[Speaker A] [603.340s → 617.100s]: It's.
[Speaker A] [625.690s → 754.250s]: It. Thank you very much. It's it.
[Speaker A] [801.300s → 907.240s]: Sa. Thank you. It question.
[Speaker A] [926.560s → 1058.690s]: It's. It. It's.
[Speaker A] [1075.690s → 1230.110s]: It. Thank you. It's it. May I request delegates to be seated, please? I called to order the first meeting of the Sixth Committee.
[Speaker A] [1200.240s → 1380.080s]: It I call to order the first meeting of the 6th Committee of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. Distinguished delegates, at the outset, I wish to express my deep gratitude to all of you for the confidence placed in me to serve as chair of the Sixth Committee at this session. This is indeed a great honor and privilege for me personally and for my country, the Philippines, and is in line with our long standing commitment to the rule of law. Also, I'd like to extend my gratitude To His Excellency Mr. Roy Vinas, the Permanent representative of Portugal, who so efficiently conducted the work and responsibilities of the 6th Committee during the 79th Session of the General assembly with the valuable support and cooperation of the other members of the Bureau. The role of the Sixth Committee, as you know, and its authority among main committees is unique, as is the significance of international law for the achievement of the goals of the un. In the Preamble of the Charter, the peoples of the United nations reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights and the determination of this organization to establish conditions under which justice and and respect for international law can be maintained. In the pursuance of its goals, the General assembly has always relied on the diligent work and expertise of the Sixth Committee. The Sixth Committee is once again meeting during a challenging time for multilateralism and international law. At this time of increased challenges, our work gains a heightened importance and our commitment to delivering its mandate should gain a renewed focus. We will thus have to work harder to keep the long standing practice of consensus in this Committee, building on recent achievements and understanding its significance as a unifying and trust building element. At the same time, we must not ignore the responsibility of this Committee in responding to existing and emerging global issues by following up on the work that it has before it and thus upholding its contribution to the progressive development of international law and its codification. I'm confident that through our common efforts, we will make substantive progress during this year's session. Proceed in our work in the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding and strength.
[Speaker A] [1350.240s → 1529.080s]: The responsibility of this Committee in responding to existing and emerging global issues by following up on the work that it has before it and thus upholding its contribution to the progressive development of international law and its codification. I'm confident that through our common efforts we will make substantive progress during this year's session, proceed in our work in the space spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, and strive to resolve all issues in a timely manner by consensus. In this respect, I am counting on the support of all delegations. Distinguished delegates. As you are aware, at its 40th session on 2 June 2025, the 6th Committee at the 79th session of the General assembly elected the following three Vice Chairs for the 80th session, Ms. Estela Mercedes Enzemonsogo of Equatorial Guinea, Mr. Marek Zukal of Checha, and Ms. Lucia Teresa Solano Ramirez of Colombia. The committee also elected Ms. Witteke Thieuven, Kingdom of Netherlands, as Rapporteur. I congratulate my colleagues in the Bureau on their elections. I must also acknowledge the work of the Secretariat of our Committee, the codification division of the Office of Legal Affairs. Its support, experience, detailed knowledge, a precedent and helpful guidance is invaluable to the Bureau and to the Committees. Distinguished delegates, I now draw your attention to the items allocated by the General assembly to the Sixth committee. At its second meeting on 12th September 2025, the General assembly, upon the recommendation of the general committee, allocated 34 items to the Sixth Committee. The note by the Secretariat pertaining to the allocation of items has been issued in document A C6.81 of the sixth Committee. It contains the list of items allocated to the Committee. Distinguished delegates, I invite you now to turn to the status of documentation and the proposed program of work for the consideration of items. I draw your attention to paragraphs 3 to 7 of the note by the Secretariat contained in document A C6.80L1. During the 79th session, the the 6th committee adopted a provisional program of work for this session. The General assembly noted the program in decision 79524. The Bureau has met and considered the provisional program of work and made one change in light of the reduced length of the annual report of the International Law Commission.
[Speaker A] [1500.240s → 1678.980s]: Document a C6.80 L1. During the 79th session, the six committee adopted a provisional program of work for this session. The General assembly noted the program in decision 79. 524. The Bureau has met and considered the provisional program of work and made one change in light of the reduced length of the annual report of the International Law Commission. As a consequence of the reduction in the length of this year's session of the Commission, the debate on that report will now conclude on Friday 31st October 2025 instead of the following week as had been anticipated in the program adopted last year. This proposed change was communicated to all delegations in early July. The note by the Secretariat, which is contained in document A C6, 80L1, will serve to assist us in the consideration of the organizational arrangements. All plenary meetings of the Six Committee, as well as those of the various working groups to be established this year will be held in person in the Trusteeship Council Chamber. Informal consultations on draft resolutions arranged by Coordinators with the assistance of the Secretariat, will also take place in person in this room. In the interest of time, I will not provide an extensive description of the proposed program before putting it for adoption by the Committee. Permit me, however, to make only a few observations. The proposed program of work takes into account the allocation of items to the Committee by the General assembly, the anticipated workload at the present session, and the expected issuance of official documentation, including reports of subsidiary bodies. The proposed sequencing of the consideration of agenda items is based both on past practice as well as the anticipated time needed for the negotiation of draft resolutions. I also wish to inform you that the President of the General assembly will address the sixth committee on 13th October 2025 at 10:00am as you know, the fourth week of the session has traditionally been designated International Law Week, which coincides with the annual consideration of the report of the International Law Commission. We are anticipating considering the entire report during the seven plenary meetings scheduled for that week. There will also be time for the traditional meeting of the Legal Advisors, which will be held in the afternoons of Monday.
[Speaker A] [1650.080s → 1830.070s]: The fourth week of the session has traditionally been designated International Law Week, which coincides with the annual consideration of the report of the International Law Commission. We are anticipating considering the entire report during the seven plenary meetings scheduled for that week. There will also be time for the traditional meeting of the Legal Advisors, which will be held in the afternoons of Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th October 2025. The annual interactive dialogue with members of the ILC will be held on Wednesday, 29th October in the afternoon. No meetings of the 6th committee are scheduled for the morning of Thursday, 30th October to allow delegates the opportunity to attend the introduction of the report of the International Court of Justice in the plenary of the Assembly. I'm also pleased to announce that we expect the President of the International Court of Justice to deliver the traditional statement to the 6th Committee on Friday morning, 31st October. Please be aware that we have kept the morning of Monday 3rd November in reserve in case the debate on the report of the ILC does not conclude on Friday afternoon. Please also be reminded that the debate on the report of the International Criminal Court traditionally held in the plenary of the assembly on the Monday following International Law Week has been postponed to Tuesday, 11 November, while the final meeting of the substantive component of the main session of the Sixth Committee is scheduled for Friday, 21st November 2025. I draw your attention to General Assembly Resolution 79, 128, 4th December 2024, by which the assembly decided that the Sixth Committee will resume its session for up to five days by the end of April 2026 in order to continue its consideration of Agenda Item 86, Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. Please note that I have been informed by the Secretariat that the resume session has been tentatively scheduled for 6 to 10 April 2026. However, those dates are subject to confirmation following the discussions to be held on that agenda item at the main part of our session. Distinguished delegates Consistent with the established practice, the proposed work program will be applied with flexibility in the light of the progress made by our Committee. Nonetheless, in order to successfully undertake the consideration of all agenda items allocated to the Committee this year, it.
[Speaker A] [1800.240s → 1980.080s]: However, those dates are subject to confirmation following the discussions to be held on that agenda item at the main part of our session. Distinguished Delegates Consistent with the established practice, the proposed work program will be applied with flexibility in the light of the progress made by our Committee. Nonetheless, in order to successfully undertake the consideration of all agenda items allocated to the Committee this year, it will be important for us to keep the proposed schedule of meetings. Accordingly, the Bureau is once again recommending that the Sixth Committee approve time limits for the delivery of statements and that delegations consider posting the full versions of their statements online. Further to the recommendation of the previous Bureaus, this year's Bureau is proposing that the following time limits on statements be applied. Statements delivered in a national capacity will be limited to seven minutes, while statements by groups of States will be limited to 12 minutes. In addition, the Bureau recommends that no time limits be imposed on the debate on the report of the International Law Commission. Delegations are nevertheless encouraged to exercise their strength and to focus statements on the various clusters of chapters of the report of the commission not exceeding 12 minutes. Delegations are also reminded that they can include additional information in their statements circulated through the Estatements Portal or in writing directly to the Commission as agreed at previous sessions. The decision to impose time limits on the debate relating to some agenda items would be taken without prejudice to future sessions of the Sixth Committee. However, if the Committee exhausts the list of speakers on a particular item and conference services are still available, we will be considering the next item on our agenda. Delegations are advised to check the overall program against the daily United Nations Journal announcements as well as any other announcements made during meetings and reflected in the Journal or the website of the Six Committee. From time to time, announcements might also be circulated through the Six Committee Announcements list in the Edelegate Portal. Sponsors and coordinators of draft resolutions are encouraged to prepare zero draft versions of their proposals for draft resolutions and in the interest of time to circulate them to all delegations, including through the E Delegate Portal, as soon as possible, as was done in the last few years. I will invite respective coordinators.
[Speaker A] [1950.240s → 2067.250s]: Circulated through the six Committee announcements list in the E Delegate portal. Sponsors and coordinators of draft resolutions are encouraged to prepare zero draft versions of their proposals for draft resolutions and in the interest of time to circulate them to all delegations, including through the E Delegate Portal, as soon as possible, as was done in the last few years. I will invite respective coordinators to take the floor immediately following the plenary debate of each agenda item to briefly introduce the zero draft of the proposed draft resolution. Where possible, coordinators are likewise encouraged to convene at least one open ended meeting for informal consultations after the plenary debate. All such informal consultations will be announced in advance, including in the UN Journal, and will be posted on the website of the Sixth Committee. The names of coordinators of draft resolutions can be found on the website of the Sixth Committee. To the extent possible, the Committee should strive to take action on relevant draft resolutions as soon as they are ready for adoption, so as to minimize the number of draft resolutions adopted on the final day of the main part of the session. Any taking of action will be announced sufficiently in advance, including in the UN Journal and through the E Delegate portal, so as to ensure that delegations are aware of the proposed action. May I take it that the Sixth Committee wishes to approve the program of work and on the basis of the understandings which I mentioned? No objection. I see A request from the delegation of Iran. You have the floor.
[Speaker B] [2070.930s → 2090.600s]: Thank you. Your Excellency, I would like to congratulate you upon your well deserved election as the Chair of the Committee. We have no objection to adoption of the program of work. Of course we support the work of the Sixth Committee, but given the fact that the visas for our delegation have not been issued yet, we request those countries to expedite this process as soon as possible. Thank you.
[Speaker A] [2093.880s → 2129.150s]: Thank you. Your remarks, well noted. So, therefore, can I take it that we can approve the program of work? So decided. Distinguished delegates, the Committee will now turn to the question of the establishment of working groups. Three working groups are envisaged for the present session. The proposed program of work anticipates the holding of three meetings of the Working Group on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts and two meetings of the Working Group on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism.
[Speaker A] [2100.240s → 2279.860s]: Of work. So decided, distinguished delegates, the Committee will now turn to the question of the establishment of working groups. Three working groups are envisaged for the present session. The proposed program of work anticipates the holding of three meetings of the Working Group on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts and two meetings of the Working Group on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism. In addition, as already recalled, the Working Group on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters will be convened at the resume session of the Sixth Committee next year and will hold seven to eight meetings. I draw your attention also to paragraphs 8 to 12 of the note by the Secretariat contained in document A C on agenda item 76, entitled Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts. I wish to draw the Committee's attention to General assembly resolution 77 97, by which the assembly, inter alia, decided to further examine at the present session, within the framework of a Working Group of the Sixth Committee and with a view to taking a decision, the question of a Convention on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts or other appropriate action on the basis of the Articles on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts. It is my understanding that there is a wish in the Sixth Committee to establish a Working Group on Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts. May I take that the Committee wishes to proceed in this manner? I don't see any objections. So decided. In the past practice of the Sixth Committee, the Sixth Committee has opened its Working Group to all States, members of the United nations or members of specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency. May I take it the Committee wishes to proceed in this manner for the Working Group? No objections. So decided. It is also my understanding that there is a general wish among the allegations that the chair of the Working group should be Mr. Pedro Muniz Pintos Laboda of Brazil. May I take it the Committee wishes to elect Mr. Pedro Muniz Pinto Sloboda of Brazil as chair of the Working Group? See no objection. So decided. Distinguished delegates, Regarding Agenda Item 109, Measures to Eliminate international terrorism, the General assembly, in resolution 79, 129, decided to recommend that the sixth committee at the 80th session establish a Working Group with a view to finalizing the process on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
[Speaker A] [2251.120s → 2429.900s]: Of Brazil as Chair of the Working Group. See no objection. So decided, distinguished delegates, Regarding Agenda Item 109, Measures to Eliminate international Terrorism, the General assembly, in Resolution 79,129, decided to recommend that the Sixth Committee at the 80th Session establish a Working Group with a view to finalizing the process on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by Assembly Resolution 54. 110 concerning the question of convening a high level conference under the auspices of the United nations, it is my understanding that there is a general wish of the Sixth Committee to establish such a Working Group during the current session. May I take it the Committee wishes to proceed on this basis? So decided. Pursuant to paragraph 9 of General Assembly Resolution 51 210, the Ad hoc Committee on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism was open to all States, members of the UN or members of specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Committee has in its practice applied the same formula for the Working Group. May I take it that the Committee also wishes to adopt this formula to be applied to the Working Group again this year? So decided, distinguished delegates. I understand that Ambassador Peter Mohan Maitre Pierce of Sri Lanka, who chaired the Working Group at last year's session, is no longer available. I have, however, been informed that there is a wish among delegations that the Chair of the Working Group should be Ambassador Jayanta Chandraseri Jayasariya of Sri Lanka. May I take it that the Committee wishes to elect Ambassador Jayanta Chandrasiri Jayasuria of Sri Lanka as Chair of the Working Group? So decided, distinguished delegates, concerning Agenda Item 86, entitled Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, I wish to draw the Committee's attention to General Assembly Resolution 79128, by which the assembly decided that the Sixth Committee shall resume its session for up to five days by the end of April 2026 at the latest, in order to prepare a consolidated text, including the draft articles and the proposals submitted by Governments within the framework of a Working Group of the Committee. As I indicated earlier, the resume session is tentatively scheduled for the 6 to 10 April 2026. Nonetheless, it is desirable to establish the Working Group and confirm the Chair.
[Speaker A] [2400.240s → 2580.080s]: Session for up to five days by the end of April 2026 at the latest, in order to prepare a consolidated text including the draft articles and the proposals submitted by Governments within the framework of a Working Group of the Committee. As I indicated earlier, the resume session is tentatively scheduled for the 6 to 10 April 2026. Nonetheless, it is desirable to establish the Working Group and confirm the Chair in order to permit the necessary planning in advance of the resumed session. My understanding is that there is general wish in the Sixth Committee to establish a Working Group on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. May I take it that the Committee wishes to proceed in this manner? So decided. The Working Group will be open to the Member States of the United nations and that the relevant observers to the General assembly will continue to be invited to participate in its work as discussed with the Bureau. It is my wish to chair the Working Group, continuing the tradition of the Working Group being chaired by the Philippine delegation. May I take that the Committee wishes to proceed on this basis? So decided. Distinguished delegates turning to the deadlines for our work as reflected in paragraph 19 of document A C6, 80 L1, in accordance with Rule 153 of the Rules of Procedure of the General assembly, quote no resolution involving expenditure shall be recommended by a Committee for approval by the General assembly unless it is accompanied by an estimate of the expenditures prepared by the Secretary General. It is therefore imperative that the Sixth Committee allow sufficient time for the preparation of any such estimates of expenditure by the Secretariat and for its consideration by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and budgetary questions, ACA BQ and by the fifth committee. Under the circumstances, 7 November 2025 would have to be considered as a mandatory deadline for submission to the Fifth Committee of draft resolutions with financial implications. The deadline for the submission of all other draft resolutions is 5pm on Friday 14th November, which has been established so as to allow for the necessary budget review, processing and issuance in all official language of the United nations in time for our final meeting on 21st November. Distinguished delegates, the program that we agreed upon takes into account the need for efficient use of our.
