اللجنة السادسة، الجلسة العامة الثانية – الجمعية العامة، الدورة 81 الجمعية العامة Date: 6 October 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/ga/c6/81/4/2?lang=en Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- 6th Committee · Chair [18:28]: Good afternoon. I declare open the fourth meeting of the Sixth Committee for the 81st session. Distinguished delegates, the Sixth Committee will continue its debate on agenda item 112, measures to eliminate international terrorism. The report of the Secretary-General on the item is contained in document A/81/218 and Corr.1, which is available on the website of the Sixth Committee. I wish to remind delegations of the decision taken at our first meeting that statements delivered in national capacity should be limited to seven minutes, while statements by groups of States 12 minutes. Delegations are encouraged to adhere to the time limits so that we can get through our program today. The first speaker on the list for this afternoon's session is the distinguished representative of Jordan. You have the floor. Jordan [19:40]: Madam Chair. At the outset, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election to chair the work of the Sixth Committee during the 81st session of the General Assembly. Jordan aligns itself with the statements delivered by the OIC, NAM, and the Arab Group, and we wish to make the following statement in our national capacity. Madam Chair. Jordan reiterates that it remains at the forefront of countries seeking to combat terrorism and extremism through a comprehensive national approach that integrates legislative, intellectual, security, and military dimensions. Jordan believes that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes a threat to international peace and security and a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law and an assault on human rights, foremost among them the right to life. Jordan further affirms that terrorism has no religion, culture, or race. Therefore, I would like to recall that Jordan has launched pioneering initiatives to strengthen shared values and to promote tolerance and moderation, including the Amman Message, a common word, and World Interfaith Harmony Week. Jordan also stresses the need to clearly distinguish between terrorism and the legitimate struggle of peoples living under foreign occupation. particularly the Palestinian people, whose resistance constitutes part of their inherent right to self-determination in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Israel bears full responsibility for the grave crimes resulting from its unlawful occupation of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. Jordan supported the ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. adopted by the General Assembly on 1 July 2026. Jordan affirms that the Strategy represents a pivotal framework for international cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism. Nevertheless, Jordan believes that the ninth review would have been more responsive to today's challenges, had it included a clearer language regarding artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, including the potential for their misuse for terrorist purposes, explicit recognition of Islamophobia and other forms of religious intolerance as drivers of extremism, and commitments to address hate speech, both online and offline. As part of its efforts to strengthen cooperation in this field, Jordan, in cooperation with the European Union, organized a side event on the 26th of June 2026. On the margins of the fourth counterterrorism conference, focusing on the risks of terrorism, extremism, and recruitment through electronic gaming platforms. The Aqaba process, launched in 2015, stands out as one of Jordan's most important initiatives for enhancing security and military coordination and cooperation, and to exchange experiences and information among governmental and non-governmental, regional and international actors. Its successive meetings have addressed issues of common concern, including extremist content on the internet, extremist rhetoric, border management, counter-smuggling efforts, irregular migration, and the security implications of wars and conflicts. Among this year's Aqaba Process meetings was the gathering held in February in the British capital, organized in partnership between Jordan and the UK. Discussions focused on airspace management, the use of drones, ways to employ modern systems to address common challenges, and enhancing cooperation and exchange of expertise to ensure the safe and efficient use of airspace. The discussions, which brought together experts, chief executives of specialized international companies, and representatives of a number of states, also emphasized the need to update relevant legislations and legal frameworks to keep pace with the rapid technological developments in the field. Madam Chair, in conclusion, Jordan reaffirms its support for efforts aimed at achieving an agreement on the adoption of a comprehensive convention on terrorism as a fundamental pillar for the criminalization of international terrorism based on a clear, non-politicized definition, with provisions that do not criminalize legitimate acts recognized under international law and international humanitarian law, particularly the exercise by peoples of their right to self-determination. Thank you, Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [24:57]: I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Laos People's Democratic Republic. Lao People's Democratic Republic [25:11]: Madam Chair, at the outset, I congratulate you and other Bureau members on your election to lead the Sixth Committee of the 81st session. My delegation assures you of our support and cooperation. Terrorist acts constitute a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and human rights, threaten communities, state, regional, and international peace and security. and hidden socio-economic development. Therefore, all acts of terrorism, regardless of who commits them and where they happen, are never justified and should be condemned unequivocally. Madam Chair, the Lao PDR ratified 13 out of 19 treaties and protocols on the UN Counter-Terrorism Framework. The Government of the Lao PDR attaches great importance to preventing, addressing and eliminating terrorism in all forms by taking all measures to fight against terrorism. The Lao PDR adopted the Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, and two decrees, one on counter-financing of proliferation in weapons of mass destruction, and others decree on stopping, seeking and freezing funds for people involved in terrorism and financing of terrorism. Furthermore, the Lao PDR has organized a series of workshops on awareness raising on anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism for government officials at the central and local levels. to enhance their understanding