A/66/PV.118 General Assembly

Before we proceed to the items on our agenda, I would like to take the opportunity to pay my respects on the passing away of His Royal Highness Prince Nayef Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. It was with profound sadness and heartfelt grief that we learned of the passing away of His Royal Highness. On my own behalf and on behalf of the States Members of the United Nations, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to the Government and people of Saudi Arabia.

Members will recall that at its 72nd plenary meeting, on 2 December 2011, the General Assembly held a debate on agenda item 14 jointly with agenda item 117, agenda item 123 and its sub-item (a), and agenda item 124. It is a particular honour and pleasure for me to introduce to the General Assembly this draft resolution as a text of the President on behalf of the Member States. I was very encouraged by the two-day high-level event organized at the United Nations this past April devoted to happiness. In my statement at that meeting, I underscored the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach that will promote sustainability, eradicate poverty and enhance well-being and happiness. In that context, I intended to take the initiative to follow up on resolution 65/309, of 19 July 2011, which recognized that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal. The same resolution invited us to elaborate measures that better capture the importance of the pursuit of happiness and well-being in human development. I believe that the proclamation of an International Day of Happiness by the General Assembly, to be observed every year with the full participation of the international community as a whole, would be a forward-looking way of focusing on the value of happiness as a universal goal and aspiration in the lives of all. The choice of the date 20 March as the International Day of Happiness has the general support of all. As a day of equinox, it is a day of special planetary and global significance. That date would also be more convenient for all, including civil society, to join in the celebration of the Day by the United Nations. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/66/L.48/Rev.1, entitled “International Day of Happiness”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/66/L.48/Rev.1?

I now give the floor to the representative of Bhutan.

To lead a happy life is the aspiration of every human being; it may be the ultimate purpose of life. Yet it is becoming abundantly clear that our policies and actions are not only out of sync with that fundamental goal, but they are beginning to undermine the very foundations of our collective security and survival. We urgently need to change course and adopt a new paradigm. Inspired by that belief, my delegation initiated a draft resolution entitled “Happiness: towards a holistic approach to development”, which the General Assembly adopted by consensus in July 2011 (resolution 65/309). Pursuant to that resolution, my Government was honoured to host, on 2 April here in New York, a high-level meeting on the theme “Well-being and happiness: defining a new economic paradigm”. The Prime Minister of Bhutan has often stated the following: “One common use of the word happiness is to denote an ephemeral, passing mood — happy today or unhappy tomorrow  — due to some temporary external condition like praise or blame, gain or loss. However, happiness can also refer to a deep, abiding state that comes from living life in full harmony with the natural world, with our communities and fellow beings, and with our culture and spiritual heritage — in short, from feeling totally connected with our world.” The need of the hour is for all of us — big and small, rich and poor — to take steps that will help transcend our differences and unite us, so that we may experience a richer connection with each other and with our world. It is therefore with a deep sense of satisfaction that my delegation welcomes the President’s noble initiative to proclaim 20 March as the International Day of Happiness. Resolution 66/281, just adopted by the General Assembly, truly captures the essence of our universal goal. I am confident that the President’s initiative will encourage Member States to pursue policies that will enhance the happiness and well-being of their citizens in a peaceful and secure environment. Allow me, therefore, to pledge my delegation’s full and unconditional support for resolution 66/281, which proclaims 20 March as the International Day of Happiness. I request and encourage all Member States to also do so in a timely manner.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 14.

In connection with this item, members will recall that the Assembly adopted resolutions 66/10 and 66/12 at its 60th and 61st plenary meetings, respectively, on 18 November 2011. The Assembly now has before it the reports of the Secretary-General contained in documents A/66/762 and A/66/762/Add.1, and a draft resolution issued as document A/66/L.53. Today’s meeting serves to undertake an examination of the reports of the Secretary-General and of the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by Member States, and to consider updating the Strategy to respond to change, in accordance with resolution 64/297, of 8 September 2010. We have come together today at the third review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in accordance with resolution 64/297. I welcome representatives of the States Members of the United Nations and their counter-terrorism focal points who have joined us at this important meeting. Member States have been presented with the report of the Secretary-General entitled “United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: activities of the United Nations system in implementing the Strategy”. The report contains five recommendations, which are relevant to our discussions today. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a watershed document in the international community’s fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The Strategy is comprehensive in scope, preventive in nature and integrated in approach. It was adopted by consensus by all Member States in 2006 and signifies universal condemnation of all acts of terrorism. The Strategy is a unique policy framework. It is a significant achievement of the international community and shows the goodwill and ability of the international community to come together even when faced with difficult choices. Its four pillars cover all the issues that are necessary for an effective global fight against terrorism. The time has come for a more effective implementation of the Strategy. It is my hope that this third review of the Strategy will provide the necessary momentum towards its full implementation on the ground. During the Secretary-General’s Symposium on International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, held in September 2011, I reiterated the resolve of Member States to implement the Strategy, especially through enhanced regional cooperation. In fact, the Secretary-General’s Symposium as a whole highlighted the importance of regional strategies against terrorism. I wish to take this opportunity to underscore the importance of regional cooperation in our counter-terrorism efforts. Several regions around the world have demonstrated the advantages of bringing regional cooperation to counter-terrorism activities. We need to learn from those experiences and see how we can use improved regional collaboration to strengthen counter-terrorism work, both at the national and international levels. In short, multinational efforts that go beyond traditional and localized approaches are required. No nation acting alone, no matter how powerful, can prevent every threat from being carried out. In the Strategy, all four pillars are important for proper implementation, but I wish to stress that two pillars, pillars I and IV, deserve equal emphasis as we engage in our counter-terrorism activities. Yesterday, my Office organized a thematic discussion on the importance of promoting dialogue and understanding and countering the appeal of terrorism, which is an essential element of pillar I of the Strategy. During the thematic discussion, among other initiatives and structures, I mentioned the critical role being played by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in fostering mutual understanding around the world. With more cohesive, tolerant and resilient societies, we can deny terrorists the space and the profile they need to spread their narratives and campaigns. Similarly, protecting human rights and countering terrorism are two complementary issues that remain important responsibilities for all States. In our efforts to stamp out terrorism we must not abandon our principles and values for the protection of the life, property and dignity of all citizens. We need to take action with respect to our resolve concerning pillar IV of the Strategy. One way to achieve this is to make progress in promoting the rights of victims of terrorism and other forms of political violence. It is our moral obligation to do so. It is also a pragmatic way of delegitimizing terrorist violence by exposing the horrors that such violence causes. I would like to express my appreciation to Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski, the Permanent Representative of Canada, who has been willing to undertake the important responsibility of serving as a facilitator for consultation with Member States, and I thank him for the work he has done in producing an outcome document. In conclusion, I invite representatives to give their views on how we can make progress on the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Strategy is the cornerstone of our international counter-terrorism framework. Our resolve is strong, but it requires action and results. Only through strong political will and by implementation and delivery can we realize our hopes of a world free of terrorism.

