’s representative reported, noting that the continent witnessed more than 1,533 terrorist attacks in the first seven months of this year. Against this backdrop, he stressed: “Negative forces can easily be defeated if all partners in the region cooperate and work together.”
An example of such cooperation is the Alliance of Sahel States between Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, the representative of Mali said. Established to tackle the distressing situation in the Sahel, the alliance promotes a collective defence architecture and mutual assistance to fight terrorism more effectively.
Adding to that, Niger’s representative noted that such pooled efforts provide an appropriate response, especially since the fall of Libya in 2011, where the region experienced unprecedently violent terrorist attacks while also being plagued by organized crime, irregular migration, worsening poverty and conflict between communities.
On another tack, some speakers pointed out that weak State structures, security vacuums and sectarian tensions contribute to creating conditions in which terrorist groups thrive. Considering this challenge, several delegates highlighted information and intelligence sharing as a way to bolster their responses.
Describing the Marrakech Platform, the representative of Morocco said that the initiative brings together the heads of African counter-terrorism and security agencies in efforts to address the continent’s myriad of challenges. He also highlighted the Morocco-based programme of the Office of Counter-Terrorism that provides African countries with capacity-building on investigation, border security as well as rehabilitation and reintegration.
Yet, as numerous speakers emphasized the need to increase capacity-building activities to help States devise more effective responses, the delegate of the Republic of Korea also called for strengthening the coordinating role of the Office of Counter-Terrorism and its cooperation with other United Nations entities as well as regional and subregional organizations. To respond to the evolving terrorist threat, a more relevant approach is required, he said.
The international assistance and region-wide initiatives, however, only complement actions undertaken by States within their sovereign territories, some speakers underscored.
To that, the representative of Côte d’Ivoire described his country’s international counter-terrorism academy in Jacqueville, which trains policemen, gendarmes, military personnel, magistrates, customs officials, prison staff and anyone else directly involved in combating terrorism.
Kenya’s delegate, detailing his country’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society community policing approach, said that the participation of women and children at the community level in this approach has been helpful in detecting early signs of radicalization and thwarting terrorist plots.
Many delegates also highlighted the need to gear these undertakings towards addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism, which included, in the view of China’s delegate, a slow economic recovery, lacklustre implementation of the 2020 Agenda, rising geopolitical tensions and intensification of regional conflicts.
However, the representative of Congo noted that radicalization can be defused by respect for human rights and the rule of law. While the situation in Africa remains disturbing, he emphasized that “more than ever before” States should share a vision of a peaceful Africa. To this end, he called for a viable and lasting finance mobilization for the continent.
The Sixth Committee will meet next at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 4 October, to continue its consideration on measures to combat international terrorism and to begin consideration of protection of persons in the event of disasters.
Statements
DIEGO PARY RODRÍGUEZ (Bolivia), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, underscored that terrorism is a broad concept with a number of undefined elements at the international level. The scourge can be deeply rooted in political, social, cultural and racial issues and is designed to create fear, insecurity and chaos in society. While his country has not experienced terrorist acts, it has witnessed, during the 2019 coup d'état, attacks by armed parapolice groups, including on Indigenous women. Inspired by political and racist ideologies, these groups sought to impose their views by force. Underlining that all States are vulnerable to terrorism, he noted that Bolivia works with the international community to combat the phenomenon by sharing information and adopting preventative measures. Nevertheless, it is crucial to strengthen multilateralism to address the root causes of the menace, he said.
AMANUEL GIORGIO (Eritrea), associating himself with the African Group, the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, pointed out that social media has become the most convenient means with which to spread hate speech and recruit for acts of hate and violence. He also underlined States’ obligation under international law to effectively protect communities from terrorist acts and to prevent their territory from being used as a haven for the planning, organizing or financing of such acts. States must also take all necessary legal measures against the perpetrators of violence and terrorism. For its part, Eritrea takes any threat to its security and stability seriously and is committed to work with partners to deny individuals and groups any breeding ground for terrorism, human trafficking or other forms of transnational organized crime. He added that countries must be able to set their own priorities — without external pressure or undue interference — to ensure sustainable peace in the region.