[Speaker A] [2550.160s → 2730.080s]: Implications the deadline for the submission of all other draft resolutions is 5pm on Friday 14th November, which has been established so as to allow for the necessary budget review, processing and issuance in all official languages of the United nations in time for our final meeting on 21st November. Distinguished delegates the program that we agreed upon takes into account the need for efficient use of our time and resources, so I intend to begin meetings on time and request all of us to be punctual. We will also be working in accordance with the time limits on the delivery of statements which the Committee has already approved. Delegations are advised to consider posting the full versions of the written statements online through the E Statements functionality in the UN Journal by transmitting their written statements in electronic format to estatementsn.org preferably two hours in advance, so they can be made available at the time of delivery of the statements or shortly thereafter. It would be appreciated if in doing so, delegations indicate the respective agenda item number in the subject field of their transmittal email and that the Six Committee Secretariat be copied with such message. Statements will also be posted on the website of the Sixth Committee. Distinguished Delegates for more than a decade, the Sixth Committee has aligned its practice with the practice of the General assembly concerning giving precedence on on the list of speakers to representatives speaking on behalf of regional groups or groups of States. Those speaking on behalf of regional groups or groups of States should please inscribe their names on the list of speakers as soon as possible with the Secretariat. Those delegations aligning themselves with statements already made on behalf of a regional group or a group of States are kindly requested to focus on the points that have not been addressed in the statement of the Group in the interest of time. So unless I see any objection, I take it the Committee wishes to continue this practice. So decided. Distinguished Delegates the formal meetings of the six main Committees will be webcast over the Internet. Summaries of the meetings will be published in the UN Journal and posted on the website of the Committee. The list of speakers for all items on the agenda of the sixth committee was opened on 15th September 2025. Delegations should inscribe electronically on the list of speakers for any agenda item. This is done in the E Delegate portal. Registration for the portal is done by missions and is open to representatives.
[Speaker A] [2700.160s → 2880.030s]: Internet summaries of the meetings will be published in the UN Journal and posted on the website of the Committee. The list of speakers for all items on the agenda of the sixth committee was opened on 15th September 2025. Delegations should inscribe electronically on the list of speakers for any agenda item. This is done in the E Delegate Portal. Registration for the portal is done by missions and is open to representatives of Member States and observer states. Please recall that the Bureau has recommended that other than for the first week of the session, the deadline for inscription on the list of speakers for the debate on agenda items taking place each week will be 5pm of the previous Friday. The delegations are also invited to submit the names of their representatives, alternates and advisers to the Secretariat for purposes of preparation of the list of delegations attending the Sixth Committee at the present session. By registering online in the E Participants module of the E Delegate Portal, the Secretariat will continue the practice of listing all scheduled informal consultations as well as side events on dedicated pages of the Committee's website. Distinguished Delegates. I think I've exhausted my preliminary remarks. Is there any other issue any delegation wishes to raise at this stage? I don't see any. So, can I take it? We conclude then, the consideration of of the organizational aspects of our work. Thank you very much, Distinguished delegates. In accordance with the program of work adopted earlier this morning, we shall now begin our consideration of agenda item 121, revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. As you are aware, the General assembly allocated this agenda item to all the main Committees for the purpose of considering the working methods of the Committees and in order to take action on their respective tentative programs of work for the following session. I wish to recall that the matter revitalization of the working methods of the Six Committee has been considered by past as well as the present Bureaus of the Six Committee. Over the years, a number of innovations in the Committee's working methods have been introduced on the basis, among others, of recommendations made during the annual debate. Under this item, a lessons learned paper was developed several years ago and continues to be shared from Bureau to Bureau, with new suggestions for improvement being added. Based on recommendations made during the revitalization debate, it now reflects the accumulated wisdom.
[Speaker A] [2850.320s → 2961.100s]: Committee. Over the years, a number of innovations in the Committee's working methods have been introduced on the basis, among others, of recommendations made during the annual debate. Under this item, a lessons Learned paper was developed several years ago and continues to be shared from Bureau to Bureau, with new suggestions for improvement being added based on recommendations made during the revitalization debate. It now reflects the accumulated wisdom of colleagues over the years and in this regard, the Bureau and I look forward to receiving suggestions or recommendations for improving the working methods of the Sixth Committee. Following the adjournment of the session, the Bureau will convene to review the session and to make its own contributions to the lessons Learned paper. Starting last year, the debate on this agenda item has been scheduled for the beginning of the session in order to allow the opportunity for the Committee to take a more forward looking approach to the question of revitalization. In accordance with the program of work adopted earlier today, the Committee will have an opportunity to revisit this agenda item on the 14th of November to assess this year's working methods. At that time, it will also take up a proposal for the program for next year's session. Distinguished delegates, with this introduction, we can now begin our debate. There are seven speakers on my list and the first speaker on my list is. Is the European Union. Speaking on behalf of the members of the European Union, you have the floor.
[Speaker B] [2966.860s → 3030.020s]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union, its member states. The candidate countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Armenia, Monaco and San Marino, aligned themselves with this statement. As this is our first statement in the Sixth Committee this year, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you and the Bureau on your appointments. We look forward to working with you and rely on your leadership. You have our full support in your work. The Eunuch Member States welcome the adoption of Resolution 79327 on the revitalization of the work of the General assembly that resolution tasks all main committees of the General assembly to review their working methods and provide recommendations to the General Committee. Our intervention today aims to provide our constructive input in the work of the 6th Committee to fulfill this task. We consider that the practice of designating a focal point for this agenda item is useful and invite the focal point to synthesize proposals in order to make meaningful.
[Speaker A] [3000.320s → 3180.080s]: 79, 327 on the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. That resolution tasked all main committees of the General assembly to review their working methods and provide recommendations to the General Committee. Our intervention today aims to provide our constructive input in the work of the Sixth Committee. To fulfill this task. We consider that the practice of designating a focal point for this agenda item is useful and invite the focal point to synthesize proposals. In order to make meaningful progress in our work. We will focus on four clusters of proposals. First, we support efforts to strengthen the efficiency of the work of the Sixth Committee. These include improved time management on the basis of rules on shorter statements agreed by the Bureau at the start of each session. At the same time, informal consultations on topics where divergences arise may start earlier to allow for sufficient time to address concerns and build consensus. Likewise, we consider that the time is right to discuss the possible biennialization or triennialization of some resolutions. The significance of the resolutions is not determined by the regularity of their update, but by their impact and implementation. This would lighten the agenda, allowing for more time for in depth debates on the plethora of complex legal issues before us. In this way, we note the growing number of unresolved requests for observer status. During the 79th session alone, the Committee recommended to defer the decision for observer status to the 80th session in 10 instances. At the same time, it only made one recommendation to grant observer status. This year's agenda contains 16 such requests. We are open to establishing criteria whereby requests deferred for a number of years are not reintroduced at each session. Lastly, we support the simplification of the adoption of draft resolutions by the Sixth Committee along the lines provided in paragraph 28 of resolution 79, 327 for the plenary. All resolutions that are adopted without a vote will thus be adopted in one gavel. Secondly, the UN Member States consider that there is ample scope to increase the interaction with the International Law Commission through a structured, regular and active dialogue. One step to achieve that is to restructure the International Law Week, allotting more time to informal exchanges between Member States and observers of the General assembly and members of the ilc. It is paramount that all delegations have the opportunity to engage in depth on the ongoing work and final products of the ilc, as well as on the selection of topics to be added on its long term programme of work. Equally, we need sufficient time to discuss in order to take informed positions on the necessary resources for the ILC to fulfill its mandate thirdly, the EU welcomes the language amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the General assembly, reflecting gender equality. Gender equality, of course, does not end there.
[Speaker A] [3150.160s → 3303.610s]: That all delegations have the opportunity to engage in depth on the ongoing work and final products of the ilc, as well as on the selection of topics to be added on its long term program of work. Equally, we need sufficient time to discuss in order to take informed positions on the necessary resources for the ILC to fulfill its mandate. Thirdly, the EU welcomes the language amendments to the Rules of Procedure of the General assembly, reflecting gender equality. Gender equality, of course, does not end there, but must be fostered and reflected continuously in the work of the committees of the GA2. Practically speaking, this concerns but is not limited to the composition of the Bureau and the ilc, as well as the selection of facilitators. Fourthly and lastly, we believe that safeguarding multilingualism in our work is of added value, increasing inclusivity and accessibility. We recall that Resolution 79327 recognized it as an indispensable driver for international diplomacy. In this regard, we also underscored the orientations and achievements of the United Nations Strategic Framework on Multilingualism as well as the Multilingualism Action Plan elaborated by the President of the General Assembly. Multilingualism cannot be an adjustment variable in the context of the ongoing liquidity crisis, given that it plays a central role in ensuring inclusivity and respect of linguistic and cultural diversity values described as fundamental by the Pact for the Future and the Declaration on Future Generations. Thus, we encourage making readily available documentation and information on the work of the Sixth Committee in all of the official languages. To achieve that, we suggest, in line with paragraph 27 of resolution 78 330, to explore the implementation of cutting edge technology in an effort to accelerate the access to documents and information in all of the official UN languages. Mr. Chair, let me conclude by emphasizing the strong support and commitment of the EU and its Member States to the revitalization of the General Assembly. This is a continuous and indispensable effort for the GA and specifically the Sixth Committee in order to improve its efficiency, increase its effectiveness and ultimately ensure its relevance. Specifically, with regard to the Sixth Committee, we consider that revitalization should aim to create the conditions for the fulfillment of the multifaceted role that it has as the Legal Committee of the General Assembly. We look forward to listening to the views of the other delegations and engaging with them on this agenda item thank you very much.
[Speaker B] [3306.970s → 3322.580s]: I thank the Representative of the European Union for his statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. I now give the floor to the next speaker on my list, the Representative from El Salvador, speaking on behalf of a group of states.
[Speaker C] [3326.340s → 3329.860s]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the delegations.
[Speaker A] [3300.480s → 3322.560s]: And engaging with them on this agenda item. Thank you very much. I thank the representative of the European Union for his statement. On behalf of the European Union and its member States, I now give the floor to the next speaker on my list, the representative from El Salvador speaking on behalf of a group of states.
[Speaker B] [3326.510s → 3480.110s]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the delegations of Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Mexico, Portugal, Slovenia and South Africa, and my own country, El Salvador, it is my honor to address this agenda item at the outset. Allow me to express our appreciation for your leadership, with which, together with the efforts of the Bureau members, will undoubtedly contribute to a productive session of the Six Committee. We reiterate our full support to you and all members of the Bureau. And we also express our gratitude to the Codification Division for its important work, particularly under the current human and financial restraints. Reflecting on our previous statement delivered during the 79th session, we wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a continued discussion on the work methods of this Committee. As expressed before, we welcome the opportunity to have these discussions at the start of the session in a focused manner, with the participation of the whole membership. This session takes place at a particular challenging moment. Since its inception, the Organization has played a fundamental role in the progressive development and codification of international law. Over the past 80 years, it has contributed to the creation of multilateral treaties and model instruments in areas of global concern, including human rights, disarmament, criminal justice, the law of the sea, environmental protection, international trade law and others. Nevertheless, amid increasing geopolitical tensions and rapid technological advancements that deepen existing inequalities, international law is being put to the test. In a world where it's revel events, it's often questioned, it must be upheld. And in a world where technological change exacerbates divides between nations, international law must evolve to remain effective and responsive to these new realities. We firmly believe that this body, the General Assembly 6 Committee, continues to bear the main responsibility for the codification and progressive development of international law. And it is essential for us as Member States to adopt an action oriented approach in fulfilling these important duties, while acknowledging the critical role played by the International Law Commission as a subsidiary expert body in this regard. Guided by this commitment, we would like to.
[Speaker A] [3450.320s → 3630.110s]: Responsive to these new realities. We firmly believe that this body, the General Assembly 6 Committee, continues to bear the main responsibility for the codification and progressive development of international law and it is essential for us as Member States to adopt an action oriented approach in fulfilling these important duties while acknowledging the critical role played by the International Law Commission as a subsidiary expert body in this regard. Guided by this commitment, we would like to suggest the next concrete follow up recommendations for this session. First, implementation of the General assembly mandate paragraph 25 of resolution 79. 327. The General assembly has requested each of the main Committees to review their working methods during the 80th session and submit concrete proposals to the General Committee on on how to make their work more efficient and effective. In light of this renewed mandate, it remains important to continue monitoring and taking into account the inputs provided by delegations to the Bureau's focal point on this matter. The discussions held under the current agenda item constitute a valuable reference point for our collective efforts to further enhance the Committee's working methods and program of work. In this regard, we congratulate Ms. Estella Mansogo of Equatorial guinea on her appointment as a focal point for revitalization matters and assure her of our support. We encourage incoming Bureaus to keep this practice bearing in mind the need to ensure an equal regional rotation to this role on the broader UN 80 reform initiative. We also underscored the importance of ensuring that efforts to review the budget with a view to enhancing efficiency do not undermine the important regional courses organized under the United Nations Program of Assistance in the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law established since 1965. Second, strengthening the relationship with the International Law Commission we emphasize the need for a more active and structured dialogue between the ILC and the Sixth Committee. This should be reflected in the program of work, particularly during International Law Week, to ensure more room in depth for and substantive discussions with ILC members. The holding of an annual briefing by the ILC to the six Committee delegations has proven to be both valuable and useful in getting us better prepared for the annual discussion on the report of the ilc. Now, more than ever, we must strengthen the role and performance of this subsidiary organization. While we recognize the complexities of the ongoing liquidity crisis and the considerations being addressed in the context of the UN80 reform, the work of the International Law Commission must not be undermined. Some Persistent needs in this regard A. The need to improve the IOC's dialogue with the 6 Commission.
[Speaker A] [3600.320s → 3694.010s]: And useful in getting us better prepared for the annual discussion on the report of the ilc. Now more than ever, we must strengthen the role and performance of this subsidiary organ. While we recognize the complexities of the ongoing liquidity crisis and the considerations being addressed in the context of the UN80 reform, the work of the International Law Commission must not be undermined. Some persistent needs in this regard include a the need to improve the ILC's dialogue with the six Committee on the selection of new topics to be added to its long term program of work b the operationalization of the mandate under which International Law Commission would also convene its plenary sessions in New York and for which we wish to be allocated in the program of work for the correspondent session C In line with paragraph 42 of the General Assembly Resolution 77 335, which welcomes the growing number of women candidates for subsidiary organs and encourages Member States to continue nominate them, we express concern that this current composition of the International Law Commission still falls short of this objective. 3rd International Law Week Side Events For International Law Week we encourage delegations to organize side events in a manner that does not detract from participation, importance and significance of the plenary debate. We further encourage Member States to ensure the practice of keeping gender parity and geographical representation among its panelists at this event.
[Speaker B] [3695.850s → 3773.100s]: CAPCA Multilingual 4 Multilingualism as recalled by the General assembly in Resolution 79 327, Multilingualism as a core value of the Organization contributes to the achievement of the purposes of the United nations as set out in Article 1 of the charter. We therefore appeal for continued efforts to ensure that multilingualism is not undermined. We take this opportunity to pay tribute to the interpreters and translators who behind the scenes contribute to upholding multilingualism. In this regard. The value of multilingualism, says the speaker in Spanish, now must be upheld not only in documentation and conference services but also across the United nations system and its organs, including the International Court of Justice. In accordance with Article 39 of its statute, the Court also authorises languages other than French or English to be used by any party upon request. Measures have to be promoted to alleviate the growing demand for the use of other languages in the International Court of Justice, including Spanish.
[Speaker A] [3773.820s → 3780.060s]: Allow me to conclude by welcoming the recent amendment of the General Assembly's Rules of Procedure.
[Speaker A] [3750.560s → 3773.040s]: Including the International Court of Justice. In accordance with Article 39 of its statute, the Court also authorises languages other than French or English to be used by any party. Upon request, measures have to be promoted to alleviate the growing demand for the use of other languages in the International Court of Justice, including Spanish.
[Speaker B] [3773.840s → 3812.590s]: Allow me to conclude by welcoming the recent amendment of the General Assemblies Rules of Procedure, which entered into effect at the opening of the 80th session. As reflected in Annex 1 of the report of the Adult Working Group on the revitalization of the work of the General assembly, this amendment represents a significant step forward in promoting gender equality in the UN system. In closing, we look forward to your valuable guidance, as well as the continued cooperation of all Member States in our shared efforts to ensure the successful revitalization of the work of this six Committee. Shukran Seydar Reis.
[Speaker C] [3816.190s → 3855.880s]: I thank the delegation of El Salvador for your important statement made on behalf of a group of states. I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt. I'm sorry, Mr. Chair, there must have been a mistake. We did not ask for the chair. Thank you for the. For the floor or the chair. Thanks. Okay, I'm sorry. Perhaps you'll have another chance later on on another item. I now give the floor to the last speaker on my list for this item, the distinguished representative, Algeria.