of their mandates and obligations and mechanisms for the implementation of domestic law and international treaties related to anti-money laundering. Madam Chair, terrorism is a global issue. No single country could effectively address or prevent it alone. Therefore, it is this It is indispensable that the international community should continue to strengthen concern, effort, and cooperation in combating this critical issue. In doing so, we should, first, tackle and address the root cause of terrorism, including addressing social economic disparity, extreme poverty, and ensuring social justice. Second, enhance resilience of community, create favorable condition for all people to exercise their fundamental rights and freedom, promote education and improve well-being for all people, particularly vulnerable groups such as youth and women. Third, punish perpetrators in line with the international and national laws, and refrain from applying double standards and associating terrorism with any religion, nationality, civilization, and ethnic group. Fourth, strictly respect and uphold the principle of national sovereignty and territorial integrity the UN Charter and international law in combating terrorism. In conclusion, the Lao PDR is committed to working closely with the international and partners to combat terrorism. I thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [29:09]: I thank the distinguished representative of Lao People's Democratic Republic, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina. You have the floor. Argentina [29:32]: Madam Chair, we congratulate you on your appointment. Argentina condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and we consider that terrorist acts and violent extremism not only constitute a threat to international peace and security, but also pose a threat to human dignity, peaceful and civilized coexistence, stability, the consolidation of democracy, and the economic development of our nations. This commitment is also grounded in the pursuit of justice for the victims of terrorism. Argentina has suffered two terrorist attacks on its own territory, resulting, these were the 1992 attack on the Israeli embassy and the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish community center in 1994, the deadliest act of globalized terrorism suffered in the Southern Cone. Both led to a significant loss of innocent lives and enormous damage to the social fabric, which continues today, these terrorist acts have convinced us of the central importance of protecting the rights of the victims in any strategic plan that is decided to confront terrorism. And that is why, in order to make efforts to bring those responsible to justice, in February 2025, Argentina established a specific legal framework for conducting trials in absentia in cases involving serious crimes. This framework is particularly relevant in the fight against terrorism, as it prevents impunity while simultaneously ensuring due process guarantees. On September 21 of this year, Argentina's judiciary indicted eight individuals for their responsibility in the AMIA attack, marking a decisive step toward the implementation of the trial in absentia regime. Madam Chair, with regard to international legal instruments, Argentina has ratified 14 of the 19 multilateral counterterrorism conventions and protocols and is preparing to accede to two more. Argentina addresses the fight against terrorism within the framework of established multilateral fora. In addition to this, in addition to the multilateral approach, Argentina considers that for specific matters, it's important to maintain bilateral cooperation mechanisms with strategic partners. My country is aware of the evolving nature of terrorism. The nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism currently represents a challenge in our region. Criminal organizations increasingly adopt terrorist tactics to pursue their economic objectives, while terrorist groups, for their part, benefit from organized criminal activities to finance their operations. Recognizing the link that exists between terrorism and transnational organized crime, Argentina participates in fora and initiatives such as the Americas Shield and the Santiago Regional Commitment against Transnational Organized Crime. Furthermore, Argentina has recently established the National Counter-Terrorism Center, whose mission is to integrate, analyze and share information, design strategies and establish effective operational and coordination criteria that are effective among all national agencies. Another phenomenon to which we must respond is the use of new technologies. The intensive use of networks and virtual communication increases the risks of radicalization and recruitment for terrorist purposes. Argentina believes that the best way to counter this phenomenon is through a comprehensive approach, adopting coordinated measures involving all sectors of society. Madam Chair, in conclusion, the threat of terrorism transcends borders. Therefore, international cooperation through flexible and effective platforms is essential. Our peoples demand coordinated and effective responses in defence of life, freedom and human dignity. Thank you very much. 6th Committee · Chair [34:00]: I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina for his statement. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sudan. You have the floor, sir. Sudan [34:15]: Thank you, Madam Chair. The delegation of the Sudan congratulates you and the members of the Bureau on your election and assures you of its full cooperation in ensuring the success of this Committee. My delegation also thanks the Secretary-General for his report submitted under this agenda item on measures to eliminate international terrorism. Sudan aligns itself with the statements delivered by the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Cameroon and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, respectively. Madam Chair, Sudan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of its motivation, justification, wherever and by whomsoever committed. Sudan affirms that terrorism constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and a threat to international peace and security, as well as to the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and stability of States. Sudan also stresses that counter-terrorism efforts cannot be applied with selectivity, double standards or political considerations. Terrorism must not be associated with any particular religion, race, culture or civilization, nor should counter-terrorism be used as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of states or for undermining their sovereignty and political independence. Sudan echoes the position of the Non-Aligned Movement, emphasizing, in particular, the duty of States to refrain from organizing, instigating, financing or facilitating terrorist