A/77/PV.82 General Assembly

I wish to thank the Permanent Representative of Canada, Ambassador Bob Rae as well as his colleagues and advisers Mr. Yassine Salah and Mr. Hussein Hirji for all their efforts during this negotiating process, whose complexity has once again been made clear. We wish also to thank them for having been able to conclude those negotiations with the adoption by consensus of the eighth review (resolution 77/298), which we welcome, and for the transparent and inclusive manner in which they conducted the entire process. Spain once again would like to express its absolute condemnation of terrorism and reiterates its commitment to international cooperation as an indispensable instrument to put an end to that scourge. That is why we particularly appreciate the important role of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, because it represents the commitment of all Member States to fight terrorism and gives us a shared reference framework that is regularly reviewed, thereby renewing our commitment and adapting to new circumstances. Two years ago, we indicated that the seventh review, adopted at that time, retained a very important qualitative aspect that had been maintained throughout all the reviews: consensus, a consensus that first and foremost is a reflection of the value assigned by Member States to the review process itself, which sends out the clear political message that we are all united against terrorism. Today we welcome the fact that once again, despite the difficulties we have faced, we have been able to reach agreement on a text that is the result of the cumulative work done by all delegations during this particular review and all the previous ones. That is why it is crucial that we spare no effort to maintain and strengthen that consensus. We welcome also the way in which the process has been conducted, with the active participation of a growing number of delegations, as well as the contributions made to discussions by important stakeholders in this issue, including various United Nations bodies and civil-society organizations, and we hope that this practice will be maintained in successive reviews. The review that has been adopted includes a number of new items that we would like to stress. First, we welcome the inclusion of a reference to the High-Level International Conference on Human Rights, Civil Society and Counter-Terrorism, held in Málaga in May 2022, organized by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in partnership with Spain. The conference, the first of its kind held on these issues in the framework of the United Nations, is an example of cooperation among Member States, the United Nations and civil-society organizations in this field. That cooperation was extended to the outcome document of the conference, which is in our view relevant not only because of the important elements that it contains on the critical importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law in the fight against terrorism but also because of the way in which the document was prepared, with the active participation of civil-society organizations. We hope that the inclusive nature of that conference will serve as a framework for reference in the area of cooperation among various stakeholders in future. Secondly, we also welcome the inclusion in the new text of the Strategy of a reference to the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in New York last September. As is well known, the issue of victims of terrorism is a priority for Spain, and we continue to work in this area to provide greater support to victims and to preserve their memory. As part of the activities undertaken by my country in this area since the previous review, we would like to highlight the inauguration in June 2021 of a museum to commemorate victims of terrorism in Vitoria, Spain. In that context, the holding of the first Global Congress represents an important step towards recognizing and honouring the memory of victims of terrorism, and we hope that its second iteration, set to take place in Spain in 2024, will promote efforts to that end. Thirdly and finally, we wish to refer to the issue of the development of the United Nations institutional architecture in the area of counter-terrorism. In recent years important progress in that regard has been made, including the creation of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, whose institutional development, in our view, is an important and positive development in terms of greater multilateral participation in the fight against terrorism. The inauguration of its Madrid Programme Office last week is an important indication of Spain’s commitment thereto and to the Office’s institutional development. In that context, taking account of the important process of institutional strengthening that has been occurring in that area over the past few months, we welcome the inclusion in operative paragraph 93 of new references that we believe will help us to support and make progress on that strengthening process. We hope also that in that process of institutional consolidation, the key role that the rule of law and respect for human rights should play in the fight against terrorism will be maintained and strengthened — an issue that was widely touched on throughout the discussions. Finally, we wish to focus on the implementation of this new review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy, recalling at all times that above all it is an important body of work representing the joint efforts of all Member States over the course of more than 15 years, as evidence of our shared commitment to the common goal of fighting the scourge of terrorism, respecting at all times the values and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Argentina condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believes that terrorist acts and violent extremism leading to terrorism constitute not only a threat to international peace and security but also a threat to human dignity, peaceful and civilized coexistence, stability and the building of democracy, as well as the economic and social development of our countries. Terrorism should be fought with the tools provided by the rule of law and respect for human rights, which requires an organic and ongoing international cooperation that is juridically legitimate and based on absolute respect for international law and the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Likewise, we view as a priority the need to address the fight against terrorism in the relevant multilateral forums, with the United Nations, at the global level, being the most suitable. My country has suffered two terrorist attacks on its territory, with a significant loss of human life: the attack on the Israeli embassy in 1992 and the attack on the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) in 1994 — the bloodiest ever carried out in the Southern Cone by globalized terrorism. Since the most recent review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Argentina has seen numerous positive advances. The Republic of Argentina has implemented the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in a balanced manner. Under pillar I of the Global Strategy, Argentina’s counter-terrorism legislation meets international standards, not only in terms of punitive measures but also with regard to rights and guarantees for victims, offering them counselling, legal representation, protection and access to justice. Under pillar II, Argentina continues to strengthen its preventive capacities in the fight against terrorism. One of the key elements in the area of prevention relates to the risk of terrorist elements entering our country. That is why we are carrying out, by means of coordination with the security services, a monitoring process that compares our data with that contained in international databases with a view to preventing the introduction and spread of terrorism in the country. As has been previously pointed out, the coronavirus disease pandemic has changed the environment in which the phenomenon of terrorism can develop. In that regard, we have seen at a global level the proliferation of extremist, radical and hate speech. Our country, focusing as it does on the importance of the role of the media as leaders in fostering a dialogue among various actors that promotes tolerance and a pluralism of ideas, promotes public policies that take account of that context in order to reduce the impact of any factor that could facilitate extremist speech in public media. In that regard, my country has developed an over­ sight system that includes reports and the issuing of recommendations to the media, institutions and the pop­ ulation in general with a view to countering hate speech. With regard to pillar III, we wish to highlight the creation of a public register of persons and entities linked to acts of terrorism and its financing, which has been operational since 2019 and contains a list of persons involved in acts of terrorism or terrorist organizations. In that regard, we wish to recall also that periodically, at the request of our country, Red Notices are issued by INTERPOL for the international arrest of those individuals involved in the attack against the Argentine Israeli Mutual Association in 1994. Under pillar IV, Argentina would stress its work in the area of the promotion of, respect for and observance of human rights. In that regard, in order to provide assistance to victims of terrorism, Argentina is implementing a reparations programme with economic benefits and comprehensive assistance to the victims of the AMIA attack as part of a comprehensive counter- terrorism policy. The position of Argentina is clear. We condemn terrorism and its funding in all its forms, regardless of motivation or justification, without linking terrorist violence to particular religions or ethnic communities, in the context of promoting and defending multicultural and interreligious coexistence. In conclusion, I would like to commend the co-facilitators for their leadership through the entire process of negotiating the eighth revision of the Global Strategy and express Argentina’s unswerving commitment to the implementation of the Strategy that we have just adopted by consensus (resolution 77/298).

