Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Global terrorism is by no means a new phenomenon. However, the scope of the threat it poses to the international community today, 10 years after the adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, is unprecedented. Hardly a week passes without an incident to remind us of the significant human cost of these horrific acts.
Since the last review, the Security Council, General Assembly and other relevant bodies, including the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, have taken significant steps. These steps include suppressing of terrorism financing, countering terrorist narratives and addressing the evolving threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters. We are encouraged to see increased recognition of the essential role of women, youth, civil society and local communities in counter-terrorism activities.
Positive developments have also been made in the effective and transparent use of sanctions. This has been a feature of our work as Chair of the 1267 ISIL/Al Qaida Sanctions Committee.
New Zealand strongly supports the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism. One of the Secretary-General’s clear messages is that we need to work with youth and communities to effectively address the factors that give rise to violent extremism. For New Zealand, engagement with local communities is a key pillar of our approach.
We are acutely aware that there is more chance of reintegrating marginalised groups and individuals at the local level, than through a top-heavy, government-imposed approach. We do not accept that terrorism and violent extremism can be overcome by governments alone.
The UN has a number of tools at its disposal and is uniquely placed to ensure a coordinated response in the face of this common threat. Going forward, we must continue to assess whether the structures and processes we have in place are fit for purpose. As the methods employed by terrorist groups continue to evolve, so must the methods of the United Nations.
Negotiations on this Resolution, which we hope will be adopted later today, continue to demonstrate that terrorism is a highly political issue. We think this has review has been a valuable process and recognise that the text of the Resolution represents a compromise for many States.
Nevertheless, we are heartened that 193 States are able to come together to demonstrate that the international community remains united in the face of today’s terrorist threat.
New Zealand remains committed to playing its part.