acts, from allowing their territories to be used as safe havens for planning, training or financing terrorism, and from supplying weapons that may be used in the commission of terrorist acts in other States. In this context, Sudan believes that drying up the sources of terrorism should go beyond tracking financial flows alone. It must also encompass cutting off the supply of weapons, military equipment, fighters, safe havens, and the logistical, political, and media support that enables armed and terrorist groups to continue their activities. The international community should not accept a situation in which a state condemns terrorism in international forums while allowing, directly or indirectly, the flow of weapons, funds, or fighters to armed groups seeking to undermine the sovereignty and national institutions of another state. Countering terrorism is a legal and moral responsibility that should be upheld without selectivity. In this regard, my delegation recalls the stance affirmed by the African Group that all States must refrain from providing any form of support, active or passive, to entities or individuals involved in terrorist acts, including by halting the supply of weapons to them, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2370. Madam Chair, these issues are of significant importance to Sudan, given the proliferation in our region and across the African continent of armed groups, transnational organized crimes, illicit arms trafficking, and flows of foreign fighters and mercenaries. Such creates a fertile ground for intersections between organized criminal networks and terrorist groups. The Non-Aligned Movement has rightly warned of the growing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters and has called for strengthening the capacities of States, particularly those in regions most affected by this phenomenon. Sudan believes that risks posed by these phenomena are aggravated when armed groups gain access to sophisticated weapons, modern technologies and cross-border capabilities. In this context, We share the African group's concern regarding the exploitation by terrorist groups of new and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, encrypted communications, digital platforms and virtual assets for purposes of recruitment, financing, propaganda and operational planning. Therefore, addressing these threats requires enhancing information sharing, border control, combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, countering illicit arms trafficking, and building national capacities in law enforcement, criminal justice, and cybersecurity. Madam Chair, for Sudan, this risk is not a matter of theory. For more than three years, My country has been facing a devastating war waged by the Rapid Support Forces militia. This militia has committed acts of mass killing, sexual violence, looting, and forced displacement. It has targeted civilians, critical infrastructure, and state institutions, enabled by the continuous flows of weapons, advanced military equipment, mercenaries, foreign fighters, and financial and logistical support provided from outside our borders. Sudan stresses that those who provide an armed group with weapons, finance or mercenaries, or facilitate its supply lines and safe havens, cannot evade responsibility for the consequences of such support. Accordingly, Sudan calls upon the international community to move beyond mere condemnation of terrorism, extremism and cross-border violence. and toward the fulfillment of already existing obligations, in particular the obligation of States to refrain from providing any direct or indirect support to groups that use violence against civilians and seek to undermine the institutions, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of States. It is unfathomable to call for eliminating the sources of terrorism in one context while ignoring in another context the flow of weapons, funds and mercenaries to armed groups that commit atrocities and threaten the security of a Member State and the stability of an interregion. Madam Chair, Sudan believes that the security-based approach, as important as it is, is not by itself sufficient to eliminate terrorism. Our national experience has demonstrated that sustainable prevention requires addressing the conditions conducive to extremism and violence, including poverty, marginalization, lack of development opportunities, protracted conflicts, and weak state institutions. Sudan's national strategy has therefore linked the rule of law, dialogue, conflict prevention, the engagement of local communities, youth and women, education, and the efforts to combat organized crime and the financing of terrorism. States facing conflict and vulnerability require solidarity, capacity building, and support for restoring the authority of the law and state institutions, rather than measures that further increase their vulnerability or undermine their ability to protect their citizens and borders. Sudan also underscores the importance of providing sustainable and predictable technical assistance to African states in accordance with their national priorities and upon the request, while respecting national ownership of counterterrorism programs. In this regard, we welcome African efforts to strengthen an African-led response to the growing terrorist threat on the continent in partnership with the UN. We further note the African Group's emphasis on strengthening capacities in border control, combating the trafficking of arms and drugs, money laundering, and financing of terrorism, as well as law enforcement and judicial processes. Madam Chair, Sudan welcomes the adoption of the ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. on 1st of July 2026 and underscores the importance of implementing its four pillars in a balanced and integrated manner in full conformity with international law and the UN Charter. At the same time, we are of the view that the persistence of differences over certain fundamental issues highlight the need for genuine political will to develop a more comprehensive, clear and coherent international legal framework. Accordingly, Sudan reiterates its support for the conclusion of negotiations on the comprehensive convention on international terrorism and calls upon member states to demonstrate the flexibility and political will necessary to overcome the remaining outstanding issues. Sudan also supports the call for the convening of high-level international conference under the auspices of the UN to consider a coordinated international response to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to its root causes, a call that has been renewed by NAM and the African group. In conclusion, Sudan affirms that eliminating terrorism requires a single standard and a single commitment. Terrorism should not be condemned when it targets one State and accepted, tolerated or ignored when it targets another. Nor should the financing and arming of armed groups be rejected in one region while tolerated in another. An international order based on law requires all states to respect the sovereignty of one another, refrain from supporting groups that use violence to achieve political objectives, cooperate in good faith to prevent the cross-border movement of weapons, financing, and fighters, and hold accountable all those who violate these obligations. Guided by these principles, Sudan will continue to cooperate with the UN, African Union, and relevant regional and international organizations in building a comprehensive, balanced, and effective international response to terrorism, one that is grounded in international law, respects state sovereignty, addresses root causes, and safeguards the right of peoples to security, peace, and development. Thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [44:38]: I thank the distinguished representative of Sudan for this statement. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam. Viet Nam [44:49]: Madam Chair. I join other delegations in congratulating you and the members of the Bureau on the elections. I am confident that, under your leadership, our Sixth Committee will make meaningful progress during these sessions. Vietnam aligns itself with the statements delivered earlier on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and ASEAN. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report on this agenda item. Madam Chair, Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a serious threat to international peace and security. Evolving terrorist tactics, including the misuse of emerging technology, underscore the need for a comprehensive and effective legal framework and stronger international cooperation. We believe that poverty and social economic inequality are among the root causes of terrorism, extremism and radicalization. My delegation wishes to emphasize the following points. First, Vietnam strongly condemns all acts of terrorism, regardless of their motivations, perpetrators or locations. Terrorism must not be associated with any religions, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group. Second, Vietnam reaffirms its support for the central role of the United Nations in coordinating global counter-terrorism efforts and the full implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We welcome, in this regard, the outcome of its nine review. Third, all counter-terrorism measures must comply with international law, including the UN Charter, applicable international humanitarian law and human rights law. They must also respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs. Fourth, We encourage substantive engagement to resolve outstanding issues and finalize the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. These issues include the treatment of activity of armed forces, the draft convention's relationship with international humanitarian law, and questions relating to the right of people to self-determination. A balanced solution should preserve the integrity of international humanitarian law and state obligations under existing sectoral counterterrorism conventions, while ensuring accountability under applicable international law. Finally, states should further strengthen cooperation at all levels and through all appropriate modalities, Priorities should include information sharing, mutual legal assistance, counter-terrorist financing, and preventing the misuse of emerging technology for terrorist purposes. Developing countries need sustained technical assistance and capacity building to turn international commitment into national actions. broader support should be substantially increased to help them eradicate poverty, reduce social economic inequalities and promote inclusive development. In this context, Vietnam highly appreciate the practical support of UN OCT, including the completions in Vietnam of its threat assessment models for aviation security program. Consultation are also underway on counter countering terrorist financing involving virtual assets, and on capacity building under the Autonomous and Remotely Operated System programme, AROS. We look forward to deeper cooperation in this field. Madam Chair, Vietnam remains firmly committed to preventing and combating terrorism and to translating its international commitments into concrete actions. Nationally, Vietnam has strengthened its counterterrorism framework through a national plan of actions on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferations financing. We updated regulations on freezing and handling terrorism-related assets. We have also strengthened law enforcement, border security, and measures to prevent the misuse of cyberspace for terrorist purposes. At the international level, Vietnam is party to 13 of the 19 universal legal instruments against terrorism. We continue to deepen practical cooperation with relevant UN entities, ASEAN, other countries, and international partners. Last year, in cooperation with UNODC, Vietnam hosted the signing ceremony of the UN Conventions against Cybercrime, the Hanoi Conventions. This reflected our determination to contribute to global efforts to combat misuse of information and communication technology for criminal purposes, including terrorism. Earlier this year, Vietnam ratified these conventions, becoming the first countries in Southeast Asia and the third worldwide to do so. We are also working closely with UNODC to establish an Asia-Pacific Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime in Vietnam. We believe that this will serve as a platform for regional cooperation, supporting training, research, experience sharing, and the development of legal frameworks and capacity building for the investigations, prosecutions, and adjudications of cybercrime and the handling of electronic evidence. Madam Chair, Vietnam stands ready to work closely with all UN Member States and partners to strengthen our collective response to terrorism in accordance with international law. I thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [50:57]: I thank the distinguished representative of Vietnam for her statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan [51:08]: Thank you, Madam Chair. On behalf of the Kyrgyz Republic, allow me to congratulate you on your election as chair of the Sixth Committee, as well as the members of the Bureau. You may count on our constructive cooperation throughout this session. The Kyrgyz Republic attaches great importance to the work of the Sixth Committee as the principal forum of the General Assembly for the consideration and progressive development of international law. At a time of growing global uncertainty, Respect for the UN Charter, international law, sovereignty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes remains indispensable. Kyrgyzstan supports continued efforts to