Mr. ERKAN (Türkiye), associating himself with the Organisation of Islamic States (OIC), said that his country has been subjected to all forms of terrorism over decades and has lost tens of thousands of its civilian population to this scourge. Expressing concern over the global expansion of terrorist groups’ networks and their adaptation to new technologies, he pointed out that violent far-right terrorism driven by Islamophobia, white supremacy, hate speech, racism and xenophobia are also on the rise. In this regard, he called on Governments and other relevant stakeholders to increase efforts in addressing these phenomena, noting that regional and sectarian tensions, intolerance and weak State structures offer a breeding ground for terrorist narratives and radicalism. While Türkiye has been at the forefront of countering terrorist organizations with a broad spectrum of ideologies for years, he expressed regret that some terrorist attack perpetrators, their accomplices and financiers have managed to escape justice and travel freely. In addition, as a member of the Financial Action Task Force, Türkiye’s authorities are taking necessary steps with regards to its Action Plan, he reported.
HAWANATU KEBE (Sierra Leone), associating himself with the African Group, the Non-Aligned Movement and OIC, said that, following the unprecedented acts of domestic terrorism on 10 August 2022, the Government continues to ensure accountability for the loss of lives and as the destruction of public and private properties. Noting that these and other similar accidents have transnational components, he said that States must ensure accountability in the transnational context. He also expressed concern over the presence of terrorist groups in the Sahel and parts of the West African subregion, pointing out that the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) has identified capacity-building opportunities in the fight against terrorism. They include information and intelligence sharing, he noted, also highlighting the need for resources for the Regional Security Fund to ensure implementation of the 2020-2024 Plan of Action for the Eradication of Terrorism, among others. Further, he welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ECOWAS and the Office on Counter-Terrorism on 22 September, reporting that it will establish a cooperation framework between both entities over the next five years.
GENG SHUANG (China) noted that, as terrorist organizations continue changing their operational strategies, the root causes of the phenomenon are yet to be addressed. Economic recovery is slow, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda lags behind, geopolitical tensions and instability rise, regional conflicts intensify and there is still a peace and governance deficit, he observed. It is key to enhance international cooperation; yet some States disrupt it by politicizing counter-terrorism. As a remedy, he called for adherence to multilateralism; tackling terrorism in line with international law; treating both symptoms and root causes of the scourge; and committing to capacity-building and strengthened information sharing. Further, he emphasized that his country is a victim of terrorist attacks by the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement — a United Nations listed terrorist group. In light of that, he urged some States to restore that group’s identification as a terrorist organization and stop their political manipulations.
ADEL BEN LAGHA (Tunisia), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, African Group and the OIC, spotlighted the growing terrorist threat in Africa. Da’esh [Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Daesh], Al-Qaida and their affiliates continue to redeploy and gain ground on the continent, making the most of governance and security vacuums resulting from State absence in remote areas. Terrorist groups also continue to radicalize and recruit online, targeting youth without prospects and exploiting weak social structures that have been aggravated by global crises. Further, such groups are receiving substantial resources from organized crime — including the trafficking of drugs and persons across porous borders — and are using new technologies and virtual tools to transfer and store funds. He stressed, therefore, that combating terrorism requires dismantling the criminal economies that underpin such groups; combating extremist ideologies and hate speech; and promoting inclusive development, job creation and quality education for all.
SONG KIM (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, called on Member States to put an end to State-sponsored terrorism. The international community should “keep vigilance on the United States” in their “disguised interference” in States’ internal affairs and their armed invasions “behind the scenes of countering terrorism”, while concealing their hegemonic ambitions, he stressed. Noting that the war on terrorism, waged by Washington, D.C. and the West against sovereign States clearly constitutes an act of State-sponsored terrorism and sovereignty infringement, he said the United Nations should not allow counter-terrorism to become a tool to realize interests of a specific country. “We should not tolerate double standards and selectivity in dealing with terrorism,” he emphasized, observing that it creates obstacles for cooperation and undermines Member States’ mutual trust. He also said that a country’s national liberation struggle for independence should not be equated with terrorism, underscoring that economic sanctions, pressure and providing financial support to “anti-Government terrorists” must end.
