A/72/PV.101 General Assembly

I would like to inform members that, as mentioned in my letter dated 25 June 2018, action on draft resolution A/72/L.62 will be taken immediately after I deliver my statement, following which we will have a debate on the agenda item. This is the sixth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the level of activity and participation that we have seen over the past few weeks shows that the Strategy is as crucial as ever. I want to begin by thanking our two committed facilitators, Ambassadors Kai Sauer of Finland and Sima Sami Bahous of Jordan. I also want to acknowledge all the work that Member States put into this process — through both their diplomats here in New York and their delegations that travelled from their capitals. As we are about to adopt the latest draft resolution on the Strategy, I wish to make three points. First, I want to reiterate that the Global Strategy is not a global solution. The document is not a magic formula, and it is certainly not a rule book. This is so because terrorism is very complex. It is not linked to any country, religion or ethnicity. It changes depending on the period, month or year, geographic location and terrorist group. That is why a one-size-fits-all approach will never work and why the Strategy does not attempt to create one. Every country and Government will respond to terrorism in its own way, but no single country can ever be immune to terrorism, nor can any single country ever hold all the answers, which is why international cooperation is vital. We will be stronger if we work together, and the Strategy provides us with an opportunity to do so. It sets our common goals, allows us to prioritize and gives us an overarching vision for the future. The Secretary-General’s report (A/72/840) and today’s General Assembly debate are also valuable tools. They allow us to keep our finger on the pulse of the issue, learn from national experiences and hear one another’s views and concerns. My second point today concerns the relationship between the United Nations and counter-terrorism. We cannot skirt the issue; we need to address it head on. Frankly, the United Nations role with regard to counter- terrorism is a tricky one. The phenomenon did not exist when the Charter of the United Nations was signed. The Organization has therefore had to adapt — and quickly. Nearly 17 years ago, a few miles from here, something happened that changed the course of our history. The events of 11 September were not the beginning of terrorism, but they marked, I believe, the first time the world really understood the scale of the threat. Since then, we have been working to find the appropriate role for the United Nations and achieve the right balance in the steps it takes. We need to keep working on this effort. But the simple fact is that the need is there. Many Member States are actively seeking United Nations support. The United Nations counter-terrorism framework is doing some very valuable work, from building the capacity of youth groups to preventing violent extremism and developing practical guidelines for national authorities. In addition, work has been done within our own system to streamline and evolve. Thanks to the reform initiative of the Secretary-General, we have a new United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office, which means that there is now one address for people to turn to, and it has taken on the much-needed coordination tasks. My third point is more of a warning. We cannot afford to underestimate the threat facing us. We all have read the reports. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has lost a great deal of territory. It is in a much weaker position now than it was when we last reviewed the Strategy (see A/71/PV.94). If this were a traditional battle, therefore, we could say that ISIL was losing it. But this is the thing: terrorism is nothing like regular warfare. ISIL, Al-Qaida and their affiliates have shown that they do not represent a traditional security threat. They use methods that we could have imagined only in our worst nightmares. They have broken all the laws of humankind. They have proved themselves to be able to adapt to new contexts and situations. We therefore cannot afford to become complacent. The danger will persist, and, as before, it will change with time. There will be new dynamics, technology and threats, but also new opportunities for solutions. We need to stay on top of all of that. We need to work with one another. We need to compare and contrast. We need to pool our capacities and experiences. And we need to deliver a strong message that we do not and will not accept international terrorism. What better place to deliver that message than this Hall? In the General Assembly, every member State has a voice, which sometimes makes for lengthy processes — experts here know exactly what I am talking about — but our outcomes are legitimate, and our voice loud. I therefore thank everyone for being here today. Let us make sure that the Strategy is implemented on the ground, and let us continue to raise our voices together against terrorism. The Assembly will now turn to draft resolution A/72/L.62, entitled “The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review”. In order to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings and seize the momentum of consensus on the draft resolution, any delegation wishing to make an explanation of position is kindly encouraged to do so in his or her statement to be delivered in the debate. We shall now proceed to consider the draft resolution. Before giving the floor for explanations of position before taking action on the draft resolution, may I remind delegations that explanations of position are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

The draft resolution on the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy Review (A/72/L.62) should guide global efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism, not become yet another vehicle to unjustly criticize Israel at the United Nations. The United States cannot accept the divisive reference to foreign occupation in the thirty-sixth preambular paragraph of the draft resolution. This reference to foreign occupation serves to justify terrorist acts, which are categorically unacceptable under any circumstances, and undermines Member States’ legitimate right to self-defence. Accordingly, the United States dissociates itself from consensus on the thirty-sixth preambular paragraph of the draft resolution. We must reject all terrorist acts, not pick and choose which forms and manifestations are criminal or unjustifiable. There is no excuse for terrorism.

I would like to thank the facilitators and their dedicated teams and express my appreciation for the hard work invested in draft resolution A/72/L.62. Israel understands the enormous efforts that were put into this process and recognizes the extremely difficult negotiations that have gone on for the past few weeks. We participated in all the negotiation sessions and meetings just as we did two years ago, when we negotiated the previous review of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy. I would like to remind the Assembly that, two years ago, resolution 70/291 took into consideration the red lines of all delegations, except one — the red line of my delegation. Two years ago, we made it clear that we could not accept the thirty-third preambular paragraph as it serves as a justification of terrorism and singles out one country (see A/70/PV.110). We therefore dissociated ourselves from the thirty-third preambular paragraph of resolution 70/291 two years ago, and put on the official record that we today disassociate ourselves once again from the analogous thirty-sixth preambular paragraph of this year’s draft resolution.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of position before action is taken on the draft resolution. The Assembly will now take a decision on A/72/L.62, entitled “The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt it?

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ambassadors Sima Sami Bahous of Jordan and Kai Sauer of Finland, who, in co-facilitating the informal consultations, demonstrated great ability and patience in the conduct of the discussions and complex negotiations on the draft resolution. I also thank Member States for their valuable contributions to reaching an agreement on the draft resolution. We will now hear statements after the adoption of the resolution.

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for entrusting me and my fellow co-facilitator, Ambassador Sima Sami Bahous, Permanent Representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the important responsibility of facilitating the sixth review of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy on your behalf. This has been a long, challenging, but also exciting and important process that highlighted the General Assembly’s crucial role in uniting the international community against the international threat of terrorism. As co-facilitators, Ambassador Bahous and I would like to thank all delegations for their invaluable efforts, flexibility and dedication to this crucial subject. This has been a common effort. The cooperation, joint determination, unity and solidarity of the Assembly and the United Nations are the only ways to work in order to defeat the scourge of terrorism. This was the first review to be conducted after the establishment of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Secretary-General, Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and the Office of Counter-Terrorism for their strong technical support to our facilitation. As the Secretary-General stated this spring in his report on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/72/840), terrorism is now one of the most profound challenges of our time. No country is immune to its threat, and no country can address the challenge alone. The Secretary- General also highlighted the fact that terrorism, and the need to find effective ways to counter it, is indeed one issue that truly brings the entire international community together. As co-facilitators, we fully share the Secretary-General’s view. During the facilitation, we were encouraged to note that despite the differences in their views, all Member States worked towards a common goal. A consensus outcome of the review of the Global Strategy is critically important and very valuable. I would like to highlight a few key features of the consultative process. After our appointment last year, we began to consult delegations on their general positions. In February, March and April we held numerous bilateral meetings with missions and regional groups in order to better understand their priorities, concerns and positions. We held our first informal meeting on 15 May, after which intensive negotiations took place at the expert level. The text of resolution 72/284, which we have in front of us today, was finalized and submitted to you on Friday last week, Mr. President. Our first step in the process focused on restructuring the draft resolution in order to make it more coherent and logical. We appreciate the fact that this technical change was well received by Member States, and that the draft resolution now better reflects the structure of the initial Global Strategy and its four pillars. We hope that this practical modification will help future review processes in making the draft resolution a relevant guide for Member States in their international efforts to counter terrorism. As this has been a shared endeavour, I would now like to hand things over to my co-facilitator, Ambassador Bahous, to complete our shared statement. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate her and wish her a happy birthday.

I join the representative of Finland in congratulating the representative of Jordan.

I would like to join my colleague Ambassador Sauer, the Permanent Representative of Finland, in thanking you, Mr. President, for having entrusted us with the important task of facilitating the sixth review of the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. As facilitators, and always cognizant of the complexity and urgency of the threat of terrorism and the dire need to come together as an international community to combat it, we tried to steer the negotiations so as to reflect the most urgent threats and trends in international counter- terrorism. During our first reading, we identified a number of topics that required deeper discussions than others. Those discussions were conducted in small groups led by different delegations. All delegations showed great dedication to the discussions and an unrelenting commitment to reaching common ground, despite certain differences and very short timelines. We believe that the work in small groups enhanced the transparency and inclusiveness of the process. We would like to express our deep appreciation to all delegations that led or participated in the small-group discussions and to thank them heartily for their efforts. The small groups discussed and streamlined language related to the issues of the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture and capacity-building; civil society and gender; countering the financing of terrorism; victims of terrorism; information and communications technology and counter-narratives; and threats and trends related to foreign terrorist fighters. One of the key discussions focused on the prevention of violent extremism as and when it is conducive to terrorism. Member States spent long hours in good-faith negotiations in an effort to make progress on the language of the fifth review (resolution 70/291). No compromise, however, was reached on updating the language related to the prevention of violent extremism. The important compromise reached two years ago was therefore reverted to and maintained. We also reached compromises on many important issues, including on the relocation of foreign terrorist fighters, countering the financing of terrorism, supporting the victims of terrorism and countering terrorist narratives. As all member States agree that the United Nations is the only global platform for enhancing our multilateral response to the phenomenon of terrorism, it was essential to ensure that resolution 72/284 recognized the establishment of the Office of Counter-Terrorism. As facilitators and member States, we share the same conviction that its establishment represents a timely opportunity to streamline and coordinate our work in the most efficient and effective manner possible. The overall process, I must say, was intense and seemed endless, but Member States ultimately succeeded in introducing significant updates to the draft resolution. We included 29 new paragraphs, made amendments to 15 and deleted five. The threat of terrorism and violent extremism is a direct assault on the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Indeed, it is an assault on humankind, and it undermines our collective efforts to maintain peace and security, foster sustainable development, promote respect for human rights and deliver vital humanitarian aid. Protecting human rights and respecting the rule of law while countering terrorism is not just a matter of principle. It is essential to the legitimacy and efficacy of counter- terrorism measures. When we fail to uphold the values that unite us, we fuel the grievances that can lead to terrorism. We would like to thank all the delegations for their invaluable efforts and dedication to this essential issue. A consensus on countering terrorism sends a resounding message about the unity and solidarity of the General Assembly and demonstrates that we can overcome whatever differences we may have in our concerted efforts to defeat the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and shapes. As co-facilitators, we realize that the sixth review is not perfect, but we have collectively taken steps that bring us closer to realizing our ultimate goal of effectively countering terrorism. Our collective drive must continue, and our focus must remain on what brings us together, not on what sets us apart. That is the only way to ensure a better, safer world free of terrorism. I am sure everyone here agrees.