strengthen international legal frameworks for the prevention and punishment of the gravest crimes. In this regard, we attach importance to the ongoing work concerning crimes against humanity. We support an effective framework that strengthens prevention, international cooperation, and accountability. while ensuring due process and consistency with existing international law. We also support stronger practical cooperation among states in such areas as mutual legal assistance, extradition, and the exchange of information and evidence. Madam Chair, Kyrgyzstan unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. No cause can justify terrorist acts, and terrorism must not be associated with any religion, nationality, or ethnicity. As we mark 20 years since the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, Kyrgyzstan reaffirms its commitment to its balanced implementation. Prevention, effective law enforcement, international cooperation, and respect for human rights must advance together. For Central Asia, regional cooperation remains particularly important. We value the joint plan of action for the implementation of the global counterterrorism strategy in Central Asia and the role of the United Nations in supporting prevention, dialogue, and coordinated responses to common security threats. Rapid technological change is also transforming the nature of these threats. Terrorist misuse of artificial intelligence, online platforms, virtual assets, and other digital technologies requires closer international cooperation, including on electronic evidence, while safeguarding human rights and personal data. More broadly, the Kyrgyz Republic believes that international law must continue to respond effectively to new realities while preserving the fundamental principles on which the international order is based. As the President of the Kyrgyz Republic emphasized in his address to the General Assembly, our forthcoming membership of the Security Council for 2027-2028 carries a particular responsibility to contribute to international peace and security. Kyrgyzstan will bring to this work its commitment to international law, dialogue, preventing diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes. We look forward to contributing constructively to the work of the Sixth Committee during this session. And I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [54:26]: I thank the distinguished representative of Kyrgyzstan for his statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Angola. Angola [54:37]: Madam Chair. As this is my delegation's first intervention in the Sixth Committee at this 81st session, allow me to congratulate you on your election, as well as the other members of the Bureau. You may count on Angola's full support and constructive engagement throughout the work of this Committee. Angola aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Group, and thanks the Secretary-General for the report submitted under this agenda item. Angola unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. No political, ideological, religious, or other consideration can justify acts of terrorism. Across Africa, the expansion and increasing sophistication of terrorist networks, from the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin to the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region, and parts of southern Africa, require urgent, coordinated and sustained action. Of particular concern are the links between terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, illicit financial flows, arms trafficking and the illegal exploitation of natural resources. These interconnected threats demonstrate that no State can confront terrorism effectively in isolation. Madam Chair, I'm going to recall the 16th extraordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union on terrorism and unconstitutional change of government, held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on 28 May 2022, at the initiative of His Excellency, Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, President of the Republic of Angola. The Malabo Summit called for comprehensive strategies combining security measures with conflict prevention, border management, intelligence sharing, suppression of terrorist financing, stronger institutions, and actions addressing the conditions conducive to terrorism. This approach was reinforced by the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, held in Luanda, Angola, on 30 August 2026, devoted to strengthening conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms in Africa. The message from Malabo and Rwanda is clear: preventing conflict, strengthening state institutions, and addressing instability before it escalates into violence are essential components of counterterrorism. Africa must move from crisis management to prevention, from fragmented response to coordinated regional action, and toward stronger African ownership supported by effective international partnership. At the national level, Angola continues to strengthen its legal and institutional framework, border management, interagency coordination, and measures to prevent terrorist financing. Our experience also confirms that security measures alone are insufficient. Sustainable prevention requires an all-of-government and all-of-society approach, supported by education, employment, social inclusion, and resilient institutions. Madam Chair, Angola believes that collective action should focus on five priorities. First, strengthen operational cooperation among the United Nations, the African Union, and regional economic communities, particularly in intelligence sharing, border management, and capacity building. Second, disrupt the financial and logistical networks sustaining terrorism by combating terrorist financing, illicit financial flows, arms trafficking, organized crime, and illegal exploitation of national resources. Third, place prevention at the center of counterterrorism strategy by connecting early warning with early action, mediation, peacebuilding, and development. Fourth, strengthen cooperation against the misuse of emerging technology, including artificial intelligence, encrypted communication, digital platforms, and new financial technologies, while expanding capacity building for developing countries. Fifth, ensure predictable and sustainable support for African states confronting terrorism. I'm going to support stronger United Nations-African Union cooperation and effective implementation of Security Council Resolution 2719 in support of African-led peace operations where applicable and duly authorized. We commend the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and encourage stronger coordination across the United Nations system, including through the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, to ensure coherent and demand-driven technical assistance tailored to Member