MHD. RIYAD KHADDOUR (Syria), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations, underscored that counter-terrorism should not be used as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs or justify the use of force against any State. Drawing attention to the situation in Libya and Afghanistan, he emphasized that conflicts represent a fertile ground for the establishment and spread of terrorist organizations. In addition, some States directly invest into terrorism. “The ongoing illegitimate and unjustified presence of the foreign forces of some countries in the north and east of Syria under the pretext of fighting terrorism amounts to investing in terrorism,” he noted. Underlining that children and their mothers remain in inhumane conditions in camps and detention facilities in northeast Syria, he warned that, unless the situation is addressed and Syria is allowed to undertake its counter-terrorism responsibilities, they can become a new generation of terrorists.
TIÉMOKO MORIKO (Côte d’Ivoire), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, African Group and OIC, noted that West Africa has been hit hard by international terrorism, suffering economic decline, growing poverty, ripped social fabric, changes of political regime and damaged international relations. For its part, since 2015, the Government has adopted laws to combat terrorism, its financing and money-laundering. Further, in 2021, it opened an international counter-terrorism academy in Jacqueville, which trains policemen, gendarmes, military personnel, magistrates, customs officials, prison staff and anyone else directly involved in combating terrorism. Turning to regional matters, he called for greater understanding, cohesion and solidarity between countries involved in the Accra Initiative to ensure its success at a time when terrorism is especially pernicious in the subregion. He also called on the international community to fund peace operations launched by African States, adding that a strong commitment by the UN in this regard would help “build trust and cooperation between everyone involved in this fight”.
LAZARE MAKAYAT-SAFOUESSE (Congo) said that Da’esh and Al-Qaida terrorist groups and their affiliates remain one of the most acute threats on the African continent. Noting that radicalization can be defused by respect for human rights and the rule of law, he underscored the importance of education in strengthening resilience. Further, he welcomed the General Assembly resolution that declared 12 February the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, pointing out that fighting against discrimination and hate speech could contribute to favouring non-violence. While the situation in Africa remains disturbing, he emphasized that “more than ever before” States should share a vision of a peaceful Africa. To this end, he called for a viable and lasting finance mobilization for the continent. He also reported that his Government has ratified several instruments, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons, Including Diplomatic Agents. Recognizing that socioeconomic challenges contribute to the recruitment of terrorists, he spotlighted the importance of joint initiatives for development and the need for tackling this menace on the Internet.
KIM HYUNSOO (Republic of Korea) noted that to effectively respond to the evolving terrorist threat, a more relevant approach is required. In this regard, it is important to address root causes of the menace, such as poverty and inequality. Further, the coordinating role of the Office of Counter-Terrorism and its cooperation with other United Nations entities as well as regional and sub-regional organizations should be strengthened. He called for an integrated and balanced implementation of Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy to support capacity-building for States while ensuring respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. In this manner, his country incorporated a human rights protection officer in the work of the National Counter-Terrorism Committee. Welcoming Security Council resolution 2664 (2022) that approved humanitarian exemption to asset freeze measures imposed by United Nations sanctions regimes, he also urged the international community to prevent the exploitation of innovations and technologies by terrorists.
ISSA KONFOUROU (Mali) said that, since the military intervention by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Libya in 2011, people in the Sahel have experienced “a hellish experience” of terrorism and violent extremism. The region is threated by organized crime, irregular migration, worsening poverty and conflict between communities. To address this, the Government adopted a comprehensive strategy to fight these threats. On the security front, Mali works to recruit, train and equip security and defence forces so they can protect people and property. In addition to military action, the Government has carried out institutional and political reforms, supported mechanisms for religious dialogue, used traditional levers to stabilize communities and funded quick-impact projects for crisis-affected populations. Underscoring the need to coordinate cooperation between States at the regional, continental and international levels, he reported that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger created the Liptako-Gourma Charter on 16 September, which establishes the Alliance of Sahel States. The Alliance promotes collective defence architecture and mutual assistance to fight terrorism more effectively.