It is an honour for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to take the floor on behalf of the 120 States members of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries (NAM) during this plenary meeting, at which we have adopted by consensus resolution 72/284, renewing the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. At the outset, on behalf of the States members of the Movement, I would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Permanent Representatives of Finland and Jordan and their teams, in their capacity as co-facilitators of the sixth review process, for the transparency and inclusiveness with which they conducted the long and complex rounds of negotiations. We would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his report (A/72/840) on the activities of the United Nations system in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which we have duly noted. The Non-Aligned Movement is fully committed to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and considers that scourge to be one of the most serious dangers and threats to international peace and security facing us now. We should emphasize that any act of terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of motive and wherever, whenever and by whomever it is committed. Terrorist acts are some of the most flagrant violations of international law today, including international humanitarian and human rights law, and in particular of the right to life, as they deprive people of the full enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Such acts endanger the territorial integrity and stability of States, as well as national, regional and international security, and they destabilize legitimately constituted Governments and States’ prevailing constitutional order and political unity. However, we cannot overemphasize how important it is to keep in mind that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any particular religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, and that such attributions should not be used to justify terrorism or counter-terrorism measures. Nor should terrorism be equated with the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or foreign domination or occupation for self- determination and national liberation. We should continue to denounce the brutal treatment of people under foreign occupation, since that is the gravest form of terrorism, and to condemn the use of State power for repressing or brutalizing people who are fighting foreign occupation in exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination. In that regard, and in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions, the struggle of peoples under colonial or foreign domination or occupation for self-determination and national liberation does not constitute terrorism. During the eighteenth Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, held in Baku in April, ministers affirmed and underscored the validity and relevance of the Movement’s principled position on terrorism and reiterated their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. In that regard, the States members of the Movement would like to take this opportunity to note that while 12 years have passed since the General Assembly’s adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, in 2006, there is still much to do in our shared duty to fight terrorism as responsible members of the international community and to establish a peaceful and prosperous world in the interest of our nations and peoples, especially in today’s context when, among other things, we are dealing with the threat of foreign terrorist fighters who are returning or relocating from conflict zones to their countries of origin or residence, or who are deploying to a third country. We therefore believe it is particularly important to comprehensively address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Experience shows us that terrorist groups are inspired by, among other things, despair, injustice, frustration, a lack of opportunity and the denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms in promoting their criminal agenda, which is based on hatred, intolerance, sectarianism and extremism. Poverty, social and economic inequalities, political, ethnic and religious intolerance and conflicts, as well as the imposition of unilateral coercive measures, colonial or foreign domination or occupation, and violations of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of peoples and nations, are some of the so-called drivers of terrorism. They must be addressed comprehensively if we want to totally eliminate the scourge of terrorism in both the short and the long term. NAM member States therefore call for transparent, comprehensive and balanced implementation of the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force in the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and support every initiative aimed at enhancing the Strategy’s full and effective implementation. The Non-Aligned Movement is determined to take speedy and effective measures to eliminate international terrorism, and in that context we urge all States, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, to fulfil their obligations in the fight against terrorism under international law and international humanitarian law by prosecuting or, where appropriate, extraditing the perpetrators of terrorist acts, and preventing the organization, instigation or financing of terrorist acts against other States from within or outside their territories or by organizations based in their territories. They should also refrain from organizing, instigating, assisting, financing or participating in terrorist acts on the territories of other States, encouraging activities within their territories directed at the commission of such acts, allowing their territories to be used for planning, training or financing such acts or supplying arms or other weapons that could be used for terrorist acts in other States. The States members of the Movement also categorically condemn and refrain from extending any form of political, diplomatic, moral or material support for terrorism. In that context, we urge all States, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and their obligations under international law, to ensure that refugee status or any other legal status is not abused by the perpetrators, organizers or facilitators of terrorist acts and that their claims to political motives are not recognized as grounds for refusing requests for their extradition. The NAM member States also urge all States, in accordance with their obligations under applicable international law and the Charter, to deny safe haven and bring to justice — or, where appropriate, extradite, based on the principle of extradition or prosecution — the perpetrators of terrorist acts or anyone who supports, facilitates, participates or attempts to participate in the financing, planning or preparation of terrorist acts, while stressing the importance of holding accountable those responsible for or involved in carrying out or facilitating terrorist activities. The financing of terrorism is also a matter for serious concern that must be fought with determination. In that regard, we emphasize the obligation of member States to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts and to criminalize the purposeful provision or collection of funds by their nationals or in their territories by any means, direct or indirect, with the intention or knowledge that they will be used in order to carry out terrorist acts. We also want to note the increasing and acknowledged potential links between transnational organized crime and the financing of terrorism, including money-laundering, and therefore stress the importance of promoting cooperation and coordinating efforts in combating such criminal activities. The Non-Aligned Movement emphasizes that it is essential to address the threat posed by terrorist narratives and that in that regard, the international community should work on developing a better understanding of how terrorists motivate others to commit terrorist acts or recruit them, and devise more effective ways to counter terrorist propaganda, incitement and recruitment, including through the Internet, in compliance with the relevant provisions of international law, international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. The States members of the Movement take this opportunity to stress the importance of a preventive approach in this important fight. We underscore the significance of not only addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, but also of developing effective and innovative initiatives aimed at undermining the strategy of extremist groups and ideologies that promote violence and intolerance, with a view to countering terrorist narratives and encouraging critical thinking in our societies so as to prevent radicalization, recruitment and the mobilization of resources, including through the improper use of information and communication technologies. For all those reasons, we look forward to the contributions of the Office of Counter-Terrorism in bringing greater coherence and effectiveness to the counter-terrorism activities of the United Nations, including in relation to the assistance it can provide in addressing Member States’ capacity-building needs at their request, while underscoring that such assistance must be tailored to the specific needs and realities of the States concerned and should take into account the importance of national ownership. In conclusion, the 120 States members of the Non-Aligned Movement would like to express their full solidarity with those countries that have most recently suffered from acts of terrorism and reiterate the importance of concluding a comprehensive convention for combating international terrorism that would complement the existing legal instruments in this field. Let us work together decisively, hand in hand and in coordination, to eliminate this terrible scourge, including through the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the States members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). While the international community is making tremendous strides in its ongoing battle, we believe that terrorism continues to undermine our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous world. The sixth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy offers us the opportunity to renew our collective and unwavering resolve to combat that scourge. In that spirit, the OIC welcomes the adoption by consensus of resolution 72/284 as yet another step forward in promoting the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy at the national, regional and international levels. We thank the co-facilitators, Ambassador Bahous of Jordan and Ambassador Sauer of Finland, and their able teams for their tireless work in arriving at a consensus text. Today’s resolution captures our concerns about some emerging threats and suggests appropriate remedial measures. It underscores the need to address all local and external drivers of terrorism without taking a selective approach. The OIC reaffirms that we must make concerted and determined efforts to effectively address the root causes and drivers of terrorism and the conditions conducive to its spread, including preventing the unlawful use of force or aggression and ending foreign occupation, unilateral coercion and political, economic and social injustice. The resolution underlines the need for enhanced synergy and effectiveness in various United Nations entities’ work on counter-terrorism. In that context, the OIC stresses that we should enhance the transparency and coordination of the activities of United Nations counter-terrorism entities and that duplication should be avoided. While the OIC supports institutional coherence in United Nations counter-terrorism efforts, we also emphasize the importance of conforming to the mandates of the various United Nations organs and entities. The OIC recognizes the work of the Office of Counter-Terrorism and strongly encourages it to continue working with the same diligence and to keep Member States updated on its work. The Group also notes with appreciation the important work carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Centre and its role in building Member States’ capacity to counter terrorism and in that regard calls on Member States to continue to support the Centre and to contribute to its growth into a centre of excellence. The OIC member States encourage the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force and its Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact to enhance their consultations with Member States when planning and preparing their activities. The OIC particularly stresses the need for more analytical information in the reports of the Secretary-General on the resources required for providing capacity-building support to Member States in compliance with the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. We want to see concrete proposals on mobilizing resources for capacity-building projects aimed at countering terrorism. The OIC recognizes the resolution’s added emphasis on addressing particular aspects and dimensions of terrorist threats. They include the need for enhanced international cooperation on the issues of the recruitment, movement, prosecution and repatriation of foreign terrorist fighters; effective, multipronged action to combat terrorist financing and its nexus with transnational organized crimes; informed and pragmatic measures to counter terrorist propaganda and narratives; ways of addressing emerging threats through the Internet and new technologies, and specifically an international legal framework that deals with information and communications technologies; and heightened surveillance and measures to prevent terrorists’ access to small arms and light weapons, as well as weapons of mass destruction. The OIC member States remain committed to working with the United Nations and other relevant partners to address those real and potential threats in a focused and results- oriented manner. The OIC also recognizes the threats that terrorism poses to women, young people and children, and that resolution 72/284 highlights the importance of effectively addressing those threats. In that regard, we stress that sustained engagement is required to enable women and youth to act as potential agents of change and resilience in order to prevent radicalization within their respective communities. The OIC member States underscore that the rights of migrants and asylum- seekers must be protected and preserved, while ensuring that internationally agreed norms and standards in their favour are not abused by terrorists. The OIC reiterates its principled position against acts of terrorism in all their forms and manifestations, regardless of where they are committed, by whom or for what reason. In that regard, we affirm our unequivocal rejection of all attempts to associate any particular country, race, religion, culture or nationality with terrorism. The group also underlines the importance of upholding international law, international humanitarian law, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. In that context, we remain concerned about the growing intolerance and discrimination shown to Muslims around the world, which we believe represent an affront to their human rights and dignity. Here we should recall Human Rights Council resolution 16/18, entitled “Combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief”, as an important tool for countering radicalization, marginalization and alienation. We call for its effective implementation by the international community as a way to deprive terrorist groups of any justification for radicalization on the grounds of ethnic or religious stigmatization and discrimination. We underscore the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue as an effective mechanism for combating extremism and incitement to hatred based on religion. The OIC member States affirm the importance that we attach to the sustained, effective and comprehensive implementation of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and the need to have a robust follow-up mechanism in place in order to ensure a balanced approach to its four pillars. We stress that the implementation of the Strategy lies first and foremost in the hands of Member States, while the General Assembly has a central role to play in following up its implementation. In conclusion, the OIC reiterates that the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a living document that should be examined and reviewed regularly. We will continue to remain involved in that endeavour as a matter of priority, including at the highest political level.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the MIKTA countries — Mexico, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia. MIKTA represents a diverse group of countries with different cultural, historical and religious backgrounds, located in different corners of the world. Yet our shared values and interests transcend our diversity and enable us to take similar approaches to the many challenges that the international community is facing today. Of those challenges, terrorism, and the violent extremism that can lead to terrorism, presents a global threat from which no country or region is immune. As a result, MIKTA has identified counter-terrorism and security as one of its seven core areas of collaboration in order to contribute to greater global peace and stability. Preventing and combating terrorism is one of our priorities. Bearing that in mind in their most recent communiqué, adopted at their eleventh meeting in Istanbul last December, the MIKTA Foreign Ministers reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasized the importance of effective international cooperation to counter terrorism. As a follow-up, under Indonesia’s chairship, the MIKTA nations will hold an initiative on counter- terrorism cooperation, with a focus on prevention, to be held in Indonesia later this year. The MIKTA Foreign Ministers also reaffirmed the importance of taking a more comprehensive approach encompassing not only ongoing, essential, security-based counter-terrorism measures but also systematic preventive measures and respect for human rights. They also stressed that violent extremists come from every stratum of society, including many different ethnic, religious, ideological and non-religious groups. Our efforts must recognize that terrorism and violent extremism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. The continuing recent terrorist attacks across the world, including in some MIKTA countries, have shown the urgent need for increased and effective international cooperation and solidarity to address this threat. The MIKTA countries are convinced that only through concerted action at the global, regional and national levels and by fulfilling our obligations under international law can we succeed in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Against that background, we strongly support the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its balanced implementation across all four of its pillars. We therefore welcome the Assembly’s adoption by consensus of resolution 72/284, on the sixth review of the Strategy. We thank the facilitators, Ambassador Bahous of Jordan and Ambassador Sauer of Finland, and their teams for their able facilitation of the negotiations. We welcome the fact that the Strategy has been updated to include references to new challenges that have arisen and ways to address them, such as halting the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, including those returning or relocating, particularly from conflict zones to their countries of origin or nationality or to third countries, and countering the financing of terrorism, terrorist narratives and the misuse of new information and communication technologies to spread them. We believe that it is important to continue our joint efforts to prevent and counter terrorism, including through the relevant national action plans. Countering terrorism and preventing the violent extremism that can be conducive to it require a whole-of- society approach as well as a whole-of-Government approach. Adding further references to the fundamental role that civil society, young people and local actors play in the matter is therefore a positive step. We believe that human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are complementary and mutually reinforcing with effective counter-terrorism measures, and an essential part of any successful counter-terrorism effort. The MIKTA countries believe that an effectively functioning United Nations system is an essential key to addressing terrorism and the violent extremism that can be conducive to it, as with other global challenges we face today. In that regard, following the adoption last June of resolution 71/291 to establish the Office of Counter-Terrorism, the MIKTA countries, which support the pivotal role of the United Nations in global counter-terrorism efforts, made a joint statement (see A/71/PV.87) in which we expressed our hope that the reform would enhance the strategic coordination and coherence of United Nations counter-terrorism activities, both within the United Nations system and with relevant external actors, in order to create synergies and avoid duplication. In that regard, we note with appreciation the signing of the Global Counter- Terrorism Coordination Compact and look forward to its effective implementation. We want to highlight the importance of the timely, adequate and effective delivery and facilitation by the United Nations of counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States at their request and would like to take this opportunity to express our support to the Office and to Under-Secretary-General Voronkov for his efforts in operationalizing it. Lastly, we look forward to the first-ever United Nations high-level conference of heads of counter- terrorism agencies of Member States, to be convened by the Secretary-General on 28 and 29 June. We thank the Secretary-General for placing countering and preventing terrorism at the top of the United Nations agenda and hope that the conference can contribute to strengthening the United Nations in order to enable it to better address the global threat of terrorism. I will now make some additional remarks in my capacity as the representative of Turkey. At the outset, I would like to pay tribute to all victims of terrorism. As a country fighting three different terrorist groups at once — the Kurdistan Workers’ Party/Democratic Union Party, Da’esh and the Fethullah Terrorist Organization — we know all too well the heavy toll that terrorism takes on societies. Terrorism remains one of the world’s most acute threats to international peace and security and no country is immune to it. Nor can it be associated with any country, race, religion, culture or nationality. Despite some positive developments, the global terrorist threat has not diminished since the last review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. As recent attacks have shown, terrorism continues to spread, geographically and ideologically, and terrorists manage to adapt to new conditions. Mindful of that situation, Turkey has continued to contribute to global counter-terrorism efforts since the last review by further enhancing border security, information-sharing and preventive measures. With the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006, Member States expressed their resolve to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. The Strategy reflects a unique consensus, based on its four pillars, and it is therefore crucial to maintain the consensus around that unique global instrument by updating it to face the evolving threats. Against that backdrop, we welcome the Assembly’s adoption by consensus of resolution 72/284, on the sixth review of the Strategy, and I would like to express our appreciation to Finland and Jordan for successfully co-facilitating the negotiations on the draft. Respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law is an essential part of a successful counter-terrorism effort. While rule-of-law-based security measures remain the fundamental pillar of counter-terrorism efforts, a broader approach is needed to make our societies more resilient to violent extremism, all forms and manifestations of which should be addressed with equal determination, while recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Preventive measures should also focus on combating intolerance, social exclusion and all forms of xenophobia. We should be vigilant against populist, anti-Islam and far-right rhetoric. The United Nations has a central role to play in combating this scourge by ensuring the balanced implementation of the Strategy and supporting the efforts of Member States at their request. Strengthening the role of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre in building the capacity of Member States is essential to achieving that objective. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the Secretary-General for his commitment to putting counter-terrorism efforts at the top of our agenda. We appreciate the initiative to develop the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact and hope that the new framework will contribute to achieving stronger coordination and coherence. We also reiterate our support to the Office of Counter-Terrorism and its Head, Under-Secretary- General Voronkov, for their ongoing efforts. We also welcome the initiative to hold the first-ever United Nations high-level conference of heads of counter- terrorism agencies of Member States. We look forward to the event, which will help to enhance the visibility of United Nations counter-terrorism efforts. Despite the global impact of terrorism, our cooperation, information and intelligence-sharing are still insufficient. We cannot succeed in our counter-terrorism efforts unless we engage in genuine international cooperation. As the Secretary-General has emphasized, no cause or grievance justifies terrorism. There can be no good or bad terrorists. We should maintain a resolute and principled stance and avoid selective approaches. Turkey remains ready to engage in further discussions aimed at improving the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review.