As we gather to renew our multilateral commitment to fighting terrorism, we are mindful of a powerful monument that stands just 5 kilometres from this very Hall. I am referring to Ground Zero, site of the single deadliest terrorist attack in world history. As I said in my address to the General Assembly last fall, the events of 11 September 2001 were a stark reminder that evil exists, that life is fragile, that freedom has enemies and that the poison of radical terrorism is all too real. While fascism and communism were the great challenges of previous generations, terrorism is the great challenge of ours. No country is immune from this threat. Nor can any country ignore this challenge. From the truck bombings in Iraq, to the Cinema Rex arson in Abadan, Iran, to the Beslan school massacre in the Russian Federation, to the mid-air destruction of Air India flight 182, to the synchronized Mumbai bombings of 1993, the most deadly attacks in our history demonstrate that terrorism observes no boundaries, respects no civilians and favours no regions. It is with sadness and no sense of pride that I convey Canada’s first-hand experience with the brutality of terrorism. The 1985 Air India bombing to which I referred was planned and executed on our soil and killed 280 Canadians. On 9/11, 24 Canadians tragically lost their lives. Because Canada is a nation enriched by the contributions of immigrants from all over the world, from other lands, no matter where in the world a terror attack occurs, the pain is felt and shared by Canadian families and friends. Canada defines terrorism as intentionally causing serious harm to intimidate the public with respect to its security, or to pressure a person, Government or organization for political, religious or ideological purposes. Political, religious or ideological causes are not terrorism. But using violence in support of politics, religion or ideology is terrorism. I make this point to underscore the fact that terrorist acts are never justified, regardless of the cause and no matter how legitimate the grievance. In this regard, it is telling that the United Nations of the world have come together to condemn terrorism in clear and unambiguous terms. The 2006 United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (see resolution 60/288, annex) employs prose that is categorical and absolute: “We, the States Members of the United Nations, resolve: “1. To consistently, unequivocally and strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.” It is said that pragmatic vagueness is the language of diplomacy. Solutions to the issues before the General Assembly are often sketched not in black and white, but, rather, in shades of grey. The same cannot be said of our resolve against terrorism. It is not fuzzy or ambiguous. The words are clear as crystal: “in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes”. Far too often, the international news media refuse to the use the word “terrorist”, in the naive and mistaken belief that to report violence as a terrorist act is to cast judgement on the perpetrators’ cause. By pretending that everything is relative, these news media deny the very existence of terrorism. Terrorism is not a political or a religious cause. Terrorism is using violence against civilian, police and military targets to pursue that cause. According to the United Nations Global Strategy, committing such acts is terrorism regardless of who commits them or where and for what purposes they are committed. In the same vein, the teachings of the great Mohandas Gandhi remind us that we must not confuse the righteousness of a cause with the use of terrorist violence to advance that cause. The Mahatma wrote, “Truth can never be propagated by doing violence”. Canada welcomed the adoption of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy in September 2006, and I am pleased to renew our commitment to it today. Canada embraces the four pillars of the United Nations Strategy, specifically: addressing the conditions that spread terrorism; preventing and combating terrorism; capacity-building; and respect for human rights and the rule of law. Member States are primarily responsible for implementing this important strategy. Canada has made significant progress in doing so, both at home and around the world. This year, in February, the Government of Canada released its formal counter-terrorism strategy. Canada’s strategy is based on four reinforcing elements: prevent, detect, deny and respond. The first pillar of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy corresponds to the first element of the Canadian strategy, which is to prevent individuals from engaging in terrorism. We are working to make Canadian communities more resilient against violent extremism and radicalization. We will not hesitate to challenge and counter violent extremist ideology. We intend to reduce the risk of individuals succumbing to violent extremism and radicalization. Our Government is also investing significantly in research on terrorism and counter-terrorism, such as how to prevent and counter violent extremism. Further to the second pillar of the United Nations Strategy, preventing and combating terrorism, Canada is taking many concrete steps. These include adopting domestic laws to implement and give effect to the 12 United Nations conventions and protocols on Terrorism to which Canada is proud to be a party; an asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo on individuals and organizations identified as supporting or being associated with terrorism; a new law that allows the victims of terrorism to sue the perpetrators and supporters of terrorism, including those States that support it; criminal law amendments to give law enforcement officers the tools that they need to respond effectively to terrorism and to address nuclear terrorism better; a cybersecurity strategy for Canada; and investing in enhanced security for air travel and air cargo. Currently, the Canadian Parliament is reviewing the Nuclear Terrorism Act. Once it has been enacted, that will put Canada in a position to ratify both the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the Amendments to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials. Terrorism is a global phenomenon; it knows no borders. An effective response to terrorism must be equally global and leave no gaps for terrorists to exploit. That is why pillar III of the United Nations Strategy  — developing State capacity to prevent and combat terrorism  — is absolutely vital. Canada’s Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program provides other countries with training, equipment, technical, legal and other security assistance and expertise to help them prevent and respond to terrorist activities. We give other countries the training and equipment they need to enable law enforcement agencies to share information and launch investigations, enhance border security and stop terrorist groups from utilizing funds to finance attacks around the world. To that end, I am pleased to confirm that Canada, through its Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program, will be contributing up to an additional $8 million in support of capacity-building projects that aim to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation globally. We attach great value to the recent creation of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), an action-oriented coordination forum that mobilizes commitment and capacity to combat terrorism and strengthen international counter-terrorism cooperation. Canada is pleased to act as co-Chair, along with Algeria, of the Sahel Working Group within the GCTF. Working Group members are bringing together experts to build networks across borders, share best practices and enhance skill sets for detecting and combating terrorism. We have also renewed Canada’s Global Partnership Program, which helps combat the threat of nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical terrorism. As Prime Minister Stephen Harper said when he announced its renewal at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, “Canada’s Global Partnership Program is essential to the international effort to combat nuclear terrorism and to prevent weapons of mass destruction and related materials from falling into the wrong hands.” All of our partnerships allow us to strengthen our counter-terrorism efforts and to share best practices. The final pillar of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy, respect for human rights and the rule of law, echoes Canada’s own principles. Canadian society is built on the rule of law as a cornerstone of peace, order and good Government. It follows that all counter-terrorism activities must adhere to the rule of law. Government institutions must act within legal mandates while countering terrorism. Upholding the rule of law includes adherence to international and domestic legal obligations to protect human rights. The respect for, and promotion of, human rights are core Canadian values. But security is also a human right. Terrorism is an attack on those very rights that are fundamental to our society, such as freedom of thought, freedom of expression and association, and a person’s right to life, liberty and security. Belief in human rights is fundamental. It governs policy choices and decision-making, and it governs standards in investigations. While our capacity to counter threats on all fronts has increased significantly over the past decade, the threat of terrorism persists and evolves. So the fight against terrorism continues and must also evolve. In this ongoing struggle, it is important for the nations and citizens of the world to keep faith. We must maintain hope that we will prevail. No matter how dark the storm clouds of terror and violence, let us remember the confidence with which John F. Kennedy approached this very challenge. Speaking to the Assembly back in 1961, President Kennedy shared the certain knowledge that terrorism will not succeed: “Terror is not a new weapon. Throughout history it has been used by those who could not prevail, either by persuasion or example. But inevitably they fail, either because men are not afraid to die for a life worth living, or because the terrorists themselves came to realize that free men cannot be frightened by threats, and that aggression would meet its own response.” I thank the President of the Assembly for the opportunity to address today’s meeting. I want to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to working with Member States, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force and the relevant United Nations agencies towards the full and timely implementation of this incredibly important Strategy.

I now give the floor to the observer of the European Union.