MARVIN IKONDERE (Uganda), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, the OIC and the African Group, expressed concern over the increasing impact of terrorism on his continent. In the first seven months of this year, Africa is reported to have witnessed more than 1,533 terrorist attacks — an increase compared to 2022. In a recent attack in Uganda, the Allied Democratic Forces killed 42 people, including 37 children. To combat that group, his country is engaging in joint operations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Negative forces can easily be defeated if all partners in the region cooperate and work together,” he stressed, urging the United Nations to finance peace support operations in Africa. He also called for appropriate measures to ensure that territories of States are not used by terrorists, as well as measures that address the structural drivers of youth radicalization. He also called for measures ensuring strong and professional armies in Africa and information sharing and capacity-building.
MOUSSA MOHAMED MOUSSA (Djibouti), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Group and OIC, noted that in Africa the scourge of terrorism has grown since the 1990s. That resulted in the adoption of the Algiers Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism. Calling for the increase of financing for capacity-building programmes, he underlined the importance of specific support to the African Standby Force, created in 2022, to ensure that its well-equipped unit that can support African forces in countering terrorism. In that regard, the opening of Nairobi and Rabat offices of the Counter-Terrorism Office is an important step. Further, he spotlighted that, since 2017, Djibouti has been hosting the IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development] Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism that provides a platform for regional coordination. In addition, the country has been strengthening its legal, legislative and operational arsenal to prevent and fight terrorist acts, he said, also noting that it has joined the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel (“CT Travel”) Programme.
VILAYLUCK SENEDUANGDETH (Lao People’s Democratic Republic), associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said that her Government has regularly improved and reviewed its domestic law and regulations. In this context, all acts of terrorism have been listed under its Penal Code and identified as serious criminal offenses, including money-laundering and financing of terrorism. Moreso, the country has ratified the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism, while also being a party to 13 international conventions and other related instruments. In addition, it has joined the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering in 2007 and completed its second mutual evaluation — based on the 2013 assessment methodology of the Financial Action Task Force — to analyse the level of compliance with its 40 recommendations and the report on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures adopted by the Group in 2013. To enhance better understanding among the relevant authorities, the Government — in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODS) and other UN agencies — has conducted workshops and seminars to increase awareness on international terrorism.
WISNIQUE PANIER (Haiti) noted that the international community is not short of applicable legal tools to combat terrorism, with 19 universal and 36 regional instruments. Against this backdrop, the continued discussions in the Sixth Committee testify of the need to re-evaluate the efficiency of existing initiatives. While Haiti is not directly affected by terrorism, the country has seen assassinations, armed kidnappings, rape and sexual violence. Cruelty of those acts is similar to terrorism, he noted, adding that criminals also want to jeopardize democracy and weaken the State structures. The multidimensional crisis in Haiti has worsened since the imposition of the United Nations sanctions regime. As the influence and activities of gangs are now spreading beyond the capital and its surroundings, the authorities have taken drastic measures to re-establish public order. Nevertheless, pointing to the insufficient capacities of the national police, he called for increased assistance from the international community.
ALEJANDRO LEONEL KATZ PAVLOTZKY (Uruguay), aligning himself with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), underlined Member States’ fundamental obligation to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts and stressed that every such act is a threat to international peace and security. Uruguay is committed to addressing this menace, which — along with organized crime — undermines the peace and wellbeing of populations and threatens countries’ territorial integrity and development. The Government has adopted laws to combat asset laundering, the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Further, its national counter-terrorism strategy focuses on preventing terrorist acts, along with implementing relevant Security Council resolutions on the basis of the consolidated list of sanctions published by that organ. Additionally, since 2017, Uruguay has enacted a criminal trial code that facilitates trials that fully respect Constitutional guarantees and grant victims more prominence than they were previously accorded.