I would like to begin by congratulating the facilitators, Ambassadors Bahous and Sauer, the Permanent Representatives of Jordan and Finland, as well as their teams, for their tireless work during the sixth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Just since 12 May, when the Secretary-General’s report (A/72/840) was circulated and consultations started on the draft of resolution 72/284, terrorist attacks in various regions of the world have claimed more than 800 lives and wounded more than 1,000 people. The most recent attack occurred just yesterday in Meskel Square in Addis Ababa. It is a reminder of why we cannot afford to fail. Brazil would like to express its condolences to all affected by such attacks and reiterates that there can be no justification for terrorism. Terrorism is an evolving threat. As a strong advocate of the centrality of the United Nations in our fight against terrorism, Brazil attaches great importance to maintaining an up-to-date Strategy that can address current challenges. We also deem it crucial to preserve its consensual basis, which reflects the galvanized voice of all States members of the Organization’s most inclusive and democratic body. The creation of the Office of Counter-Terrorism has emerged as an example where the General Assembly has risen to the challenge of promoting coherence and consistency in the Organization’s efforts. The signing of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact represents another positive step towards an all-of-United Nations approach. But the reform of the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture remains an unfinished task. We look forward to the report to be issued in May 2019, which should provide meaningful input for a discussion on the issue at the next Strategy review. The absence of a universally agreed-on definition of terrorism is detrimental to our shared goal of eliminating it. We must overcome the stalemate preventing the adoption of a comprehensive convention against international terrorism. The convening of a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations could provide much of the political push needed to attain that goal. A comprehensive convention against international terrorism could help to harmonize the legal framework, facilitate mutual legal assistance and cooperation and create improved conditions for ensuring due process and compliance with human rights. It is also important to clarify the relationship among concepts such as terrorism, radicalism and violent extremism. They may be linked in certain contexts, but they are not intrinsically correlated. Conflating such notions could lead to justifying an overly broad application of counter-terrorism measures, including against acts that do not qualify as acts of terrorism. It is also important to stress that terrorism and transnational organized crime are not automatically or universally linked. Even in circumstances in which there is a relationship, various areas of responsibility are involved. While terrorism constitutes a threat to international peace and security, transnational organized crime remains an issue within the realm of public security. Terrorism can be countered only through approaches that address its root causes, in particular those associated with protracted conflicts and social, political, economic and cultural exclusion. Terrorist groups have been attracting recruits by offering them a sense of purpose, belonging and identity that they probably failed to find elsewhere. Appropriate responses to the refugee and migrant crises decrease rather than increase the risks associated with terrorism. Let us also not lose sight of the protracted conflicts that may fuel terrorist agendas. The failure to deal with the ongoing crises in the Middle East and strategies that privilege the use of force and unilateral interpretations in the Security Council are cases in point. Counter- terrorism efforts will be effective to the extent that they are consistent with the Charter of the United Nations, including the rules governing the use of force, as well as with international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law. Some have argued that self-defence could be applied as a response to non-State actors, sometimes adding as a condition the criterion of a State’s unwillingness or inability to act. Brazil does not agree with attempts to reinterpret the scope of self-defence.