On behalf of the European Union and its member States, I am honoured to speak on our contribution to the third review of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The acceding country Croatia; the candidate countries Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Iceland and Serbia; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine and Georgia, align themselves with this declaration. The European Union pursues a civilian approach towards addressing counter-terrorism globally, on the basis of criminal justice and the rule of law, while protecting human rights. The European Union condemns terrorism unreservedly in all its forms and manifestations. What unites us is our determination to step up our collaboration and achieve more effective international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism, as well as our desire to increase mutual understanding and trust. Both those objectives are important. Broadening the international consensus and enhancing international efforts to combat terrorism remain key objectives for the European Union. We fully support the key role of the United Nations in preventing and combating terrorism, and we advocate compliance with recognized international standards. The European Union fully appreciates the fact that the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy has expanded the global counter-terrorism framework to include not only law enforcement and other security measures, but also measures to ensure respect for human rights and to address underlying conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, such as prolonged unresolved conflicts, rule of law problems, violations of human rights and social, economic and political marginalization. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy contains a complete set of measures that must be implemented in their entirety. As such, it offers an opportunity to recalibrate all our efforts and develop more balanced responses to the threat of terrorism by bringing together security, the rule of law, development objectives and the protection of human rights. The 2012 review of the implementation of the Strategy is an important step forward. The European Union appreciates the Secretary-General’s report on the Strategy (A/66/762), and fully shares the recommendations in part VII of the report. It therefore endorses in particular: first, appointing a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator; secondly, developing national and regional Strategy implementation plans; thirdly, enhancing capacity-building efforts; fourthly, promoting international cooperation; and fifthly, strengthening international solidarity with victims of terrorism. The United Nations has a unique international role, and its Strategy is of fundamental importance to the European Union and its member States, in the context both of their own national efforts and their world-wide partnerships. The implementation of the Strategy should be pursued. As highlighted at the Secretary-General’s Symposium on International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation on 19 September 2011, greater efforts are required, particularly in the field of the prevention of terrorism. The European Union believes in the importance of supporting countries that encounter difficulties in confronting terrorism in order to strengthen their counter-terrorism capacities. That is why the European Union and its member States will enhance their counter-terrorism capacity-building measures. The focus on implementation and international cooperation serves to underline the importance and added value of national and regional counter-terrorism strategies. The European Union and its member States have established their own counter-terrorism strategies, which address external and internal security issues. In our cooperation with other countries and regions, we have started to develop comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies, building on national and regional counter-terrorism approaches, thereby ensuring ownership and participation. The European Union encourages States and regions to adopt counter-terrorism strategies and we support the United Nations efforts in promoting the establishment of regional counter-terrorism strategies in Central Asia. The Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) should continue its coordination efforts to promote the implementation of agreed national and regional counter-terrorism strategies. Comprehensive national and regional counter-terrorism strategies are vital if we are to combine all necessary efforts relating to external and internal security aspects, law enforcement, criminal justice, rule of law, prevention  — which includes countering violent extremism  — and the protection of human rights, together with the involvement of civil society. Close cooperation of State institutions with citizens and private companies can give us a broader awareness of the perils endangering our lives and thus improve our countermeasures. Therefore, the role of civil society and public-private partnerships in countering terrorism is an important aspect to be taken into consideration. The increased importance of civil society and public-private partnerships should be reflected in the draft resolution (A/66/L.53). Measures taken to counter terrorism must be in full compliance with human rights obligations, in accordance with international law, in particular human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law. Human rights should form an integral part of national, regional and international counter-terrorism strategies. Grave violations of human rights can create conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. We remain convinced that effective counter-terrorism and the promotion and protection of human rights are mutually reinforcing and linked with development. Often, the places where assistance is most needed are those accused of having the most serious human rights violations. Such concerns are becoming increasingly acute for States as they undertake to build counter-terrorism-related justice sector capacity in third countries because of the considerable risk that those enhanced capacities may be employed in a manner inconsistent with human rights obligations. The core challenge lies in mitigating risk by strengthening capacity to reduce it through raising awareness and enhancing implementation of human rights standards and norms in practice. Specific programming related to the capacity-building initiatives of the European Union and its member States and partners in third countries in this field prove to be good practices, in terms of both general guidance to inform counter-terrorism and human rights capacity-building. The European Union reiterates its strong support for the work of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. The European Union continues to stress the importance of respecting the rights of the victims of terrorism. Terrorism is a crime directed at society as a whole, and society as a whole needs to show solidarity with those who suffer from it. Victims are the best witnesses of the futility of the violence with which terrorists seek to impose their will, and the European Union would like to express its solidarity with all who suffer as a result of terrorism. The European Union calls upon all States Members of the United Nations and relevant United Nations entities to promote international solidarity in support of the victims of terrorism. Externally, the European Union promotes confidence-building through regular political dialogues on counter-terrorism and security, and assists countries in need in their efforts via capacity-building measures. The European Union is increasing its support for such counter-terrorism capacity-building measures. In 2009, we developed our first comprehensive counter-terrorism programme, which includes the implementation of the United Nations standards and, in particular, the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in priority regions. In its wider assistance programmes, the European Union also addresses the nexus between development and security. The European Union also welcomes the establishment of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), which aims at promoting the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and reinforces United Nations efforts in that respect. The GCTF fosters multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, builds confidence and trust, and promotes counter-terrorism capacity-building. Together with Turkey, the European Union is co-chairing the GCTF Horn of Africa Region Capacity-Building Working Group, and we have already started the identification and coordination of capacity-building measures, in particular to support law enforcement cooperation and capacities to tackle terrorist financing. The European Union and its member States have directly experienced the benefits of closer coordination in the prevention of and the fight against terrorism. Based on our experience, we would like to thank the United Nations for its efforts to step up the coordination of its counter-terrorism-related policies and actions. The European Union encourages the United Nations to continue enhancing its coordination efforts. Therefore, we fully support the Secretary-General’s proposal to consider creating the post of a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator. The European Union welcomes the fact that the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre is starting its operations and in doing so will make a substantive contribution to promoting the implementation of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy through the CTITF. We encourage the Centre to find synergies with other relevant actors in order to maximize the impact of its programmes. Finally, the European Union and its member States have a particular commitment through the Lisbon Treaty to supporting the United Nations and an international system based on the rule of law. We will continue to strongly support international counter-terrorism cooperation and the promotion of United Nations standards on counter-terrorism, including the protection of human rights and the promotion of the rule of law.

Allow me to echo other speakers in expressing my gratitude for the convening of this meeting on the third biennial review of the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its 2006 Plan of Action. Spain aligns itself fully with the statement made by the observer of the European Union. I would also like to express Spain’s appreciation for the work carried out by the Permanent Representative of Canada, Ambassador Rishchynski, and his colleagues, who facilitated the preparation of the draft resolution (A/66/L.53) submitted for consideration today by the General Assembly. Six years ago, the Assembly took an historic step in adopting by consensus the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, in whose elaboration Spain played a leading role. It is now the responsibility of us all to continue to promote its effective implementation. Spain deems it imperative to take further measures to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, as highlighted in part I of the Strategy’s plan of action. In that regard, one of the priority actions undertaken by Spain in the fight against terrorism is the promotion of international solidarity in support of the victims of terrorism. Spain believes that victims must play a central role in any strategy to combat terrorism. We have therefore developed a system for the provision of care, support, assistance and reparations to the victims which, I would go so far as to say, is one of the most comprehensive such systems in the world. I would also like to take this opportunity humbly to make available our experience in this field to all States wishing to implement similar measures in support of victims of terrorism. Spain welcomed and supported the convening of the international Symposium on Supporting Victims of Terrorism by the Secretariat Task Force, convened by the Secretary-General and held here at Headquarters in 2008. We would like to see a similar meeting held in the very near future, and, in that regard, we urge the Secretary-General and the Task Force to take the steps necessary to make such a meeting possible. Spain welcomes the progress made in the area of assisting victims of terrorism, as reflected in the draft resolution to be adopted today, which stresses the need to promote international solidarity and to protect the rights of victims of terrorism. Here we wish to emphasize our support for the request, made by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, that a specific international instrument on such rights and obligations be created within the framework of the United Nations. In terms of measures taken to prevent and combat terrorism, I would like to emphasize the fact that Spain has ratified the 18 United Nations Conventions and Protocols that constitute the current international legal framework to combat terrorism. Spain will continue to work towards the consolidation and development of that framework, which should lead to the early conclusion of a United Nations comprehensive convention on terrorism. In that context, and in particular regarding security issues, I would also like to stress the importance of developing relations between the private and public sectors. Security issues require the establishment of public-private partnerships that allow for pragmatic responses to terrorism, in areas such as research, databases and information exchange, border management and airports, civil aviation, the protection of critical infrastructures, cyberterrorism, mass events and the protection of tourism, inter alia. The international community should also redouble its efforts to improve prevention practices in all areas of interest, with particular emphasis on the academic and educational sector. It is important to work with young people, as they are especially vulnerable, and to focus on social issues that could give rise to intolerance, extremism and fundamentalism. International cooperation at the regional and subregional levels is vital in that respect. As regards measures to build the capacity of States to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the United Nations in this regard, Spain has consistently made contributions to the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Spain is also providing support to the technical assistance work being carried out by the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as other agencies and regional and sectoral institutions. I would like here, for various reasons, to highlight the importance of developing national, regional and subregional strategies to fight terrorism. They are key, first, because of the complex situation that prevails in some regions of the world, such as the Sahel, which requires that such strategies be strengthened; secondly, because this is one of the major priorities of the new United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre; and thirdly, because of the efforts made to date by the Task Force to coordinate the strategies of countries to implement the Integrated Assistance for Countering Terrorism Initiative, which is already bearing fruit. Finally, in line with the provisions of the Global Strategy on measures necessary to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism, Spain has taken an approach that gives pride of place to international law, respect for human rights and rule-of-law instruments. Spain strongly believes that respect for human rights and the rule of law are the the instruments proper to the rule of law. Spain firmly believes that respect for human rights and the rule of law form the legal foundation and limit of all actions taken by a State and the international community in the fight against terrorism. Consequently, the sharing of best practices among States should be facilitated and cooperation among countries encouraged in order to enhance the training of police officers, judges and prosecutors. By way of conclusion, I would like to touch on the Secretary-General’s proposal for the establishment of the post of a single United Nations coordinator in the fight against terrorism. Spain firmly supports that proposal and hopes that in the near future the necessary restructuring will be carried out within the United Nations system so as to allow for its creation. Spain is firmly committed to active multilateralism in the fight against terrorism and believes that the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a valuable tool in the fight against the global threat of terrorism. To achieve the objective of eradicating terrorism, there must be a firm commitment and cooperation on the part of all, and the Global Strategy must be fully implemented, as these are key elements in that respect.