MOHAMMED IYLIA OMAR (Malaysia), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, the OIC and ASEAN, rejected the negative stereotyping and profiling of Muslims as terrorists. Domestically, the country has enhanced its counter-terrorism legal framework — including preventive laws — in line with international obligations and anchored in democratic accountability and judicial oversight. At the regional level, Malaysia is a party to the ASEAN Convention on Counter-Terrorism. Turning to the threat of online radicalisation and recruitment, he detailed that the Southeast Asia Regional Centre on Counter-Terrorism, based in Kuala Lumpur, continues to actively engage the public through its counter-messaging initiatives. He went on to detail his country’s achievements recognized by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate during its assessment in 2022. Expressing support for a high-level United Nations conference, he noted that even if it does not adopt a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, its convening would help revive global counter-terrorism efforts.
KAJAL BHAT (India), noting that her country has faced the horrors of State-sponsored cross-border terrorism, said her country, as part of the Ad Hoc Committee on International Terrorism established in 1972, has been calling for a comprehensive multilateral legal framework to counter terrorism. In November 1996, it took the initiative to circulate a “first draft” of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. However, it is unfortunate that efforts toward that convention are constrained by narrow differences, she said, stressing: "We are not even able to define international terrorism.” Pointing to templates that Member States can work on, she said that operative paragraph 3 of Security Council resolution 1566 (2004), for example, provides a comprehensive definition of international terrorism, which could be a base for further discussion. She urged Member States to take an objective approach and end the stalemate preventing the adoption of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Stressing the need for the early finalization of the draft, she voiced hope that the Working Group established for that purpose will bring finality in that regard.
ALESSANDRA FALCONI (Peru) said that her country will support any action that the UN will adopt to eradicate violence and terrorist acts. To this end, States should strengthen social cohesion, while also promoting pluralism and the dialogue of civilizations. In addition, inequality and extreme poverty should be excluded. In this regard, her Government has adopted policies to tackle not only monetary, but also multidimensional poverty. Emphasizing the need to raise civil society’s awareness about the threat of terrorism, she said that education and knowledge are powerful tools to fight against this menace. Highlighting the importance of tackling the links between terrorism and organized crime, she reiterated Peru’s commitment to the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In addition, the country has been cooperating with the Counter-Terrorism Office to strengthen its national capabilities against this crime, she said, emphasizing the importance of adopting a convention on combatting international terrorism.
KHALID NASSER A. ALODAIB (Saudi Arabia), associating himself with the OIC and the Non-Aligned Movement, noted that his country has in place legislative, institutional, administrative and other measures to prevent and combat the scourge. At the international level, Saudi Arabia was the largest contributor to the establishment of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre and supports capacity-building for States. Turning to freedom of expression, he stressed that it should not be used to disseminate hatred and cultural confrontation. In this regard, Saudi Arabia welcomed the General Assembly resolution on promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech. Drawing attention to the cooperation between one of the country’s centres with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, he expressed support for the latter’s initiative to formulate an action plan to protect places of worship. He also spotlighted the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition against Da’esh in Riyadh that Saudi Arabia and the United States co-chaired.
TOFIG F. MUSAYEV (Azerbaijan), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the OIC, underscored that in his region, terrorism has been used to advance territorial claims and support violent ethnic separatism and aggressive wars. For more than 30 years, the territories of Azerbaijan formerly occupied by Armenia had been a zone of terrorist infiltration; mercenary and other armed groups; accumulation and proliferation of uncontrolled armaments and military equipment; and illicit exploitation of and trade in natural resources. After his country liberated the occupied territories, Armenia resorted to mine terrorism and allowed the illegal movement of third country nationals. Following a recent terrorist act that caused numerous casualties, Azerbaijan undertook local counter-terrorism measures against the Armenian armed forces illegally stationed on its territory. These measures, which lasted less than 24 hours, resulted in the dissolution of the former occupation regime and the defeat and disarmament of the Armenian armed forces. Several individuals were arrested on charges of terrorism, war crimes and other serious offences. Bringing the perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice has to remain a priority, he stressed.
