I have the
pleasure to submit this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries: Finland,
Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The Nordic countries wish to thank Tunisia
for organising today’s open debate commemorating the 20th
anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1373 and the establishment of the
Counterterrorism Committee (CTC).
The evolving
threat of terrorism and a changing terrorism landscape ranging from the
‘globalisation’ of the threat from Daesh to right wing and left wing violent
extremism calls for even further multilateral collaboration on preventing and
countering this increasingly complex threat. The Nordic countries remain fully
committed to engaging constructively with all partners as we continue our joint
efforts to rid the world of the scourge of terrorism. Over the years, we have
benefited greatly from both formal and informal interactions with the Counter
Terrorism-Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), and we extend our
appreciation to Assistant Secretary General Coninsx and her team for our
excellent cooperation. Increased efforts to enhance the transparency of the
work of the CTC and other parts of the counterterrorism architecture will be
important as we move ahead. In this vein, we refer to Finland’s decision to
make their country report publicly available.
Mr. President,
We live in a
time of multiple crises – exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This
draws on already stretched financial resources and we therefore welcome further
coordination within the UN family according to each entity’s mandate. In
particular on capacity building and technical assistance efforts across CTED,
the Office of Counter-Terrorism (OCT) and the Terrorism Prevention Branch of
the UNODC – as well with as the wider global counterterrorism architecture
including the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Global Coalition to Defeat
Daesh. In order to ensure the most effective impact of scarce resources, we
caution against developing new initiatives instead of leveraging already
existing platforms in- and outside the UN system.
As regards the
GCTF, we welcome the ongoing efforts of the OCT leadership and the Global
Counterterrorism Forum co-chairs, Canada and Morocco to strengthen even further
their ties and coordination. We would like to highlight the important role of
the GCTF in implementing UN level agreed principles and priorities via the
International Institute for Justice & the Rule of Law, the Global Community
Resilience & Engagement Fund (GCERF) and other GCTF-inspired initiatives -
where we are fortunate to benefit from Tunisia’s very constructive engagement.
Mr. President,
We must work
tirelessly to build the resilience of our local communities as the first line
of defence against those who instigate hate and discord. But ‘community
resilience’ must never become an excuse to turn a blind eye to bad governance,
corruption, human rights violations and abuses, lack of inclusion, persecution
of marginalised groups and other drivers of radicalisation leading to
terrorism. As discussed in last week’s useful meeting on ‘Partnerships and
Challenges in International Counter-Terrorism Efforts’, it is the
responsibility of national authorities to develop the tools and allocate the
necessary resources to prevent and counter violent extremism in close
cooperation with civil society, local communities and other relevant actors. In
this regard, we value greatly our partnerships with the GCERF and the Strong
Cities / Young Cities Network. Across the globe, both initiatives support local
efforts and civil society, including human rights defenders and women and
youth-led organisations, to address the drivers of violent extremism and
prevent radicalization leading to terrorism as well as to strengthen the social
contract between national governments and communities. In the long run, we
firmly believe this is the most effective way of preventing the threat from
global terrorism. The ongoing support from the Government of Kenya to both
initiatives has been critical for their success and we encourage Kenya to use
its visionary continental leadership to promote a multifaceted, locally anchored
approach to CVE at the global level during its important tenure of the Security
Council.
Mr. President,
We must also
expand, encourage and develop initiatives to deal more effectively with the
nexus between terrorism and organised crime. These global security challenges
are closely connected and must be addressed both within the security pillar,
and as part of advancing Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
Many of the areas where violent extremist groups are
most active also suffer from high exposure to climate risks. A recent policy
brief by the UNDP includes examples where impacts of climate change can
aggravate the root causes of violent extremism, contribute to push and pull
factors for recruitment, and alter the broader strategic environment in ways
that strengthen violent extremist groups. Climate change multiplies existing
risks in some of the most volatile regions of the world when it comes to
terrorism and violent extremism, and we need to better understand all the
complex drivers behind in order to identify areas and opportunities for
cooperation on preventive measures.
While
preventing people from radicalising in the first place is the most sustainable,
long-term solution, it is equally important to ensure that our relevant national
agencies are fit for purpose and ahead of the curve when it comes to countering
individuals or groups who are plotting to commit attacks. A gender-responsive
approach to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism is necessary
in order to achieve sustainable results, as is the continued promotion of
women’s active and meaningful participation in prevention and counter-terrorism
efforts.
Let us also use this
opportunity to emphasize the need to ensure that counter-terrorism initiatives
do not negatively impact or restrict humanitarian activities and assistance
upon which millions of people worldwide are dependent. Humanitarian actors must
always be allowed to carry out their impartial work without impediment.
Mr. President,
We should
constantly remind ourselves of the essential principles we have all signed up
to; that all measures taken to combat terrorism must respect human rights and that effective counter-terrorism
measures and the protection of human rights are not conflicting
goals, but mutually reinforcing. These principles should guide any type of
counter-terrorism intervention and must be front and centre as we embark on the
coming review of UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Not because they look
good on paper but because a human rights based approach ensures good
governance, builds trust with communities and reduces the risk of driving
vulnerable individuals or groups further into the arms of radicalizers and
facilitators. In other words, a human rights and rule of law compliant response
coupled with a strong focus on early prevention, and with civil society, women
and youth as equal partners, is in the interest of our national security.
Thank you.