Terrorism continues to wreak havoc, spreading destruction, fear and hate throughout the world. The growing number of victims on every continent is a constant reminder that the scourge concerns us all. Switzerland condemns in the strongest terms the horrendous and unacceptable acts of violence committed as a result of this murderous madness, and expresses its deepest sympathy to the victims of terrorism and their loved ones. In the light of the current threat and given the fact that terrorists utterly reject our values, it is crucial that we continue our joint efforts against terrorism. If those efforts are to be effective and sustainable, they must be consistent with international law and the principles of the rule of law. Switzerland believes firmly that the United Nations has a vital role to play in combating terrorism and preventing violent extremism. We are fully committed to implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which remains our principal frame of reference and, as we all know, is based on four mutually reinforcing, interdependent pillars: prevention, law enforcement, capacity-building and respect for human rights. Switzerland would like to thank the Secretary- General and Under-Secretary-General Voronkov of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism for the latest report (A/72/840) on the activities undertaken by the United Nations system to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and for organizing the sixth Strategy review and the forthcoming high-level conference for heads of counter-terrorism agencies of Member States. The conference will enable us to discuss specific aspects of the Strategy in greater depth. Switzerland would also like to thank the Permanent Representatives of Jordan and Finland for their leadership and efforts, which have enabled us to adopt the sixth review by consensus as resolution 72/284. Since the Strategy’s adoption in 2006, Switzerland has worked to ensure its full and balanced implementation, nationally and internationally. To cite some examples of our achievements since 2016, in order to strengthen the first pillar, Switzerland, together with the United Nations, organized the Geneva Conference on Preventing Violent Extremism in April 2016, which helped to promote and implement the Strategy on the basis of the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism (A/70/674), which prompted Switzerland, and several other countries, to adopt a national action plan for the prevention of violent extremism. In order to build Switzerland’s own capacity, as envisaged in the Strategy’s second pillar, we have initiated legislative processes to adapt our criminal legislation and designed a number of administrative measures. Under the third pillar, Switzerland has undertaken numerous capacity-building projects with our United Nations partners and others, including the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund. Switzerland has also committed to meeting State obligations under the fourth pillar. Within the framework of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, whose Criminal Justice and Rule of Law Working Group we co-chair with Nigeria, Switzerland has continued to emphasize the implementation of the Neuchâtel Memorandum on Good Practices for Juvenile Justice in a Counterterrorism Context, which clarifies obligations relating to children’s rights in the context of the fight against terrorism. In the light of the extensive discussions on the review of the Strategy over the past few weeks, we would like to note the following points. First, we welcome the fact that we have been able to maintain our previous achievements with regard to preventing violent extremism, respecting human rights and the rule of law and safeguarding the humanitarian space. Secondly, Switzerland welcomes the introduction in the review of two paragraphs aimed at strengthening respect for international humanitarian law by recalling the obligation of parties to conflict to protect the civilian population. Thirdly, we regret that the fourth pillar continues to be the weakest and worst-funded in the United Nations architecture, despite the fact that an approach based on the international legal framework, including with regard to gender aspects, is essential if we genuinely want to succeed in eradicating terrorism over the long term. My country is honoured to contribute to the fourth pillar by supporting the launch of a guide for Member States with details on how to comply with United Nations resolutions and meet their human rights obligations. The guide, which was prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, will be presented to Member States on Thursday. Fourthly, Switzerland welcomes the request to the Secretary-General to present a new report in May 2019 that will assess the Strategy’s impact and enable us to take stock of the reform process initiated by the Secretary-General through the establishment of the Office of Counter-Terrorism. I would like to say a few words about the links between counter-terrorism efforts and other United Nations areas of action. On 23 February, the Secretary- General signed the new United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact as an agreed framework between the Secretary-General, the Heads of the United Nations entities, INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization for strengthening coordination, consistency and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and mobilizing shared resources. That commitment meets the need for a holistic approach that emphasizes prevention and addresses the conditions that lead to the spread of conflict by integrating peace, sustainable development and human rights. In order to ensure that the United Nations can continue to respond effectively to the multiple challenges facing the world, it is vital to maintain a balanced approach so that all entities can remain faithful to their mandates, while contributing to broader counter-terrorism efforts. My country will continue to work with determination to prevent and combat terrorism while respecting human rights and international humanitarian law. Through our efforts we can help to prevent conflicts and build lasting peace.

Today, for the sixth time, we are reviewing the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy together and taking stock of the developments that have occurred in the two years since the last review. Some progress has been made, but there have also been setbacks. Terrorism in its evolving forms remains a constant threat for us all, despite our collective efforts and best attempts at coordination and cooperation. What do we therefore need to do better? For Canada, effectively addressing terrorism and violent extremism means working with communities and civil society to build resilient societies. The complex issue underlying the terrorist threat requires a whole-of-society approach. There is no long-term military solution to the threat. The role of civilian actors and civil society is essential for such efforts and cannot be overstated, which is why we are deeply disappointed with the exclusion of civil society from the full inaugural high-level conference to be held later this week. At the foundation of those efforts is ensuring inclusive and accountable governance that respects diversity and the human rights of all members of society. Prevention is enhanced when we build on resilient societies in which every member feels invested in his or her society. It is Canada’s conviction and our experience that terrorism and violent extremism are not particular to any specific religion, nationality, culture or ethnic group. Terrorism can assume any form and demands that we set aside our biases for evidence-based analysis. (spoke in French) As the terrorist threat evolves, new challenges require new solutions. When we consider the issue of the return of foreign terrorist fighters and their families, or their resettlement in a third country, it is clear that we cannot solve the problem by arrests alone. By themselves, police actions and those of the criminal justice system are inadequate in addressing the phenomenon, and a solution will require the efforts of more than one generation. How should we reintegrate them into society? How can we prevent them from resorting to violent extremism? How should we deal with children who have undergone profound and violent traumatic experiences and have been indoctrinated into violent ideologies since a tender age? This question has forced us to better understand the impact of gender and gender-based roles and consider age and gender during prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration. If we dig deeper, we cannot but see gender as a factor used by terrorist groups, while exploiting and manipulating gender dynamics in a sophisticated manner so as to gain support and recruit followers. It is not a matter of checking off a box, or a side or soft issue. It is a fundamental factor enabling us to understand the threat and develop effective ways to act. Canada continues to view the United Nations as an important partner in responding to that threat. We are pleased to work with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to confront a wide range of issues, such as foreign terrorist fighters, border security and domestic radicalization taking place within prisons. We also fund projects led by the Office of Counter- Terrorism, which focus on the prevention of violent extremism through engagement with young people and law-enforcement training personnel in issues related to human rights, the rule of law and the prevention of terrorism. We continue to work together in adapting our methods to confront new challenges generated by the evolving nature of terrorism. I believe, nevertheless, that we are all aware that many disagreements remain with regard to the best approach to be used within the United Nations. Such differences were made apparent over the past several weeks and months. (spoke in English) With that in mind, I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to the Permanent Representatives of Jordan and Finland and their teams for their tireless efforts and resolve in seeking a consensus document, when, at times, it looked as thought it might not be possible. We would like to express our satisfaction at the adoption by consensus earlier this morning of resolution 72/284. A consensus resolution, however, is by its very nature the result of finely balanced negotiations. For Canada, the most notable aspects of the resolution are not necessarily what we can find in it, but rather what was left out. We would have liked to see stronger language on gender, human rights and civil society included in its text. We are particularly disappointed that the resolution does not tie a closer link to the women and peace and security agenda, nor does it recognize the importance of gender dimensions in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. In addition, the resolution, like its previous iteration (resolution 70/291), in 2016, falls short of providing greater clarity and balance among the four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Canada welcomed the creation of the Office of Counter-Terrorism almost a year ago and the appointment of its Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Vladimir Voronkov. At the same time, we believe that the resolution could have been more ambitious in furthering the reform of the counter-terrorism architecture of the United Nations and in tying it more closely to the overall reform of the peace and security and development pillars of the United Nations as a whole. The creation of the Office was a first step in a process with many more steps. We hope that the request for a report on the impact and progress in assessing the implementation of the Strategy by the United Nations will serve as an important opportunity to discuss these issues, including increasing the transparency and governance of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. We have also seen member States question the notion of violent extremism and try to impose a more vague wording for extremism in its place. Canada reiterates in the strongest terms possible that so-called extreme ideas can be a force for good and social progress and that the use of violence to promote extreme ideas is the real issue that needs to be tackled. In this regard, Canada is pleased that its efforts, together with those of many other member States, have prevented this departure from the agreed language. Canada will continue to advocate internationally, in the United Nations and elsewhere, for the critical actions needed in this global effort. The United Nations must remain a key forum for unifying the international community and addressing this critical issue, despite our differences, and Canada will remain fully engaged in ensuring that resolution 72/284 is effectively implemented.