JOSÉ ALFONSO BLANCO CONDE (Dominican Republic), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, reported that his country has strengthened its domestic legal framework to tackle terrorism more effectively. Terrorist financing is now classified as a serious crime and legislation allows for international cooperation in extraditing those suspected of terrorist activity. This guarantees that the Dominican Republic will not become a haven for those who intend to use its territory for such activity. The Government is also strengthening its border-control mechanisms and airport security to prevent the entry of individuals with ties to terrorism. He noted that cooperation with international agencies such as the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is crucial for exchanging information and tracking possible terrorists. As well, education and sensitization play an important role in the Dominican Republic’s counter-terrorism strategy, he said, adding that the Government continues to build capability to prevent and detect the transit, trafficking and use of dual-use materials for terrorist purposes.
Mr. AL-ZOUBAIDI (Iraq), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and OIC, pointed out that his country is among those that have suffered the most from terrorist acts. After Da’esh was defeated in Iraq, the Government took stock of terrorist activities and financing and, along with the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD), has undertaken investigations in these areas. Iraq has also shared its experience with the relevant Security Council sanctions committees and, through that participation, has enhanced such committees’ ability to assess risks relating to Da’esh and Al-Qaida. Detailing domestic efforts, he spotlighted Government efforts to fight organized crime, counter extremist ideology and dry up the sources of terrorist financing. Calling for international efforts to build capacity, he said that his country considers the following areas important: the return of families of foreign fighters to their countries; cybercriminality; border control; organized crime linked to terrorism; and the prevention of terrorist access to chemical and biological weapons.
ARIAN SPASSE (Albania), associating himself with the European Union, said that the recent terrorist attack in Ankara confirms that terrorism “spares no one”. Pointing out that terrorist groups take advantage of the existing gaps in the international legal framework, he highlighted the need for a rule-based systems and transparency to eradicate this scourge “once and for all”. More so, the absence of a definition of “terrorism” and “violent extremism” may lead to misinterpretation — as it has been the case on several occasions — he noted, emphasizing that the Sixth Committee has the responsibility to come up with an agreement on what constitutes this menace. He called on States to implement the programme for repatriation, rehabilitation and engage with local communities, civil society and the private sector to tackle all drivers of terrorism, also underscoring the importance of investing more in victims’ protection. “Only united we can win against terrorism,” he stressed, calling for a full, equal and meaningful participation of women to that end.
Mr. LASRI (Morocco) noted that terrorism is agile and has a great capacity to adapt to international efforts to combat it. Nevertheless, the lack of consensus on an international legal framework has not prevented States from developing their own measures and provisions to tackle the menace. At the national level, Morocco — a victim of terrorist acts — adopted an inclusive national strategy that is updated as new challenges arise. The country’s approach is based on multidimensional, effective, innovative and sustainable solutions that promote a religious culture based on moderation, focus on socioeconomic development and also include judicial and security measures. Morocco also hosts a programme office of the Office of Counter-Terrorism that provides African countries with capacity-building on investigation, border security as well as rehabilitation and reintegration. In addition, the Marrakech Platform brings together the heads of African counter-terrorism and security agencies in light of the challenging circumstances on the continent, he said.
Ms. ALMARZOOQI (United Arab Emirates), associating herself with OIC and the Non-Aligned Movement, expressed concern over terrorist groups’ continued ability to take advantage of conflicts, deteriorating economic conditions and security vacuums in ungoverned spaces to assert their control and advance their agenda. Equally concerning is the exploitation of Islamophobic acts to recruit or call for terrorist attacks. Stressing that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, she emphasized: “When the United Nations and its Member States use the designation ‘Islamic State’, they compromise the fact that there is nothing Islamic about terrorism.” She also underlined the need to prevent and counter the increasing use of new technologies for terrorist purposes, along with terrorists’ use of sexual and gender-based violence to humiliate, intimidate and control populations. She added that “violence prevention remains the best way to protect innocent people”, calling for investments in education and economic development, the promotion of inter-faith and -cultural dialogue and the empowerment of women and youth.