States' priorities. Angola also reiterates the importance of concluding negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Member states should demonstrate the political will necessary to overcome outstanding differences and strengthen the international legal framework against terrorism. At the same time, effectiveness and legality must remain inseparable. All counterterrorism measures must comply fully with the Charter of the United Nations, international law, international human rights law, and where applicable, international humanitarian law. Respect for the rule of law is essential to legitimacy and sustainability of our collective response. Madam Chair, the lessons of Malabo and Rwanda are clear. Prevent rather than merely react. Strengthen institution then repeatedly manage crisis. Disrupt the network that sustain terrorism and reinforce African capacity and ownership through effective multilateral cooperation. Our objective must go beyond containing terrorism. It must be to create the political, institutional, economic and social conditions in which terrorism can no longer find fertile ground to emerge, expand or endure. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:01:05]: I thank the distinguished representative of Angola for this statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tajikistan. Tajikistan [1:01:17]: Madam Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, the delegation of the Republic of Tajikistan congratulates you, Madam Chair, and the Bureau on your election and wishes you every success in guiding the work of the Sixth Committee during the 81st session of the General Assembly. Madam Chair, Terrorism and violent extremism remain serious threat to international peace and security, sustainable development, and the well-being of our society. Their evolving and transnational nature requires a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained response. Tajikistan firmly believe that the United Nation must remain at the center of the international efforts to prevent and combat terrorism. The United Nations Charter, international law, relevant General Assembly and Security Council resolution, and universal legal instrument against terrorism provides a foundation for our collective action. Effective counterterrorism efforts require strong international cooperation, timely information sharing, the exchange of experience and best practices, and enhanced capacities at the national, regional, and international levels. Tajikistan supported the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted by the General Assembly in July 2026. At the same time, we believe that future reviews should better reflect the evolving nature of the terrorist threat and emerging challenges. Madam Chair, We are particularly concerned by the growing misuse of internet, digital platforms, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence by terrorist organizations. These tools are increasingly used for propaganda, recruitment, radicalization, communication, and coordination of terrorist activities. Our response must therefore be practical, coordinated, and technologically adaptive. At the same time, emerging technologies can strengthen prevention, early identification of threats, information sharing, and the capacity of competent authorities. International cooperation in this area should contribute to secure and peaceful digital environment consistent with international law and fundamental rights. Madam Chair, Tajikistan Tajikistan continues to strengthen its national framework for preventing and combating terrorism and extremism. Following the implementation of the national strategies for 2016-2020 and 2021-2025, the national strategy on countering extremism and terrorism for 2026-2040 was adopted in February this year. Its preparation was carried out in consultation with the relevant United Nation entity and international partners. The strategy place emphasis on prevention, institutional capacity building, addressing the drivers of radicalization and extremism, and strengthening international cooperation. Prevention, particularly among young people, remains essential. Education, legal awareness, social inclusion, and meaningful youth participation can strengthen social resilience and reduce vulnerable to extremism narratives. Tajikistan has also taken practical measures to rehabilitate and reintegrate more than 500 citizens mainly women and children who were repatriated from conflict-affected areas. These efforts demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines security measures with rehabilitation and reintegration. Madam Chair, Tajikistan remains firmly committed to strengthening the international legal framework against terrorism and reiterates its support for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which would strengthen the existing legal framework and facilitate international cooperation. We therefore call for accelerated progress towards its conclusion. Tajikistan also attaches great importance to border security and preventing the movement of terrorists, illicit trafficking and financing of terrorism. Effective border management, modern technologies, information sharing, and capacity building are essential to these efforts. As the host of the Dushanbe Process on Countering Terrorism and its Financing, Tajikistan will continue to cooperate with the United Nations and international partners in advancing international cooperation in this field. The fourth conference held in Kuwait City in November 2024 marked an important milestone by launching the Kuwait phase of the Dushanbe process. Tajikistan looks forward to hosting the next high-level international conference under the Dushanbe process in Dushanbe in 2027. Madam Chair, The international community must remain united and resolute in confronting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Our response must address immediate security threats while strengthening prevention, the rule of law, education, social resilience, international cooperation, and respect for human rights. Tajikistan stands ready to continue its constructive engagement with the United Nations and member states in advancing these common objectives and contribute to a safer, more peaceful, and secure world. I thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [1:07:38]: I thank the distinguished representative of Tajikistan for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia. Colombia [1:07:57]: Good afternoon. Thank you, Madam Chair. As this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor during this session, I would like to particularly congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau on your election. You have Colombia's full support. We also thank the Secretary-General for his report on this item. Colombia condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Every act of terrorism is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, where