The Russian Federation is a strong proponent of intensifying effective international counter-terrorism cooperation and strengthening the central coordinating role of the United Nations in that process. Thanks to the efforts of the United Nations, we have a successfully functioning, broad-based infrastructure for counter-terrorism cooperation that includes many regional organizations and associations. An international legal basis for countering terrorism has been created. Work is under way on formulating and promoting standards in that domain. What is important is the consistent implementation of all resolutions and decisions on counter-terrorism adopted by our Organization. The adoption by consensus of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 60/288) by the General Assembly in 2006 was a key element of the global counter-terrorism system. For the first time in international law practice, it enshrined a comprehensive and holistic approach towards counter-terrorism, flexibly combining traditional law enforcement measures with prevention and addressing the various social root causes of terrorism by enhancing the legal structure and upholding human rights. Russia is in favour of intensifying efforts to implement the Strategy, including in such priority areas as preventing the radicalization of society, counteracting violent extremism, and preventing the media and Internet for terrorist purposes. An important role in its implementation lies with national counter-terrorism strategies and the coordination mechanisms of interdepartmental interaction in the sphere of counter-terrorism. We note the contribution towards the implementation of the Strategy carried out by the Security Council, its Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, and its Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1540 (2004) and 1988 (2011), together with their Expert Groups. We support the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. We are keen to further develop substantive dialogue within the existing working groups under its aegis. We hope that the recent launching of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre will galvanize the Task Force’s work. We are in favour of further strengthening the interaction among the Task Force, the General Assembly and the Security Council. In that regard, we support the Secretary-General’s proposal to create the post of a United Nations counter-terrorism coordinator. We believe that promoting the Strategy should be the central element of its mandate. In that regard, we believe that it is important that any reform in the counter-terrorism sector of the United Nations linked to the creation of a new post should not affect the mandates of the counter-terrorism bodies or hamper the effectiveness of their work. We would also like to see the effective involvement of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum in the work of the United Nations specialized agencies. In that regard, we welcome the planned establishment through the Forum of an international centre to counter violent extremism. We are determined to enhance Russia’s contribution to implementing the Strategy. Ahead of today’s review, we have presented detailed information on counter-terrorism efforts undertaken by the Russian counter-terrorism authorities and all of Russian society in the context of the Strategy. Since the last review of the Strategy two years ago, Russia has pursued its active participation in projects carried out through the Task Force, above all in such priority areas as public/ private counter-terrorist partnerships and countering the terrorist use of the Internet. Setting great store by the role of regional organizations in implementing the Strategy, we have actively participated in the work in that field carried out by the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The adoption of a joint declaration on cooperation between the United Nations and the Collective Security Treaty Organization contributed to general efforts to implement the Strategy. A notable role in mobilizing global counter-terrorism efforts is also played by the annual international meeting of the heads of the relevant special services held in Russia, the outcomes of which are regularly conveyed to the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. My country continues to implement the concept of counteracting terrorism in Russia, approved by the Russian President. It defines the main principles of State policy in that sphere, including the effective implementation of the Strategy. A special focus in that regard is placed on developing counter-terrorism cooperation with the media, scientific and cultural circles, academia and religious organizations. Such cooperation should help tackle the important tasks of preventing terrorism, teaching and educating youth to reject terrorism and extremism, and establishing principles of tolerance and cultural and religious equality in society. We have a successfully functioning national counter-terrorism committee that brings together the heads of the Russian security bodies, law enforcement structures, the Foreign Ministry, other departments and the speakers of both chambers of the Russian Parliament. Russia is ready to continue to actively share its counter-terrorism experience, which has already proven its worth, with foreign partners. During the current review, it is especially important to stress the importance of the comprehensive implementation by States of the Strategy, highlight its significance and prevent any watering down of its primary goals. We believe that this is fully in accordance with the draft resolution on the review of the Strategy to be adopted at the end of this debate. We believe that it would be a good basis for our further joint work on the implementation of the Strategy. In that regard, we thank the facilitator of the preparatory process for the draft resolution, the Permanent Representative of Canada, Mr. Rishchynski, for all his successful work.