[Speaker D] [3865.490s → 3930.080s]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on your election for the chairmanship of this committee. I would also like to congratulate all the members of the Bureau and assure you of our full support. My delegation is honored to participate in this vital discussion of the matter of the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. This matter is of particular importance given that our organization is commemorating the 80th anniversary of its inception. This has a direct impact on the organization's work. This gives us the chance also to collectively assess our collective commitment and renew this commitment to revitalize the multilateral system in its entirety. In this regard, Algeria reaffirms its firm commitment to the principles of the Charter, especially with regards to the role of the General assembly as the most representative organ in the un.
[Speaker A] [3901.200s → 4079.800s]: This has a direct impact on the organization's work. This gives us the chance also to collectively assess our collective commitment and renew this commitment to revitalize the multilateral system in its entirety. In this regard, Algeria reaffirms its firm commitment to the principles of the Charter, especially with regards to the role of the General assembly as the most representative organ in the UN for deliberations and the drafting of policies. In the un. The GA includes all Member States equally, which represents the democratic nature of multilateral action. From this perspective, we believe that any reform or any development in the working methods of the General assembly is a forum to continue multilateral discussions on all international matters involved in the UN Charter, and this must take into account the functional uniqueness of each of the Committees, especially the Sixth Committee, which is concerned with legal matters. This Committee has a pivotal role in the codification of international law and its development. The unique legal nature of the Sixth Committee makes it incumbent upon us to deal with its subjects with a sense of responsibility so as to maintain the consensus that has been represented or characteristic rather, of the work of the Committee since its inception. Consensus is not merely a technicality. It is a fundamental guarantee that the fundamentals of international law will not fall apart. This enhances the stability of international laws and their acceptance among all Member States, without exception. We also emphasize the importance of enhancing cooperation and continuous interactive dialogue between the International Law Commission and the Sixth Committee in a context full of consistent consultations and transparency as enriches legal discussions and as guarantees the development of international law in a balanced manner that reflects the priorities of all Member States. In this context, we call for the continued designation of a focal point on the part of the Bureau to facilitate the receipt of suggestions and remarks from the Member States on the program of work and the working methods of the Committee. Our delegation also believes that enhancing multilingualism within the work of the Sixth Committee is a fundamental element that guarantees the equal participation of all Member States.
[Speaker A] [4051.440s → 4168.890s]: The continued designation of a focal point on the part of the Bureau to facilitate the receipt of suggestions and remarks from the Member States on the program of work and the working methods of the Committee. Our delegation also believes that enhancing multilingualism within the work of the Sixth Committee is a fundamental element that guarantees the equal participation of all Member States. Enabling all delegations to access discussions and documents in all the UN official languages is a fundamental condition for inclusivity and equality in multilateral action. As for the schedules and time frames, we welcome the measures adopted by the Secretariat in this session by designating a sufficient window of time after the high level week to allow delegations to prepare and participate effectively in the work of the Committee. We also value learning from past experiences so that the meetings of the Sixth Committee are not concurrent with the informal negotiations regarding oceans and the law of the sea to guarantee the effective participation of all delegations, especially smaller delegations. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, we renew our full commitment to constructive participation in the revitalization of the work of the Sixth Committee, while respecting its legal uniqueness and maintaining a consensus in decision making, which enables the General assembly to continue in the development of international law and its codification. Thank you.
[Speaker B] [4171.930s → 4230.110s]: I thank the distinguished representative Algeria for his statement. The distinguished representative Algeria was the last speaker on this item for this morning. Before turning to the next agenda item scheduled for today, I wish to announce that the Bureau has appointed Ms. Estella Mercedes Enze Mansogo of Equatorial guinea as its focal point on revitalization for the present session. The focal point on revitalization will serve as the Bureau's contact point for receiving information, comments and suggestions from delegations regarding the working methods of the Committee and its program of work, including that for the following session, as well as in connection with the recommendations addressed to the main Committees in the annual Made in the annual resolution adopted by the General assembly on the revitalization of its work. So, in accordance with the program of work, the Sixth Committee will continue its consideration.
[Speaker A] [4200.160s → 4310.440s]: Vitalization will serve as the Bureau's contact point for receiving information, comments and suggestions from delegations regarding the working methods of the Committee and its program of work, including that for the following session, as well as in connection with the recommendations addressed to the main Committees in the annual made in the annual resolution adopted by the General assembly on the revitalization of its work. So, in accordance with the program of work, the Sixth Committee will continue its consideration of Agenda Item 121. Revitalization of the work of the General assembly in the morning of the 14th of November. Distinguished delegates, in accordance with the program of work that we adopted this morning, we shall now commence our consideration of Agenda Item 109, Measures to Eliminate International terrorism. In this connection, I draw your attention to the report of the Secretary General in relation to the agenda item now under consideration as contained in document A80177. We shall now begin our consideration of this item and our debate on this item. There are quite a number of speakers on my list and just a quick announcement. The Bureau has recommended that the deadline for inscription for the debate on agenda item 109, that's measures to eliminate international terrorism, be at 5pm today, after which the list of speakers will be closed. Just for your information, I have 88 requests for the floor on this item. So the first speaker on the list on my list is the distinguished representative of Iran speaking Islamic Republic of Iran speaking on behalf of of the Non Aligned movement.
[Speaker B] [4315.320s → 4379.020s]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you for your well deserved election. Allow me to assure you of the Non Aligned Movement's fullest cooperation and support throughout the work of the Sixth Committee. The Non Alive Movement unequivocally rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as well as all acts, methods and practices of terrorism wherever, by whomever, against whomsoever, committed, including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved, which are unjustifiable, whatever the consideration or factors that may be invoked to justify them, all such acts are condemned as criminal. In this context, NAM members reaffirm their support for the provisions contained in the General assembly resolution 4651 of 9th December 1991 and other relevant United nations resolutions.
[Speaker A] [4350.160s → 4527.610s]: Including those in which States are directly or indirectly involved, which are unjustifiable, whatever the consideration or factors that may be invoked to justify them. All such acts are condemned as criminal in this context. Now members reaffirm their support for the provisions contained in the General assembly resolution 4651 of 9th December 1991 and other relevant United nations resolutions. The non alive movement reaffirms that terrorist acts constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, in particular the right to life, leading to the lack of the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms of peoples. Such acts endanger the territorial integrity and stability of States as well as national, regional and international security destabilize legitimately constituted governments or the prevailing constitutional order and political unity of States affect the stability of nations and the very basis of societies create adverse consequences on economic and social development while also leading to the destruction of the physical and economic infrastructure of States. The NAM reiterates its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in accordance with the UN Charter. We would like to stress that terrorism should not be equated with the legitimate struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for self determination and national liberation. The brutalization of peoples remaining under foreign occupation should continue to be denounced as the gravest form of terrorism, and the use of State power for the suppression and violence against peoples struggling against foreign occupation in exercising their inalienable right to self determination should continue to be condemned. The movement reaffirms its principled position under international law and in accordance with General assembly resolution 4651 of 9 December 1991, as well as other relevant UN resolutions on the legitimacy of the struggles of people under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for national liberation and self determination. Furthermore, terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group, and these attributions should not be used to justify terrorism or counterterrorism Measures that include, inter alia, profiling of terrorist suspects and intrusion on individual privacy.
[Speaker A] [4500.640s → 4680.110s]: And foreign occupation for national liberation and self determination. Furthermore, terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group and these attributions should not be used to justify terrorism or counterterrorism measures that include, inter alia, profiling of terrorist suspects and intrusion and on individual privacy conscience on the need to take speedy and effective measures to eliminate international terrorism. The movement urges all States, consistent with the UN Charter, to fulfill their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law in combating terrorism, including by prosecuting or where appropriate, extraditing the perpetrators of terrorist attacks terrorist acts by preventing the organization, instigation or financing of terrorist acts against other States from within or outside their territories or by organization based in their territories by refraining from organizing, instigating, assisting, financing or participating in terrorist acts in the territories of other States by refraining from encouraging activities within their territories directed towards the commission of such acts by refraining from allowing the use of their territories as sanctuaries and safe havens and for the planning, training or financing for such acts or by refraining from supplying arms or other weapons that could be used for terrorist acts in other States. The non alive movement rejects actions and measures the use or threat of use of force imposed or threatened to be imposed by any State against any non alive, non aligned member country under the pretext of combating terrorism or to pursue its political aims, including by directly or indirectly categorizing them as terrorism sponsoring States. Furthermore, the NAAM totally rejects the unilateral preparation of lists accusing States of allegedly supporting terrorism which are inconsistent with international law and constitute under part of a form of psychological and political terrorism. The non ally movement calls upon all States to condemn any form of and refrain from extending political, diplomatic, moral or material support for terrorism. The NAM urges all States, consistent with the UN Charter and in fulfilling 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 claims of political motivation by them are not recognized as grounds for refusing requests for their extradition. The movement.
[Speaker A] [4650.560s → 4829.750s]: Support for terrorism the NAM urges all the States, consistent with the UN Charter and in fulfilling 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 claims of political motivation by them are not recognized as grounds for refusing requests for their extradition. The movement expresses grave concern over the acute and growing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, namely individuals who travel to a State other than their States of residence or nationality for the purpose of perpetration, planning, preparation of or participation in terrorist acts, or providing or receiving terrorist training, including in connection with armed conflict. In this context, the movement emphasizes the need for States to address this issue, including through the implementation of their international obligations, and underlines the importance of United nations capacity building and facilitation of capacity building in accordance with existing mandates to assist States upon their request, including those in the most affected regions. The movement expresses deep concern over the misinterpretation and the misrepresentation of religions by terrorist groups to justify terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as violent extremism conducive to terrorism, all in an effort to instill hatred in the hearts and minds of the youth while justifying and glorifying brutality and violence. In this regard, it is imperative to effectively counter the narratives of terrorism through a comprehensive and international framework within an effective and comprehensive method aimed at addressing all its root causes, including through the engagement of community leaders and clerics from all denominations. The movement also calls upon all States not only to not only respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, but also reaffirm their commitment in this respect to prevent human rights violations in consistency with the rule of law and their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, and in accordance with the relevant General Assembly Resolutions. We call upon the Security Council Sanctions Committees to further streamline their listing and delisting procedures to strengthen due process and the rule of law through an independent, transparent and permanent position of permanent position of the Umbad's person. The Non Alive Movement condemns in the strongest terms terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and all terrorist acts, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief.
[Speaker A] [4800.480s → 4977.490s]: To further streamline their listing and delisting procedures to strengthen due process and the rule of law through an independent, transparent and permanent position of the Ombuds person. The Non Alive Movement condemns in the strongest terms terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and all terrorist acts, including those on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance or in the name of religion or belief. Recognizing the commitment of all religions to peace and expressed determination to condemn violent extremism conducive to terrorism, incitement to commit terrorist acts which spread hate and threatened lives also reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. The Non Alive Movement reiterates its call for an international summit conference under the auspices of the UN to formulate a joint organized response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including identifying its root causes. We further reiterate the importance of the conclusion of a comprehensive Convention for for combating international terrorism, noting the negotiations in the Ad Hoc Committee established by General assembly resolution 51210 of 17th December 1996 for the elaboration of a comprehensive convention on international Terrorism and the continuation of efforts to that end, including during the intercession period. In this regard we call upon all States to cooperate and and resolving outstanding issues. The Movement reaffirms the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy as well as the Member States primary responsibility to execute the aforementioned strategy and calls for its transparent and comprehensive implementation, including true cooperation with the UN Office of Counterterrorism and the UN center for Counterterrorism. UNCCT we look forward for receiving the contributions of the UNACT aimed towards providing more coherence and effectiveness to the activities carried out by the UN in counterterrorism sphere. This includes the assistance it can provide in addressing such issues upon the request of Member States capacity building needs, while underscoring that such assistance must be tailored to the specific needs and realities of the concerned State and that it shall take into account the centrality of national ownership. Finally, the Member States of the Movement look forward to the ninth review of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy in 2026. I thank you Mr. Chair.
[Speaker A] [4950.080s → 5004.570s]: Request of Member States capacity building needs while underscoring that such assistance must be tailored to the specific needs and realities of the concerned State and that it shall take into account the centrality of national ownership. Finally, the Member States of the movement look Forward to the Nine's review of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy in 2026. I thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran speaking on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. I now wish to give the floor to the permanent representative of Saudi Arabia speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. You have the floor, sir. In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful.
[Speaker B] [5005.840s → 5130.080s]: Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the IC Group on the agenda item measures to eliminate international tourism. At the outset. Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. Chairman, on your election as a chair of the six committee. And I would like to assure you of the OIC Group's full support throughout the work of the Committee. The IC Group condemns tourism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of their motivations, the identity of the perpetrator and the location where it was committed. OIC reaffirms that tourism constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, in particular the right to life. Terrorist acts endanger the territorial integrity and stability of States as well as national, regional and international security. The RC Group reiterates its respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all states. In accordance with the UN Charter, the Group reaffirms that tourism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, race, faith, culture, ethnicity or society. The Group strongly condemns any politicized attempt to link Islam with tourism. Such attempts serve only the interests and aspirations of terrorists and promote polarization, hatred and discrimination, xenophobia and hostility against Muslims and Muslim communities worldwide. Accordingly, we reiterate the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation.
[Speaker A] [5100.640s → 5280.040s]: Attempt to link Islam with tourism. Such attempts serve only the interest and the aspirations of tourists and promote polarization, hatred and discrimination, xenophobia and hostility against Muslims and Muslim communities worldwide. Accordingly, we reiterate the importance of promoting dialogue, understanding and cooperation among religions, cultures and civilizations for the sake of peace and harmony in the world, and welcome all regional and international initiatives and efforts to that end. Mr. Chairman, the OIC Group also reaffirms its commitment to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against terrorist the Group believes that it is essential to follow a comprehensive approach in combating tourism. This should be done by addressing the root cause of tourism, including the lack of sustained economic growth, lack of development, lack of social economic opportunities, unlawful use of force, aggression, foreign occupation, prolonged international disputes and political marginalization and alienation. Moreover, it is necessary to combat all terrorist groups and organization wherever they exist, without any distinction. Once again, the Group reiterates the needs to distinguish between tourism and the exercise of the legitimate right of people to resist foreign occupation, and would like to stress that this distinction is duly observed in international law, international humanitarian law, Article 51 of the Charter of the United nations and the General assembly resolution 46 51, which also endorses this position. Furthermore, the Group believes that it is essential that that Member States should enhance their cooperation and coordination with the aim of prosecuting their perpetrators and of tourist acts denying tourist groups access to any finance, safe havens, assistance or weapons. It is also imperative to enhance the cooperation and coordination to refute the narratives and ideologies of tourists, groups and organizations. The OIC denounces the system of oppression and terror by the illegal Israeli colonial occupation and condemns the genocide.
[Speaker A] [5250.160s → 5430.110s]: Finance safe havens, assistance or weapons. It is also imperative to enhance the cooperation and coordination to refute the narratives and ideologies of tourists, groups and organizations. The IC denounces the system of oppression and terror by the illegal Israeli colonial occupation and condemns the genocide committed against the Palestinian people in Gaza. It condemns Israel's illegal military occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem, and calls an international community to end this settler colonial occupation and apartheid regime. OIC asserts that all crimes committed by Israel, the occupying power, including all acts of aggression, genocide, ethnic cleansing, destruction, the illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip, the use of starvation as a weapon of war along with other colonial settlement policies, tourism, including acts of settlers, tourism of extremist settlers, land confiscation, home diminutions, repeated attacks on Islamic and Christian holy sites and attempts to annex the Palestinian land in the west bank including Al Quds, reinforced disappearance, execution, abuse, torture, terror and all other violations faced by Palestinian prisoners constitute war crime, genocide and crimes against humanity that necessitate accountability under international criminal law. The IC Group affirms the significance of the case presented to the International Court of Justice concerning Israel as a occupying power having violated the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and the Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and welcomes the increase in the number of declarations of intervention, the necessary follow up actions to advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice with the goal of ensuring that Israel Occupying Power is held accountable for acts of genocide it has committed and continue to commit in the State of Palestine. The IC Group underscores the recent political confirmation of genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry. The IIC Group warns of the danger of the escalating territory.