At the outset, I would like to join previous speakers in thanking the Permanent Representatives of Canada and Tunisia for their efforts in facilitating and guiding the negotiations on the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We are also grateful to the President of the General Assembly for his leadership of the process. Our delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (see A/77/ PV.80), on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. I would now like to make some remarks in our national capacity. Azerbaijan knows about the scourge of terrorism from first-hand experience. My country has repeatedly been the target of externally directed terrorist attacks that have claimed the lives of thousands of our citizens. For more than 30 years, the formerly occupied territories of Azerbaijan have been a zone of presence and activities of infiltrated terrorist, mercenary and other armed groups, the accumulation and proliferation of uncontrolled armaments and military equipment, and the illicit exploitation of and trade in natural resources and other illegal activities. Despite the tangible results achieved in developing international law, promoting cooperation and coordination and enhancing the capacities of States, terrorism remains a potential and even immediate threat in many regions and countries. Terrorism has become more geographically, ideologically and tactically diverse and has evolved further under the impact of information and communication technologies. Furthermore, in some parts of the world, including our region, terrorism has been used as a method of warfare to advance territorial claims and support separatism and wars of aggression against sovereign States. The threat from terrorism grounded in xenophobia, racism, ethno-nationalism and intolerance has also increased. In his report on the topic (A/77/266), the Secretary-General recognizes the need for further research and international cooperation in that area and for more efforts to better understand the transnational linkages of that threat. Terrorism continues to benefit from organized crime, both domestic and transnational, and the abuse of non-governmental, non-profit and charitable organizations. Among such instances are radical ethnic diaspora communities engaged in facilitating the recruitment and transfer of foreign terrorist fighters and mercenaries and in raising funds and collecting other material means to finance terrorist and related criminal conduct. As the Secretary-General emphasizes in his report on the activities of the United Nations system in implementing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/77/718), there is a need for continued commitment and concerted action to prevent and disrupt illicit financial flows intended for terrorist purposes. We also note the relevant provisions contained in resolution 77/298 relating to countering the financing of terrorism and its nexus with organized crime. Effective border security is the first line of defence against terrorist activities and illegal cross- border trafficking, movement and organized crime, requiring all States to maintain secure air, land and maritime borders and ensure effective border controls and controls on the issuance of identity papers and travel documents. Furthermore, in the period since the seventh review, terrorist acts against diplomatic and consular missions and representatives have continued. In most instances, the measures taken by receiving States to prevent violence and ensure the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and their staff have been either insufficient or futile. Strict compliance by all States with their international counter-terrorism obligations is critical to ensuring, inter alia, that their respective territories are not used for terrorist, separatist or other related activities, in particular for the financing of and for providing, directly or indirectly, any other support to such activities under whatever pretext or guise. Bringing the perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice must remain a priority. As the Secretary-General emphasized in his report contained in document A/77/718, accountability is critical to upholding the rights of victims and their families, restoring trust among affected communities and, ultimately, contributing to addressing conditions conducive to terrorism. It is also important not to grant amnesty or any other form of early release to the perpetrators of terrorist acts. Equally, instances of the shielding and glorification of terrorists cannot be tolerated. Azerbaijan strongly supports the relevant provisions of the resolution on accountability, including in particular those rejecting attempts at the justification or glorification of terrorist acts and calling for measures aimed at prohibiting incitement to commit terrorist acts and denying safe haven to the perpetrators of such acts. Furthermore, continued solidarity with and support for victims and survivors of terrorism and affected States must remain a humanitarian and human rights imperative. Last but not least, as many delegations have noted, the war on terrorism cannot and must not be used to target any religion or culture. That principle must be part and parcel of any counter-terrorism strategy. Comprehensive, principled, inclusive and forward- looking approaches through an effective multilateral response under all four pillars of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy must underpin all counter- terrorism efforts.

On behalf of the Republic of Paraguay, I have the honour to address the General Assembly to welcome the adoption of the eighth biennial review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Nations (resolution 77/298). We thank all delegations for their efforts and flexibility in preparing this review of the Strategy, and we acknowledge the importance of adopting a common strategic approach in order to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In that regard, we wish to stress the commitment of the Republic of Paraguay to fight terrorism and our firm resolve to prevent all its manifestations. In that context, we take note of the mention in the Strategy of the use of new technologies and hate speech on social media platforms as tools to promote and facilitate terrorist acts. We firmly believe that the international community must work and cooperate closely in order to prevent and counter such online phenomena. In order to do so, it is vital to strengthen the capacities of States to address those challenges and promote accountability and security in the use of information and communications technology. The biennial review of the Strategy provides us with an important opportunity to renew our international commitment within the framework of multilateral efforts to combat terrorism. It gives us an opportunity to evaluate the progress made in the implementation of the Strategy over the past two years and to identify areas that require greater attention in future. We take note of and express our thanks for the Secretary-General’s report (A/77/718), which highlights the activities of the United Nations system in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and offers suggestions for its future implementation. The report gives us a solid basis for our discussions and will guide us in our ongoing efforts to fight and prevent terrorism globally. Paraguay reaffirms its commitment to working in close cooperation with the international community in order to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In doing so, international cooperation in all its modalities is key. We firmly believe in the dissemination of good practices and the exchange of experiences as key elements to ensure the effectiveness of our national policies. Finally, we would highlight the valuable work carried out by the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism and reiterate that our Organization must be at the heart of international counter-terrorism efforts, in strict compliance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