We extend our appreciation to the President for convening this high-level event, which coincides with the third biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. This event, coming soon after the high-level Symposium on International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, hosted by the Secretary-General in the General Assembly last year, as well as the 10-year commemoration of the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001) — which, inter alia, established the Counter-Terrorism Committee  — confirms the centrality of the United Nations in fighting the scourge of terrorism. Those events have further contributed to enhancing the visibility of the United Nations in the international campaign against terrorism. My delegation supports the approach that continues to place the United Nations at the centre of multilateral efforts to counter terrorism, and we are firm in our belief that no country can address that challenge on its own and that terrorism will not and cannot be defeated by military means. The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a product of the collective efforts of the Members of the United Nations. The Strategy is premised not only on addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, but also on respect for the rule of law and human rights. South Africa therefore supports the adoption of the consensus draft resolution (A/66/L.53) following the third biennial review process because we view this decision as one that ensures a holistic and multifaceted approach to countering the scourge of terrorism. Taking stock of what we have collectively achieved in the lead-up to this third review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, we note the seminal institutional developments in the following areas: first, the establishment and growth of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which now comprises 31 entities; secondly, the contribution of the Integrated Assistance for Countering Terrorism initiative towards facilitating an integrated and coordinated approach among the 31 entities through effective information-sharing, including with Member States; thirdly, the creation and recent operationalization of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre; fourthly, the adoption of the first regional action plan by the Central Asian region to assist in implementing the Strategy; and, fifthly, the hosting of at least three regional workshops with key partners in five regions in order to widely disseminate better understanding and knowledge of the Strategy. Notwithstanding those substantial gains at the international level within a relatively short space of time, much more needs to be done in order to fully implement the Strategy. The focus on coordination and cooperation will shift to the regional and national levels, cognizant that the responsibility to implement the Strategy lies primarily with Member States. At the same time, the United Nations must remain seized of ongoing efforts to refine its institutional framework so that it can provide effective support to Member States in implementing the Strategy. South Africa has always maintained that the four pillars of the Strategy must be implemented in a balanced and integrated manner. As affirmed at the 2011 Symposium, the Strategy remains the most credible and relevant international mechanism, enjoying the wide political support of all Member States, for countering the scourge of terrorism worldwide. In addition to the strides that have been made in preventing and combating terrorism, as well as measures to build States’ capacity in that regard, a balanced approach would mean renewed effort and commitment on the part of the international community to addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. There is therefore an urgent need for the international community and the United Nations to step up efforts to resolve long-outstanding conflicts in accordance with international law and international human rights law, and to adopt strategies aimed at limiting political exclusion and rejecting socio-economic marginalization. A balanced approach to the implementation of the Strategy would require the international community to remain steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the timely and full realization of the development goals and objectives of eradicating poverty and promoting sustained economic growth, as well as sustainable development and global prosperity for all. In the prevailing international economic and financial climate, the international community must reinforce development and social inclusion agendas, especially regarding youth unemployment, as such efforts can help to reduce marginalization and counter the potential appeal of extremism and recruitment by terrorists. We concur with the view expressed in the Secretary-General’s report (A/66/762) that human rights protection should be seen not as an obstacle to effective counter-terrorism but as an essential element of any sustainable counter-terrorism strategy. The strengthening of the international legal architecture, the rule of law and systems of criminal justice represents the fundamental basis of our common approach to counter-terrorism. In that context, promoting and protecting human rights for all is essential to all components of the Strategy, and that approach is complementary and reinforcing. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should continue to play a leading role in examining the question of protecting human rights while countering terrorism. The Office has the relevant authority and mandate to make general recommendations on the human rights obligations of States and to provide them with the requisite assistance. This area requires renewed attention, given the concern expressed by the High Commissioner about the erosion of respect for due process guarantees. These are related to the Security Council’s individual sanctions regimes and other practices that impede the right to a fair trial in the context of counter-terrorism, such as the use of intelligence in criminal justice proceedings. In that regard, our delegation welcomes the enhancement of the Ombudsperson’s mandate and the institutionalization of the sunset clause as steps towards improved due process standards, and is fully supportive of the work of the Ombudsperson’s Office. The work of the Special Rapporteur on promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism must also be fully supported. The Special Rapporteur’s Office complements all counter-terrorism efforts and contributes to an integrated and balanced approach through its interaction with all the relevant stakeholders, including Member States, the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities. The biennial review process must continue to provide a forum for Member States for the frank and honest assessment of progress made in implementing the Strategy. South Africa maintains that while this review must entail a balanced approach, Member States must also confront the core issues related to the spread of terrorism. In the action plan that we collectively adopted in 2006, we undertook to make every effort to conclude a comprehensive convention on international terrorism that would also address the gaps in the international legal arena that might exist, while also encouraging Member States to become parties to existing international conventions and protocols. We believe that adoption of a comprehensive convention should be delayed no longer. Failure to adopt it is not only a serious indictment of our commitment to countering terrorism, but also undermines all our current reviews of the Strategy.

Cuba firmly supports the collective efforts of the United Nations to combat terrorism. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 60/288) is a milestone in the international battle against this scourge, and assigns the General Assembly the central role in those efforts. Cuba reiterates its unwavering resolve to combat terrorism, as well its thorough rejection and condemnation of every terrorist act, method and practice in all their forms and manifestations by whomever, against whomever and wherever they are committed, regardless of their motivation, and including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved. Moreover, Cuban territory has never been and will never be used to organize, finance or execute terrorist acts against any country. My people have lost 3,478 of its sons to terrorist attacks. Another 2,099 have been crippled for life by terrorist acts committed against my country for half a century. Many of the individuals responsible for those acts walk the streets of these United States freely and peacefully. Despite that, and with no justification, the Government of this country continues to include Cuba on a spurious list of States that sponsor international terrorism. My country firmly rejects its inclusion on that list; it is unilateral, politically motivated and determined by a country bereft of any moral authority to judge others regarding terrorism. Our country was one of the first three States to ratify the 12 original international instruments dealing with international terrorism. We are party to 13 existing international conventions treating the subject, in accordance with which we have implemented legal and institutional measures to address this scourge effectively. The Republic of Cuba has a general law against terrorist acts and has adopted non-legislative internal measures to prevent and combat terrorism. As a State Member of the United Nations, our country complies strictly with its obligations under Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001), 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004), and thus regularly supplies the United Nations with updated information on the steps we are taking to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The international community should not accept that, under the pretext of a supposed struggle against terrorism, certain States may commit acts of aggression and interfere in the internal affairs of others, perpetrate or enable flagrant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law such as torture, abduction, illegal detention, disappearances or extrajudicial executions. To accept that would be in total contradiction with the United Nations Charter and the principles and standards of international law. Any violation of those legal and ethical principles weakens the legitimacy of our combat against international terrorism and sullies the values of the humanist culture that we defend in the face of hatred, vengeance and terror. This year, we have made considerable progress in this matter through the periodic review of the Global Strategy. We thank the delegation of Canada for coordinating this complex issue, and those delegations that have shown the political will to move ahead in the struggle against the scourge of terrorism. The draft resolution (A/66/L.53) for the first time contains a direct reference to the need to work against the causes fostering the spread of terrorism, and a clear call to implement the Strategy in a balanced manner. Alas, due to the opposition of certain delegations, it was not possible to introduce a specific mention of the failure to implement pillars I and IV of the Strategy on measures to address conditions that foster the spread of terrorism and to ensure respect for the human rights of all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism. The Secretary-General’s proposal concerning the creation of the post of a coordinator has been discussed. It is clear that doubts have arisen around that proposal, and that Member States need more information if the matter is to be discussed appropriately. A decision of that magnitude can be adopted only by consensus in the General Assembly. Other matters of great importance have been incorporated into this year’s draft resolution; more still will have to be included in the future. For instance, a reference to support for the rights of victims of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations has been included. On that point, we stress that States must comply with their international obligations without double standards so that the victims of terrorism, including State terrorism, may enjoy their rights fully. States must comply with their obligations to try and extradite all terrorists without exception, such as the well-known confessed terrorist Luis Posada Carriles, who walks freely in the streets of the host country without having been brought to justice for his criminal acts. By contrast, five young Cubans, whose only crime was to combat terrorism in order to save the lives of Cuban and American citizens, received lengthy prison sentences in the United States. In the coming days, it will be 14 years since those young people were unjustly imprisoned in that country after a rigged trial of no substance. The draft resolution recognizes the efforts that have been made by States and international organizations, taking into account their different national and regional circumstances. However, what is lacking is a clear condemnation of all unilateral acts undertaken by certain States that, counter to international law, have illegitimately arrogated the right to classify conduct and draw up politically motivated lists. We must continue to work to clearly condemn such harmful practices and any attempt to undermine the core authority of the General Assembly in this sphere. The draft resolution clearly emphasizes the need for more dialogue and greater understanding among cultures and civilizations. It expresses concern at the rise in abductions and the use of modern communications technologies to promote terrorist activities. It is relevant to mention here the harmful practice of certain States in funding, supporting and promoting, by means of the Internet, radio or television, messages of intolerance and hatred against other peoples, cultures or political systems, in violation of the most elementary principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Cuba believes that impunity and double standards are unacceptable in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism must be rejected in all circumstances. There must be closer cooperation among States to combat the scourge, on the basis of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States. Selectivity and the petty desires of the eternally powerful to seize land to satisfy their insatiable appetite for strategic resources must cease. Finally, we reiterate the firm and unshakeable resolve of the Government and people of Cuba to cooperate in multilateral endeavours to put an end to all terrorist acts, methods and practices in all their forms and manifestations. My country commits itself to combating terrorism, and expresses its willingness to cooperate with all States in that fight.