[Speaker A] [5400.160s → 5580.080s]: Of ensuring that Israel occupying power is held accountable for acts of genocide it has committed and continue to commit in the state of Palestine. The IC Group underscores the recent political confirmation of genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry. The OIS Group warns of the danger of the escalating terrorist act activity by extremist settlers under the protection of Israeli occupation forces in the west bank including occupied Al Quds and stresses the need to take the necessary steps to hold settlers accountable for their crimes. The IC calls for the classification of extremist settlers and Jewish settlement movements as a tourist groups and organizations and include them on a global tourist list and to work at all levels including United nations and especially the Security Council to hold the Israeli leaders and settlers accountable for crimes for the crimes they committed. The IC Group appreciates the decisions made by States that have enacted resolutions, laws and punitive measures against Israeli settlers and settlements. OIC also condemns the Israeli kinesis the adoption of racist laws including classifying the so called ANRWA as a terrorist organization, preventing its operation in the Occupied territory and rejecting a Palestinian state. The IC Group condemns Israel's ongoing aggression against Lebanon since October 2023, including land, sea and air assaults on Lebanon sovereignty which have been alarming increasing Israeli resistance. To continue its policy of intimidation and threats against Lebanon and the targeting of civilians and children in the South Lebanon and deep into Lebanese territory is a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law. The OIC further condemns the cyber warfare launched by Israel against Lebanon. It calls on the international community to take deterrent measures to stop this aggression and to make Israel accountable for crimes committed. The ISC condemns in the strongest terms the brutal unprovoked acts of aggression by Israel regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran on 13 June 2025 and onwards, including repeated tourist attacks killing more than a third.
[Speaker A] [5550.160s → 5710.320s]: Lebanon. It calls on the international community to take deterrent measures to stop this aggression and to make Israel accountable for crimes committed. The IC condemns in the strongest terms the brutal unprovoked acts of aggression by Israeli regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran on 13 June 2025 and onwards, including repeated terrorist attacks killing more than a thousand civilians including women and children and the assassination of Iranian scientists, university professors, senior military commanders and former Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in a grave violation of international law and the UN Charter. It stressed that these brutal attacks together with the unprovoked assaults on Iranian embassy complex in Syria constitute a war crime and crimes against humanity and blatant violation of the sovereignty of Iran and Syria. The IC Group further condemns the Israeli regime and the United States of America for attacks on Iran peaceful nuclear facilities and call upon the IAEA unequivocally condemning them and and urged the UN Security Council to take decisive measures under Chapter 7. It reaffirms Iran's inherent rise to self defense and to take all necessary measures to protect sovereignty and citizens and prevent recurrence of such criminal acts. The OIC Group wishes to recall the emergency action Arab Islamic Summits held in Doha on 15 September 2025 to discuss the Israeli's aggression against the State of Qatar and in this regard condemns in the stronger terms the crowded and illegal attacks launched By Israel on September 9, 2025 in on residential neighborhood in Qatari capital Doha which housed presidential buildings designated by the State to host negotiating delegations as a part of its multilateral mediation efforts in addition to a number of school nurses and diplomatic missions. I thank you.
[Speaker B] [5715.360s → 5728.870s]: I wish to thank the Permanent representative of Saudi Arabia for his statement on behalf of the oic. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon speaking on behalf of the African Group.
[Speaker A] [5700.080s → 5880.110s]: Mediation efforts, in addition to a number of school nurses and diplomatic missions. I thank you. I wish to thank the Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia for his statement on behalf of the oic. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon. Speaking on behalf of the African Group, I have the honor to deliver a statement on behalf of the African Group. Let me congratulate you and the Member of the Bureau on your election and assure you of our full support throughout the work of the Sixth Committee. The African Group would like to thank the Secretary General for his report on measure to eliminate international terrorism contained in Document A. We strongly and unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its form and manifestation, as well as all act, method and practices of terrorism wherever by whomever and against whomever they are committed, including state terrorism, and reaffirm that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. For the African Group, any act of terrorism is a flagrant violation of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. The African Group recognizes state non derogatory obligation as is related to respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in accordance with the UN Charter. Chair we welcome the AID review of the United Nations Counterterrorism Strategy that was co facilitated by Tunisia and Canada and calls for constructive negotiation for the ninth review in 2026, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the launching of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy, which remains the reference document for the action to be taken by the United nations and as such requires updating to consider the concern and challenges faced by Member States during the latest eight review, it was regrettable that consensus could not be reached on proposal to condemn the action of racist and right wing extremist group including the decoration of places of worship and the sacred text of holy books, as well as to include a reference to the International Day Against Islamophobia. Despite the consensus resolution 76254 of 15 March 2022 by the UN General assembly, it will be therefore important to build on the progress achieved during the AID review which tackled amongst other issued.
[Speaker A] [5850.240s → 6030.060s]: Group, including the creation of places of worship and the sacred text of holy books, as well as to include a reference to the International Day Against Islamophobia. Despite the consensus resolution 76254 of 15 March 2022 by the UN General assembly, it will be therefore important to build on the progress achieved during the AID review which tackle amongst other issues relating to the return of foreign terrorist fighters and the exacerbation of extremist narrative and hate speech, new and emerging threats such as the misuse of technology for terrorism purpose, the misuse of Internet including social media platform for recruitment, as well as the importance of upholding human rights. In the same vein, we express our concern over the systematic recruitment of youth and use of children to perpetrate terrorist act, as well as the violation and abuse committed by terrorist group against children in all circumstances, including killings and maiming, adoption and rape and other form of sexual violence. These violations and abuses may amount to war crime or crimes against humanity and represent an affront to the obligation under the Convention on the Right of the Child as well as the African Charter on the Right and Welfare of the Child. The African Group welcomes the engagement of the Secretary General for a successful review of the UN Counterterrorism architecture and reiterates its support to the UN Office for Counterterrorism under the direction of USG Vladimir Ivanovich Voronkov and look forward to continuing cooperation with the Office in the formulation and the implementation of of UNOCT Strategic Plan 2026 2028. Chair the African Group takes note of the work done by the Adult Committee in drafting the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. We reiterate the importance of the conclusion of a Comprehensive Convention on Combating International Terrorism and the continual effort to that end. We welcome the resume session of the informal consultation to discuss the outstanding issue on the draft and we call on all Member States to cooperate in resolving the pending issues. The African Group stand ready to work actively with other delegation to achieve consensus on this draft. In view of this, the African Group support the proposal to convene a high level conference under the auspices of the United nations to formulate an international response to Totalism in all its form and manifestation and we believe that the proposal should be given serious consideration. Chair Africa continues to pay a heavy price with a surge in attacks and the expansion of.
[Speaker A] [6000.160s → 6180.080s]: And ready to work actively with other delegation to achieve consensus on this draft. In view of this, the African Group support the proposal to convene a high level conference under the auspices of the United nations to formulate an international response to totalism in all its form and manifestation, and we believe that the proposal should be given serious consideration. Cheer Africa continues to pay a heavy price with a surge in attacks and the expansion of group affiliated to Daesh and Al Qaeda in the sil, in coastal West Africa, in Lake Chad Basin and in the Gulf of Guinea, not to forget the emergence of cell in Central Eastern Africa, Southern Africa. This threat challenges the AU effort to silence the gun in Africa by 2030 and significantly hinders progress toward implementing the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Agenda 2030. The devastating socioeconomic impact of the COVID 19 pandemic and the recent economic shock have undoubtedly exacerbated the conditions that are known to breed terrorism and stress the need to address the fundamental costs of terrorism by linking counterterrorism with sustainable development, job creation and education, particularly in communities more most affected by conflict and violent extremism. Against this backdrop, the African Group has long recognized the need to tackle to take concrete measure to counter the phenomenon of terrorism and has continued to remain committed to the process which led to the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Combating of terrorism in 1999 and enter into force in 2002. The continual effort and commitment of the African continent have been strengthened through the establishment of agencies such as the African Union Counterterrorism center in Algiers, Algeria. The African Union remains committed to guiding, promoting, raising awareness as well as protecting and building the capacity of relevant stakeholders by providing operational and technical advice and support as well as training to address terrorism related issues. Africa is committed to develop a comprehensive continental strategic plan of action on counterterrorism in Africa. Premise on existing national and regional strategy to enhance coordination and coherence to consolidate coordination and enhance action for this purpose. The full operationalization of the African Standby Force and the strengthening of the coordination with Regional Economic Community and mechanism on its utilization remain a priority in AU Counterterrorism Agenda Chair While expressing concern over the increased incidence of kidnapping and.
[Speaker A] [6150.160s → 6330.080s]: Existing national and regional strategy to enhance coordination and coherence to consolidate coordination and enhance action. For this purpose, the full operationalization of the African Standby Force and the strengthening of the coordination with regional economic community and mechanism on its utilization remain a priority in AU Counterterrorism Agenda. Chair While expressing concern over the increased incidence of kidnapping and hostage taking for ransom in the region, the African Group considered the financing of terrorism as a matter of grave concern not only for the continent but also for the international community. In this regard, the African Group calls for the strengthening of measures to curb terrorist financing, including the ransom payment, illicit trade and money laundering, through enhanced cooperation with financial institutions and strict implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2133. The African Group urged Member States to take appropriate measures to prevent refugee statutes from being abused by the perpetrators, organizers or facilitators of terrorist act and to ensure before granting asylum that the asylum seekers has not planned, facilitated or participated in terrorist act. The African Group also called on Member States to invest more in counter narrative and community resilience by supporting youth, women, religious leaders and civil society in preventing radicalization and promoting peace oriented messaging, including through the implementation of the comprehensive International framework to counter terrorist narrative. Apart from implementing concrete measures, more attention in the fight against terrorism needs to be further strengthened through interstate cooperation. It is in this context that we welcome the creation and operationalization in Djibouti of the center of Excellence for the Prevention and Fight against Violent Extremism. We appreciate the Trans Sahara Counterterrorism Initiative elaborated by the African center for Study and Research on Terrorism and the United States Africa center for Strategic Studies. We also welcome the Madrid Declaration and Plan of Action on Combating Terrorism in West and Central Africa. Chair in combating this phenomenon, the African Group commend the progress already made in the UNAU Partnership and called for the strengthening of this partnership and for a greater alignment, including on strategic, legal and operational level, between UN counterterrorism initiative and pertinent EU effort. Like the AU counterterrorism framework and the 2020 AU master roadmap of Practical Step to Silence the Gun in Africa, the African Group incorporated.
[Speaker A] [6300.400s → 6480.030s]: The progress already made in the UNAU partnership and call for the strengthening of this partnership and for a greater alignment, including on strategic, legal and operational level, between UN Counterterrorism Initiative and pertinent AU effort like the AU Counterterrorism framework and the 2020 AU Master Roadmap of Practical Step to Silence the Gun in Africa, the African Group encouraged cooperation between the UN and regional organization in the fight against terrorism and stressed the critical importance for the UN and its member states to work with the African region to prevent the threat of terrorism from derailing the hard won gains that Africa has made in unifying, developing and working towards a more prosperous peaceful future. The African Group welcomed the High Level African Counterterrorism meeting held from 22nd and 23April 2024 co organized by Nigeria and UNOCT in Abuja and endorsement of the Abuja Process, A Framework for Africa Led and Africa on Counterterrorism Initiative. We also welcome the convening on 24 January 2025 of the high level UN Security Open Debate on Counterterrorism in Africa organized during Algeria's presidency of the Security Council in connection with the item entitled Maintenance of International Peace and Security, the adoption of the Presidential Statement on this matter and the adoption under Algeria chairmanship of the UN Security Council Counterterrorism Committee of the non binding Guiding principle for Member States on preventing, detecting and disrupting the use of new and emerging financial technology for terrorist purpose, also known as the Algeria Guidance principle. In this respect, the African Group reaffirmed the imperative of adequate, sustainable and predictable financing for counterterrorism effort on the continent and consequently reiterate its call for the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 27 to further strengthen counterterrorism effort and embed African leadership within peace and security architecture. The African Group strongly advocates for technical assistance and capacity building, especially in areas like border control to counter cross border smuggling of mineral and goods, illicit trade of small arms and light weapon, combating drug trafficking, antimoney, laundering and counter financing of terrorism, law enforcement and judicial processes. The African Group welcomed the establishment in 2020in Rabbat, Morocco of the UNOCC Program Office for Counterterrorism and Training in Africa which.
[Speaker A] [6450.320s → 6555.880s]: Especially in areas like border control to counter cross border smuggling of mineral and goods, illicit trade of small arm and light weapon, combating drug trafficking, anti money laundering and counter financing of terrorism, law enforcement and judicial processes. The African Group welcomed establishment in 2020 in Rabat, Morocco of the UNOCC Program Office for Counterterrorism and Training in Africa, which provide an important contribution in counterterrorism troop capacity building support to Member States, particularly in West Africa and the South. The training hub develop and delivers specialized counterterrorism and law enforcement training program to requesting Member States in Africa. We also welcome the establishment of the Regional Program Office of Counterterrorism in Nairobi, Kenya to prevent and counter terror violent extremism conducive to terrorism in East Africa. Chair in this common endeavor to fight terrorism, we the African Group continue to be motivated by the memories of the victim of terrorism and the suffering of the survivors of terrorist act. In this context, we call on the international community to build on the lesson learned from the first United Nations Global Congress on the Victim of Terrorism held in New York on 8th and 9th, September 2022 and from the United Nations International Conference on Victim of Terrorism held in Victoria gas day on the 8th and 9th October 2024. Mr. President, in closing, let me reiterate the unhindered commitment of the African Group to eradicate the scourge of terrorism both in Africa and elsewhere. Thank you for your attention.
[Speaker B] [6560.080s → 6629.940s]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cameroon speaking on behalf of the African Group. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union speaking on behalf of the European Union and its member states. Mr. Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The candidate countries, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia, as well as Armenia, Monaco and San Marino, align themselves with this statement. This year we mark the UN's 80th anniversary. The UN was established to put an end to war and promote peace, justice and better living for all humankind. Unfortunately, the international community has yet to successfully contain the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism. On the contrary, the threat continues to evolve, presenting a major challenge in a geopolitical environment impacted by growing instability and multiple crises. Al Qaeda, Esil, Daesh and their affiliates remain the most prominent threat and the alarming situation in parts of Africa.
[Speaker A] [6600.080s → 6780.080s]: Established to put an end to war and promote peace, justice and better living for all humankind. Unfortunately, the international community has yet to successfully contain the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism. On the contrary, the threat continues to evolve, presenting a major challenge in a geopolitical environment impacted by growing instability and multiple crises. Al Qaeda, Isildaesh and their affiliates remain the most prominent threat, and the alarming situation in parts of Africa is of particular concern. Moreover, politically motivated violent extremism, including from the far right and far left, along with the exploitation of new technologies for terrorist purposes, remain significant areas of concern. Against this backdrop, the European Union and its member states underscore the critical importance of international cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism and violent extremism. We are committed to working together during the ninth review of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy in 2026 to ensure that our collective response remains relevant, up to date and effective by respecting and fully upholding international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law. Since the adoption of the last review in 2023, the European Union and its member states have enhanced both our internal and external measures to effectively prevent and counterterrorism and violent extremism. We are pleased that the Global Counterterrorism Forum has renewed the EU's mandate as its co chair until 2026 alongside Egypt, prioritizing gender responsive approaches and a strong focus on Africa. By the end of 2025, the European Commission will present a new EU agenda on preventing and countering terrorism and violent Extremism, a comprehensive strategic framework that integrates internal and external action and reflects the EU's response to the evolving threat landscape. Furthermore, the EU is the third largest donor to the UN Office of Counterterrorism and deeply values this collaboration. In this context, we underline the need for continuous assurance that the UN counterterrorism architecture remains fit for purpose, delivering sustainable and effective assistance with full adherence to transparency and international law, including international human rights law. The EU also provides substantial political and financial support to a range of other multilateral actors, including the GCTF inspired institutions, Hedaya, GSERF and the iij, reinforcing prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration and anchoring counterterrorism efforts firmly in human rights. Allow me to highlight several key points of utmost importance to the work of this Committee. First, the EU remains committed to a multilateral counterterrorism approach that fully respects and upholds international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law, and international.
[Speaker A] [6750.400s → 6930.080s]: Inspired institutions hedaya, GSERF and the IIJ reinforcing prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration, and anchoring counterterrorism efforts firmly in human rights. Allow me to highlight several key points of utmost importance to the work of this Committee. First, the EU remains committed to a multilateral counterterrorism approach that fully respects and upholds international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law. The only sustainable response to terrorism and violent extremism is one based on democracy, the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and gender responsive approaches. Counterterrorism efforts must never serve as a pretext for human rights violations. On the contrary, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is the cornerstone of sustainable counterterrorism strategies, enhancing their legitimacy and effectiveness. These principles are reaffirmed in the Pact for the Future, underscoring their importance and international consensus on them. Second, we must engage with and protect civil society representatives and human rights defenders as meaningful partnerships with civil society are crucial to effectively addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism. The full, equal and meaningful participation, participation and leadership of women are indispensable in these efforts, and inclusion of youth in all stages is key to effective prevention. We also recognize the importance of protecting, supporting and rehabilitating all victims of terrorism as they are key agents in preventing further terrorist acts. We recall the fruitful discussions during last year's UN International Conference on Victims of Terrorism in Victoria Caste, Spain, which also highlighted the importance of education as a tool for prevention, peace building and empowerment of victims and survivors. Third, the EU deplores the increasing politicization of counterterrorism and strongly supports revitalizing the negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. In this regard, we draw attention to the recently adopted amending Protocol by the Council of Europe to modify the definition of terrorist offenses in the Council of Europe Convention CETS 196. Once entered into force, the amended Council of Europe framework will provide a common Pan European definition of terrorism. This achievement demonstrates that common legal frameworks strengthen global cooperation while safeguarding human rights. We propose that other delegations consider the potential benefits of this framework and express our commitment to engaging in a constructive and meaningful dialogue based on its principles. Fourth, the European Union is concerned about the growing threat posed by the misuse of the Internet for intimidation, radicalization, propaganda, recruitment, incitement to violence and attacks. Member States need to adapt their leadership.