it is committed and who commits it. Terrorism cannot be justified, relativized or legitimized under any political, ideological or religious circumstances, and it must be condemned unequivocally, irrespective of the perpetrator or the objectives invoked. My country knows this phenomenon first-hand. For decades, entire communities have lived under organisations that murder, kidnap, use explosives, recruit children and teenagers, and deliberately resort to terror in order to subjugate the population. The Government of Colombia has decided to call these acts by their proper name and confront them with the full legitimate force of the State, within the framework of the Constitution, the law and Colombia's international obligations. Madam Chair, As the Vice President of the Republic stated in the message delivered to the General Assembly on 24 September, my country wishes to take the discussion on combating terrorism one step further. Since 1963, the international community has adopted 19 universal legal instruments to prevent and suppress terrorist acts. This sectoral framework has been valuable. It criminalizes specific conduct, establishes the obligation to extradite or prosecute. But more than six decades later, we still lack a common definition of terrorism. That absence has practical consequences. It hinders judicial cooperation when national legislations do not agree. It creates room for arbitrary classifications, and it allows certain organizations to invoke a political motive in order to evade the legal consequences of their crimes. For this reason, Colombia advocates revitalizing efforts to advance towards a common, clear and precise international definition, compatible with international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and useful for enabling States to cooperate effectively. A serious definition must avoid two extremes. On the one hand, political disagreement or legitimate protest should not be arbitrarily classified as terrorism. On the other hand, murder, kidnapping or deliberate attacks against civilians must not be concealed behind a political label. We are not starting off from scratch. Although no universal instrument defines terrorism, Several already describe conduct that the international community considers unacceptable. Madam Chair, the terrorism faced by Colombia is closely linked to transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking. Illicit drugs are produced in Colombia, but they do not remain in Colombia. Their routes cross borders, their proceeds are laundered through financial systems in other jurisdictions, and their networks operate in numerous countries. This connection between terrorism, transnational organized crime and drug trafficking has been recognized by resolutions 1373 and 2482 of the Security Council. A transnational threat requires shared responsibility. Colombia proposes three concrete lines of action. First, more agile information sharing and intelligence exchange among States and with regional and subregional organizations; second, more effective judicial cooperation, with full implementation of the obligation to extradite or prosecute, as well as the mutual legal assistance mechanisms established in the universal instruments and in the Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism; Third, better tools to identify, freeze and confiscate the resources that finance these organizations and, where appropriate, to return or otherwise dispose of them in accordance with domestic legislation and applicable instruments, in line with the 1999 Convention, Security Council Resolution 2462 and the standards of the Financial Action Task Force, including risks associated with virtual assets. Madam Chair. The effectiveness and legitimacy of the fight against terrorism are inseparable. Every measure must respect the rule of law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law. A precise definition is also a safeguard. It protects victims and protects societies from the abusive use of the designation. Colombia is not asking others to solve problems that are its own responsibility. It merely seeks partners to confront common threats and offers its experience to those facing similar challenges. We hope that during this session, this committee will take concrete steps towards the comprehensive convention that the international community has been waiting for for more than three decades now. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [1:13:45]: I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia for the statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria. Algeria [1:13:57]: Thank you, Madam Chairperson. At the outset, we would like to extend to you and to all members of the Bureau our heartfelt congratulations on your election. We wish you every success as you discharge your duties. It goes without saying that you can count on our full support. I would like to align myself with the statement made on behalf of the OSCE, the African Group and the NAM. Madam Chairperson, Algeria would like to reiterate its staunch condemnation of terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations. irrespective of wherever, by whomever, when, where it is committed, and what the methods are. We believe that we need to avoid false narratives which try to associate terrorism with a certain religion or civilization. Our fight should not be circumscribed to terrorism. It should also include violent extremism, emerging threats, such as xenophobia, Islamophobia, and hate speech. because these are new manifestations of violent extremism, in fact. Madam Chairperson, we commend the progress made within the framework of banning ransom payments and efforts aimed at cutting off terrorist group funding. However, we are disquieted by the growing links between terrorism and transnational organized crime, in particular drug trafficking. We believe that the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a living document which must be constantly updated so that we can confront the terrorist threat which is ever evolving. On this note, We deplore the lack of progress within the framework of the ninth review of the global counterterrorism strategy. Moreover, we're of the view that prevention and the countering of terrorism requires international, regional, and national cooperation. Our approach is based on policies aimed at combating exclusion, marginalization and exclusion by upholding the rule of law and combating violent extremism. At the national level, we've strengthened our legislative and executive framework by adopting counterterrorism legislation, what's more is we have specialized bodies which focus on combating terrorism as well. At the regional level, Algeria is sharing its experience on a bilateral basis. so as to buttress the stability and security of our region. We applaud the efforts within the framework of AFROPOL and the