On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to express my appreciation for the President’s leadership in preparing the third review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I also extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Rishchynski, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada, for his great contribution and efforts to facilitate the consultations on the draft resolution on the review of the implementation of the Strategy (A/66/L.53). Japan welcomes the positive and substantive discussion during the Secretary-General’s Symposium on International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation held last September, as well as the comprehensive report of the Secretary-General on the activities undertaken by the United Nations system in implementing the Strategy (A/66/762). The concerted efforts of the Member States and the international community to fight terrorism have yielded remarkable results and mark an important step forward in counter-terrorism. However, acts of terrorism continue to be committed, and the actors and methods of terrorism are becoming more diverse. For example, we have observed the emergence of regional terrorist organizations, the use of the Internet and other new information and communications technology to incite terrorism, and the increase of so-called home-grown terrorists. Terrorism remains a grave threat and challenge to the international community, and our continuing and comprehensive efforts are necessary to tackle it. Since the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006 (resolution 60/288), the efforts of Member States towards its implementation have steadily progressed. The Strategy continues to be an important, holistic and comprehensive instrument for counter-terrorism. We should therefore take the opportunity of this biennial review to examine the progress made by all Member States to implement the Strategy in an effort to prevent and fight terrorism, and to reaffirm our commitment to enhancing our counter-terrorism cooperation under the Strategy. It is also necessary that coordination and collaboration between the United Nations and regional and multilateral counter-terrorism frameworks, such as the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the Asia-Europe Meeting, be continued. With regard to the Secretary-General’s recommendation to appoint a United Nations Counter­ Terrorism coordinator, Japan recognizes the necessity of establishing this position in order to promote better coordination among the related United Nations entities. Japan also welcomes the establishment of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre and appreciates the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since all international counter-terrorism efforts should be concerted and integrated to maximize their effectiveness, Japan hopes that these recent initiatives will promote further close coordination and cooperation while avoiding duplication of tasks. Coherence within the United Nations system is underlined in the Strategy. In this regard, Japan highly appreciates the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force on integrated assistance for countering terrorism, resulting in effective coordination among its entities to address the capacity-building needs of Member States, which is one of the four pillars of the Strategy. Japan has been implementing the Strategy and extending cooperation to many countries, focusing on poverty reduction, sustainable growth, addressing global issues and peacebuilding. We believe that these efforts contribute to addressing the conditions that are conducive to the spread of terrorism, while recognizing that none of these conditions ever justifies acts of terrorism. In this regard, Japan has been continuously providing assistance to Afghanistan in order to ensure its sustainable development and to eliminate the conditions that allow for the spread of terrorism in the country. Japan has been making contributions to strengthen the legal regime and the capabilities of law enforcement entities in fighting terrorism in Afghanistan and its neighbouring countries through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. As our Foreign Minister, Mr. Gemba, stated clearly at the meeting on Afghanistan held on the occasion of the NATO summit held in May in Chicago, Japan intends to continue providing appropriate assistance to the Afghan National Security Forces beyond 2014. Furthermore, to address Afghanistan’s development needs, Japan will host the Tokyo conference on Afghanistan on 8 July, together with the Government of Afghanistan, inviting approximately 70 countries and international organizations in order to pave the way towards achieving the sustainable development of Afghanistan, starting now and into the transformation decade beyond 2014. Japan emphasizes regional cooperation on counter-terrorism. Having particularly close ties with South-East Asian countries, Japan attributes great importance to cooperation in that region. Japan holds the ASEAN-Japan Counter-Terrorism Dialogue every year and has been extending assistance to ASEAN countries for counter-terrorism capacity-building programmes. We also underline the importance of ensuring the protection of human rights and the rule of law while fighting terrorism. Japan intends to cooperate with the international community’s efforts in this area, including through support for victims of terrorism. I take this opportunity to reaffirm Japan’s resolve to implement the Strategy and its strong commitment to continuing its efforts and cooperation at the national, regional and international levels to eradicate terrorism. Hoping to see more effective coordination within the United Nations and its relevant entities for the implementation of the Strategy, Japan is ready to make an active contribution towards that endeavour.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Permanent Representative of Canada for his efforts in facilitating the consultations on the draft resolution on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/66/L.53). Egypt also aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. (spoke in English) The third review comes six years after the General Assembly’s adoption of resolution 60/288 by consensus, which established the Strategy as the governing framework of the United Nations efforts in combating terrorism. Despite the Secretariat’s continued efforts to implement the Strategy, there is a need for a more balanced implementation of the four pillars, especially pillars I and IV, which address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and respect for human rights, respectively. We welcome the fact that the third review’s draft resolution outlines the importance of a balanced implementation of all pillars of the Strategy. We hope that all relevant organs and bodies of the United Nations working in the field of counter-terrorism shall take this carefully into account. The principal responsibility for implementing the Strategy lies with Member States. The Secretariat should assist Member States in developing national strategies to counter terrorism by identifying their needs and building their capacities. In this context, we call for an enhanced engagement of Member States with the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, including by participating in the elaboration of programmes and activities carried out by the Task Force and its working groups. We look forward to receiving the periodic work plan of the activities of the Task Force in accordance with the draft resolution and to thoroughly discussing it. The establishment of the United Nations Centre for Counter-Terrorism within the Task Force in November 2011 was an important development. It will definitely contribute to the implementation of the Strategy and strengthen the role of the General Assembly in this regard. We call on the secretariat of the Centre to finalize its logistical arrangements and to start its operational activities in accordance with the strategic priorities set out by the Centre’s Advisory Board at its second meeting, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 3 June. We also look forward to an enhanced role of the General Assembly in the fight against terrorism. Egypt supports efforts aimed at enhancing overall coordination and avoiding duplication in the work of organs and bodies of the United Nations in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, we look forward to receiving greater detail concerning the Secretary-General’s proposal on the creation of the post of United Nations Counter-Terrorism coordinator, as contained in his recent report (A/66/762). That will allow us to have an informed discussion on this issue in future and take an appropriate decision in that respect. We emphasize that such a position, if created, should not affect the existing mandates of United Nations organs, especially the General Assembly’s central role in countering terrorism. Egypt has repeatedly reiterated that the adoption of a security perspective alone to address terrorism will not achieve the desired results. The international community should work actively to address the root causes of terrorism and adopt objective measures aimed at tackling the political, economic and social conditions that lead to its spread. Most important among such measures should be putting an end to foreign occupation, together with the recognition of the legitimate right of peoples to self-determination — in addition, of course, to achieving justice and the rule of law, and working for the economic and social development of all peoples and countries. Continuing to focus only on security measures in the fight against terrorism without addressing its root causes, promoting dialogue and understanding, and countering incitement to terrorism would leave room for terrorists to spread their ideas and attract more individuals to help them achieve their devastating aims. Finally, I would like to reiterate Egypt’s firm commitment to implementing the Strategy, as well as its support for international efforts to counter terrorism. We stand ready to contribute actively to such efforts by providing expertise and sharing the lessons that we have learned as a result of our efforts over the past decades at the national and regional levels to resolutely combat terrorism.