As others have done from this rostrum, I would like to begin by warmly thanking the Permanent Representatives of Finland and Jordan for successfully co-facilitating this year’s review process. After four weeks of intense negotiations, we commend them and their teams on their patience and dedication to this difficult task. Australia regards the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy as a valuable element of the United Nations framework for combating terrorism. It continues to be a practical tool for Member States — a compass for our ongoing national, regional and international counter- terrorism efforts. Australia supports a balanced implementation of the Strategy across its four pillars. We note in particular the importance of prevention as part of a comprehensive counter-terrorism approach, as well as ensuring the protection of human rights and the rule of law. A comprehensive approach to counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism is one that involves the whole of our society, which means drawing upon the skills, resources and expertise of all stakeholders, including leveraging the important roles of civil society in engaging local communities to halt recruitment and radicalization leading to terrorism, particularly among our young people. It means supporting victims of terrorism and addressing the disproportionate impact on women. We are pleased that this year’s resolution 72/284 recognizes these complex dimensions. Australia continues to encourage member States to develop and maintain national plans of action for preventing violent extremism consistent with national circumstances and an assessment of the diverse drivers of violent extremism at local levels. I would like to affirm Australia’s ongoing support for the Strategy by drawing on three important themes in the resolution. First, we have seen the foreign- terrorist-fighter threat continue to evolve in the wake of the failed so-called caliphate of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. Australian agencies are working closely with their international counterparts to detect and disrupt the outflow of foreign fighters from the Middle East through effective intelligence and law- enforcement measures. We know that the international aviation sector continues to be a target for terrorist groups. We support enhanced efforts in this area, including the resolution’s call for the use of advanced passenger information, passenger name record and biometric data, where appropriate. Such measures should be implemented in accordance with domestic law and international obligations. Secondly, we note the resolutions’s call on the international community to ensure that terrorists do not find safe haven online, including through the exploitation of social media. Australia supports an open, free and secure Internet, but cyberspace is not an ungoverned space. We need to cooperate to ensure that terrorists cannot operate beyond the reach of the law online. Thirdly, the resolution calls for ambitious activities from Member States to counter terrorist financing so as to prevent terrorists from abusing new technologies to fund and support terrorism. The text recognizes the importance of information-sharing within and among Governments with regard to financing matters. In tandem with this approach, countries must maintain strong and responsive national counter-terrorism financing regimes consistent with international standards. In conclusion, Australia remains steadfast in its resolve to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism through whole-of-society efforts at the local and national levels and through effective international collaboration. Enduring and genuine partnerships across all these levels are necessary if we are to be successful in the fight.

Cuba firmly supports the collective efforts of the United Nations in its fight against terrorism. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a milestone in confronting the scourge of terrorism internationally and respects the central role played by the General Assembly in this task. We would like to express our gratitude for the work done by the delegations of Finland and Jordan in coordinating the negotiations process and by those delegations that showed a political will to move forward in achieving our common goal. We reiterate our steadfast will to combat terrorism, as well as our unequivocal rejection and condemnation of all terrorist acts, methods and practices in all their forms and manifestations by whomever, against whomever, wherever committed and whatever their motivations, including such acts in which States are directly or indirectly involved. The international community must not accept that, under the banner of the supposed fight against terrorism, certain States are allowed to commit acts of aggression, interfere in the internal affairs of other States or violate human rights and international humanitarian law, through acts such as torture, kidnapping, illegal detentions, disappearances and extrajudicial executions. Cuba rejects double standards and unilateral actions that run contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles and norms of international law. The violation of legal and ethical principles undermines the legitimacy of our struggle against international terrorism. Hatred, revenge and terror have no place in the fair and equitable international order for which we are striving. Resolution 72/284, adopted today, incorporates significant advances in consolidating international cooperation in combating terrorism. Issues of particular importance were addressed, such as respect for the principle of sovereignty in combating that scourge; the primacy of State ownership in the implementation of the Strategy; the need to take measures that foster cooperation among States for the extradition of terrorists; countering the abusive exploitation of information and communication technologies for terrorist purposes; promoting the use of such technologies in accordance with international law; respect for privacy; and the rejection of the use of all practices that contravene international law under the pretext of combating terrorism. Other matters will require further consideration in the near future, in particular so-called soft coups or soft coups d’état  — covert operations that favour supposedly non-violent protests, and which, by virtue of their goals, concepts, financing and the practice of fomenting social terror, in reality constitute modern forms of State terrorism. In addition, certain States’ destructive practice of financing and disseminating messages fostering hatred and intolerance of other peoples, cultures and political systems via the Internet, radio and television, in clear violation of the most basic principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, warrants our total condemnation. Although it appreciates the progress made during the reviews of the Strategy within the Organization, Cuba stresses that much remains to be done in combating terrorism. The international community must take concrete steps towards the adoption of a general convention on terrorism that identifies the scourge in its entirety. It is unacceptable to associate any religion, race or ethnicity with terrorism. We must not allow politicization and double standards to impede overcoming the causes and conditions that can fuel it. Poverty, inequality, ill health, illiteracy, discrimination and hegemonic appetites for domination, among multiple other factors, are root causes underlying the proliferation of terrorism. It is also necessary to foster international understanding of ambiguous and politicized terms that do not enjoy international legal backing or a broad consensus so as to avoid double standards in their interpretation and use. The issue of the protection of the victims of terrorism is a priority. States must comply with their obligation to try to extradite all terrorists without exception. For more than 40 years, the Cuban people demanded an end to the impunity enjoyed by the terrorist Luis Posada Carriles, who was responsible for the mid-flight explosion of a Cubana de Aviación aeroplane on 6 October 1976, which resulted in the deaths of the 73 people on board. Posada Carriles died this year, while at liberty, without ever having been brought to justice for his crimes. Cuba supports multilateral efforts aimed at consolidating the role of the General Assembly in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. Member States can count on our full participation in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

I would like to begin by aligning the United Kingdom with the statement to be delivered by the observer of the European Union, and I thank the Ambassadors of Finland and Jordan and their experts for their tireless efforts over the past month. The United Kingdom is pleased that we, the States members of the General Assembly, have achieved international consensus while reviewing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. It is important that, as the global terrorism threat evolves, the Strategy reflect the progress that we member States have made and that it continues to build upon this progress. The journey to reach a consensus has been fraught with contentious debates. It has not been easy, but it is important that, in this forum, we all have an opportunity to share our views and perspectives and that we come together in the end to face a common and global threat. The United Kingdom is particularly pleased to see the reaffirmation of the importance of preventing violent extremism and of addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Prevention is a core component of our counter-terrorism approach, and we see an important role for the United Nations to play in furthering national and international efforts in this regard. For the United Kingdom, preventing violent extremism is fundamentally about safeguarding people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism by reducing their intent to act. The United Kingdom champions a whole-of-Government and whole-of- society approach to prevention, which is reflected in the United Kingdom’s newly revamped counter- terrorism strategy, CONTEST. We recognize that national and local forms of buy-in for programming and measures are critical ingredients for effectiveness and sustainability. Preventing violent extremism must be owned by a State’s national or local authorities. It cannot be imposed from the outside. That would be wrong, and it would be ineffective. Let us therefore end our disagreement over labels and get on with action. As the global threat posed by terrorism evolves and spans political borders, the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters and those returning or relocating from conflict zones is a serious concern to many of us. We were pleased to see that international commitments to address this issue, including through tools such as advance passenger information and passenger name record, are reflected in resolution 72/284. We recognize that many States have called for technical assistance in meeting these obligations, and we support the efforts of the United Nations system and partners to provide the requested technical assistance. But we would also stress that Member States have the responsibility to meet all their obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2396 (2017) and 2309 (2016). We welcome the strengthened cooperation between the Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), as embodied by Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Assistant Secretary-General Coninsx, and we welcome their joint report (A/72/840, annex IV), which was shared with all Member States. The unique assessments and analyses provided by CTED provide an important basis for the capacity-building support provided by the Global Compact entities. These recommendations reflect the priorities and approval of Member States and the support of the Council through the Counter- Terrorism Committee. The United Kingdom is therefore keen that the General Assembly bodies work closely with those of the Security Council to ensure that the United Nations counter-terrorism architecture remains fit for purpose and positioned to respond in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Conversations among Member States will and rightfully should continue in the months to come to build on what we have achieved during the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review and discuss frankly and openly those topics on which we may disagree. The United Kingdom wants to move forward. As we look ahead to the high-level conference on counter- terrorism to be held later this week, we hope that it will provide an opportunity for constructive exchange and insight. The United Kingdom hopes that, through the full contribution and involvement of both Government and civil-society organizations, we the international community can build on the consensus achieved on Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review so as to make progress as a unified voice in our fight against global terrorism, because that fight is too important for us to be divided. That is the goal of the terrorists, so let us stand together.