As the representative of the Kingdom of Morocco, I cannot but begin my statement by welcoming the adoption by consensus of the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 77/298). I would also like to congratulate and thank the co-facilitators of the eighth review, the Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Tunisia and Canada, as well as their respective experts for their efforts, commitment and perseverance in leading the negotiations on the review. I wish also to express my support for the statement made yesterday by His Excellency the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/77/ PV.80). I would also like to commend the efforts of all delegations and stakeholders in the negotiations, who sought to reach through compromise a consensus that can sometimes be difficult to achieve. I also express the gratitude and appreciation of my country to the Secretary-General for his report (A/77/718) on the progress made in the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, issued last February. Morocco participated in the eighth review process through an approach aimed at building on the cumulative results of the past seven reviews to arrive at a strong, consensus-based outcome that reflects our collective resolve to fight terrorism and violent extremism. The Kingdom contributed to those efforts by submitting constructive proposals to improve the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. Those proposals took into account the evolving nature of terrorism as a transnational threat that transcends borders and fuels sinister links with organized crime and separatist actors that exploit new and emerging technologies. The prevention of and fight against terrorism and violent extremism have always been a priority for the Kingdom of Morocco, and promoting peace, stability and security has always been a key principle of its foreign policy. That approach is aligned with the instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and makes multilateralism and international cooperation the key pillar of efforts to combat that global scourge. The partnership between Morocco and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) is a powerful illustration of that commitment. That fruitful partnership has led to the establishment of the first UNOCT Programme Office for Counter-Terrorism and Training in Africa, with significant and multifaceted support from the Kingdom of Morocco. That partnership also led to the launching of the Marrakesh Platform, the first platform of African Heads of counter-terrorism and security agencies in Africa. The Kingdom of Morocco’s commitment is also reflected in its co-chairing of the Africa Focus Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, which aims to prioritize coordinated and inclusive multilateral efforts to combat the harmful impact of terrorism in Africa, thanks to a civilian-led approach. As co-Chair of the Global Counterterrorism Forum for three consecutive terms, from 2015 to 2023, Morocco has contributed successfully to guiding the efforts of the Forum as a vital platform for international cooperation against terrorism, working with dedication and determination to defend the multilateral values of solidarity and international cooperation. In addition, Morocco is committed to these collective efforts as Chair of the Group of Friends against Terrorism, and as a member of the Advisory Board of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre. These positions are a clear demonstration of Morocco’s role as an active and responsible member of the international community in its fight against terrorism and radicalization. It is also a strong response to the call of the United States for its States Members to cooperate fully with the relevant United Nations bodies to counter the scourge of terrorism, in line with the four pillars of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The current situation involving the terrorist threat remains critical across the globe. It is even more alarming in Africa, where terrorist activity has made the Sahel region its new epicentre. The growing trend of terrorist activity in West Africa poses a serious threat not only to the continent, but also to the security of the rest of the world in the years to come. Terrorist groups continue to attack vulnerable targets, recruit and finance their acts online, and exploit such new technologies as drones and virtual assets. In the light of critical changes in the methods and tactics of terrorist groups, we are faced with an evolving threat that requires that global responses also evolve to take into account the new developments in this scourge. While we welcome the adoption by consensus of the resolution on the eighth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 77/298), with new elements that reinforce previous provisions, we also regret that some of our proposals relating to terrorists’ access to new technologies, notably drones, and to a remarkable rise in hate speech, within religious or racial frameworks in particular, were not taken up in this resolution. After these eight biennial reviews, it is vital that we not lose momentum, that we envisage the fight against terrorism, whatever the geographical area, the perpetrators, instigators or victims, and whatever the motivations, with a unifying spirit that focuses on the elements that unite, rather than those that divide. In this spirit of unity and collegiality, which remains a vital and unavoidable condition for the multilateralism embodied by the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy to triumph, it is necessary that religions be cleared of any supposed intrinsic link with terrorism and that stigmatization, hate speech and hateful aggression against people of different faiths be countered. In implementing the Strategy, it is important to promote international humanitarian law and human rights, and ensure that they are respected and observed , through national capacity-building. It is also important that all stakeholders  — United Nations entities, academia, civil society, the private sector, religious leaders, young people and women  — are listened to and involved in the counter-terrorism strategies and policies pursued by Member States, taking into account realities and socioeconomic and cultural contexts in all their diversity. Finally, allow me to reiterate that Morocco, in its firm and strong commitment to fighting the evil of terrorism, both internationally and in Africa, which has been hit by increased terrorist activity fuelled by a profusion of armed groups, remains devoted to multilateralism, regional and international cooperation, and the spirit of responsibility and consensus that should guide us all and drive our action in favour of a better, safer world.

Let me start by expressing my gratitude to the President of the General Assembly for convening today’s plenary meeting on the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS). We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Ambassadors Robert Keith Rae and Tarek Ladeb for their strong leadership and to the Permanent Missions of Canada and Tunisia for their dedication throughout the process that led to the adoption by consensus of the resolution on the eighth review of the GCTS (resolution 77/298) (see A/77/PV.80). My delegation has been constructively engaged in the whole negotiation process. We note that there have been differing views expressed during the negotiations, and not all of them were reflected in the resolution adopted. Still, we welcome the adoption of this resolution by consensus because we believe the spirit of consensus on the resolution enables us to express our united will on and commitment to global counter- terrorism efforts. Japan welcomes the inclusion of language referring to Security Council resolution 2664 (2022), which was adopted in December last year. We emphasize that that is a landmark resolution, as it stands at the intersection between humanitarian activities and Security Council sanction measures. We also reiterate that the Security Council’s sanctions are an important tool under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security. Japan also welcomes the language in the resolution on ensuring appropriate follow-up efforts on the Kyoto Declaration towards the Fifteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, to be held in 2026. This is critical to ensuring that we, the States Members of the United Nations, continuously update our policies in the light of evolving global challenges in the realm of crime prevention and counter-terrorism. We reiterate the importance of human rights, gender and upholding the rule of law. They constitute pillar IV of the GCTS and are integral to its effective and comprehensive implementation. In this context, we look forward to further discussing how we can improve transparency and effectiveness with regard to the integration of cross-cutting elements of the Strategy by United Nations entities. We would like to commend the co-facilitators for their inclusive approach throughout the negotiation process. Opportunities to listen to civil society voices, including women-led organizations, allowed us to consider a variety of perspectives, which we believe were crucial when discussing the review of the Strategy. Finally, we would like to reiterate that addressing root causes, such as poverty and inequality, is indispensable in the fight against terrorism. Japan believes that this requires a human security approach to protect and empower people through a cross-cutting, holistic and coordinated handling of the challenges, with the result that no one is left behind. We look forward to future discussions to this end.

