Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC debate on " Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts: Global Approach to Counter Terrorism - Challenges and Way Forward" - December 15th, 2022

Mister President,

I am honored to participate in this briefing under your presidency. I would like to congratulate India for its successful tenure in the Security Council and for its efforts in building consensus on the Presidential Statement we are going to adopt today. I would also like to thank Mr. Voronkov and Mr. Chen for their informative briefings.

Brazil welcomes the topic chosen for this debate and would like to share some of the principles that guide our approach to counterterrorism.

Mister President,

The repudiation of terrorism is a principle enshrined in Brazil´s Constitution. We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reiterate that there is no justification for terrorist acts.

The lack of an internationally agreed-upon definition of terrorism weakens our ability to cope with the phenomenon. It affects the cohesion of global efforts to address terrorism and could lead to the application of double standards. It is imperative that we overcome the stalemate at the 6th Committee and work towards the adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

The importance of upholding legality must guide any response to this phenomenon. Counter-terrorism has to be fully compliant with international law, including the UN Charter and its rules pertaining to the prohibition to use force, international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law.

This entails guaranteeing respect for the freedom of association and expression and the right to privacy; providing attention to victims; enforcing standards for due process in the designation of terrorist individuals and entities; and designing sanction regimes that do not affect vulnerable populations, worsen food crises or hinder neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian assistance.

As this Council has already recognized, the nature and scope of possible linkages between terrorism and transnational organized crime vary considerably, depending on the geographic, social and political context. There are no automatic linkages between these two phenomena. They demand different remedies and must be addressed in their respective fora.

Mister President,

Prevention should be central to any counterterrorism strategy. This includes tackling its root causes, which are often linked to social, economic and political exclusion, food insecurity, inequality, xenophobia and other human rights violations. Therefore, promoting sustainable development on an equitable basis, as well as the rule of law and access to justice is important to address the conditions that lead to terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.

It is also essential to work towards the elimination of discrimination and stigmatization based on nationality, religion, gender or ethnicity. We must not forget, finally, that the persistence of protracted conflicts and regional tensions contributes to creating fertile ground for terrorist actions.

National law enforcement and strong judicial institutions are also key to an effective counterterrorism strategy. We must enhance international cooperation and technical assistance with a view to strengthen national capabilities to face terrorist threats.

The UN is pivotal in facilitating this cooperation and we commend the important role played by the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities. We also acknowledge the decisive contribution of regional and sub-regional organizations in building local capacities to fight terrorism.

Mister President,

As reflected in the recently approved Delhi Declaration, although new and emerging technologies may be misused to increase the reach of terrorism, they can also strengthen our ability to prevent and combat it. Their potential to foster economic opportunities and job creation can also contribute to addressing some of the root causes of terrorism.

Finally, the development of counter-terrorism strategies has to be inclusive. We must encourage the participation of women, civil society organizations, academia and the private sector. We must also pay special attention to the needs of children and vulnerable populations if we want to step up our capacity to address terrorism in all its diversity of causes, manifestations and effects.

Let me conclude, Mister President, by mentioning that next semester the United Nations will have an opportunity to improve its most important framework document regarding the fight against terrorism. The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy emanates from its most representative body, the General Assembly, and thus encompasses a wider range of views and needs. Brazil is ready for a constructive engagement with Member States with a view to achieving ambitious results during the upcoming discussions.

I thank you.