[Speaker A] [6900.160s → 7049.520s]: Legal frameworks strengthen global cooperation while safeguarding human rights. We propose that other delegations consider the potential benefits of this framework and express our commitment to engaging in a constructive and meaningful dialogue based on its principles. Fourth, the European Union is concerned about the growing threat posed by the misuse of the Internet for intimidation, radicalization, propaganda, recruitment, incitement to violence and attacks. Member States need to adapt their legal framework to respond to this challenge in accordance with international law, including international human rights law. For instance, the European Union Internet Forum creates a collaborative environment for EU governments, the Internet industry and other partners to discuss and address the challenges posed by malicious and illegal online content. Moreover, the EU has established a terrorist Content online regulation in force since 2022, requiring removal of terrorist content within one hour with strong safeguards for freedom of expression. We also underline the importance of addressing the misuse of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence drones and 3D printed weapons for terrorist purposes. In response, the EU has launched a comprehensive counter drone policy package and together with UN partners and Interpol initiatives such as CT Tech plus for capacity building. Finally, the EU has taken major steps to cut off terrorist financing. A new European Authority for Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of terrorism. Amla, which became operational this year, will enhance our global leadership in this domain alongside strengthened cooperation among financial intelligence units. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, the European Union and its member states remain steadfast in our commitment to multilateral. Multilateralism, excuse me. And to supporting global efforts to prevent and counterterrorism and violent extremism in a manner compliant with international law. From Africa, where 72% of our external CT and PCVE spending is concentrated to the Western Balkans, Central Asia and the Middle east, including as co lead of the Syria and Iraq Focus Group of the Global Coalition Against Daesh. The EU acts as the world's largest external cooperation partner and a reliable global security actor. We stand ready to work collaboratively with all partners to strengthen our collective security and uphold the values that unite us. I thank you.
[Speaker B] [7052.960s → 7080.110s]: I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union speaking on behalf of the EU and its member States. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in defense of the Charter of the United Nations. Senor Presidente Chair the Bolivarian Republic of.
[Speaker A] [7053.120s → 7072.240s]: I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union speaking on behalf of the EU and its member states. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in defense of the Charter of the United Nations.
[Speaker B] [7075.610s → 7229.970s]: Senor Presidente Chair, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honour of taking the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in defence of the UN Charter. Since this is the first time we're taking the floor, please allow me to extend our best wishes to you and to the members of the Bureau. We're very much looking forward to working closely with you and we assure you of the commitment of our delegations to participate actively and constructively in this session. Chairman. Terrorist acts do not only imperil the territorial integrity and stability of states, but also national, regional and international peace and security. They do not only generate terror and violate human rights, but they also destabilize legitimately legitimate governments and the constitutional order and prevailing political unity in states affected, as well as the stability of nations and the foundations of societies themselves. Furthermore, terrorist acts have adverse consequences, among other things, for the economic and social development of entire nations and at the same time cause huge human damage and economic, significant economic losses, including as a result of the destruction of public and private infrastructure of states, including critical infrastructure. Therefore, we express our categoric rejection of all acts of terrorism, regardless of the modification wherever, whenever and whoever they happen and whoever is committing them, including those committed directly or indirectly by states. All apps, methods and practices of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable and represent clear violations of the principles and purposes of the UN Charter as well as the standards of international law. In particular, when they are used as a means not only to disrupt the social peace and halt economic development, but also to facilitate armed intervention of Western foreign powers, including through regime change efforts. We must underscore, on the one hand, that terrorism must not be used in any way as a legitimate way of people to resist colonial domination or foreign domination or foreign occupation for free determination and national liberation, or, on the other hand, that terrorism must not ever be associated by any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. Similarly.
[Speaker A] [7200.400s → 7380.030s]: Must not be used in any way as a legitimate way of people to resist colonial domination or foreign domination or foreign occupation for free determination and national liberation or, on the other hand, that terrorism must not ever be associated by any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. Similarly, the provision of any type of support, whether active or passive, to organizations, terrorist organizations or persons in order to incite, plan, finance, perpetrate or participate in the commission of terrorist acts, including using mercenaries, is contrary to the noble objective of achieving a world free of terrorism which requires that all states fully fulfill their obligations and that abstain from supporting or sponsoring terrorism in any form. This is incompatible, among other things, with the values, principles and spirit of the founding Charter of the United Nations. The fight against international terrorism must unite us and compel all of us. However, the common search for a world free of terrorism has been undermined for a long time as a result of the politicization of the fight against terrorism to promote interventionist agendas. The political manipulation of the fight against terrorism and the incitation of committing terrorist acts alongside the application of unilateral coercive measures as part of this strategy is geared towards promoting regime chains in sovereign countries that are a flagrant violation both of the letter as well as the spirit of the norms and principles of international law. Interwriting the UN Charter Chairman in the same vein, we reject the political manipulation of the fight against terrorism, in particular through the publication of arbitrary and unilateral lists that accuse states of supposedly sponsoring terrorism. The arbitrary inclusion of Cuba on the illegal and unilateral list of countries falsely accused of sponsoring terrorism drafted by the US Government has significantly worsened the negative effects of the economic, trade and financial embargo that's criminal and illegal impose against against the Cuban people by the US Governments. We also underscore that the promotion and facilitation of terrorism, as well as the use of digital platforms to incite or finance terrorist acts that seek to promote regime change, policies or agendas and that seek to engage in neo colonial domination is unacceptable. We cannot refrain from insisting on efforts to prevent and combat international terrorism that they must not be used under any circumstances or pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of States or to threaten or to use force against the territorial integrity or political.
[Speaker A] [7350.240s → 7529.910s]: Promote regime change, policies or agendas and that seek to engage in neo colonial domination is unacceptable. We cannot refrain from insisting on efforts to prevent and combat international terrorism that they must not be used under any circumstances a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of States or to threaten or to use force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, since this clearly contradicts both the spirit as well as the letter of the UN Charter itself, as well as the norms of international law. In this context, we warn against deliberate attempts by the US Government to, for example, create confusion or artificial links between two very different phenomena, transnational organized crime that refers to a matter of public or order, and international terrorism, which is a clear attempt to drive interventionist agendas and regime change that we're seeing currently in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Despite US being proclaimed in 2014 as a region of Peace Chair, the annual adoption, without a vote, of the resolutions presented in the context of this Committee in the framework of this agenda item is a clear demonstration of the unshakeable commitment to the international community to the efforts to prevent combat terrorism in all of its forms of manifestations. We reaffirm in this context the guiding role and the primary responsibility of States and their respective national institutions, with the assistance of the United nations and at the request of the receiving country, in the efforts on both the domestic and regional as well as international level to prevent and combat this despicable scourge. Although a lot have been achieved in this common struggle, there is still a lot to do, and this is a fight that does not allow any double standards. There cannot be any good or bad terrorists when it comes to the negotiations on a convention on International terrorism that includes all aspects of this phenomenon, with the hope that this treaty would complement existing legal provisions in this regard. In this context, and aware of the fact that terrorism cannot only be defeated by military force, police or through intelligence, we cannot refrain from insisting on the importance of comprehensively addressing its root causes to provide an environment that is not conducive to hate, intolerance, racism and other things that can feed terrorism, including supremacy and Neo Nazism. All of these things contribute to the commission of terrorist acts as well as the colonial and foreign interference.
[Speaker A] [7500.160s → 7680.110s]: Addressing its root causes to provide an environment that is not conducive to hate, intolerance, racism and other things that can feed terrorism, including supremacy and neo Nazism. All of these things contribute to the commission of terrorist acts, as well as the colonial and foreign interference, violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations and peoples, all of which are what are part of what we call factors that contribute to terrorism. It's necessary to address them properly if we want to remove the scourge of terrorism not only on the short but as well as on the long term. We can affirm that unilateral coercive measures provide the conditions that we have called for us to address repeatedly, including the root causes of international terrorism. Since the application of ucms undermine international cooperation, including when it comes to counterterrorism. Chairman it would be responsible of us to address this agenda item without referring to the current situation in the Middle East. In this regard, we seize this opportunity to express our most profound concern over the ongoing lack of willingness by Israel to comply with the obligations incumbent on them under the UN Charter, as well as the attempts by Israel, the occupying power, to trigger in the Middle east, in the region as a whole reiterated grave violations of international law, in particular by way of provocations and violations of sovereignty and the territorial integrity of countries in the region shown by its attempt to worsen the tensions on the ground or violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people, other Arab people in occupied territories and other peoples of the region. We further condemn the deliberate use by Israel of hunger and forced displacement against millions of Palestinians. In this regard, we reiterate our condemnation in the most explicit terms possible of the atrocious, premeditated and unprovoked attacks perpetrated by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025 and the airstrikes carried out by the United States of America in complicity with Israel on 22 June 2025 against peaceful Iran Iranian nuclear facilities. In this context, we underscore that these reprehensible attacks are flagrant violations of the UN Charter of international law, including international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and they also undermine.
[Speaker A] [7650.320s → 7656.200s]: And the airstrikes carried out by the United States of America in complicity with.
[Speaker B] [7656.200s → 7660.800s]: Israel on 22 June 2025 against peaceful.
[Speaker A] [7660.800s → 7668.760s]: Iran Iranian nuclear facilities. In this context, we underscore that these reprehensible attacks are flagrant violations of the.
[Speaker B] [7668.760s → 7677.440s]: UN Charter of international law, including international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian.
[Speaker A] [7677.440s → 7681.380s]: Law, and they also undermine the principles.
[Speaker B] [7681.380s → 7686.620s]: Of international law, including the sovereignty, territorial integrity and prohibition of the use of.
[Speaker A] [7686.620s → 7688.260s]: Force or the threat to use force.
[Speaker B] [7688.260s → 7718.250s]: Against the territorial integrity and political independence of States. Our group also fervently condemns the atrocious and brutal attacks of Israel that have caused more than 1,000 deaths, more than 5,000 people injured, the majority of whom are civilians. The group also condemns the Israeli attacks against civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, Iranian television, live television and the Iranian Red Crescent building.
[Speaker A] [7718.490s → 7722.050s]: We recall that the updated document on.
[Speaker B] [7722.050s → 7724.330s]: Different aspects of the atrocious Israeli attacks.
[Speaker A] [7724.890s → 7728.658s]: Attached to the letter dated 18 June.
[Speaker B] [7728.802s → 7753.390s]: 2025 to the Secretary General and the President's Security Council by the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United nations. In Docum S 202054777 we call for all member responsible members of the international community to leave their differences to one side and contribute to contributing in a decisive and coordinated way to achieving a.
[Speaker A] [7753.390s → 7755.510s]: World free of terrorism in the interests.
[Speaker B] [7755.510s → 7761.470s]: Of present and future generations. Chairman please allow us now, in our.
[Speaker A] [7761.470s → 7773.120s]: National capacity, to denounce the campaign of bullying and harassment by the United States of America against our country that today is being manifested through an unjustified unprecedented.
[Speaker B] [7773.120s → 7777.920s]: Military deployment, including using nuclear assets that.
[Speaker A] [7777.920s → 7789.560s]: Seek to bring about terror against the population and threaten our territorial integrity and political independence of our country and our region, such as peace and security of.
[Speaker B] [7789.560s → 7792.960s]: Latin America occur in the Caribbean as a whole.
[Speaker A] [7793.200s → 7816.160s]: The ongoing aggression includes the planning of terrorist acts that seek to attack our social peace that prevails today across the length and breadth of our national territory and that has enabled us, among other things, to achieve sustained economic growth over the last four years, despite the economic war that has been triggered by the.
[Speaker B] [7816.160s → 7819.840s]: US regime and its satellite states against Venezuela.
[Speaker A] [7820.290s → 7822.050s]: Even more dangerous is the fact that.
[Speaker B] [7823.250s → 7829.010s]: Recently plans have been uncovered seeking to engage in.
[Speaker A] [7800.400s → 7877.730s]: Attack our social peace that prevails today across the length and breadth of our national territory and that has enabled us, among other things, to achieve sustained economic growth over the last four years, despite the economic war that has been triggered by the US regime and its satellite states against Venezuela. Even more dangerous is the fact that recently plans have been uncovered seeking to engage in attacks against diplomatic premises and Caracas and generating an incident that could falsely justify more direct aggression against our country. We fervently reject any attempts to change the regime in my country. By way of conclusion, we launch an appeal to all responsible members of the international community to remain alert against this situation that seeks to undermine the independence and national sovereignty of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela as part of an operation that in the future could be applied against any other free, independent and sovereign nation that refuses to bend to the blackmail and supremacist pressure by the supremacist, racist and warmongering regime of the United States of America. Thank you very much, Chairman.
[Speaker B] [7878.370s → 7894.990s]: Distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends in defense of the UN Charter. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia speaking on behalf of the association of Southeast Asian nations, or ASEAN.
[Speaker C] [7897.470s → 7980.080s]: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is with great honor that I delivered this statement on behalf of the association of Southeast Asian Nation ASEAN at this important session on measures to eliminate international terrorism. Allow me to begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to you on your election as the Chair of the Sikh Committee. We have full confidence in your leadership and are certain that under your guidance, our discussion will be productive and lead to significant tangible outcomes that will advance our collective counterterrorism efforts. ASEAN deeply appreciate the crucial roles played by the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, UNOCT and the Counterterrorism Executive Directorate. Their tireless technical assistance and support have proven instrumental, enhancing the capacity of Member States to address the evolving nature of terrorism. In this context, ASEAN firmly welcome, warmly welcome, the adoption of the United Nations General assembly resolution A 79129 last year to establish working group with a view to finalize the process on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Tourism, as well as discussion on the item concerning the question of converting a high level conference under the auspices.
[Speaker A] [7950.160s → 8129.910s]: To address the evolving nature of tourism in this context, ASEAN firmly welcome, warmly welcome, the adoption of the United Nations General assembly resolution A 79129 last year to establish a working group with a view to finalize the process on the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Tourism as well as discussion on the item concerning the question of convening a high level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. In 2026, the United Nations General assembly will undertake the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy, commemorating two decades since its adoption as a foundational instrument for global collaboration in preventing and combating tourism. This significant juncture provide Member States with a timely opportunity to access advancement achieved since the AIDS review in 2023, while also deepening collective understanding of evolving challenges and identifying strategic response to emerging threats. The strategy remains a critical international framework strengthening national, regional and global efforts to combat terrorism. The progress achieved in its implementation thus far is commendable and ASEAN reaffirms its strong commitment to fully supporting the strategy objectives. We must ensure that this comprehensive approach continues to evolve to meet emerging threats, building on past success and addressing new challenges. Mr. Chairman, ASEAN firmly believe that terrorism and violence extremism represents not only immediate threat to global security but also significant obstacles to long term peace, stability and development. Therefore, ASEAN has established a comprehensive and robust framework at the regional level to address terrorism in all its manifestations. The ASEAN Convention on counterterrorism, signed in 2007 and ratified by all 10 ASEAN members state reflect our unwavering commitment to collective security and cooperation. We noted the state progress made in advancing TMULT State accession to ASEAN legal instruments under the oversight of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crimes ammtc, including the ASEAN Convention on Counterterrorism, ASEAN recognized the growing NHS between terrorism and I will help our efforts to combat transnational crime are thus part of our comprehensive approach to eliminate terrorism. As a Minister responsible for combating transnational crime alongside Timola State as Observer at the 19th AMTTC Convent in Malacca.