Let me begin by paying my condolences to the victims and the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the heinous terror attack on a school in Uganda on 17 June 2023. This cowardly attack reminds us yet again that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of the motivations behind such acts, is pure evil. The perpetrators and supporters of such attacks should be brought to justice. It is unfortunate that some among us, motivated by their narrow political agendas, will look for a reason to justify such acts. Because of these States, the global resolve to fight terrorism gets diminished. Because of such States, the Mumbai terror attack happened, and because of such States, even 15 years after that attack, those who masterminded it continue to roam scot- free, with full State hospitality. Moreover, in order to deflect the attention of the international community from their nefarious agendas, such States attempt to portray themselves as victims of terrorism. It is doubly unfortunate when the international community continues to tolerate the behaviour of such States rather than holding them accountable for their actions. It is indeed painful to note that, instead of calling out their double standards, their demands are accommodated, at the expense of other States that have been making every sincere effort and contribution to strengthen the global fight against terrorism. India has been facing State-sponsored cross- border terrorism for more than three decades and understands the human, social and economic cost it brings to the people. In a positive trajectory, India is supporting — bilaterally and multilaterally — efforts to strengthen the capacities of Member States to face and fight this scourge. India sets counter-terrorism as one of the top priorities of the United Nations. In that spirit, India hosted a special meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee in Mumbai and New Delhi in October to highlight an exponentially growing threat that is bringing the terrorist battlefield to our homes. New technologies, the benefits of which are, no doubt, immense are fraught with the potential of being misused by terrorist actors. The universality and anonymity of some of these technologies have been exploited by terrorist groups to spread their propaganda, false narratives and hatred; recruiting new cadres; raising and moving funds; and planning terrorist activities. The Delhi Declaration, adopted by the Counter- Terrorism Committee, provided a road map to address the threat. It was therefore deeply disappointing to note that the co-facilitators of the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy not only disregarded the strong support and trust offered by my delegation for their efforts since the beginning, but also that they acted in a non-transparent, non-consultative and partial manner, making an exception to accommodate the concerns of one delegation, while completely ignoring the contributions and concerns of my delegation. We fail to understand the substantive grounds on which they arbitrarily dropped the reference to an unanimously adopted Security Council document, while keeping several similar such references in the document. The co-facilitators have chosen a path to put my delegation in a difficult situation, forcing us to accept an outcome that the wider membership does not deserve. They have left us with no option but to disassociate ourselves with this document altogether. We did not willingly choose this path; regretfully, it was forced upon us. That could certainly have been avoided had the co-facilitators worked in good faith and with an even hand with one and all. My delegation has highlighted that if the co-facilitators were to succumb to pressure, this document would fast lose its objectivity. Dropping the reference to the Delhi Declaration was just an instance. The false priorities propagated by this document, whether in the form of an overemphasis on new and emerging threats in an attempt to dilute the focus from hard-core terrorism or its biased approach towards recognizing attacks against Abrahamic religions only and ignoring others, are some of the other issues that are not acceptable to my delegation. As far as we are concerned, India will continue to champion the voice of inclusivity, objectivity, impartiality and transparency in the counter-terrorism discourse here at the United Nations. India will continue to fight terrorism. Our might to fight terrorism will only get stronger. Our actions at the United Nations will continue to be guided by the eight-point counter-terrorism action plan proposed in January 2021 by our Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Jaishankar, when speaking in a debate to commemorate 20 years of the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. I find it necessary to recall four of them to remind delegations of the perils of a fractured approach to terrorism. First, we need to summon the political will to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. There cannot be any justification of terrorism — no ifs and buts. Certainly, no act of terrorism can be glorified. Secondly, we need to fight double standards. A terrorist act is a terrorist act. Any justification being used should not be countenanced upon by anybody. The distinction of bad from good is made only to serve vested interests. We can allow that only at our own peril. Thirdly, we need to enhance objectivity and transparency in the working methods of Security Council sanction regimes in order to secure the successful listing of genuine and evidence-based objective listing proposals. In this day and age of accountability and transparency, can we have genuine listing proposals blocked without giving any reason for same? On the other hand, can we allow for the submission of proposals under the garb of anonymity? Those are some of the glaring gaps that we must meet if we are to make sanctions regimes fit for purpose. Fourthly, we need to discourage exclusivist thinking and be on guard against new terminologies and false priorities. The increasing disconcerting trend to get the fear of religion or one kind of religion inadvertently inserted in the terrorism discourse is a slippery slope that would best be avoided. I would like to conclude by recalling the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conveyed during the No Money For Terror Conference, in New Delhi in November, that: “we consider a single attack one too many, and a single life lost one too many. So, we will not rest until terrorism is uprooted.”

First, allow me to express my delegation’s sincere appreciation to the Permanent Representatives of Canada and Tunisia to the United Nations, in their capacity as co-facilitators of the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. El Salvador, as a founding member and signatory to the Charter of the United Nations, remains firmly committed and unconditionally supportive of all initiatives to promote international peace and security. My country therefore reiterates its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations — whatever its motivation and wherever, whenever and by whomever it is committed. As we have mentioned before, terrorism is an ever- changing scourge that increasingly requires States and relevant actors to promote greater preventive measures. My delegation welcomes the Delhi Declaration of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, on combating the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, in that it highlights the need for Member States to cooperate with each other to prevent terrorism. We believe that the promotion of capacity-building and technical-assistance programmes to Member States and the need to maintain the sustainability of resources that promote their implementation is crucial in order to facilitate the implementation of counter-terrorism measures in the context of these emerging threats. As my delegation has previously stated, we consider it essential to refer always within the framework of the Strategy to the deep concern that terrorists may benefit from transnational organized crime in some regions, including illicit trafficking in arms, persons and drugs. Within the framework of our national legislation and jurisprudence, terrorist organizations are defined as groups with a specific structure that creates interdependent links, a hierarchy, discipline and sufficient means to employ violent or inhumane methods that are deliberately intended to instil terror, insecurity and panic among members of the population. For that reason, El Salvador always promotes maximum efforts to combat terrorism and its link with transnational organized crime by devising responses to control unauthorized land border-crossings in order to prevent terrorist groups and transnational organized crime networks from entering and leaving the country for the purpose of criminal activity. My country has strengthened the implementation of the Strategy, particularly with regard to training personnel in the various areas of investigation of our national civil police and allocating resources to strengthen its operationalization. The main policy behind those efforts has been the territorial control plan implemented by the Government of El Salvador. The Salvadoran people have regained trust in the State’s security institutions to the extent that they feel that they can report terrorists who try to hide within their communities. Undeniably, the fight against terrorism in its various forms, including its link with transnational organized crime, cannot be fought without strengthening regional and international cooperation among States. Therefore, my country welcomes the text of the Strategy on the need to strengthen cooperation at the national, subregional, regional and international levels to step up responses to the challenge in order to contribute to the development of the law enforcement and border control capacities, as well as to support States’ efforts to investigate, prosecute, disrupt and dismantle criminal networks, in accordance with international law and, above all, respect for all provisions of every State’s domestic laws. In conclusion, my delegation reiterates its firm commitment to following up future reviews of the Strategy and takes this opportunity to welcome the work done by the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism and to reiterate our call for continuing the practice of providing greater guidance to capacity- building programmes that address the region-specific reality and situation of Central America.