Mexico wishes to acknowledge the work of the delegations of Jordan and Finland in facilitating the consultation process leading to the sixth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Mexico believes that this process serves to advance an open and constructive dialogue that enables formulating a more effective and comprehensive response to the phenomenon of international terrorism. Over the past two years, since the previous review of the Strategy, terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism have evolved significantly and become an increasingly complex threat to international peace and security. The increased use of the Internet as a means to spread extremist and violent messages originating from terrorist organizations, numerous acts of low- budget terrorism directed against soft targets and the rise in xenophobic and racist narratives seeking to equate groups, religions and regions with international terrorism all underscore the importance of redoubling and coordinating our national, regional and multilateral efforts. In this context, Mexico welcomed the establishment, in June 2017, of the post of the Under- Secretary-General of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, and we reiterate our support for the work conducted by the Office during the past year to improve the effectiveness and coordination of the United Nations in its efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism. Despite joint efforts in recent years, international terrorism continues to affect thousands of innocent people without distinction as to their country or region of origin, age, gender, religion or politics. Mexico reiterates its support for and solidarity with the victims of terrorism. For this reason, we regret the absence of language in resolution 72/284  — the draft of which was presented within the framework of the sixth review  — relating to the important role that victims, especially women and girls, can play in combating and preventing terrorism and in countering extremist narratives leading to terrorism. For Mexico, not only is it a priority to work at all levels to ensure that victims of terrorism have access to the justice system, but it is also extremely important to help in their recovery consequent to such events and in empowering them to join multilateral efforts aimed at preventing and combating international terrorism. While developing effective and comprehensive responses to the threat is urgent in the short and medium term, we must also ensure the creation of sustainable strategies for the long term that not only respond to terrorism and mitigate its impact on civilian populations, but also address the underlying causes of social, political and economic grievances that make the extremist and violent message of those organizations attractive to the most vulnerable populations. Hate speech has no place in any circumstance. It is irresponsible for Government actors, rather than to encourage social inclusion, to fuel various forms of extremism with racist and xenophobic language that damage our communities and prospects for a peaceful and harmonious life to which our citizens aspire. Prevention means not fuelling hate. Mexico calls on all member States to take advantage of this review process to ensure that multilateral efforts to prevent terrorism always respect human rights and comply, without exception, with the international legal framework, including the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law and the law of refugees. Today more than ever, the international community must rise to the challenges posed by terrorist threats and demonstrate that multilateralism, based on cooperation and collaboration among countries, mutually strengthened by their diversity, continues to be valid and has a real impact on the life and security of our people.

I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to the Secretary- General for his report on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/72/840). I would also thank the Permanent Representatives of Finland and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for facilitating the discussion on the outcome of the sixth review of the Strategy. Despite the progress that has been made since we adopted the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006, we are facing an evolving threat. Terrorists continue to adapt their methods, organization, networks and manifestations. In this regard, the sixth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy will provide us with an opportunity to strengthen our common efforts. The report of the Secretary-General clearly indicates that the threat of terrorism persists and that the United Nations must continue to play its strategic global role. Along these lines, I would like to emphasize several pertinent points from the Secretary-General’s report. First, with respect to the new United Nations counter- terrorism architecture, including the creation of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, Indonesia welcomes the new arrangement, which aims to create synergies in and streamline the work and responsibilities of 38 United Nations entities in the areas of analysis and assessment, capacity-building, coordination and coherence. From Indonesia’s perspective, the new structure will also ease collaboration with international and regional organizations beyond the United Nations system itself, as well as with other relevant forums and initiatives. Secondly, we acknowledge that there are still different levels of capacities of States in implementing the Global Strategy. The United Nations is therefore expected to continue assisting Member States in strengthening their ability to combat terrorism by providing them with capacity-building assistance. We commit to supporting these efforts by sharing valuable experience and expertise. We also encourage further work to be focused on action-based activities, with a view to avoiding duplication and producing a significant impact on the ground. I would like to share with the Assembly a recent update on our domestic situation, as well as relevant efforts in addressing the threat of terrorism. Recently, Indonesia experienced a horrific terrorist attack in Surabaya involving foreign-terrorist-fighter returnees. This occurrence showed that foreign terrorist fighters had linked up with local militant groups and effectively brought terrorists to our region. In response, Indonesia continued to emphasize the importance of the rule of law and the capacity of States to implement their laws, in line with the principle of national ownership. Accordingly, on 25 May, Indonesia amended its counter- terrorism law. The amended law broadened the authority of the State to deal with current manifestations of terrorism, including by criminalizing foreign-terrorist- fighter offences, if necessary, including returnees and relocators. The current counter-terrorism law ensures that deradicalization and counter-radicalization programmes are part of our comprehensive approach to fighting terrorism. The deradicalization programme targets radicals in detention or a prison environment and aims to prepare them for reintegration into society, while the counter-radicalization programme is intended to protect society from the spread of radical and extremist narratives that lead to terrorism, especially by strengthening its resilience. To support the implementation of rules and regulations, our Government is preparing a national action plan on countering violent extremism that will incorporate in part the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. Our plan of action will focus on prevention, law enforcement, deradicalization and counter-radicalization, as well as partnership and international cooperation. The plan of action is set to be ready this year. Preventing and suppressing terrorist financing is also a critical part of combating terrorism. To this end, Indonesia has enacted a law that lays the foundation for criminalizing terrorist financing and freezing the assets of terrorists and terrorist organizations. Indonesia has also taken several innovative measures to tackle the threat of terrorism at the national level. To disrupt the cycle of radicalism, especially within terrorist families, several individuals formerly convicted of terrorism crimes established a foundation in East Java and an Islamic boarding school in North Sumatra. The foundation and boarding school have the following aims: first, recruiting and embracing former terrorist convicts; secondly, turning them into agents for combating and preventing radicalism and extremism in multi-generational families of terrorists; and thirdly, and most importantly, stopping the cycle of the intergenerational propagation of terrorists by targeting our young people. To expedite the healing process and mutual forgiveness between ex-terrorist convicts and their victims, on 26 February the Government facilitated a reconciliation meeting to bridge peace and harmony between the two groups. The event was attended by 124 convicted former terrorists and 51 victims. With regard to international cooperation, Indonesia welcomes the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism’s initiative to organize a consultative meeting in South-East Asia on the human-rights-based treatment of children accompanying foreign terrorist fighters, to be held in Jakarta on 30 and 31 July. In conclusion, since 2006, the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy has provided us with a comprehensive and internationally accepted strategy for combating terrorism. Considering the rapid changes in the development of terrorism itself, it is important to always keep the Strategy updated in order for all nations to be able to successfully deal with the threat together.

We thank the delegations of Jordan and Finland for co-facilitating the review process that led to the General Assembly’s adoption of resolution 72/284, on the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, by consensus. While the adoption of the resolution is by consensus, all of us are conscious that the text is primarily only a technical update on the previous Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy resolution adopted two years ago (resolution 70/291), marking the end of the first decade of the formulation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy at the United Nations. While any multilateral resolution has to strike a balance and reach a compromise, we are disappointed that the resolution does not reflect substantive modifications from its previous version. We say that since in the intervening period of two years terrorist networks have continued to terrorize peoples across different parts of the world, expanding their reach, propagating their ideologies of hate, recruiting across borders, raising funds and improving their use of modern technologies. While most of the membership represented here has experienced terror attacks, we at the United Nations continue to struggle to advance meaningful multilateral cooperation on countering terrorism, often owing to narrow political considerations. It is disappointing to see the lack of meaningful progress even in the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy resolution language, which continues to reflect the inability of Member States to act collectively to tackle threats from non-State actors. That clearly does not augur well for our collective security. The establishment of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism last year has been a positive development that, we hope, will contribute to the consolidation of efforts by the United Nations system in that context. We also welcome the hosting by the Office of Counter-Terrorism of the first-ever summit of heads of counter-terrorism agencies, which is scheduled for later this week. As part of India’s continuing commitment to strengthen multilateral efforts to counter terrorism and support the work of the newly established Office of Counter-Terrorism, our Government has announced a voluntary contribution of $550,000 to the Office. On the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy itself, we had hoped for a more honest appraisal of the functioning of the counter-terrorism architecture of the United Nations, including the work on that universal challenge in the Security Council. We had also hoped that member States could agree on focusing on the need to collectively discern the emerging threats and challenges posed by terrorist networks in terms of their use of modern technologies, recruitment strategies and striking targets across countries. The message is clear. We remain far from being able to develop a common understanding and resolve to tackle that global threat with the seriousness and unity of purpose that it requires. We can allow that only at our own peril. The threat from terrorist networks is real and growing. A far more determined and non-partisan approach will be necessary for that multilateral process to be meaningful.