Belgium aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. Belgium is determined to contribute, together with its EU partners, to galvanizing the implementation on the ground of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, including all of its components and with the involvement of all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and the media. Belgium thanks the Secretary-General for his latest report (A/66/762) and supports the recommendations made therein. We also thank the Canadian delegation for having facilitated the negotiations on the draft resolution (A/66/L.53) that is before the Assembly. Belgium attaches particular importance to the strengthening of capacities to prevent and combat terrorism. The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre must make a significant contribution to that goal. Belgium is prepared to share its good practices and lessons learned, in particular in the framework of the Centre. I should like to outline, in three points, the specific actions taken by Belgium in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and of the EU strategy, with particular focus on the efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of information and of the structures in place for the exchange thereof. The Coordinating Body for Threat Analysis (OCAM), of which I am the head, was born of Belgium’s resolve to enhance synergies among all of the national entities involved in the combat against terrorism, extremism and radicalism. The goal was the development of a common, integrated approach to analysing the terrorist and extremist threat for the benefit of the national authorities and foreign partners. In the context of Belgium’s counter-terrorist architecture, OCAM was accorded a central position that was legally strengthened, in an unprecedented manner, through the imposition of criminal penalties on those partner services that had been deliberately omitted to provide OCAM with the relevant information. As an international capital that is host to European and international institutions as well as many multinational companies’ coordination centres, the city of Brussels requires heightened vigilance on the part of all our services in assessing the terrorist threat resulting from that status. By dint of long experience in that respect, the Belgian authorities have always been mindful of optimizing the information and resources available in order to provide adequate protection for the institutions that Belgium hosts. That is one of the numerous tasks carried out daily by OCAM, which is working assiduously in that respect, in cooperation with its partner services, including the Government’s crisis centre. It was when Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh was assassinated that Belgium became aware of the extent of the threat posed by extremism and radicalization. In that respect, the Belgian Government’s radicalism action plan, known as plan “R”, is one of the key elements of the national capacity to counter those phenomena. The plan is aimed at detecting early signs of radicalization and responding appropriately, while working to prevent a radical polarization among the various sectors of society. The recent events in Toulouse and in Brussels were a reminder of the fact that a great deal remains to be done in this area. My country is currently looking at options aimed at complementing existing measures. Finally, Belgium’s architecture for combating terrorism reflects the implementation of a legal and institutional framework that is based on its international commitments. Its goal is both to prevent acts of terrorism and to bring suspects to justice. A recent law now governs the data-collection methods used by the intelligence and security services, and the use thereof. The more intrusive the method used, the higher the level of monitoring by independent authorities. The system promotes information exchange, through a jurisdictional filter, between the intelligence community and the judicial community. The admissibility of evidence, as determined by a judge, is therefore strengthened further by the system, which represents an important step forward in protecting fundamental human rights. Although many legislative initiatives have been the subject of debate in our society regarding their impact on fundamental freedoms and liberties, Belgium has no special system of measures for individuals suspected or found guilty of acts of terrorism. There is no doubt that violations of fundamental rights and freedoms create an environment that is a breeding ground for terrorist activities; the rigorous protection of those rights therefore remains the key element of Belgium’s strategy in countering terrorism.

I join others in congratulating the Permanent Representative of Canada on his outstanding efforts in facilitating consultations and achieving a consensus draft resolution (A/66/L.53) on the third review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, to be adopted later today at the conclusion of this debate. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report contained in document A/66/762 on the activities and efforts of the United Nations system in implementing the Strategy. Terrorism is a global scourge. It continues to be a pervasive and insidious threat not only to international peace and security, but also to the core values of the United Nations. It is our firm conviction that no belief, rationalization, political cause or argument can be used to justify acts of terrorism. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of its motivations, as criminal and unjustifiable and therefore reiterate that no cause, no matter how seemingly just, can excuse it. The adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006 (resolution 60/288) was a landmark in the fight against terrorism. The Strategy is a unique and universally agreed strategic framework to counter terrorism and is intended to play a pivotal role in guiding counter-terrorism efforts undertaken at the global, regional, subregional and national levels. We support the implementation of the Strategy in a comprehensive and integrated manner in all its four pillars. The institutionalization of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) in 2009 and the establishment in 2011 of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre within the CTITF are important steps towards strengthening United Nations efforts to counter terrorism by providing an umbrella under which different United Nations entities can effectively support the implementation of the Strategy in a coordinated and coherent manner at the global, regional and subregional levels. We are confident that those steps will be helpful in streamlining the overall work of the United Nations system in countering terrorism. As the principal responsibility for the implementation of the Strategy rests with Member States, we hope that those steps will also provide a useful platform for practical engagement by Member States with the CTITF and the Centre, guided by their individual needs. With a view to further enhancing transparency and synergies in the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture, we support the Secretary-General’s proposal concerning the appointment of a Counter-Terrorism coordinator and look forward to further consideration of the idea in a timely manner. My own country, India, has faced the scourge of terrorism for over two-and-a-half decades. Indeed, our entire region, South Asia, has been wracked by the activities of the biggest terrorist actors in the world, be they Al-Qaida, elements of the Taliban or Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa and others. Speaking at the general debate of the sixty-sixth session of the General Assembly (see A/66/PV.22), our Prime Minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh, said that the fight against terrorism must be unrelenting and fought across all fronts, with no selective approaches in dealing with terrorist groups or the infrastructure of terrorism. Effectively combating this global scourge requires the political will of Member States and greater international and regional cooperation. It is imperative that terrorists and their supporters know that the international community is absolutely firm in its resolve to counter terrorism. I should like to recall that, on the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, a special meeting of the Committee was held on 28 September 2011 in New York. The outcome document adopted by the Committee approved a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism that is now part of the United Nations counter-terrorism lexicon. While combating terrorism, we need to adopt a holistic approach that ensures zero-tolerance towards terrorism. It goes without saying, and in fact it is absolutely essential, that measures taken by States to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. We need to impart greater momentum to efforts made to bolster the ability of Member States to confront the global menace through greater international and regional cooperation and capacity-building efforts. India strongly supports all efforts, especially within the purview of the United Nations, that strengthen international and regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism, including efforts aimed at supporting the implementation of the Strategy. I am happy to note that that has been the focus of the third review of the Strategy. We must also continue to strengthen the normative framework at the United Nations. The time has come for the adoption of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism that has been pending for a long time. The comprehensive implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy will be enhanced with the conclusion of the convention. The convention would also plug loopholes in the international legal framework that the United Nations has developed to counter terrorism. As committed in the Strategy, Member States should make every effort to reach an agreement on the text and adopt the convention in order to unite behind the global counter-terrorism efforts. In conclusion, I wish to reassure the General Assembly that India will continue to effectively contribute to United Nations efforts in countering terrorism and in supporting the implementation of the Strategy at the international, regional, subregional and national levels.