Global terrorism, characterized by indiscriminate violence to instil fear and achieve political aims, is a significant threat to international peace, stability and development. Since its inception in 2006, the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy has been an important instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. By adopting and implementing the Strategy, all States Members of the United Nations agree to a common strategic and operational framework on the matter, sending a clear message that terrorism is universally unacceptable in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of where it is committed, by whom and for what purpose. In view of the adoption of the eighth review of the important Strategy (resolution 77/298), I wish to emphasize the following points. First, the evolution of the global political, social and technological landscapes has influenced the nature of terrorism, transforming its manifestations, modi operandi and impacts. The ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts have long been significant contributors to the emergence and growth of terrorism. The destabilization of regions, power vacuums, sectarian divisions, arms proliferation and ideological polarization collectively create favourable conditions for terrorist organizations to thrive. The most recent report of the Secretary-General on the Strategy’s implementation (A/77/718) provides valuable insights into the current trends, shedding light on the evolving nature of terrorism in those contexts. Moreover, the coronavirus disease pandemic has exacerbated existing conditions conducive to terrorism and presented new challenges. New technologies and online social platforms have become tools for terrorist groups to expand their reach and influence. In the light of that, it is crucial to emphasize the need to build capacity for counter-terrorism agencies and strengthen engagement with the Internet sector, including providers of Internet services and Internet-based communication platforms to address their responsibility in combating extremism and terrorism online. Secondly, counter-terrorism efforts require a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the traditional realms of security and law enforcement. We need to address the root causes of terrorism, with a focus on creating inclusive societies that offer opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background, addressing grievances, marginalization, inequality and discrimination. By providing equal access to education and employment and respect for diversity, we can foster an environment that is less conducive to extremism. Likewise, effective counter-terrorism strategies require collaboration among all stakeholders to enhance information sharing, cybersecurity and the protection of critical infrastructure. Thirdly, counter-terrorism requires international cooperation. Sharing intelligence, exchanging best practices and coordinating efforts among nations is critical to effectively addressing cross-border threats. Collaborative initiatives, such as joint counter- terrorism operations, capacity-building programmes and multilateral frameworks, enhance our collective ability to prevent and respond to terrorist activities. In that context, we express our gratitude to the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and other relevant United Nations bodies for their close collaboration with and assistance to Viet Nam with regard to our capacity- building programmes. Terrorism and extremism have become a global threat impacting countries worldwide, and Viet Nam is no exception. Ten days ago, a distressing incident occurred in Viet Nam’s Dak Lak province, where an armed group used military-grade firearms and improvised weapons to carry out a series of bloody terrorist attacks, resulting in the loss of nine innocent lives, including local officials. The perpetrators exhibited ruthlessness in their violence and an utter disregard for human life. They resorted to hijacking vehicles, targeting and killing civilians and taking hostages. The individuals and organizations responsible for those heinous acts, and those behind them, must be strongly condemned and duly punished. As clearly stated on many occasions, my delegation reiterates in the strongest terms Viet Nam’s condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes. We look forward to the support and close cooperation of Member States and relevant international organizations in the ongoing investigation and in preventing similar acts of terrorism in the future.

My delegation thanks the two co-facilitators, Ambassadors Ladeb and Rae, and their respective experts. Lebanon has a special relation with both their countries. With Tunisia, we share a common heritage, and Canada is home to a dynamic Lebanese diaspora. The consensual adoption of the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 77/298) is a clear indicator of the role that multilateralism plays in combating that scourge. Members know that my country is one of the countries that has been hardest hit by terrorist acts. The annual Global Terrorism Index report indicates in its most recent edition that religious extremism has become the main motivator of terrorist acts. It reports 18,000 deaths caused by terrorist acts between 2021 and 2022 — an increase of 60 per cent compared to 2020. According to the same report, 66 per cent of those violent deaths can be attributed to four terrorist organizations throughout the world. Terrorism is certainly not a recent phenomenon, but for some time now we have been seeing a very troubling evolution of the phenomenon  — an increasingly effective and internationalized recruitment and a well-oiled propaganda machine, using the newest technologies and unprecedented methods of violence, as well as the symbiosis between terrorism and other kinds of international crime. It is all marked by absolute intolerance and total contempt for international law and its norms. Some organizations are driven by such destructive and deadly rage that they do not hesitate to commit large-scale crimes against humanity. In the light of such a large-scale multifaceted challenge, the response of the international community, if it is to be effective, must also be multifaceted and varied. The fight against impunity must be a cornerstone of international mechanisms for countering terrorism. We believe that the ability to prosecute certain terrorists at the International Criminal Court would not only demonstrate the effectiveness of international justice but also send a strong message to terrorists that they cannot escape international justice, even if they are not part of a specific State or military structure. We should not forget that one goal of terrorist organizations is to establish no man’s lands — areas that are cut off from international law and legal systems where they can enjoy complete impunity and commit violations and abuses of all kinds. We must show them that the international community will not tolerate areas in which the absence of law becomes the norm. (spoke in English) The world today is facing a confluence of challenges, all requiring decisive action and global solidarity. A bottom-up approach, addressing the root causes of the dire conditions in misery belts, involving grassroots organizations alongside intergovernmental institutions and synergetic partnerships, stands out as imperative and urgent. Recent events are a sharp reminder of the need for political stability to be anchored in opportunity and decent standards of living. Evidence abounds. Nine out of 10 countries with the lowest human development indicators have experienced conflict and terrorist attacks in the past 20 years. Countries facing stark inequality and weak institutions are at increased risk of terrorism activities. Poorly distributed wealth and a lack of sufficient jobs, opportunities and freedoms, particularly for a large youth population, can also increase the risk of instability. Not all people suffering from poverty resort to violence, but social, political and economic exclusion can contribute to the eruption or protraction of violence and terrorist attacks. In conclusion, it is essential to recall that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, nationality or ethnic group. Furthermore, in no way should terrorism be equated with the right of people to resist foreign occupation, rooted in international law, in an attempt to crush the legitimate aspirations of people for self- determination.

Kenya commends our co-facilitators, the Permanent Representatives of Canada and Tunisia, for their leadership during the negotiating process and congratulates all Member States on the adoption by consensus of resolution 77/298 on the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. During the negotiating process, Kenya underscored the importance of recognizing that national strategies to counter terrorism and violent extremism are made effective when subnational and community levels are effectively engaged and capacitated to allow for impactful, locally initiated, locally championed and locally owned solutions that enable inclusive, sustainable and community-led measures that are responsive to local needs, culturally sensitive and aligned to local political and socioeconomic development. We thank all delegations for endorsing that proposal. The Kenyan-devolved model of preventing and countering violent extremism demonstrates the advantages of popular participation and community-led interventions in creating local ownership, partnerships, sustainability and peer-to-peer learning. Radicalization unfolds within communities, often exploiting local vulnerabilities and grievances. It is imperative, therefore, that responses be made context-specific to build microresilience and address the specific structural vulnerabilities targeted by extremists. Kenya’s devolved model of preventing and countering violent extremism confronts that challenge through its focus on empowering communities to better understand and respond to the threats evolving within them, as well as capacitating subnational levels and addressing the drivers to radicalization. The threat of terrorism is not waning. Terrorist groups have acquired a level of endurance, resilience and an ability to regenerate that has drained resources and extended global capabilities and resolve. The groups are also capitalizing on shifting global priorities and exploiting synergized vulnerabilities, including new technologies, the climate crisis, growing fragilities, pandemics, conflict and other factors to consolidate and expand. The predicament is today more pronounced in our continent of Africa, which has unfortunately become the epicentre of terrorist activity. Multiple drivers to radicalization, including a youthful population deprived of education, gainful employment and a political voice; poverty, inequality, uncontrolled arms, injustice, bad governance and corruption are projected to further amplify the threat going forward. Those challenges have demanded innovative multilateral approaches that respond to a dynamic threat. The adoption of the forward-looking and responsive Strategy meets that challenge and effectively responds to the global threat of terrorism The resolution we have adopted on the eighth review of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy reaffirms our common resolve to address the dynamic ways that threat is mutating and our shared commitment to having strong multilateral action towards realizing a future free of terrorism.