BETELIHEM TAYE (Ethiopia), pointing out that her country has been impacted by terrorism, said that it is the responsibility of Governments to ensure that their citizens can live in peace and stability. To this end, her Government has enacted and enforced its domestic laws, ratified international treaties and implemented Security Council resolutions. Moreso, the country is actively involved in combatting terrorism in Africa, paying a significant role in combatting Al-Shahab and other terrorist cells in Somalia, while also being a part of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) peace and security architecture. As a party to nine counter-terrorism instruments, it has also concluded bilateral agreements on extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters with many countries. In 2020, it adopted a proclamation to provide for the prevention and suppression of terrorism crimes and augmented its institutional mechanism on the prevention and suppression of money laundering and financing of this menace. Through its current Chairmanship of the Organisation of Police Commissioners of East Africa, Ethiopia has brought focus to legal cooperation against this terrorism. Furthermore, she pointed out that the African Union is the only regional organization with a binding legal framework against this scourge.
HAZEM ABDULQADER KHALIFA ABDULLA ALMARZOOQI (Bahrain), associating himself with the OIC, noted that the world has witnessed an increase in the terrorist use of new technologies to spread propaganda, recruit and mobilize funding. Moreso, terrorists now use advanced arms and are working to develop biological and chemical weapons. Against this backdrop, the international community cannot successfully combat the scourge without cutting off its funding. To that end, Bahrain has strengthened its legal framework, is freezing suspicious assets and requires non-governmental organization to provide reports on their transactions to prevent the use of funds for nefarious purposes. He added that his country also adopted policies to list groups and individuals as terrorist, making it the least susceptible State to money laundering and terrorist financing in the Arab region and the Middle East. Bahrain also actively participates in many international counter-terrorism initiatives, including hosting the Financial Action Task Force Middle East office, he said.
NACIM GAOUAOUI (Algeria), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, OIC and the African Group, emphasized that today’s meeting is an opportunity to “rectify mistaken concepts” connecting terrorism to a particular religion or zone. The international community must fight against all forms of violent extremism — including Islamophobia and xenophobia — and the draft convention on international terrorism must be carefully prepared to achieve a specific definition of “terrorism”. Further, global efforts must address issues including terrorist financing, the link between terrorism and organized crime, terrorist use of modern technologies, foreign terrorist fighters and increasing hate speech. He stressed that, to fight terrorism more effectively, efforts must be based on measures to repress terrorism that are “commensurate with the horror of the phenomenon”. For its part, Algeria is harmonizing its domestic legal arsenal with international law and is hosting two institutions in Africa — the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism and the General Assembly of the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation.
ALI MABKHOT SALEM BALOBAID (Yemen), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and OIC, said his country has ratified all counter-terrorism instruments. Pointing out that terrorist groups have been trying to destabilize Yemen by targeting State institutions, terrorizing children and planting mines in populated areas, among other things, he said that the people are fighting an extremist, racist and religious group that believes in its “divine right to rule”. Also noting that the group sees itself as a “superior race” and that it is operating as an agent for Iran’s regime and Hezbollah, he reported that the Houthis have rejected the truce that was supposed to bring economic and social benefits. His country values the work of the Panel of Experts in documenting evidence of arms smuggling to Iran, he said, adding that his Government is also developing an anti-terrorism strategy that includes outreach to combat extremist ideology and dry out terrorism financing sources. In 2012, it adopted a strategy to combat money-laundering and enacted a law that criminalizes those who commit, incite and aid the commission of terrorist acts, he reported, noting that the Penal Code has been amended accordingly.
SAMADOU OUSMAN (Niger) said that the fight against terrorism must be based on respect for the sovereignty of States — namely, their natural resources — and aim to deconstruct the link between transnational organized crime and terrorist activity. Since the fall of Libya in 2011, the Sahel has witnessed terror attacks of “unprecedented violence and scope”, he stated, noting that 4,555 civilians were killed by terrorist attacks in 2022. Further, 9,909 schools have been closed and the regional security situation has led to a disastrous humanitarian crisis, placing 34.5 million people in need of assistance. Against this backdrop — along with the “lack of results from arrangements usually used in the fight against terrorism” — he reported that Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger decided to pool their efforts to provide an appropriate response. Detailing recent military successes against terrorists, he nevertheless stressed that efforts to counter terrorism cannot be carried out in a strictly military context. Therefore, the Government has worked to fight corruption, provide basic social services and create job opportunities “despite the illegal, unjust and inhumane economic stifling of our country”, he said.
