Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, em "briefing" do Conselho de Segurança sobre "Ameaças à Paz Internacional e Segurança Causadas por Atos de Terrorismo" - 25 de agosto de 2023 (texto em inglês)
Statement by the Permanent Representative, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, during the UN Security Council briefing on
"Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts"
August 25th, 2023
Madam President,
I thank the Secretary-General for his report and Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov, Executive-Director Natalia Gherman and the President of the Farida Global Organization, Ms. Farida Khalaf, for their detailed presentations.
Madam President,
There was significant progress in the fight against Da’esh. We are encouraged by the fact that it lost control over vast portions of territory and terror attacks have been prevented or disrupted.
Yet, the menace is still there. Da’esh has been resorting to innovative means such as cryptocurrencies and crowdfunding to finance its activities. It also maintains its capacity to spread hateful propaganda and recruit people through social media platforms.
We remain concerned by the growing action of the group in the African continent and by its strong presence in places like Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq.
Madam President,
As the report shows, terrorist resurgence is higher in conflict-affected settings. This reminds us that terrorism and armed conflict are mutually reinforcing. A more durable solution to this scourge lies in comprehensive strategies that tackle the root causes of both conflict and radicalization and violent extremism conducive to terrorism on the other.
Social exclusion, youth unemployment, xenophobia, discrimination, prejudice, as well as the calamity of war, are the breeding grounds of terrorism. The international community should favor investment in development over military action if it really wants to win its battle against terrorism.
It is important to focus more on preventive measures and peaceful means of dispute settlement. We must enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism. Brazil acknowledges the crucial role that regional and sub-regional counter-terrorist operations play in fighting terrorism.
Madam President,
In late June, we achieved consensus on the 8th Review of the UN Global Counter-terrorism Strategy, adopted by the General Assembly. This conveyed a welcome message of unity and partnership so much in need to face present challenges.
However, we also need to do more when it comes to our negotiations in the United Nations on instruments in general and in norms and definitions in particular. There is still no agreement on the exact parameters of what constitutes terrorism under international law. The lack of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism affects our ability to counter it in a coherent and collective manner.
We must reiterate that the Security Council should not let the lack of clarity on issues with criminal repercussions be the norm in its work. The Council should respect the due process when designating new terrorist individuals or entities. Decisions on the listing of terrorist individuals and entities must be based on solid evidence, leaving no loopholes that would ultimately be counterproductive in the fight against terrorism.
Furthermore, this Council has the responsibility to ensure that its decisions do not impede impartial humanitarian assistance to civilians in need, nor cause more suffering, what it is mandated to avoid. The unintended consequences of counter-terrorism measures must be thoroughly addressed. Counter-terrorist action should be regulated in such a manner as to allow the humane, neutral and impartial work of humanitarian and medical practitioners, in full compliance with international humanitarian law. This is crucial to ensure that our actions effectively contribute to eradicate terrorism without collateral damage.
Having said that, Brazil condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and under any pretexts or justifications. Our Constitution enshrines the repudiation of terrorism as a guiding principle of our domestic as well as our foreign policy. We remain ready to cooperate in the fight against this hideous phenomenon.
Thank you.