At the outset, my delegation welcomes the adoption of resolution 77/298, on the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the co-facilitators, Ambassador Robert Rae of Canada and Ambassador Tarek Ladeb of Tunisia, as well as their teams, for their tireless efforts in facilitating the consultations and achieving consensus. It is truly meaningful that the General Assembly speaks with one strong voice against terrorism. During the eighth review process, all Member States, in spite of some differences, attempted to reach consensus in the spirit of partnership and tried to make the resolution a living document by adapting it to the changing reality of the global terrorism landscape. Bearing that in mind, my delegation would like to mention a few elements of the eighth review resolution of which we should duly take note. First, the new resolution reaffirms the importance of implementing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its four pillars in an integrated and balanced manner. We call on all Member States to pay greater attention to the even implementation of all pillars of the Strategy while ensuring respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Secondly, we share concerns regarding the use of the Internet and other information and communications technologies for terrorist purposes. In order to prevent the misuse of new technologies by terrorists, we are committed to working together with Member States and other relevant stakeholders, including academia, the private sector and civil society. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women and young people is also encouraged in that regard. Thirdly, we take note of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact’s effort to strengthen coordination and coherence in the work of counter-terrorism. We also expect to see further progress in future reports of the Secretary-General to ensure the comprehensive, balanced and integrated implementation of the Strategy. Finally, we would like to join others in stressing the need to provide tangible capacity-building assistance to Member States. We recognize the ongoing efforts of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre and Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities; however, a more effective delivery of the project is desired, in close consultation with Member States. Terrorism knows no borders and no country is safe from terrorist attacks. Therefore, we must stand together to collectively root out terrorism. The Republic of Korea will also redouble its utmost efforts to play its part in achieving a world free from terrorism.

At the outset, allow me to express my country’s firm condemnation of the cowardly terrorist attacks perpetrated on Friday evening in western Uganda, targeting innocent students in the town of Mpondwe. Algeria presents its sincere condolences to the families of the victims of that heinous crime and expresses its full solidarity with the Government and the people of Uganda. My delegation would like to reiterate in that regard its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including those acts and activities that support, encourage, justify or promote it directly or indirectly. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (see A/77/PV.80). We congratulate the Permanent Representatives of Tunisia and Canada on their tremendous efforts and good leadership in co-facilitating the process of the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. We express our thanks and deep gratitude to them in that regard. We extend our appreciation to the different regional groups and delegations that actively participated in the various rounds of negotiations during the review of the Strategy through their proposals and discussions aimed at achieving a balanced text that attempts to reflect the realities and changes on the ground since our previous review. We now duly and regularly accomplish that exercise in our fight and struggle against the scourge of terrorism by tackling its causes and roots and blocking the route for any act or practice conducive to it. Algeria also welcomes the efforts of the Secretary- General in strengthening the Secretariat’s action in the field of counter-terrorism and violent extremism. We commend, in that regard, the work of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) under the keen leadership of Under-Secretary-General Voronkov. We would like to stress again, in that respect, our support for the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism Strategy and its review processes. The Strategy provides an all-encompassing approach, from preventing and combating terrorism to addressing the conditions conducive to terrorism and strengthening the capacity of States and the United Nations to ensure full respect for human rights. It remains critical to underline the importance of consolidating efforts within the Strategy by enhancing cooperation at the bilateral, regional and international levels, by strengthening capabilities and by exchanging best practices and expertise on combating terrorism. The eighth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which is certainly of utmost importance in the context of the increasing threat of terrorism, reaffirms once more our principled position and addresses the challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism and any further actions we need to undertake collectively to respond effectively to those threats. We of course fully support the Strategy, as well as its balanced implementation across all four pillars. For my delegation, it is important that we preserve, in that regard, the principles related to respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and unity of all States, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the sovereign equality of Member States. It is also important that we recognize the primary role of Member States in the fight against terrorism and that we reject xenophobia and Islamophobia, as well as any attempt to equate the legitimate struggle for self- determination of peoples under colonial domination and foreign occupation with terrorism. We also stress that Member States should do all they can to resolve conflicts, end foreign occupation, confront oppression, eradicate poverty and promote sustained economic growth, development, global prosperity and human rights for all. My delegation reiterates the importance of tackling and focusing on emerging challenges, such as the return, repatriation, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters, as well as the financing of terrorism, including ransoms paid to terrorists and the nexus between terrorist groups and organized crime networks, particularly the contribution of the illicit trafficking and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to financing terrorist groups. It is also relevant to highlight UNOCT’s role in the implementation of the Strategy, as well as the importance of enhanced cooperation and coordination among the relevant United Nations entities in that domain. Those entities should play their role in capacity-building at the regional level and bring their full support to regional counter-terrorism instruments and bodies. Having suffered from the scourge of terrorism, Algeria is at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and maintains a high level of vigilance in and commitment to that fight. The focus is placed mainly on the implementation of policies, strategies and development programmes geared towards fighting against the factors of exclusion, marginalization and social injustice, which are often exploited by terrorist propaganda for mobilization and recruitment purposes. Securing our borderline and pursuing the fight against residual terrorism is also part of our overall counter- terrorism strategy. Algeria has deployed and is deploying considerable efforts to implement the various pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. It has also worked bilaterally and collectively to promote regional and international cooperation for the prevention of and in the fight against terrorism. Algeria’s efforts in those areas are consistent with the four main pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In addition to the United Nations, Algeria’s commitment to the fight against terrorism is more than clear in its actions within the other regional and international organizations and forums in which it participates. Regional and subregional organizations such as the African Union (AU) play a key role in that regard. The various AU collective security initiatives and arrangements, such as the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation and the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism, both based in Algiers, continue to play an important role in building the capacities of Africa in countering terrorism and organized transnational crime. As a founding member of the African Union, Algeria is actively contributing to stimulating the actions of African institutions and to reinforcing the mechanisms put in place by the AU to counter the resurgence of terrorist threats in Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, notably through President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s fulfilment of his responsibilities in his capacity as the African Union champion for the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. At the national level, Algeria’s efforts to combat the scourge are focused on the following areas. The first is our legal framework that emphasizes the strengthening of the rule of law and the primacy of the law in all circumstances and adherence to all the international and regional instruments for preventing and combating terrorism. The second is criminalizing the financing of terrorism and calling for action to combat the proven links it shares with transnational organized crime. The third is the legal handling of the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters in accordance with Security Council resolution 2178 (2014). The fourth is maintaining a high level of vigilance within Algeria’s territory and reinforcing the military measures to secure its borders. The fifth is implementing a multidimensional de-radicalization policy combining political, economic, social, cultural and religious measures and ensuring the involvement of public institutions, civil society and, above all, individual citizens. The sixth is through the fight against terrorism and violent extremism on the Internet and social media. The seventh is strengthening regional and international cooperation and information-sharing. The details of those efforts are reflected in Algeria’s regular written contribution to the report of the Secretary-General on the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (see A/77/718).