[Speaker A] [8100.320s → 8280.110s]: Ammtc, including the ASEAN Convention on Counterterrorism. ASEAN recognized the growing relations between terrorism and transnational crime. I will help. Our efforts to combat transnational crime are thus part of our comprehensive approach to eliminate terrorism. Azean Minister responsible for combating transnational crime alongside Timor Leste as Observed at the 9th, the 19th AMTTC convened in Malacca, Malaysia from September 8 to 12, 2025 with key outcome including the adoption of the ASEAN Plan of Action POA in combating 10 national crime 2026-2035, the Malacca Declaration on Combating Transnational Crimes and the ASEAN Declaration on Counter Countering People Smuggling in Southeast Asia. The meeting also established an ASEAN Senior Official Meeting on Transnational Crimes, SOMTC Working Group on Money Laundering, approved the ASEAN Border Management Cooperation Roadmap and adopted the ASEAN Declaration on Combating Cyber Crimes and Online scam. Recognizing the final implementation phase of the ASEAN Plan of Action to prevent and counter the rise of Radicalization and Violence, SMEs Plan of Action PCVE 2018-2025 and the Bali Working Plan 2019-2025, ASEAN encourages all relevant ASEAN entities to intensify their efforts to fully implement the work plans, including through collaboration with ASEAN Dialogue partners and other external parties. Guided by the principle of ASEAN centrality and mutual respect. We are looking forward to development of the successor document of the POA PCVE and its corresponding Cross sector Working Plan, building upon regional best practices including prevention, related rehabilitation and reintegration, and utilizing the roles of community and religion leader in religious leaders in the strengthening social resilience. We also look forward to the adoption of the ASEAN Leader Declaration on the Use of Sport for Preventing violent extremism at the 47 ASEAN summit which will take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, 2025. Mr. Chairman, ASEAN Comprehensive Strategy is further exemplify the endorsement of ASEAN Multisectoral Work Plan Against Trafficking in Person 2023-2028 Bohol Trafficking in Person Work Planned 2.2.
[Speaker A] [8250.320s → 8430.110s]: Extremism at the 47 ASEAN Summit which will take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, 2025. Mr. Chairman, ASEAN Comprehensive strategy is further exemplify the endorsement of ASEAN Multisectoral Work Plan Against Trafficking in Person 2023-2028 Borehole Trafficking in Person Work Plan 2.0 during the 70AMTC. This plan addresses national crimes like human trafficking, migrant smuggling, which are often intertwined with terrorist activity. By focusing on irregular migration and the associated criminal network, we aim to disrupt the interconnected threat that challenge the regional stability. Additionally, the outcome of the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum AOF held in Vietnam on 27 July 2024 underscored the importance of continued collaboration in tackling tenness notes that five priority areas have been identified for the 20242026 P period illicit drug, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear matter. Preventing countering violence is amazing conducive to terrorism, trafficking in person and border security management related to foreign terrorist, fighter and transnational criminal travel. We strongly encourage all ASEAN Regional Forum participation to actively engage in this area and support the ASEAN Regional Forum intersectional meeting on Counter terrorism and international crimes, ensuring that these priorities are effectively addressed. Furthermore, ASEAN recognized the significant contribution of the ASEAN Defense Minister Meeting, ADMM Initiative and ADMM Expert Working Group on Counterterrorism. This platform have facilitated strategic information sharing on counterterroritorism, preventing violence, extremism radicalization as well as knowledge exchange, experience sharing and capacity building Initiative. The ADMM EVG framework remains an essential mechanism for enhancing practical security cooperation in the region, particularly in addressing the evolving nature of terrorism and extremism. Mr. Chair, ASEAN remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting global efforts to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. ASEAN's approach to eliminating international terrorism includes enhancing regional.
[Speaker A] [8400.560s → 8544.230s]: The ADMM EVG framework remains an essential mechanism for enhancing practical security cooperation in the region, particularly in addressing the evolving nature of terrorism and extremism. Mr. Chair, ASEAN remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting global efforts to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. ASEAN approach to eliminating international tourism includes enhancing regional and international cooperation, strengthening counterterrorism laws and capacity building and preventing radicalization through education community engagement. Key measures involve protecting soft targets, combating foreign terrorist fighter sharing intelligence and preventing terrorist exploitation of cyberspace, as well as cutting off terrorist financing. ASEAN also emphasized that all counterterrorism efforts must uphold human rights, the root of law and international law, while also addressing the root cause of extremism through sustainable development and social inclusion. ASEAN stand united in its stand that terrorism is never justifiable in all its form and manifestation. Regardless of their motivation, believe that those responsible for such act must face appropriate consequences. We will continue to actively contribute to the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism, ensuring that our collective response is comprehensive, inclusive and respectful for human rights. In this regard, we stress that terrorism must never be associated with any any particular race, religions, nationality or ethnicity. In conclusion, we emphasize that all counter tourism efforts must be carried out with full respect to the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law and international human rights law. It is equally vital to uphold the principle of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, consistent approach and a non interference in the domestic affair of the state as we pursue this Chair goal. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your kind extension.
[Speaker B] [8549.030s → 8567.490s]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cambodia, speaking on behalf of the association of Southeast Asian nations, for his statement. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway, speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway.
[Speaker C] [8568.690s → 8580.050s]: Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Chair, allow me first to congratulate you on your election. It is a privilege to take the floor on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country.
[Speaker A] [8550.160s → 8567.520s]: Distinguished representative of Cambodia, speaking on behalf of the association of Southeast Asian nations for his statement. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway, speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway.
[Speaker B] [8568.720s → 8730.080s]: Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Chair, allow me first to congratulate you on your election. It is a privilege to take the floor on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and my own country, Norway. Terrorism and violent extremism remain serious cross border threats. They endanger the security of states and the safety of individuals. To address these challenges effectively, strong multilateral cooperation, particularly in the United nations, is indispensable. We categorically denounce terrorism in all its manifestations. This includes violent right wing extremism which continues to pose a real and present danger in many countries, including our own. The tragic consequences of several mass casualty attacks serve as a stark reminder of the need for sustained and comprehensive efforts to counter this threat. Mr. Chair. ISIL and Al Qaeda continue to pose grave risks to international peace and security. While ISIL has lost territorial control in Syria and Iraq, it remains a potent force with the capacity to destabilize both the region and areas beyond. Both groups have increasingly focused their efforts on many places in Africa, expanding their networks in fragile states by exploiting weak governance, unresolved grievances, poverty and conflict. Their growing presence in the Horn of Africa is deeply concerning. Equally troubling is the deteriorating security landscape in the Sahel and the risk of instability spreading to West Africa's coastal states. ISIL's Khorasan Province continues to demonstrate both intent and CAPA capability to carry out terrorist acts domestically and internationally. Military takeovers in some Sian countries further erode state legitimacy vis a vis its people and severely hinder the effectiveness of preventive and counterterrorism measures. In addition, Russia's reported interference in political processes, disinformation operations and the destabilizing actions of affiliated actors add another layer of complexity in the region. Mr. Chair. The Nordic countries place strong emphasis on the prevention of violent extremism and we advocate for a whole of society approach to sustain these efforts over time. Our shared commitment to.
[Speaker A] [8700.480s → 8877.570s]: Russia's reported interference in political processes, disinformation operations, and the destabilizing actions of affiliated actors add another layer of complexity in the region. Mr. Chair, the Nordic countries place strong emphasis on the prevention of violent extremism and we advocate for a whole of society approach to sustain these efforts over time. Our shared commitment to combating international terrorism must begin with strong preventive measures, with particular attention to effectively addressing the root causes of violent extremism. In this endeavor, it is imperative that we fully respect and uphold international law, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law and the rule of law. Any deviation from these rules and principles risk undermining the legitimacy of both the national governments and international institutions, ultimately weakening our collective efforts. Governments cannot succeed alone. National strategies must be developed and implemented in close partnership with local communities. We commend the vital contributions of civil society actors, educators, health professionals, youth leaders, religious figures, municipality workers and others who serve as the first line of defense against hate and extremism. Overall, the full and meaningful participation and leadership of women is indispensable in these efforts. Children and young people must be at the heart of our preventive efforts. Their experiences with hate and racism must be acknowledged and they should be actively engaged in in shaping responses to extremist ideologies, both offline and online. We are worried about the increased use of online platforms, including gaming platforms, to radicalize young people and incite violence. We must also strengthen the resilience of children against recruitment and exploitation by terrorists and extremist groups. It is our shared responsibility to protect vulnerable children and youth and to ensure that education is SAF safeguarded from attacks. Mr. Chair, the Nordic countries remain committed to supporting the Secretary General's efforts, the implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy, and the work of the UN Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact. We encourage the UN to continue its effort to promote an outcome based approach as well as internal coherence and accountability across the system. In this spirit, we will contribute constructively to the ninth review of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy in 2026. Thank you.
[Speaker A] [8850.160s → 8877.610s]: Implementation of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy and the work of the UN Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact. We encourage the UN to continue its effort to promote an outcome based approach as well as internal coherence and accountability across the system. In this spirit, we will contribute constructively to the ninth review of the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy in 2026. Thank you.
[Speaker B] [8880.650s → 8896.330s]: I thank the distinguished representative of Norway for her statement on behalf of the Nordic countries. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand, speaking on behalf of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
[Speaker C] [8901.210s → 9030.110s]: I have the honour today of speaking on behalf of Australia, Canada and my own country, New Zealand. We continue to underscore our concern with rising terrorism and violent extremism globally and reiterate our full condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism. Canada, Australia and New Zealand remain committed to the fight against international terrorism and support the United nations role in addressing this shared challenge. The terrorism landscape continues to evolve in complex and challenging ways, something as apparent in our country's own regions as it is globally. Terrorist groups continue their efforts to undermine the security and stability of our communities. We are faced with an ever changing spectrum of diverse ideologies and grievances. Malign actors who would seek to exploit societal vulnerabilities are finding new ways to recruit and radicalize, including online radicalisation. They seek to exploit the vulnerable and more increasingly, youth, to tragic effect. We underscore the importance of implementing and enforcing policies that meaningfully address the proliferation of terrorist and violent extremist content. We must also endeavor to create the means for technical capabilities to be developed, tested, updated and shared across industry. By sharing best practice internationally, we can all combat violent extremism content. Violent extremism and terrorism remain pernicious and multifaceted threats to our regions, our partners and ourselves. In recent years, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have experienced terrorist attacks that sought to bring division and discord to our societies. Tragic events such as these remind us of the importance of diplomacy and collaboration in global fora. Our countries remain committed to working with all member States to develop coordinated and effective.
[Speaker A] [9000.160s → 9180.080s]: Extremism and terrorism remain pernicious and multifaceted threats to our regions, our partners and ourselves. In recent years, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have experienced terrorist attacks that sought to bring division and discord to our societies. Tragic events such as these remind us of the importance of diplomacy and collaboration in global fora. Our countries remain committed to working with all Member States to develop coordinated and effective measures to counter terrorism and all forms of violent extremism. We urge all Member States to ensure that our actions taken to counter terrorism are underpinned by the rule of law and comply with international law so as to further enhance the effectiveness of international cooperation. We remind all Member States of the need to ensure that all actions taken to counter international terrorism comply with international law, including the United Nations Charter, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, international refugee law and other international obligations. CANS countries urge the full implementation of all State by all States of all UN Security Council resolutions relating to international terrorism. CANNES countries as founding members continue to support the Global Counterterrorism Forum and its work in implementing the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy and the wider UN framework. We look forward to the review of the strategy in 2026 which will ensure that human rights, gender equality and victim centric language remains integrated. We remain committed to supporting the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism and its efforts to ensure a comprehensive approach to the promotion and protection of the human rights of victims of terrorism and advocate for the diverse needs of victims. Victims of terrorism are not just victims, but also actors of change. Our country's counterterrorism work programs aim to build resilience across society. We have learnt that the success of our vision for a safe Canada, Australia and New Zealand relies on our ability to walk alongside our communities, to listen and learn from their experiences and to keep their voices at the centre of our work. We recognise terrorism and violent extremism against specific groups can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened and vulnerable. We must intensify our efforts to foster mutual understanding, encounter intolerance and hatred and addressing potential sources of tension among diverse communities. Our countries are firmly committed to countering all forms of religious intolerance. CANNES countries acknowledge too the importance of upholding human rights.
[Speaker A] [9150.160s → 9290.740s]: Violent extremism against specific groups can leave communities feeling targeted, threatened and vulnerable. We must intensify our efforts to foster mutual understanding and counter intolerance and hatred in addressing potential sources of tension among diverse communities. Our countries are firmly committed to countering all forms of religious intolerance. Cairns countries acknowledge too the importance of upholding human rights in all of our counter terrorism policies. We commend OHCHR's work in providing practical recommendations to Member States on integrating human rights in Member States, counter terrorism strategies and policy Australia, New Zealand and Canada work closely with our national human rights bodies and civil society groups on our national approaches to these issues. We recognise that our work to prevent and counter violent extremism is an ongoing and iterative journey. It requires more than just the capabilities of an individual, government or entity. It requires technical capability, commitment at a leadership level and a whole of community of organisations and people, including those with lived experiences, to make meaningful, positive change to deliver collaborative solutions to the complex global challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism. We remain committed to working closely with our international partners alongside the private sector and civil society. To conclude, we reiterate our commitment to working with United nations bodies, governments, civil society victims and the private sector to counter terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms. We continue to work with others bilaterally, regionally and internationally towards this goal. Thank you. I thank the representative of distinguished representative of New Zealand speaking on behalf of the Cannes countries. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Latvia speaking on behalf of the three Baltic countries, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.
[Speaker B] [9295.220s → 9330.080s]: Mr. Chair, I have the honor to address the Sixth Committee on behalf of three Baltic states, Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia and the Baltic States aligned with the statement delivered by the European Union its Member States. As is the first time that we take the floor in this Committee, we wish to congratulate the Chair and other members of the Borough on their appointment. We would like to assure you of our full cooperation and support towards a successful session. We thank the Secretary General for the latest report on measures to eliminate.
[Speaker A] [9300.880s → 9437.060s]: Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia and the Baltic states align with the statement delivered by the European Union and its member states. As is the first time that we take the floor in this committee, we wish to congratulate the Chair and other members of the Borough on their appointment. We would like to assure you of our full cooperation and support towards a successful session. We thank the Secretary General for the latest report on measures to eliminate international terrorism. It reconfirms that terrorism remains a constantly evolving threat, one that adapts to new technologies, transcends borders and continues to claim lives across the globe. No country can fight this threat alone, only through genuine cooperation and close collaboration with international partners. And can we prevent any potential threats from emerging. In light of the latest report, we recommend stepping up cooperation to counter online radicalization, spread of disinformation and propaganda by promoting media literacy and resilience. While finding the best ways to tackle this evolving and complex issue. We can't forget that all counterterrorism measures must be fully comply with international law, including the UN Charter and Human Rights law. Upholding the rule of law is essential to ensure that our actions against terrorism do not erode the very values we aim to protect. After decades of negotiations, we should continue working on the legal definition of terrorism. In this context, we acknowledge the efforts made by the Council of Europe. It is important to emphasize that the fight against terrorism should not be used as an excuse to undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms, a practice that, unfortunately, some countries still follow. We reaffirm our steadfast support to the Secretary General, the UN Office of Counterterrorism, cted, and the entities of the UN Global Counterterrorism Coordination Compact in their efforts to coordinate and strengthen international actions to prevent and combat terrorism and violent extremism. Thank you.
[Speaker B] [9440.420s → 9453.780s]: I thank the distinguished representative of Latvia for her statement on behalf of three Baltic countries, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.
[Speaker C] [9457.300s → 9480.110s]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. And allow me to begin by congratulating you for your elections and assure you of the State of Palestine's full cooperation throughout the Committee's work. The State of Palestine Palestine unequivocally condemns and rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever, by whomever and against whomsoever committed Palestine, whose people have suffered and continue to suffer for decades.
[Speaker A] [9450.240s → 9630.110s]: The distinguished representative of the State of Palestine. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And allow me to begin by congratulating you for your elections and assure you of the State of Palestine's full cooperation throughout the Committee's work. The State of Palestine unequivocally condemns and rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever, by whomever and against whomsoever committed. Palestine, whose people have suffered and continue to suffer for decades, will continue to advance bilateral and multilateral efforts and participate in robust international cooperation to counter terrorism, including in our region that is no stranger to violence. Terrorism in its essence is the denial of human rights and the violation of basic dignity. The Palestinian people have endured the denial of our existence and of our rights, including the right to self determination, the right to life, the right to security, to safety and to freedom and independence. Our people continue to be confronted with unmitigated violence where thousands of Palestinians are killed. Yet we have insisted that international law is our reference. We committed ourselves to the UN Charter, its purpose and principles, to the International Court of Justice and to the UN Resolutions. We committed ourselves to the sanctity of human life, all human lives. We committed ourselves to justice, not to vengeance. And we condemn all attacks against civilians, whether Palestinian or Israeli and anywhere around the world. We reject the spread of fear and the use of indiscriminate violence to achieve political aims. Such acts are antithetical to the values of humanity and the foundational principles of this organization. We have reiterated over and over again that violence is an impasse and that there is a legal, diplomatic and political path out of the bloody one. We are on a path where the realization of our rights is a necessary condition of shared peace and security. A path that guarantees the right of all to live in peace and in dignity. And it is the path diametrically opposed to the one Israel is embarked on. Two million people in Gaza are trapped in just 65 kilometers, that is 32,300 human beings locked per square kilometer while getting bombed at a rate of 257 tons of bombs for 730 days, starved with no means of survival. The United Nations Commission of Inquiry, in its report in September 2025, concluded that Israeli forces have intentionally created an atmosphere of panic and terror and instilled extreme fear in the Palestinians in Gaza. The Commission added that Israeli forces have intentionally inflicted serious bodily and mental harm on the Palestinians in Gaza and that the actus reus and the Menziriya of causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group under Article 2B of Genocide Convention are established.