MICHAEL KIBOINO (Kenya), associating himself with the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement, said his country’s all-of-Government and all-of-society community policing approach, which includes the participation of women and children at the community level, has been helpful in detecting early signs of radicalization and thwarting terrorist plots. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation on counterterrorism, including law enforcement and judicial partnerships within the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the African Union, as well as the Regional Programme Office of Counter-Terrorism in Nairobi, a critical mechanism to counter violent extremism in East Africa. The absence of a legal framework, such as a comprehensive convention for combating international terrorism, must not be an impediment to the implementation of other existing counter-terrorism frameworks and instruments, he underscored, encouraging Member States to cooperate in capacity-building and use of technology in knowledge management, detection and response in countering the similarly mutating terrorist and violent extremist strategies, including through youth-targeted social media recruitment. “We must always be innovative in our preventive measures, including countering terrorist narratives, inclusive community engagement, and addressing illicit financial flows, among others,” he said.
SOPIO KUPRADZE (Georgia), associating herself with the European Union, said that the revisions of the chapter on terrorism of her country’s Criminal Code has aligned its laws more closely with international norms by broadening the scope of criminalization of activities associated with the menace. In 2022, her Government has approved the National Counterterrorism Strategy and Action Plan for 2022-2026. Further, in response to the threats emanating from foreign terrorist fighters, Tbilisi has enhanced its counter-terrorism legislation to criminalize travel of these individuals while also strengthening border security on the ground. Recalling that her country is a party to 14 UN anti-terrorist conventions, she said it has also concluded 30 agreements to that end, including the Agreement on Operational and Strategic Cooperation with the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and the Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust). To enhance secure information exchange capabilities, Georgia has negotiated agreements on exchange and mutual protection of classified information with 24 partner countries, as well as with the European Union and NATO.
GERALDO SARANGA (Mozambique), associating himself with the African Group and Non-Aligned Movement, said that his country’s security architecture has been seriously affected since 2017 by terrorist attacks in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Expressing support for continued, concerted efforts to implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and existing international instruments, he noted that his country is part of the regional strategy of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to combat terrorism and of the African Union Convention on the Prevention and Combatting of Terrorism and its protocol. Further, the Government continues to build national institutional capacity, update the domestic legal framework and promote international legal and judicial cooperation. He also detailed national legislation establishing measures to prevent and combat the use of both the financial system and non-financial entities for money-laundering, terrorist financing and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
TCHAKPIDE OURO-BODI (Togo), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Group, said that his country — especially in the north — has been a target for terrorist attacks since 2021. Pointing to the expansion of the menace in Africa, he voiced his support for coordinated actions with regional and international partners. In 2022, Togo adopted a national strategy to counter violence extremist that seeks to prevent and reduce the risk of radicalization and terrorism by promoting social cohesion, strengthening governance and socioeconomic development. That same year, the Government launched an emergency programme for the Savanes region with an overall budget of 200 billion CFA francs. Emphasizing that States must condemn moral, material, diplomatic and political support for terrorism, he underscored the importance of ensuring that no perpetrators, organizers or facilitators can abuse the refugee status. He also pointed out that terrorist rhetoric must be tackled through global international counter-terrorism action by bringing together community leaders and religious leaders of all confessions.
Right of Reply
The representative of Pakistan, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, said he did so in response to statements made by “one delegation that represents a country that is a chronic violator of international law”. The illegally occupied territory of Jammu and Kashmir remains on the Security Council’s agenda, and the organ has decided that its final disposition will be determined by its own people through a UN-supervised plebiscite. However, occupation forces have suppressed demands for self-determination with brutal crackdowns and draconian laws. Further, this country is a known State sponsor of terrorism and will continue to expand its terrorist franchise until its sense of impunity is removed. “The world must stop giving them a free pass for strategic reasons,” he stressed.