Armenia welcomes the adoption of the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (resolution 77/298). We extend our appreciation to the co-facilitators, the Permanent Representatives of Canada and Tunisia to the United Nations, as well as their respective teams, for their valuable efforts in facilitating the discussions on that important resolution. We also recognize the work of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in its efforts to strengthen the capacity of Member States in preventing and countering terrorism. Terrorism remains an urgent and grave threat to international peace and security. The global terrorist threat continues to adapt through advanced and more sophisticated methods. In order to respond to the transnational challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism, the international community should act collectively and through coordinated action. The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its regular reviews continue to play an important role in enhancing the national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. The Strategy helps the international community to advance the preventive toolbox of counter-terrorism efforts. It also includes the protection of human rights in the fight against terrorism as an integral part of its objectives. As we reflect on the way forward, this is a good opportunity to take stock of our collective efforts and consider both their achievements and their shortcomings. Resolution 77/298, on the eighth review of the Strategy, contains important elements, the effective implementation of which could enhance our collective resilience in combating the scourge of terrorism, including several paragraphs on the issue of addressing threats posed by the recruitment, financing and transfer of foreign terrorist fighters between different regions and particularly to conflict zones. The rapid advancement of technologies and new forms of terrorism financing and the illicit flow of weapons have created an environment that is conducive to the presence of foreign terrorist fighters in almost every region. Foreign terrorist fighters have increased the intensity, duration and intractability of conflicts. In many regions, including ours, they have also been involved in massive human rights violations, atrocity crimes and the destruction of cultural heritage. Member States have the crucial task of redoubling their efforts in order to fight that alarming trend. Any attempt to instrumentalize foreign terrorist fighters should be condemned resolutely. Effective international cooperation could help to elaborate practical steps on how to deprive terrorist groups and their sponsors of the capability to recruit, finance and relocate foreign terrorist fighters. We also remain concerned about the expressions of discrimination and violence that emanate from intolerance, xenophobia and the proliferation of hate speech. Any attempt to justify those who inspire or perpetrate terrorism or violent extremism, as well as those who incite hate crimes and violence, should be decisively and unequivocally condemned at all levels. Strengthening the early-warning mechanisms for the identification of instances of State-sponsored incitement of hatred and intolerance on ethnic and religious grounds could lay the groundwork for meaningful international responses in situations in which the risk of atrocity crimes involving terrorist groups exist. Terrorist groups have proven their ability to exploit technological advances and misuse digital tools to achieve their goals. Responding to that requires forward-looking collective efforts from the United Nations and its Member States, with the cooperation of other relevant actors, to enhance the capacities of the counter-terrorism architecture in keeping up with those emerging threats. Armenia remains firmly committed to the global fight against terrorism and is actively engaged in the international and regional activities to that end. We attach great importance to the thorough implementation of the counter-terrorism conventions and their additional protocols, as well as the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. In that regard, we have undertaken a number of practical measures to prevent the free movement of terrorists and to combat transnational organized crime, money-laundering and terrorism financing, in line with the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the relevant resolutions of the Council and other counter-terrorism obligations. Countering terrorist financing, enhancing border control, updating counter-terrorism legislation and ramping up law enforcement capacities are important areas of our national counter-terrorism policy. The recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters and their transfer to conflict zones in our region have been extensively documented and acknowledged by the law enforcement agencies of several countries and reported on extensively by independent observers and media outlets. It is well-known who recruited and transferred the thousands of foreign terrorists, in violation of a number of Security Council resolutions. Armenia acknowledges the important role of the Council’s sanctions committees in ensuring accountability for terrorist entities and individuals, assessing the evolving global terrorism threat in different regions and monitoring Member States’ compliance with the sanctions regimes. We highly value the cooperation in the framework of regional and subregional organizations, which have a pivotal role to play in promoting and facilitating cooperation, including through sharing best practices and building stronger capacities to effectively address the threat of terrorism, and we look forward to the effective and results-oriented implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

Let me extend my delegation’s warmest congratulations to you, Sir, on convening this meeting on the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Allow me to assure you of my delegation’s full support and cooperation in ensuring that the Strategy provides an appropriate and complete response to the scourge of terrorism. We cannot fear those who operate in the shadows. We know that terrorism is adamant; the fight against it therefore requires endurance, specific countermeasures, intelligence and effective operations, with due regard for human rights law. As we have all heard this morning, terrorism is one of the gravest threats to global peace and security. All acts of terrorism are clear violations of international law, including human rights law, humanitarian law and refugee law. The United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy is a unique global instrument designed to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. We know that through its adoption by consensus in 2006, all States Members of the United Nations agreed to a common strategic and operational approach to fighting terrorism. We thank the Secretary-General for his very comprehensive reports (A/77/266 and A/77/718), which have provided valuable insights. We also value the work carried out by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office. We thank the United Nations for providing leadership, coordination and capacity-building in support of Member States in an effort to take practical steps towards preventing and countering terrorism through a wide range of activities, projects and programmes. As a country, Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the spread of terrorist organizations and the rise in terrorist networks worldwide, as they directly hinder the global collective efforts to achieve sustainable development and threaten efforts to maintain global peace and security. As a country that has experienced terrorism for over 30 years, Sri Lanka condemns terrorism in all its forms and expressions, regardless of its motivation and wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. It is no secret that, as we heard this morning, terrorist groups today are versatile, opportunistic, sophisticated and able to adapt to changing environments. In this context, technology, particularly information and communications technologies, has emerged as a favoured tool for terrorists to engage in such terrorist activities as recruitment, financing, propaganda, training and the gathering and dissemination of information. Furthermore, the rising threat posed by terrorist attacks on the basis of xenophobia, racism or intolerance, or in the name of religion or beliefs, is also of particular concern. It therefore requires coordinated global measures, and the root causes of terrorism must be addressed by promoting religious dialogue and intercultural tolerance. We must not forget that the United Nations and its specialized agencies are at the forefront of the fight against terrorism, for which we must also be grateful. Furthermore, Sri Lanka commends the efforts of the United Nations Counter- Terrorism Office and other United Nations entities engaged in counter-terrorism activities. Sri Lanka stresses the importance of the adhering strictly to the United Nations Charter and other international law instruments when combating terrorism while remaining sensitive to the adherence to the preservation of human rights and international humanitarian law. In that regard, it is worthwhile to recall that Sri Lanka’s post-conflict measures, including rehabilitation and confidence-building measures, are an important component of eradicating terrorism and preventing its recurrent manifestation. We are proud of the fact that Sri Lanka was able to successfully rehabilitate 12,000 former non-State combatants, including 594 child soldiers, and reintegrate them into society after the conflict ended in 2009, and this in addition to the work carried out to resettle internally displaced persons and clear mines in large swaths of our territory; that enabled civilians to resume their lives after the conflict. At the national level, the Government of Sri Lanka has established the legal frameworks necessary to enabling law-enforcement and legal systems to address acts of terrorism while strengthening international cooperation in the fight against the global phenomenon of terrorism. The Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Public Security Ordinance provide, in particular, the framework for national counter-terrorism efforts. However, these laws are currently under review and appropriately face possible amendment, so as to ensure that they are consonant with global best practices and international law. Sri Lanka has also been at the forefront of emphasizing the need to address the risks associated with terrorist financing. In this regard, I must make a special mention of the fact that Sri Lanka has implemented a number of legislative measures, including establishing the Financial Intelligence Unit and enacting laws for the prevention of money laundering. Given the challenges we face today, Sri Lanka wishes to stress the importance of concluding the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and urge Member States to cooperate in resolving the outstanding issues. There has never been a more crucial time to accomplish this than now. Furthermore, Sri Lanka welcomes the convening of the United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism dedicated to advancing the rights and the needs of victims of terror. In conclusion, as I have said, as a nation that has dealt with terrorism for nearly three decades, and as the only nation to have eradicated terrorism, we reiterate the need to embark on concrete collective measures to counter this scourge. We are ready to impart our experience and knowledge in crafting appropriate responses and provide close cooperation in our common endeavour to ensure the fundamental right to the protection against terrorism. Let us therefore together prevent, pursue, protect and prepare to counter terrorism with one voice and by unequivocal measures.

