Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, during the UN Security Council briefing on "Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts" - August 9th, 2022

Mr. President,

I would like to thank the Chinese presidency for organizing this timely briefing. I would also like to commend Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, USG for Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Weixiong Chen, Acting Executive Director of CTED, and Mr. Martin Ewi, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, for their invaluable comments on the fifteenth report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da`esh) to international peace and security.

On the one hand, the report shows that the menace is higher in conflict-affected settings, which reminds us that terrorism and armed conflict mutually reinforce each other. This overlap can only be addressed by comprehensive strategies, which must take into account the root causes of both conflict and radicalization conducive to terrorism. On the other hand, the report illustrates how terrorist groups may seek to resort to attacks outside conflict zones with a view to attracting greater attention and support. In order to fight terrorism effectively, we must also understand why some people are vulnerable to terrorist ideology.

The situation of foreign terrorist fighters and their family members in detention camps in the Syrian Arab Republic remains worrisome. Its humanitarian and human rights implications affect international security, hinder de-radicalization initiatives and risk feeding into terrorist narratives. Respect for international human rights, international humanitarian law and refuge law constitutes not only a legal and moral obligation, but also the core of any strategy which aspires to be successful in combating terrorism. As stated in the report, radicalization in prisons and prison-based recruitment are key drivers of the threat. The precarious detention conditions only compound this dramatic scenario. The prospect of safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation for those individuals, particularly women and children, may save them from violent extremism. Of particular concern is the fate of children in FTF families: they are victims, not criminals. The specter of statelessness only worsen their vulnerability.

Mr. President,

Social exclusion, youth unemployment, xenophobia, discrimination and prejudice lie at the heart of terrorism. It is not a surprise, then, that the report brings examples of how ISIL manages to swell its ranks by offering better pay to people in need. Terrorist narratives may be more attractive to people who feel alienated and dispossessed, who look for a sense of purpose and means of survival. Furthermore, as the Secretary-General pointed out, food insecurity may exacerbate fragilities and catalyze the spread of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Therefore, it is imperative that counterterrorism activities tackle social, humanitarian and security concerns all together. The UN Global Counter-terrorism Strategy, adopted by the General Assembly, the most representative body of the UN, provides important guidance in this respect.

Support to survivors of terrorism and their families must also be at the center of any counter-terrorist policy. Brazil looks forward to the Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, which is to take place here at the UN on September 8th and 9th. The international community must avail itself of this opportunity to evaluate how to provide better assistance to victims of terrorism, uphold their rights and fulfil their needs.

Moreover, any counter-terrorist action must be carried out within the strict limits of international law, including the UN Charter, international human rights, international humanitarian law and international refugee law. When the rule of international law does not prevail, distrust in institutions prospers, violent extremism conducive to terrorism may find a friendly environment and counter-terrorism fails in its ultimate goal of protecting people’s lives and fundamental rights.

Despite all Security Council resolutions with binding obligations on counterterrorism, there is still no agreement on the exact parameters of what constitutes terrorism. I must reiterate that the Security Council should not let the lack of clarity on issues with criminal repercussions be the norm in its work. Nor should it circumvent due process when designating new terrorist individuals or entities. It is of paramount importance that decisions on the listing of terrorist individuals and entities be based on solid evidence.

Mr. President,

Brazil is adamant about condemning terrorism in all its forms and is alarmed by the continuing threat posed by Da’esh and its affiliates, clearly portrayed in the report. As I have already mentioned before, the Brazilian Constitution enshrines the repudiation of terrorism as a guiding principle of our foreign policy. The international community must not waver in its resolve to counter terrorism, in light of the undeniably serious risks it entails for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Thank you.