I thank the President for having convened this General Assembly meeting on the biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We also sincerely thank Ambassador Sauer of Finland and Ambassador Bahous of Jordan and their teams for co-facilitating this difficult but important negotiation. The Strategy was adopted by consensus 12 years ago and was a major step forward in international peace and security. We came together to coordinate a unified global framework to address the evolving threat of terrorism. Looking back, we have strengthened our efforts after each and every review, whether it is through the endorsement of the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism or by grounding our counter-terrorism and counter-violent-extremism work in human rights and fundamental freedoms. The 2016 review of the Strategy was a high-water mark, and we are pleased to see that despite the determined efforts of a small group of Member States to walk back important progress, key elements from 2016 endured, especially on the prevention of violent extremism. Prevention is integral to a comprehensive approach to tackling the underlying causes of violent extremism. That is why we welcome the recommendations of the Secretary- General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. It is critical that Member States develop tailored national action plans that take a whole-of-society approach to fortify the social compact and address the local drivers of violent extremism. We may be defeating the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Al-Qaida on the battlefield, but terrorist organizations are still able to radicalize and recruit people to commit acts of violence around the world. The goal of our efforts is not simply to react to those attacks, but also to prevent violent extremism by working with communities to stop radicalization in the first place. That requires Governments to partner with local actors, especially civil society, and go well beyond law enforcement. Grass-roots organizations understand the challenges and nuances on the ground and often have more access to local communities. Family members, teachers, community organizers and religious authorities all can serve as early-warning mechanisms, as they are often in a position to spot initial signs of violent extremism before Government officials can. To win that fight, we must work with all of civil society, including non-governmental organizations, think tanks, educators and religious and cultural leaders to build resilience in our societies. We call upon the United Nations and all Member States to strengthen their counter-terrorism and prevention of violent extremism work by increasing their engagement with local communities, especially women and youth, who are too often on the sidelines. We wish that resolution 72/284 could have better reflected the important role that civil society plays in effective counter-terrorism strategies. Counter-terrorism efforts must not be abused for other political ends. We condemn the misuse of counter-terrorism laws by some Member States to criminalize ideas and punish so-called extremists who have not resorted to any form of violence. We must stay focused on real threats to international peace and security. Counter-terrorism should not be an excuse to undermine respect for human rights. We also reiterate that successful counter-terrorism and prevention-of-violent-extremism efforts must respect human rights and be rooted in the rule of law. We regret that some Member States have demanded that donors step up to increase counter-terrorism capacity-building while using State sovereignty to shield themselves from accountability. When it comes to donor funding, the United States will not subsidize political crackdowns in the name of counter-terrorism. Again, the United States will focus on supporting counter-terrorism measures that we know yield results. We are pleased that this year’s resolution strengthens the global call to counter the flow of foreign terrorist fighters addressed in the Security Council’s unanimously adopted resolution 2396 (2017). We must strengthen border security and law-enforcement efforts against foreign terrorist fighters through the increased collection, analysis and sharing of traveller data such as advanced passenger information, passenger name record and biometrics. We must develop and implement gender- and age-sensitive prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration strategies. For the first time in the General Assembly, we condemned the use of civilians to shield military objectives from attack. Terrorists, with their disregard for the welfare of civilians, are among the worst abusers, as we have seen with Hamas, among many examples. We applaud our consensus on this important issue: that civilians, including children, should not be used to shield terrorists. Finally, despite those achievements this year, we remain deeply concerned about the references to a so- called principle to extradite or prosecute, which is a misstatement of international law. While extradition and prosecution are vital elements of law enforcement’s response to terrorism, the obligation to extradite or prosecute arises under specific multilateral treaties. It is not a free-standing principle of law. Attempting to advance incorrect and ambiguous legal provisions harms the legal cooperation it purports to advance. We also reject the generic call in paragraph 79 on Member States to ensure that counter-terrorism legislation does not impede humanitarian aid, even if terrorists benefit from such activities. Member States are obligated to prohibit their nationals, or those within their territories, from providing assets to terror organizations or individual terrorists for any purpose. The 2018 Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is stronger than the last one, and that is why we joined consensus today on all but one paragraph, despite our concerns. We are committed to working harder to protect our future generations from terrorism and violent extremism, and overall the resolution is a step in the right direction.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/72/840), as well as the President for having convened this sixth review. I would also like to commend the Permanent Representatives of Jordan and Finland, Ambassadors Sima Sami Bahous and Kai Sauer, and their respective teams of experts for facilitating the adoption of resolution 72/284. The Republic of Argentina has twice been a victim of international terrorism: the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires was attacked in 1992 and the headquarters of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association in 1994. For that reason, our country was one of the first to draw attention to the need for the establishment by the international community of clear definitions in order to establish the basis for a policy of cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism. Much progress has been made since the last Strategy review. Argentina welcomes the establishment of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations system to assist Member States in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We also welcome the appointment of Mr. Vladimir Voronkov as Under-Secretary-General in charge of that Office. In that regard, we wish to express the support of the Republic of Argentina for the Global Counter- Terrorism Coordination Compact, which represents an important step towards establishing a set of guidelines to improve coordination and cohesion within the United Nations system, together with INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization. We hope that through the consistent application of those guidelines, Member States will be able to benefit directly from the specific knowledge and skills that the international community has accumulated over decades in the fight against the scourge of terrorism. Since the last review of the Strategy, in 2016, Argentina has sought to implement the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy in a balanced manner. Within the framework of Pillar I of the Global Strategy, the Argentine Republic has strengthened its legislation on rights and guarantees aimed at protecting the victims of all crimes, including terrorism, in order to ensure that they receive advice, assistance, legal representation, protection and access to justice. Within the framework of Pillar II of the Global Strategy, Argentina has strengthened its national capacities to prevent and combat terrorism. To that end, more than 100 million migratory movements at our land and river borders, seaports and international airports are checked annually against INTERPOL’s database through coordinated efforts by federal authorities and agencies to prevent the cross-border movement of terrorists, weapons and explosives. Under the leadership of Argentina’s Ministry of Justice, we have begun a review process of Argentine penal law with the aim of ensuring that national punitive regulations are in line with our international commitments. The preliminary draft reform of the penal code, which is expected to be discussed soon in our National Congress, includes improved wording on the criminal definition of the crime of terrorism and its financing, and includes a new criminal definition of the crime of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In the same vein, our country is carrying out its first national risk assessment on terrorism financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, within the framework of the Financial Action Task Force recommendations. This is a national effort that includes private-sector actors with direct and indirect competence in the prevention of and fight against financial crime. It should also be noted that the Ministry of Justice of Argentina is making progress on training plans for judges, prosecutors and public-administration officials in the area of property investigations in the context of money laundering, terrorism financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. With regard to Pillar III, the visit by the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate authorities to Argentina last year was extremely positive, and we hope to see reflected in its report on the visit the progress made by Argentina in the implementation of relevant resolutions on the subject. With respect to the framework of Pillar IV, Argentina reiterates its unequivocal position of unconditional respect for international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law in the fight against the scourge of terrorism, a view it has expressed in all international forums and bilateral meetings with Member States. I wish to express my country’s firm commitment to resolution 72/284, which we have just adopted, given that it reflects both the values and principles of the United Nations, which underpin Argentina’s position in the fight against terrorism. It also includes the new United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, which have been established since the most recent review was carried out, in June 2016, a review that my delegation had the honour to co-facilitate with the Permanent Mission of Iceland. In conclusion, I would like to stress that we welcome the spirit of the resolution and the efforts that it seeks to spur in Member States, in particular by strengthening action within the framework of multilateral bodies, especially on the part of the United Nations, the Secretary-General, the Office of Counter-Terrorism, the Security Council and the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate, as well as specialized organizations and regional and subregional organizations. Argentina believes that those are the areas that are most appropriate for coordinating the cooperation among States that is necessary for the prevention and eradication of terrorism.

Bangladesh aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation this morning. We join others in congratulating the Ambassadors of Finland and Jordan, and their respective delegations, for their diligent work in guiding the adoption by consensus of resolution 72/284, on the sixth review of the implementation of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. Bangladesh believes that the comprehensive and balanced implementation of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy through context-specific responses at the national and regional levels can make a real difference in defeating this global scourge and its growing nexus with organized crime. We feel encouraged by the unity of purpose demonstrated once again by Member States in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We draw assurance from the renewed commitment not to associate terrorism with any particular nationality, ethnic group or religion. We take note of Member States’ sensitization to the emerging threats posed by terrorist groups, often taking advantage of new technologies. The resolution adopted today has made some progress on addressing the issue of foreign terrorist fighters, emphasizing the need to enhance international cooperation for border and aviation security. Our delegation would have welcomed further substantive progress on issues concerning terrorist activities in cyberspace, the gender dimension of terrorism and combating the financing of terrorism. We have been particularly concerned over the difference of views we witnessed this time on the issue of preventing violent extremism. Our delegation strongly feels that there should not be any scope for reinterpreting the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, of which we had collectively taken note of during the fifth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The Plan of Action underscores the primacy of national strategies developed and implemented through a whole-of-society approach, and that should remain the guiding principle going forward. We would consider it counter-productive to question or redefine the notion of violent extremism itself when a number of Member States, including ours, have acknowledged the threats it poses as conducive to terrorism. The Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism can be deemed to be a useful instrument to further facilitate the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, in particular in addressing the underlying drivers and factors of terrorism at the community level. The sixth review exercise has made it evident that despite the shared commitment of Member States to combat terrorism, there are still wide divergences about effective ways and means of doing so in a concerted manner. The issues at stake are more or less familiar to all delegations and perhaps cannot be addressed through biannual review exercises alone. Our delegation would encourage a group of interested Member States, together with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, to facilitate a series of informal conversations in the interim to help advance informed and frank deliberations on some of those critical issues in an inclusive manner. The forthcoming United Nations Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States could be a good starting point for initiating such a dialogue. The issue of upholding the relevant provisions of international humanitarian and human rights law in combating terrorism need not be overemphasized. We in Bangladesh are struggling with the Rohingya humanitarian crisis, which has been the egregious and disproportionate fallout from a so-called counter- terrorism drive that amounted to nothing short of ethnic cleansing by the Myanmar authorities. It is critical that double standards in combating terrorism be discarded so that no Member State can forgo its primary responsibility to protect the civilian population on its territory in the name of counter-terrorism operations. We urge Myanmar and Member States with influence on it not to use the counter-terrorism issue as a pretext to refuse or hinder the return and rehabilitation of the Rohingya who are languishing along the border between our two countries, as well as the nearly 1 million of them now camped in Bangladesh. For our part, Bangladesh remains committed to denying sanctuary to any terrorist elements from our neighbouring countries, in adherence to our Government’s vision for regional security. Today we woke up to yet another piece of sad news, about the death of one of our military observers deployed in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, in Juba, reportedly as a result of an ambush by a militia group. We would stress the paramount importance of strategic communication with all parties to conflict about the non-combative engagement of United Nations peacekeeping operations in counter-terrorism efforts, so that our peacekeepers are not targeted indiscriminately in attacks by militia and terrorist groups. We would conclude by once again putting on record our appreciation for the sound working relations our delegation has developed with the newly formed Office of Counter-Terrorism. We also recognize the critical technical assistance and capacity-building support that we continue to receive from the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Centre and other United Nations entities, primarily in areas aligned with our national priorities. Bangladesh will continue to encourage and support all constructive initiatives aimed at enhancing coherence and coordination across the counter-terrorism efforts of the United Nations.