At the outset, we thank the Secretary-General for his reports (A/77/266 and A/77/718) and for his continuous efforts aimed at strengthening and ensuring that our multilateral international-law-based order is mobilized in the fight against terrorism and that this fight is conducted in a manner that is compatible with and reinforces the multilateral international-law-based order. The State of Palestine also thanks the co-facilitators for their efforts aimed at reaching consensus on resolution on the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy (resolution 77/298). The State of Palestine aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (see A/77/ PV.80). The State of Palestine joins the States of the OIC in affirming the significant role of the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy and deeply regrets that the eighth review thereof failed to reach consensus on many proposals that reflect emerging new trends addressed in the report of the Secretary-General, in particular phenomena stemming from rising Islamophobia, including the burning of the Holy Qur’an and the desecration of mosques. Just yesterday, Israeli settler settlers vandalized a mosque and desecrated the Qur’an in the village of Urif. The State of Palestine remains fully committed to the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its four pillars. We are committed to the global fight to prevent and combat terrorism in line with international law, including international human rights law, human rights and refugee law, and to ensuring justice for victims and their families. The gravest form of terrorism is the one where an entire nation’s rights, people and land are subject to a constant and systematic campaign of terror. Israeli occupying forces and settlers continue to kill and maim Palestinians. As we speak, they are terrorizing children, stealing land, destroying homes, burning villages and desecrating mosques and churches, all while chanting “death to Arabs” — and with complete impunity. This is the culmination of decades of incitement and hatred sustained by racism, occupation and supremacy. From Huwwara to Turmus Ayya, Al-Lubban Al-Sharqiya, Burqa, Beita, Jenin and Nablus, Al-Quds, Al-Khalil, Masafer Yatta, Ein Samiya, Khirbet Humsa and Khan Al-Ahmar, Gaza and every place in Palestine, the Palestinian people are victims of this State-sponsored terrorism. They deserve the solidarity of the international community, and they are entitled to international protection. This is the gravest form of terrorism; this State-driven terror, this colonial terror derived from the negation of an existence of a nation and of its rights. This is terrorism to forcibly displace a people and steal their land and resources. Under this military colonial rule there is no human security and no human dignity. The international community has a responsibility and an obligation to ensure that the occupying Power, its officials, its military forces and settler militias perpetrating acts of terror are held accountable. It is shameful that until now Israel, its occupation army and settlers have not been listed for their crimes against our children. What justifies such disregard for Palestinian life? Palestinian children deserve better. The rule of international law deserves better. Double standards only undermine the credibility and authority of the list and of this multilateral order. The international community has long recognized that upholding international law and fundamental freedoms and developing counter-terrorism measures are mutually reinforcing. And over the years, we have learned that violating the former under the pretext of pursuing the latter undermines global efforts to eliminate terrorism. Israel’s unlawful and outrageous witch-hunt and criminalization of civil society organizations under the rubric of terrorism is not random or incidental. It aims at silencing, delegitimizing and oppressing any opposition to its perpetual military colonial rule, including civil society organizations and, by extension, the global human rights movement. Counter-terrorism discourse cannot and must not become the way to justify a counter-rights strategy. The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy should continue to be about promoting the rule of law, not justifying its breach. It should continue to call for protection of people, for respecting human dignity, not giving pretexts to violate them. It should continue being about addressing the root causes of terrorism and all its manifestations, not perpetuating them. The State of Palestine fully adheres to those goals.

I now give the floor to the observer of the International Criminal Police Organization.

Is a true honour to address the Assembly today in support of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy’s eighth review, adopted by consensus yesterday (resolution 77/298). I would like to congratulate the resolution’s co-facilitators, Canada and Tunisia, for their dedication to building consensus for the Strategy. Please let me again congratulate my United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) colleagues for a successful counter-terrorism week. Together with the UNOCT and other partners present here today, INTERPOL recognizes the significance of coordinating international efforts to support our membership in addressing both the current and future threats and challenges posed by terrorism. The adoption of the eighth review of the United Nations United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a clear commitment of our collective intent to pursue a common agenda, under the United Nations banner, in countering terrorism in all its forms. Interpol remains committed to supporting its 195-strong membership implement the Strategy, most notably in the areas that INTERPOL is mentioned in the text. The Strategy includes facilitating information-sharing through our channels. That encourages countries to populate and make effective use of INTERPOL databases and tools, which also present the largest repository of information to date on foreign terrorist fighters. Indeed, information-sharing is a critical tool in the fight against terrorism. Last year alone, 2,500 fugitives wanted for terrorism and other serious offences were located and apprehended across the world through the sharing of information through INTERPOL channels. INTERPOL is proud to be a key implementing partner of the United Nations Strategy, including through the adoption of INTERPOL’s own complementary counter- terrorism strategy. Looking to 2025 and beyond, INTERPOL’s four pillars aimed to counter terrorism by disrupting through improved information-sharing and -exchange  — by building the threat picture through the use of intelligence to better inform operational and investigative responses, by representing law- enforcement interests and needs through global advocacy to champion and to garner the types of support needed and by providing focused support that is needs driven, with technical expertise, tailored assistance and, importantly, through collaborative approaches. INTERPOL will commemorate its centenary this year, which gives us an opportune moment to reflect on the progress we have made and the future challenges that lay ahead. The terrorist threat is evolving, diversifying and spreading. And it is becoming less predictable than ever before. INTERPOL therefore intends to work with one and all to align every country’s foreign policy interests and agendas with impactful law-enforcement action in complex operating environments. We want to be more collaborative and forward-looking in the fight against terrorism. And everyone here is a vital partner in this common endeavour.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 121?