[Speaker A] [9601.280s → 9780.080s]: The United Nations Commission of Inquiry in its report in September 2025 concluded that Israeli forces have intentionally created an atmosphere of panic and terror and instilled extreme fear in the Palestinians in Gaza. The Commission added that Israeli forces have intentionally inflicted serious bodily and mental harm on the Palestinians in Gaza and that the actus reus and the manziriya of causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group under Article 2B of Genocide Convention are established in the west bank, including East Jerusalem. Illegal settlers supported and protected by Israel are stealing lands, homes, killing children, elders and families. They're using violence and terror to displace entire communities. We stress the international community's responsibility to hold these settlers and organizationals accountable and to work at all levels, including at the United Nations. Every day under the yoke of Israel's illegal occupation is another day of terror. An entire civilian population is marked for destruction. Destruction. There is no human dignity and no human security. Under the pretext of ensuring the security of the occupying power, Israel is threatening the survival of the occupied people. Every Palestinian is a demographic threat that must be eliminated. Palestinian history must be erased and the future denied and everyone and anyone is a terrorist. Those who support international law, humanity and legality. Those who advocate for equality and for Palestinian rights. From the from the flotilla participants that Israel illegally abducted from international waters that were labeled as terrorist based officials, to UNRWA and aid workers, to the ICC Judges, Human Rights Council, to the Secretary General of the UN and others. Counterterrorism discourse is becoming a counter rights discourse, counter life discourse and counter UN discourse weaponized to both serve political interests over the coming good and to justify committing mass atrocities, corroding the integrity and efficacy of the global legal order. An order that if destroyed, we can neither revive nor survive without it. And we have long emphasized the need for a multilateral, cooperative and non discriminatory approach to tackling terrorism, including by finalizing the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and the necessity to uphold the right to self determination of peoples, notably those struggling to realize their legitimate rights under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation and as enshrined in international law. We encourage States to redouble all efforts to ensure that we can find consensus for the sake of the global fight against terrorism. We remain to be an active actor and in support of the group of friends and victims of terrorism. The global fight against terrorism is about equality and non discrimination. It's about justice and fairness. It's about self determination and freedom. It's about the rule of law and the global order. We reiterate that only those who adhere to their obligations under international law can truly call themselves equal partners in our global fight against terrorism. The law is what distinguishes us from the terrorists. Law is what distinguishes peace loving states from.
[Speaker A] [9750.160s → 9802.090s]: Fight against terrorism. We remain to be an active actor and in support of the Group of Friends of victims of terrorism. The global fight against terrorism is about equality and non discrimination. It's about justice and fairness. It's about self determination and freedom. It's about the rule of law and the global order. We reiterate that only those who adhere to their obligations under international law can truly call themselves equal partners in our global fight against terrorism. The law is what distinguishes us from the terrorists. Law is what distinguishes peace loving states from broke states and it's intrinsic. In the United nations counterterrorism architecture, we reiterate that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, race, faith or culture or ethnicity or society. Politicization of the fight against terrorism serve only the interests and aspirations of terrorists and promote polarization, hatred, discrimination, xenophobia and hostility. Thank you.
[Speaker B] [9806.580s → 9816.020s]: I thank the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine for her statement. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon.
[Speaker C] [9820.820s → 9929.840s]: Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for giving me the floor. Once again I would like to express my delegation's full support for the Bureau and it is your noble charge to head up our Cameroon aligns itself with a statement delivered on behalf of the African group by my delegation and we also welcome this opportunity to actively engage in the deliberations on measures aimed at eliminating international terrorism, a phenomenon we unequivocally condemn and whose devastating consequences we continue to endure. Sir. The recent update of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy following its eighth review, as well as the discussions held during the 79th session of this Committee in previous sessions, have underscored persistent divergences among Member States regarding various dimensions of counterterrorism efforts. These divergences pertain notably to the definition of terrorism and violent extremism. The nexus between hate speech and incitement to hatred and terrorism, the scope of freedom of expression and the desecration and stigmatization of religions and religious symbols by far right groups, along with associated acts of violence. Despite this, terrorism remains a scourge that threatens the territorial rather integrity, security and stability of states. It undermines constitutional order, undermines national cohesion and political unity. It disrupts social harmony and impedes economic, social and cultural development. In light of these challenges, it is imperative that counterterrorism efforts.
[Speaker A] [9902.000s → 10080.110s]: Despite this, terrorism remains a scourge that threatens the territorial, rather integrity, security and stability of states. It undermines constitutional order, undermines national cohesion and political unity. It disrupts social harmony and impedes economic, social and cultural development. In light of these challenges, it is imperative that counterterrorism efforts to be rooted in coordinated, unconcerted approaches that reflect the evolving and complex nature of the threat and that yield timely and effective responses. Therefore, Cameroon welcomes the General Assembly's decision, pursuant to resolution 79129 to recommend the establishment of a working group to the six committee during the current session tasked with finalizing the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and considering the convening of a high level conference under UN auspices as mandated by resolution 54. 110 My delegation hopes that this Working group will fulfil its mandate effectively and contribute to the development of a robust and coherent legal framework that avoids unjustified extensions and politicization of the concept of terrorism which they themselves risk, enabling abuses and deviations pending tangible outcomes from the Working Group. My delegation encourages continued dialogue and consultations among Member States with a view we hope, to resolving outstanding issues and to clarifying essential aspects of the Draft Convention, the ninth review of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy, which we hope will be held in 2026 and coinciding with its 20th anniversary. This presents a timely opportunity, more so than in the past, for more open and constructive discussions. Cameroon reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with all Member States and other stakeholders, including the UN Office of Counterterrorism, with which it maintains regular exchanges. Mr. Chairman, our collective efforts to eradicate terrorism must be guided by a number of considerations. First, terrorism is a global threat. It translates, sends borders, religions, nationalities, civilizations and ethnicities. It therefore demands a unified and coordinated response from the international community. This necessitates unwavering multilateral cooperation and the pooling of.
[Speaker A] [10050.240s → 10230.100s]: Exchanges Mr. Chairman, our collective efforts to eradicate terrorism must be guided by a number of considerations. First, terrorism is a global threat. It transcends borders, religions, nationalities, civilizations and ethnicities. It therefore demands a unified and coordinated response from the international community. This necessitates unwavering multilateral cooperation and the pooling of efforts focused on prevention, operational responses, clampdown and research into associated threats, including violent extremism, radicalization and fundamentalism. Such cooperation, as States themselves have reiterated, should be operationalized through the exchange of intelligence and information as well as through strengthening national capacities of States, and this was highlighted here. Second, counterterrorism measures must be implemented in full respect of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States in accordance with the Charter of the United nations and relevant international legal instruments. Efforts to eliminate terrorism should be anchored in a clear and predictable legal framework that facilitates extradition and mutual legal assistance, harmonizes national legislation and enhances the prevention and prosecution of terrorist acts. Cameroon therefore reiterates its support for the drafting of a comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and the convening of a high level conference under UN auspices to advance this. It is essential that this matter be addressed with with greater decisiveness, much greater decisiveness and pragmatism. So the atrocities committed by the Boko Haram terrorist group and other armed groups operating in the Sahel and the Lake Chad regions continue to pose a serious threat to regional stability, human rights and the socio economic development of affected states as well. Cameroon has seen a resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in recent months and we are actively participating in regional and international initiatives to exchange information, to build capacity and to mobilize resources to strengthen counterterrorism efforts. In this regards, Cameroon remains committed to the multinational Joint Task force revitalized in 2015 under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. The government also supports the efforts of the UN Security Council, the African Union Peace and Security Council, the the African Centre for this study and research on Terrorism. We are, incidentally, a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council and other components of the African Peace and security architecture. Thank you.
[Speaker A] [10200.240s → 10230.080s]: Strengthen counterterrorism efforts. In this regards, Cameroon remains committed to the multinational joint task force revitalized in 2015 under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. The government also supports the efforts of the UN Security Council, the African Union Peace and Security Council, the African Centre for this Study and research on Terrorism. We are, incidentally, a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council and other components of the African Peace and security architecture. Thank you.
[Speaker B] [10237.400s → 10379.940s]: I thank the distinguished representative Cameroon for his statement. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel. Mr. Chair, as this is the first time my delegation takes the floor during the 18th session of the 6th committee, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election. You have our full commitment and cooperation throughout this session. Mr. Chair. Israel knows terrorism all too well. Not as an abstract concept, but as a destructive, lived, repeated reality. Nearly every Israeli carries a profound, constant sense of personal loss, whether through the memory of a past attack, the fear of a future attack, one's own bereavement, the grief of a friend or neighbor. And with every passing year, the circle of those directly affected by terrorism grows wider, touching more families, more communities, and more lives. Esteemed colleagues, allow me to share my own story. My name is Saar Alon Porraz, and my uncle Nir Porraz, was killed during a counterterrorism rescue operation. My family is part of the involuntary club, for lack of a better word, of terror affected families. And like thousands of other Israeli families who have joined this unfortunate circle, we know all too well that the impact of terrorism extends far beyond the loss of a loved one. This week, 30 years ago, Hamas terrorists kidnapped an Israeli soldier, Nachshon Vaxman, as he was on his way home for the weekend. A few days after, Hamas released a videotape to the eyes of the entire nation in which Nachshon Vaxman was handcuffed with guns pointed at his head, citing an ultimatum that unless Israel freed Hamas terrorists, terrorists with blood on their hands, Nachshon's would be executed. During the rescue operation that followed, both Nachshon and my uncle Nir Pohaz, who was the commander of the rescue team, were killed. May the memory be a blessing, Mr. Chair. In recent years, we have learned how terrorist organizations are dynamic, adaptive, and constantly learning from one another. They feed off each other, brutality.
[Speaker A] [10350.320s → 10530.080s]: Hamas terrorists Terrorists with blood on their hands. Nakshon would be executed during the rescue operations that followed. Both Nakhshon and my uncle Nir Porraz, who was the commander of the rescue team, were killed. May the memory be a blessing, Mr. Chair. In recent years we have learned how terrorist organization are dynamic, adaptive and constantly learning from one another. They feed off each other's brutality, creating a cycle of inspiration and reinforcement. This week, two years ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, murdering over 1,200 people, broadcasting unspeakable acts and taking 251 hostages into Gaza. This week, more than 30 years after Nachshon Vaxman's cruel hostage tape was released, the same terrorist organization continued to torture and exploit Israeli hostages, releasing cruel propaganda videos and using them as human pawns. They have heartlessly filmed hostages being forced to dig their own graves. They have laughed at the hope expressed by hostages waiting to meet their loved ones. They have forced some hostages to witness others being freed and then dragged them back down into the terror tunnels. The October 7 massacre stands as a stark example. Hamas adopted cruel tactics from isis. From the use of ISIS symbols while attacking Israel communities to the deployment of sexual violence as a weapon of war, the desecration of bodies, brutal executions and the calculated use of social media to broadcast atrocities in real time. Disturbingly, as also noted in United nations report, groups such as Al Qaeda and Daesh have in turn praised the 7 October massacre and are exploiting the ongoing war in Gaza for their own propaganda and recruitment efforts, further magnifying the global threat. Just a month ago, the Hamas terror organization was listed in the Annex of the 2024 Secretary General Annual Report on Conflict Related Sexual Violence as a non state actor which committed sexual and gender based violence. This listing reflects undeniable evidence of the atrocious, too horrible to describe that have been committed by the terrorist organization on October 7th and towards the hostages they held since, including systematic and brutal act of sexual violence as tactic of foreign terror. Since October 7, the world has watched this atrocious perpetration of terror acts, but it seems too often that they have not really seen them. It is certain that the international community too often remains silent as these atrocities are broadcast for all to see. Mr. Chair, 48 hostages are still held captive in Gaza. Tomorrow we will mark exactly two years since they were brutally taken.
[Speaker A] [10500.640s → 10680.110s]: And brutal act of sexual violence as tactic of foreign terror. Since October 7, the world has watched this atrocious perpetration of terror acts, but it seems too often that they have not really seen them. It is certain that the international community too often remains silent as these atrocities are broadcast for all to see. Mr. Chair, 48 hostages are still held captive in Gaza. Tomorrow we will mark exactly two years since they were brutally taken into Gaza. We cannot wait any longer to see them returned. We call for the unconditional immediate release and urge you all to do the same. Terrorism must be recognized for what it is, a grave violation of international law, the global order, human dignity and universally moral norms. Terror acts must be condemned regardless of the identity of the perpetrator or the victim. Terrorism is terrorism with zero excuses and zero justifications. That is why the State of Israel reaffirms its unwavering commitment to combating international terrorism in all its forms and manifestation. Mr. Chair, as recent years have shown, with globalization and technological advancement, terrorist groups have become increasingly sophisticated, using social media to spread propaganda, recruit followers and glorify violence. These platforms have become fertile ground for incitement, especially among youth, which are one of the most vulnerable groups in this sphere. As we highlighted during the negotiations on the eighth review of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy in 2023, many with vested interests, including the terrorist organizations themselves, actively promote hate speech, glorify terrorism and use anti Semitic narrative to radicalize populations and expand their ranks. What begins as online incitement to antisemitism, violence and extremism often ends in real world violence and terror. As we predicted during the eighth review of the GCTS strategy, the past two years have regrettably confirmed our concern. We have witnessed a disturbing increase in incitement against Israel, which is spilled over into broader anti Semitic hate speech and calls for violence against Israelis and Jewish communities worldwide. Synagogues have been vandalized, Jewish communities have faced threat to their lives and property, and this dangerous climate has already manifested in real world violence in one of the most tragic incidents in the anti Semitic terrorist attack in Washington D.C. earlier this year where two Israeli embassy staff members were killed when they left, an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. Mr. Chair, in light of the rising trend of anti Semitism and the growing threat, Israel calls on the international community to stand united in unequivocally condemning this dangerous phenomena and to implement this effort through the negotiation on the upcoming 9th GCTS review in 2026. Combating antisemitism, incitement and Radicalization both online and offline is not optional. It is a shared responsibility.
[Speaker A] [10650.240s → 10830.110s]: Members were killed when they left, an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. Mr. Chair, in light of the rising trend of anti Semitism and the growing threat, Israel calls on the international community to stand united in unequivocally condemning this dangerous phenomena and to implement this effort through the negotiation on the upcoming 9th GCTS review in 2026. Combating antisemitism, incitement and radicalization, both online and offline, is not optional. It is a shared responsibility and a moral imperative. Mr. Chair, since October 7, 2023, Israel has been operating to eradicate the threat of terrorism from several different fronts. Israel has struck Hamas leadership in Gaza and disrupted terror activities in the West Bank. In the North, Israel has severely degraded Hezbollah's capabilities, neutralizing its senior leadership and chain of command. In Syria, we have executed precision strikes against key targets to prevent terror activities. And together with our allies, we have taken action against the Houthis in Yemen who launched ballistic missiles, forced hundreds of thousands of Israelis into shelter on a regular basis, and threatened global maritime trade. It should be clear this is not just Israel's fight. It is a stand against a coordinated network of terror that seeks to spread fear, destabilize entire regions and undermine international security. Mr. Chair, at the heart of this global terrorism network stands the Islamic Republic of Iran, the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism. For decades, Iran has openly declared and displayed its intention to annihilate the State of Israel. It has funded, trained, armed and directed its terrorist proxies across the Middle east and far beyond. From Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen to terrorist militia in Syria and Iraq. The Iranian regime has provided these groups with knowledge, ballistic missiles, attack drones, intelligence, and ensured the ideological indoctrination, attempting to coordinate seven front ring of fire strategy according their own destructive definition, using these proxies to project violence far beyond our borders. Even today, Iran and its proxies publicly declare that they will continue the effort to annihilate the State of Israel. Mr. Chair, Terror Organization hold entire civilian population hostage, using them as human shields, turning into Alia schools, hospitals and UN facilities into weapons depot, strategic command center and sheltering points for militants, and deliberately spreading disinformation to deepen division and hatred between societies. These groups do not hesitate to exploit and sacrifice civilians in service of their violent and fundamentalist agenda. They inflict immense suffering on Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese, Yemenis, Syrians, Iranians and many others. Israeli civilians, like all civilians represented in this hall, have the right to live in.