I would like at the outset to thank Ambassador Bahous of Jordan and Ambassador Sauer of Finland, as well as their teams, for their hard work during the sixth review process of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. My delegation thanks the representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the representative of Venezuela for their statements on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, respectively. The adoption by the General Assembly of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2006 constituted a major stride in our counter-terrorism efforts. After many years, the Strategy has become a reference point for cooperation and coordination among the United Nations and its Member States in countering terrorism. It should be comprehensively and consistently implemented, ensuring a balance among its four pillars. The sixth review, held 12 years after the adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, is the first review to be conducted following the establishment of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 71/291, adopted by consensus. My delegation joined the consensus at that time because we believed in the new role of the Office, which represents an important step in our collective efforts to successfully implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and enhance the role of the United Nations in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. In spite of the military advances made by various Iraqi national forces against the terrorist organization Da’esh and the liberation of all Iraqi territories last year — those occupied by Da’esh since 2014 — that organization continues to commit the most horrendous acts of violence and murder throughout the world in the name of Islam, although Islam has nothing to do with it. It poses a threat to international peace and security, as stated in the report of the Secretary-General (A/72/840), which contains important information on the implementation of the Strategy, the contributions made by Member States to such implementation and the need to address existing threats. The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate has evaluated the priority issues facing my country, Iraq, at the legal, institutional and operational levels in the fight against terrorism and has compiled a list of the 16 issues of the highest priority to the Iraqi Government. In this regard, we express our deep gratitude to Mr. Voronkov, Under- Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and Ms. Michèle Coninsx, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, for their joint visit to Iraq early last March. That visit gave rise to several important projects aimed at addressing four priority issues as a first step, in particular in the areas of capacity-building to counter the financing of terrorism; providing young people with employment opportunities and upgrading their skills and capacities to counter violent extremism; improving national capacities to prevent and address biological and chemical attacks in Iraq; and preventing violent extremism through strategic communications. Once again, we stress the importance of enhancing international cooperation. We urge Member States to uphold their commitments pursuant to the relevant Security Council resolutions on countering terrorism, particularly resolutions 2170 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2199 (2015) and 2253 (2015), with regard to preventing the financing of Da’esh terrorist groups and cross-border trafficking in oil, arms and Iraqi and Syrian monuments by these groups. My delegation joined the consensus on resolution 72/284, pertaining to the sixth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, with a view to standing together in combating terrorism pursuant to its important provisions, particularly those related to taking measures against foreign terrorist fighters, preventing access to illegal arms and the financing of terrorism, addressing terrorist discourse, enhancing the role of young people, women and civil society, focusing on capacity-building, and the provision of assistance to Member States upon their request by the United Nations system, especially the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. In conclusion, my country’s delegation welcomes the United Nations High-level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States, to be held on 28 and 29 June. We consider the conference and its side events to be an important opportunity and a prelude to further developments with respect to the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We should work from now with the aim of reaching an agreement during the consideration of a draft resolution on the seventh review of the Strategy in 2020.

Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the President for convening today’s important plenary meeting on the review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. My appreciation also goes to Finland and Jordan for their tremendous efforts in facilitating the review discussion. The threat of terrorism has been evolving and spreading globally. The adoption by consensus today of resolution 72/284, on the sixth review of the Strategy, reaffirms the commitment of all Member States to combating terrorism and preventing violent extremism conducive to terrorism. We discussed through the review the threat of foreign terrorist fighters, including returning and relocating fighters. To detect such fighters and uncover their networks, it is vitally important to take collective measures to use advance passenger information, passenger name record and biometric data, as well as to connect INTERPOL databases to law- enforcement, border security and customs agencies. Complementing Security Council resolution 2396 (2017), resolution 72/284 reaffirms the importance of advance passenger information, passenger name record and biometric data and INTERPOL databases connected to border checkpoints. We believe that this is one of the most significant added-value elements of the resolution, and we must therefore redouble our efforts to implement it. Japan underscored the importance of these measures through the review discussion and provides technical assistance and capacity-building to Member States that need it. Let me also stress the importance of the role of civil society, community leaders, women and youth in tackling terrorism and preventing violent extremism. For example, the role of women includes shaping communities and family values, identifying the first signs of radicalization and intervening at an early stage, and using various forms of media to promote counter- narratives. I should like to introduce one of the successful projects that Japan has contributed to women’s empowerment through UN-Women. This project was aimed identifying former hostages of Boko Haram and empowering those women by providing training in small-business management skills and economic kits that enable the women to start small businesses. In fact, our projects have provided several examples of how protecting and empowering women contributes to counter-terrorism and preventing violent extremism. In that regard, we should have wanted to see stronger language in resolution 72/284 to recognize the role of these actors. The adoption of the sixth review resolution today by consensus was a landmark event for renewing our commitment to counter-terrorism. But this is not the end. Now we must implement what we have adopted, and I urge all member States to take concrete actions on the basis of the Strategy and resolution 72/284.

At the outset, allow me to thank Ambassador Bahous, Permanent Representative of Jordan, and Ambassador Sauer, Permanent Representative of Finland, for their efforts to facilitate the sixth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Egypt, along with other like-minded countries, proposed solutions and compromises in order to arrive at a consensus on the term “violent extremism conducive to terrorism”. This term remains ambiguous, and there is confusion between the terms “terrorism” and “violent extremism conducive to terrorism”, given that there is no international definition of the latter. Regarding terrorism, there is an international consensus on the meaning of the crime of terrorism, although there is no United Nations definition of terrorism, for known political reasons. Egypt and other like-minded countries have made suggestions on this topic and underscored the non-existence of a link between violent extremism conducive to terrorism and any religion, nationality, region, culture or social and economic level, especially given that some members have a tendency to characterize criminal acts as terrorism when their perpetrators are groups such as Da’esh or Al-Qaida, which claim to represent Islam, but to characterize those same criminal acts as violent extremism when perpetrated by other religious groups or by groups with ties to the extreme right. Hence, the same criminal acts are characterized differently, and terrorism and Islam are incorrectly linked. Egypt and like-minded countries have a sincere desire to reach a real consensus rather than an informal one on the term “violent extremism conducive to terrorism”. This consensus would help the General Assembly to understand the term violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Had we arrived at a consensus, we would have benefited the common interest and the United Nations, especially that avoiding extremism conducive to terrorism and avoiding terrorism are top priorities for us because we are a country that faces terrorism on the ground every day. However, some States insist on this non-constructive ambiguity regarding the term “violent extremism conducive to terrorism”. Given that we wished to not break the consensus on resolution 72/284, on the sixth review of the United National Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, we agreed to retain the same paragraphs contained in the fifth review resolution (resolution 71/291) regarding violent extremism conducive to terrorism, without adding any new paragraphs in this regard. Nevertheless, new positive and important paragraphs were added to the resolution regarding foreign terrorist fighters and the need to counter the terrorist discourse, implement Security Council resolution 2354 (2017) and the international comprehensive framework to combat terrorist discourse, deny terrorists a safe haven on the Internet, extradite criminals with ties to terrorism, and prevent the financing of terrorism. We have also preserved several other important paragraphs that others had sought to delete or amend in way that would have rendered them meaningless, including paragraphs on the established principle of extradition and prosecution; the need to put an end to foreign occupation; building the capacities of States and providing them with technical assistance in preventing and combating terrorism; the need to quickly arrive at a comprehensive convention to combat terrorism; and the role of the international community in combating terrorism. In that regard, I note the role of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and the Egyptian House of Fatwa in addressing ideologies and terrorist discourse and extremism at the national, regional and international levels. We have concluded the sixth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In order to make resolution 72/284 as effective as possible, like other General Assembly and Security Council resolutions related to combating terrorism, we must all be committed to it while respecting its provisions and fully and effectively implementing it; otherwise our efforts will have been in vain. It is even more important to fully implement what we agree upon. In conclusion, I would like to highlight two points. First, we stress the importance of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and other United Nations entities in terms of the assistance they provide to Member States to combat and eradicate terrorism. I would also like to reaffirm the principle of respecting State sovereignty and the importance of national ownership. It is also important to provide States, upon their request, with projects that have a tangible impact at the national level. Secondly, it is inconceivable, as we adopt resolutions to counter terrorism, that some countries publicly violating those resolutions by providing funding, safe haven and weapons to terrorists. They know beforehand that they will not be held accountable. If we are to be serious, we must hold all those who support terrorism accountable without exception, particularly any parties that provide support to terrorists. In conclusion, I underscore that Egypt will always be at the forefront of the fight against terrorism. I reaffirm our serious commitment to continue cooperation and coordination with the United Nations and all friendly countries in combating this dangerous phenomenon, which threatens the present and the future of our nations.