In expressing my support for the statement made on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, I would like to thank the President of the General Assembly for having organized today’s meeting on the third review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I would also like to express my appreciation for the work done by Mr. Rishchynski, Permanent Representative of Canada, and his team to enable the adoption by consensus of the draft resolution (A/66/L.53) at the end of the third review. The draft resolution has strengthened the positions we had arrived at in our two previous reviews concerning the important role of the General Assembly in renewing and implementing the Strategy, interactions among Member States and the Working Group in the implementation of the Strategy, and ongoing capacity-building to ensure the effective and balanced expression of the four pillars of the Strategy. For the first time, Member States have been able to request programmes for the victims of terrorism and to refer to the modern means of communication and information used by terrorists, to terrorist abductions and hostage-taking for ransom, and political concessions to terrorists. The third review provides an opportunity to assess the progress made in the implementation of the three pillars of the strategy and to exchange views on ways and means to achieve progress commensurate with the threats posed by terrorism to international peace and security, which are intense, multiple and varied. Morocco supports the conclusions of the Secretary-General regarding the work of the United Nations in the context of the implementation of the Strategy and the good progress made in that respect. However, we must redouble our efforts to combat the increasing threat of terrorism, which is taking on many new, concrete forms, at the national, regional and international levels. While we acknowledge the responsibility of States in the implementation of the Strategy, we believe that the United Nations represents the appropriate legal and international framework for crafting adequate responses to terrorism, strengthening coordination and the harmonization of the implementation efforts of States at the national, regional and international levels, and lending assistance to Member States. In that respect, the Working Group of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force plays a pivotal role in the attainment of those objectives, in cooperation with the the relevant organs of the United Nations and other organizations. The capacity of the United Nations has been strengthened by the creation of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, and we trust that the legal and international framework will be perfected so as to enable the Centre to undertake its work. Member States have great hopes for the Centre, despite the fact that it has just been established, as do national and international organizations and the governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the combat against terrorism. Morocco has from the very beginning taken up a very clear, firm and principled position on the combat against terrorism. In 1996 in the General Assembly, Morocco stated that it would cooperate at the international level in the combat against that scourge and has shared its experience internationally by means of the elaboration of a multidimensional and comprehensive strategy that is in accordance with the framework established by the United Nations. The Moroccan strategy takes into account the initiatives undertaken to address political, social and cultural factors that can strengthen extremist terrorist ideology. Morocco strongly supports the tolerant principles of Islam, the culture of dialogue, respect for human rights, democracy and openness to civil society in the implementation of its strategy. That approach is in keeping with our firm belief that combating terrorism at the national level must not end with the efforts of Governments alone; civil society must participate also and citizens must have an effective role to play in this approach. National endeavours, whatever they may be and however effective they may prove, will never suffice to counter terrorist activities at the international level, particularly if account is taken of the conditions that prevail at the regional and subregional conditions, which can contribute to promoting terrorist activities, given the profits that can be made from such organized crime. Here we wish to voice our concern at the upsurge in terrorist activity in the Sahel region, in West Africa and the Horn of Africa, and at the emergence of armed separatist movements, trafficking in drugs, small arms and human beings. Those conditions require a comprehensive and resolute approach based on solidarity, constructive dialogue and awareness of the fact that security must be approached as an integrated whole and with mutual responsibilities for all parties. Efforts must be coordinated at the regional level, and there must be intensive and unconditional cooperation among the countries of the region so as to devise a collective response on the part of all of the region’s capacities, without exception or discrimination. This must be done in cooperation with international organizations and governmental and non-governmental organizations that are responsible for combating terrorism. Morocco continues to intensify its efforts to support international, regional and subregional initiatives to promote cooperation and the exchange of counter-terrorism expertise. In that respect, I should like to underline Morocco’s effective participation in the Global Counterterrorism Forum and in its five working groups. We welcome the Forum’s adoption of the Rabat declaration on best practices in the area of criminal justice and on the establishment of national penal systems that are based on the primacy of law as concerns the extradition of criminals and mutual legal assistance. In the framework of cooperation in the area of criminal justice, I welcome the convention on legal cooperation among African francophone countries, adopted at the fifth meting of the Ministers of Justice of those countries. At the regional level, we continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacities of African countries to combat security and terrorist threats, as well as the cooperation being provided by the Saharan and Sahel countries  — which involves 28 African States – and welcome the meeting held in Rabat this month aimed at the reorganization of that cooperation to encompass the security and policy areas. Morocco will soon host the second ministerial meeting on border security in the countries of the Arab Maghreb and the Sahel. In conclusion, let me stress here that terrorism knows no borders. It cannot be associated with a particular civilization, ethnic group, culture or religion, and that is why it is incumbent on us all to strengthen our commitment and our cooperation in order resolutely to combat the culture of extremism and violence, whatever its origin and by whomsoever such acts may be committed.

I wish to congratulate you, Sir, and the facilitator of the discussions on the draft resolution (A/66/L.53), Ambassador Guillermo Rishchynski, Permanent Representative of Canada, on the successful conclusion of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review. We welcome the draft resolution as a positive effort on the part of the United Nations in the fight against terrorism. The draft reaffirms the importance of the Strategy and its four pillars as well as the central role of the General Assembly in addressing the issue. Brazil played an active role during the negotiations on the Strategy. I would like to briefly comment on some of the aspects of the present draft resolution. While affirming the importance of an integrated, balanced and comprehensive approach to the implementation of the Strategy as a whole, Brazil emphasized during the negotiations the importance of redoubling efforts for a more balanced focus on the implementation of pillars I and IV of the Strategy. Brazil reaffirms its commitment to a coordinated and multidimensional response to the challenges posed by terrorism. The United Nations should be at the forefront of those efforts. Addressing the root causes of that scourge is of the essence. We believe that dealing with the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, as stated in pillar I, is the best means to prevent the recurrence of that phenomenon in the long term. As we have emphasized on a number of occasions, prevention is always the best policy. It is our understanding that giving priority to preventive aspects means tackling the underlying causes of terrorist acts, many of which are fueled by situations of social exclusion and injustice. It is also necessary to promote democratic values and tolerance — political, ethnic and religious  — along with cooperation for social and economic development. Ensuring respect for human rights for all and the rule of law, as stated in pillar IV, is crucial and must be the basis of the fight against terrorism. In that context, I would like to recall what Mr. Ben Emmerson, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, said last September during the Symposium on International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation promoted by the Secretary-General: “What makes this area so complex, and so difficult, is the ever-present danger that some States, including States with a proud record of respect for the rule of law, have been willing at times to abandon those core values on the pretext of defending them.” We recognize the need to enhance the role the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force plays in the fight against terrorism, and we supported the creation of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. The Centre, established under the aegis of the United Nations, has the potential to strengthen the efforts to counter terrorism through increased cooperation among Member States. Brazil favoured the inclusion of a paragraph that highlights the need to support the victims of terrorism. The paragraph approved as consensual language is a positive and action-oriented approach in that regard. We are also pleased that the draft resolution reaffirms the principal responsibility of Member States to implement the Strategy. It recognizes the role that the United Nations plays in that context and acknowledges the importance of coordination and coherence with other international, regional and subregional organizations at all levels. Brazil shares the view that the regional and subregional dimensions are also essential in the fight against terrorism. At the regional level, the Southern Cone Common Market has established a specialized forum on terrorism in the context of the meetings of the Ministers of the Interior. The forum evaluates and proposes joint intelligence and operational activities against terrorism. In our hemisphere, within the Organization of American States, Brazil played an active role in the negotiations that resulted in the adoption of the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism in June 2002. Moreover, Brazil takes part in the activities of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism. Brazil stands ready to engage in a dialogue with other regions and subregions to share experiences and challenges in the fight against terrorism. Furthermore, Brazil shares the firm belief that an effective fight against terrorism depends on cooperation among States in the promotion of policies aiming at prevention and repression. The draft resolution aptly calls upon all States to make every effort to conclude a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. We believe that it would be to the benefit of all to complement existing instruments and ensure that, in tackling the terrorism threat, a strengthened and comprehensive international legal framework is put in place. The third biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is an opportunity for us to reiterate that there are no excuses for terrorist acts. Brazil has historically condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We are party to all relevant international conventions and protocols against terrorism and pledge once more to fully support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Repudiation of terrorism is enshrined in the Brazilian Constitution as a fundamental principle of our international relations. We also believe that this review provides us with a great opportunity to enhance our understanding of the phenomenon of terrorism in all its complexity. We should not lose sight of the fact that our main purpose when fighting terrorism is to save innocent lives from that terrible scourge. If we invested our resources in obtaining a deeper comprehension of its origins, we would be able to make the world a safer place. We are hopeful that the third biennial review of the Global Strategy will seize the opportunity to shed light on those important elements.