[Speaker A] [10800.240s → 10980.060s]: Facilities in Tiguipa's depot, strategic command center and sheltering points for militants, and deliberately spreading disinformation to deepen division and hatred between societies. These groups do not hesitate to exploit and sacrifice civilians in service of their violent and fundamentalist agenda. They inflict immense suffering on Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese, Yemenis, Syrians, Iranians and many other Israeli civilians, like all civilians represented in this hall, have the right to live in safety and dignity, free from the constant threat of terror. We call on the United nations and all member states and observers to the GA to unequivocally condemn the October 7th atrocities and the continuous and worsening terrorist acts perpetrated since then, and to actively designate and sanction Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and all entities that that clearly meets the criteria for terrorist organization, just as was done with Al Qaeda, ISIS and Boko Haram. There is no moral or legal distinguish between these groups and any failure to treat them as such endangers and undermine the very principle this institution was founded to uphold. Mr. Chair, the notion that neopolitical interests and agendas prevent such condemnation as designation should trouble every single person sitting in this room. We should all be united in a mutual understanding that combating terrorism must rise above politics, bias and narrow interests. The failure to condemn and act against this heinous act of terror and atrocities in clear and unequivocal terms constitutes not only a moral lapse, but a betrayal of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Worse still, such silence emboldens the perpetrators, deepens polarization between the parties, and and ultimately endangers the innocent civilians we wish to save from the grip of terrorism. Mr. Chair, Israel constantly condemns all acts of violence and terrorism, regardless of the identity of the perpetrator or the victim. Yet from time to time, we hear allegations, even in this very room, accusing Israel of implementing this principle selectively as a democratic state governed by the rule of law. It is clear to us, as it should be for all, that any incitement of terrorism and any terror act must be unequivocally condemned. Unlike other who choose to glorify terrorist perpetrators, we choose to investigate such allegations thoroughly, even when they appear baseless, unfunded or politically motivated, and hold accountable anyone who inflict extreme violence. Colleagues, the aim of terror is not only to cause death and destruction, but to deepen hatred and division in our region between Israelis and Palestinians, between Jews, Muslims, Christians and others. Terror succeeds when we turn on each other, exchanging accusations instead of uniting to condemn the violence of those who perpetrate it. Our duty is to resist this, to call out terror for what it is and to stand together against it. Israel extends its hand to all partners willing to join in the fight against.
[Speaker A] [10951.840s → 10997.370s]: Colleagues, the aim of terror is not only to cause death and destruction, but to deepen hatred and division in our region between Israelis and Palestinians, between Jews, Muslims, Christians and others. Terror succeeds when we turn on each other, exchanging accusations instead of uniting to condemn the violence of those who perpetrate it. Our duty is to resist this, to call out terror for what it is and to stand together against it. Israel extends its hand to all partners willing to join the fight against this global scourge to share our experience, dismantle terrorist networks, cut off their financing and protect civilians everywhere. Together, we can ensure a future where no family, no child and no community lives under the shadow of terror. I thank you, Mr. Chair.
[Speaker B] [11001.770s → 11034.690s]: I thank the Representative Israel for his statement. Before giving the floor to the next speaker, could I just again remind delegations of the of the seven minute limit for national statements? We still have about 76 more countries listed on my list, so I appeal that we try and stick to the seven minute time limit. I now give the floor to the next speaker, the distinguished representative of Ethiopia.
[Speaker C] [11038.610s → 11130.080s]: Thank you, Mr. Chairperson. At the outset, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election to preside over the deliberations of the 80th session of the sixth committee. I assure you of my delegation's full support for the successful completion of the work of the Committee. I also extend my appreciation to the report of the Secretary General on measures to eliminate international terrorism as contained in the document number A79 99. Aligning with the statements delivered on behalf of the Non Alignment Movement and the African Group. I will add a brief remark in my national capacity. Mr. Chairperson, we all recognize that terrorism continues to be a threat to to both state and human security as it impedes peace and development in all parts of the world. No terrorist act can be justified in any circumstances. Terrorist groups are acquiring modern capabilities in their effort to expand indoctrination, mobilize terrorist finance and wage terrorist attacks. It is therefore high time to foster international cooperation among states and among international organizations to prevent, combat and eliminate it in all its forms and manifestations. Ethiopia is among many countries that have been impacted by terrorism resulting in loss of lives and destruction of properties. In addition, terrorism continues to be a grave threat to the peace and security of.
[Speaker A] [11100.800s → 11280.110s]: Mobilize terrorist, finance and wage terrorist attacks. It is therefore high time to foster international cooperation among states and among international organizations to prevent, combat and eliminate it in all its forms and manifestations. Ethiopia is among many countries that have been impacted by terrorism, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of properties. In addition, terrorism continues to be a grave threat to the peace and security of the Horn of Africa. The violent extreme groups like Al Shabaab and its international and internal affiliates have continued their vicious attacks against civilians and security of the region. The region had played a significant role in the fight against terrorism owing to the resilience of the people of Somalia and the sacrifices of the sons and daughters of troop contributing states, including my country Ethiopia. To the consecutive African Union Mission in Somalia, terrorism knows no borders. It has no nationality either. The measures we take, the cooperation we establish and the sacrifices we made to combat terrorism shall not be based on political maneuvers. It shall be based on firm commitment to the safety and security of our nations and our people. That is why having an effective international legal regime against terrorism is critical. We strongly believe that while it is the primary responsibility of governments to ensure that their citizens live in a state of peace and stability, international cooperation is critical. Therefore, the Government of Ethiopia has been taking different measures at home and in the region to prevent and eliminate international terrorism through legal and international reforms and regional, sub regional and international partnerships and cooperation, including through legal assistance in connection with extradition and criminal investigations and proceedings related to money laundering and financing of terrorism. The international treaties we adopt, the Counterterrorism resolution adopted by the Security Council is and the General assembly resolutions are important instruments to establish the needed cooperation and coordination in the fight against terrorism. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to coordinate the national action with the regional and international measures. It is also necessary to consolidate the existing practices and come up with a unified treaty on counter terrorism. The experience of the African region that has adopted the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism in the year 99 can inspire global action. In conclusion, Mr. Chairperson, we call on the international community through new efforts in the fight against terrorism, through cooperation through international organizations, bilateral and regional mechanisms.
[Speaker A] [11250.160s → 11310.050s]: Necessary to consolidate the existing practices and come up with a unified treaty on counterterrorism. The experience of the African region that has adopted the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism in the year 99 can inspire global action. In conclusion, Mr. Chairperson, we call on the international community through new efforts in the fight against terrorism, through cooperation through through international organizations, bilateral and regional mechanisms, and sharing of information with a view to mitigate, detect and deter terrorist activities. Ethiopia remains committed to the fight against terrorism and the maintenance of global peace and security. I thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia for her remarks. I now wish to give the floor to the distinguished representative, armenia.
[Speaker B] [11314.770s → 11430.010s]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on assuming the leadership of the Sixth Committee. International terrorism remains one of the greatest threats to peace, stability and human dignity of our times. It transcends borders, targets the innocent, and undermines the foundations of the security, rule of law, democracy, the enjoyment of human rights and trust upon which our world must be built. The international community should stand united and strengthen collective efforts to prevent and counter terrorism in all its manifestations in full compliance with international law. Multiple challenges continue to persist, including those emerging from new technologies, social media and online platforms. The rise of hate speech, xenophobia and polarization creates fertile ground for the recruitment of terrorists. Effectively addressing these evolving challenges calls for comprehensive analysis on the root causes, proactive strategies and strengthened international cooperation to mitigate the risks they pose to global security. Armenia continues to advocate enhanced international cooperation to fight terrorism and is actively cooperating with its international and regional partners through relevant cooperation platforms in implementation of the counterterrorism conventions and their protocols. In January 2025, Armenia joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, underscoring its strong commitment to multilateral international efforts aimed at combating terrorism. As an active member of the Council of Europe's Committee on Counterterrorism, known as cdct, Armenia has consistently.
[Speaker A] [11400.320s → 11580.010s]: Cooperation platforms in implementation of the Counterterrorism conventions and their protocols. In January 2025, Armenia joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, underscoring its strong commitment to multilateral international efforts aimed at combating terrorism. As an active member of the Council of Europe's Committee on Counterterrorism, known as cdct, Armenia has consistently contributed to the adoption of recommendations and guidelines for Member States in combating terrorism as part of the Council of Europe Counterterrorism Strategy 20232027 CTCT has recently successfully concluded the intergovernmental negotiations on the new Pan European legal definition of terrorism that is meant to replace the existing definition of of Warsaw Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism. Armenia has a long standing active cooperation in the framework of moneyvault, the Committee of Experts on the Evaluation of Anti Money Laundering Measures and the Financing of Terrorism of the Council of Europe based on its firm commitment to combat money laundering, the funding of terrorism and of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in compliance with international standards. On these days the experts of manual are assessing countries progress and effectiveness in addressing money laundering and terrorism financing concerns. Recently Armenia has officially joined the UN Countering Terrorism Travel Program and in that connection conducted national consultations with UNOCT along with other UN specialist agencies, the osce, the Interpolation as well as local and international air careers to come up with a roadmap which will ensure the consistent and smooth implementation of the API PNR systems. We have also launched an expert level Working Group meeting across four key areas legal, operational, transport, industry and technical with our international partners to advance the development of a fully operational passenger information unit. Mr. Chair, we took note of the report of the Secretary General on measures to eliminate international terrorism. Despite the recent developments and positive dynamic in the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The national submission of Azerbaijan for this report before the recent positive momentum in our region regrettably includes false and misleading accusations against Armenia. Such statements distort reality and run counter to the spirit of dialogue and the efforts undertaken to normalize relations. We hope that Azerbaijan will abandon this outdated approach.
[Speaker A] [11550.160s → 11628.770s]: Developments and positive dynamic in the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The national submission of Azerbaijan for this report before the recent positive momentum in our region regrettably includes false and misleading accusations against Armenia. Such statements distort reality and run counter to the spirit of dialogue and the efforts undertaken to normalize relations. We hope that Azerbaijan will abandon this outdated approach as actions like this do not contribute to the establishment of general environment of trust and confidence in pursuit of peace and good neighborly relations. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, Armenia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to implementing effective measures to combat international terrorism. At the same time, we firmly reject any attempt to misuse this agenda for political purposes or to conflate it with humanitarian issues which must be addressed in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Armenia remains dedicated to peace agenda and is confident that lasting peace and stability can be achieved only through dialogue, mutual respect and building trust and I thank you.
[Speaker B] [11633.250s → 11729.970s]: I thank the distinguished representative of Armenia for her statement. I now wish to give the floor to the Deputy Minister of Foreign affairs of Sierra Leone. You have the floor, Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the delegation of Sierra Leone congratulates you, Chair, on your election to stand the work of the sixth committee for the 80th session of the United Nations General assembly and assures you of my delegation's full cooperation. My delegation associates itself with the statements delivered earlier by the representatives of Cameroon on behalf of the African Group, the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We thank the Secretary General for his reports contained in documents A80,177 and we commend Member States and international organizations that responded to the Secretary General's request for information. Sierra Leone continues to stress its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations. No justification can be found for acts of terrorism. In this regard. We welcome the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy and call for openness in negotiations to reach consensus on key points during the ninth review in 2026, which will.
[Speaker A] [11700.720s → 11880.110s]: Continues to stress its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations. No justification can be found for acts of terrorism. In this regard. We welcome the eighth review of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy and call for openness in negotiations to reach consensus on key points during the ninth review in 2026, which will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Strategy's adoption. Periodic updates to the Strategy are essential to ensure it continues to address the evolving concerns and challenges of Member States. Building on the outcomes of the 8th GCTS review is crucial, particularly in addressing the return of foreign terrorist fighters, countering extremist narratives and preventing the misuse of emerging technologies, including the Internet and social media platforms for recruitment and terrorist purposes. Chair at the national level, Sierra Leone has made significant progress. We have enacted the National Counterterrorism Act 2024, strengthening enforcement against terrorism terrorists financing unrelated offenses. We have also launched the National Security Policy and Strategy with support from ECOWAS and other partners to modernize our security framework and enhance response mechanism. At the sub regional level, the Mana River Union Initiative is deepening cooperation among Sierra Leone, guinea and Liberia in combating terrorism and violent extremism. Aligned with ECOASIS Regional Action Plan. Sierra Leone welcomes the Secretary General's efforts to review the UN Counterterrorism architecture and commence the technical support of the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism in strengthening Regional Joint Task Force in West Africa and the Sahel Chair West Africa and the Sahel regrettably have become the epicenter of terrorist activity with escalating violence reflected in you know US and UNOCT reporting. In his inaugural address as the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, President Julius Madabi of Sierra Leone set out a forward looking vision centered on revitalizing regional security cooperation and renewing solidarity. The Latest you know, us report documents Regional developments, engagement between ECOWAS and and the alliance of Sahel States, progress on UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and updates on the Lake Chad Basin pursuant to resolution 2349. The threat in the Sahel, however, continues to increase. According to the Secretary General's report, ISIL and its affiliates Africa is.
[Speaker A] [11850.160s → 11974.030s]: Solidarity. The Latest you know, us report documents Regional developments, engagement between ECOWAS and the alliance of Sahel States, progress on UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel and updates on the Lake Chad Basin pursuant to resolution 2349. The threat in the Sahel, however, continues to increase. According to the Secretary General's report, ISIL and its affiliates Africa is now the epicenter of ISIL activity with an estimated 8,000 12,000 fighters. They are expanding in the Liptako Guma Tri border region. Exploiting instability first, military solutions alone are insufficient. Addressing root causes such as poverty, weak governance, youth unemployment, the absence of state authority, gender exclusion and unequal access to education and resources are essential. Second, we must enhance real time intelligence sharing and border control capacities, drawing on best practices. Third, disrupting trafficking networks and illicit economies that sustain terrorist groups groups is crucial. Fourth, climate change is a threat to multiplier driving fragility and displacement. Our region should be prioritized under the UN climate peace and security initiatives, integrating conflict sensitive climate programming and vulnerability assessments into early warning and security planning. In conclusion, as we continue to examine legal policy and institutional framework at all levels to address the threat of terrorism, we continue to call for a comprehensive gender sensitive approach consistent with international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law. I thank you.
[Speaker B] [11980.830s → 12029.830s]: I thank the Deputy Minister for Foreign affairs for her statement. It was exactly seven minutes. Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the last speaker on our list for this morning. But don't worry, we will continue at 3pm sharply this afternoon for a continuation of our discussion and our consideration of this issue at 3pm I just want to alert that our first three speakers for this afternoon will be the from the delegations of India, Egypt and Equatorial Guinea. So we will begin it sharply at 3pm but before adjoining I wish to recall, is there a request for the floor from Iran?
[Speaker A] [12000.160s → 12032.410s]: We will continue at 3pm sharply this afternoon for a continuation of our discussion and our consideration of this issue at 3pm I just want to alert that our first three speakers for this afternoon will be from the delegations of India, Egypt and Equatorial Guinea. So we will begin it sharply at 3pm but before adjoining I wish to recall. Sorry, is there a request for the floor from. From Iran, I think. Representative from Iran.
[Speaker B] [12035.530s → 12056.960s]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just as a point of order, we would like to recall the practice of the six committee and also General assembly in giving the floor for exercise of right of reply in the morning sessions. We ask your excellency in that regard and if. If it's not possible, of course we remain in the hand of the chair and we respect the result procedure. Thank you.
[Speaker A] [12058.240s → 12137.190s]: I thank the delegation of Iran for your. For your statement. As you mentioned, the rules of procedure and the chair will follow the rules of procedure of the General assembly. And I'll just want to quote on Annex 5, letter F, right of reply. Delegations should exercise right of reply at the end of the day whenever two meetings have been scheduled for that day and whenever they deal on the same topic. So assure you that you will be giving your right of reply at the end of the day. Thank you very much. So, ladies and gentlemen, before adjourning, I also wish to recall that a briefing on agenda item 87 that is strengthening and promoting the international treaty framework organized by the permanent missions of Brazil and Singapore will be held in this room from 1:15 to 2:45. So you have about 10 minutes for lunch. All right, so I'll see you then this afternoon at 3pm thank you very much for your cooperation and your statements. It.