Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UN Security Council Briefing on Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts -February 9 th, 2023

We thank the Under-Secretary-General of UNOCT,

Mr. Vladmir Voronkov, as well as CTED’s Acting Executive Director, Mr Weixiong Chen, for their briefings. We also listened attentively to the presentation made by Ms. Franziska Praxl.

Brazil shares the Secretary-General’s concern with the threat posed by Da’esh and its affiliates to international peace and security, particularly its regional spill-over and the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.

Poverty, inequality and social exclusion, particularly in countries already affected by armed conflict or civil unrest, are some of the key drivers of recruitment and pledges of association in favour of Da’esh. A deep sentiment of injustice felt by marginalized populations certainly does not justify terrorism-related violence, nor for that matter any type of violence, but it does contribute to the appeal radical ideologies can have on peoples disenchanted with the prevailing socio-economic conditions.

Moreover, expressions of xenophobia, discrimination and prejudice not only contribute to social exclusion, but also fuel extremist narratives that are conducive to terrorism.

Building more just and equal societies, under the rule of law, should be at the forefront of our efforts to contain the spread of the threat posed by Da’esh, particularly beyond its core area. Peacebuilding and financing for development must be an integral part of a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy under the auspices of the UN. This must necessarily involve the competent UN bodies.

Another issue mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General relates to the relative weakness of the ties of association between Da’esh and certain groups or individuals pledging allegiance to that organization. We should reflect upon the standards currently applied by the Security Council to include entities or individuals in the sanctions regime established to deal with the threat posed by Da’esh.

Brazil reiterates that decisions to add individuals to sanctions lists must always be evidence-based. We emphasize that listing requests should be submitted to the appropriate sanctions committee accompanied by the evidence supporting the request, so that all committee members are in a position to judge the request on its own merits.

The Secretary-General’s report contains some references to possible connections between terrorism and transnational organized crime. As this Council has already recognized, the nature and scope of possible linkages between terrorism and transnational organized crime vary considerably, depending on geographic, social and political contexts. We reiterate that there is no automatic nexus between the two. They demand different remedies and must be addressed in their respective fora.

A treaty-based definition of terrorism with general acceptance would be necessary to avoid politicization of the subject, as well as to quell criticism of double standards in international efforts to counter the terrorist threat. We hope that the upcoming eighth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy will provide an opportunity for the General Assembly, with its broader scope and membership, to advance in those discussions.

Brazil is adamant about condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and we remain concerned by the continuing threat posed by Da’esh to international peace and security. As guiding principles of our foreign policy, our Constitution enshrines the repudiation of terrorism, the prevalence of human rights, peoples’ right to self-determination, equality among States and the principle of non-interference. There is no real alternative to pursuing the objectives of ridding the world of terrorism other than by respecting international law, including human rights, humanitarian law, and refugee law, strengthening international cooperation and promoting economic development and social justice.