African Union's Counter-Terrorism Centre, which Algeria hosts as the African Union's coordinator for the fight against terrorism. The President of Algeria, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has helped to strengthen continental capacities thanks to a modern work plan and the operationalization of the African Union's fund for countering terrorism, as well as the establishment of an African Union terrorist list. Germany and Algeria have been chairing a West Africa group within the framework of the Counter-Terrorism Forum. And in 2024-2026, we've stepped up our efforts aimed at building the capacity of countries in the region in the field of border management and the fight against explosive devices used by terrorist groups, as well as terrorist financing and cooperation between various bodies, regional cooperation, as well as community collaboration. During our chairmanship of the Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee, we set up guidelines on new and emerging technologies being used for terrorist purposes. In January of this year, when we chaired the Security Council, we adopted a presidential statement on combating terrorism in Africa. Madam Chairperson, from our vantage point, We believe our actions should be guided by three pillars. First, strengthening institutional frameworks, thanks to regular funding and by strengthening the rule of law. We must beef up mechanisms such as AFRIPOLE and African security and investigation bodies, as well as the Center for Counterterrorism in Africa. We need comprehensive strategies. which are people focused in keeping with the silencing the guns initiative and the 2063 plan we support sustainable solutions spearheaded by Africa underpinned by continental and international partnerships this is the best way to tackle this challenge and to create a safe and prosperous Africa by way of conclusion terrorism knows no borders therefore We need to take a comprehensive approach, take comprehensive action, and determinedly so. We need to continue negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:19:55]: I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria for the statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Qatar. Qatar [1:20:12]: Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, we would like to congratulate you on chairing the Sixth Committee during the 81st session of the General Assembly. We congratulate the members of the Bureau on their election, and we wish you every success in your endeavors. We also express our appreciation to the Secretary for the report submitted on combating international terrorism. We also align ourselves with the statements delivered on behalf of NAM and OIC. Madam Chair. The State of Qatar strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of any motive. And we also reject any attempt to link between terrorism and any given culture or religion or people. Facing this scourge requires a common commitment grounded in international law, respect for human rights, avoiding selectivity or politicization. Preventing terrorism should not be used as a pretext to subject peoples to occupation. These peoples have a legitimate right to self-determination. In this context, we welcome the resolution of the General Assembly on the implementation of the ninth review of the international counterterrorism strategy. We are committed to implementing this strategy, its purposes, and principles. We also seize the opportunity to emphasize the need to complement the international framework to combat terrorism. We call for exerting further efforts to reach an agreement on the comprehensive convention based on international law. Madam Chair, on the national level, the state of Qatar has adopted a comprehensive, multidimensional approach to combat terrorism. The approach includes between national legislations and international cooperation. We are reinforcing our legislative and institutional frameworks, and we are working on ending the funding of terrorism and combating violent extremism. Our strategy is based on prevention, protection, and recovery. Our national strategy is implemented with the participation of all relevant national authorities. On the international level, we are proud to be a main partner of the UNOCT and one of the main contributors to the Anti-Terrorism Fund. Our contributions have exceeded 142 billion U.S. dollars, which amount to one-third of the fund resources. It has allowed us to implement global pioneering projects that include all the pillars of the global strategy. Qatar is also proud to host one of the five programs and we are expanding the office in Doha to include several programs and activities and to represent the largest field presence of the organization. This would allow us to build capabilities and to reach all beneficiaries. The state of Qatar is also collaborating with all stakeholders, implementing the UN mandate in countering terrorism, especially the executive directorate and the sanctions committees. The State of Qatar also attaches great importance to multilateral fora on combating terrorism. We are an effective partner in the Global Alliance against Daesh. We support regional efforts through the GCC countries and League of Arab States by exchanging information and working together to face common challenges. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the State of Qatar reaffirms its commitment to support all international efforts and to promote multilateral cooperation to achieve international peace and security. We reaffirm the need to pursue our consultations under the item of efforts aiming at combating terrorism in a way that respects international law. Thank you, Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [1:24:16]: I thank the distinguished representative of Qatar for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia. Georgia [1:24:40]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Georgia congratulates you and the Bureau on your appointment. Georgia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union, and I would like to make the following remarks in my national capacity. We must recognize that no state stands isolated from the profound challenges currently facing international peace and stability. Regrettably, our global community continues to endure the heavy toll of armed hostilities and their tragic consequences across various regions. Recognizing that international terrorist threats are constantly shifting, the government of Georgia remains committed to the joint efforts towards enhancing the response mechanisms to counteract them effectively. To illustrate our ongoing commitment, I would like to outline a few key domestic developments. At the national level, Georgia continues to implement the National Counter-Terrorist Strategy of 2022-2026 and its action plan. Their implementation is monitored by the Interagency Commission. To identify threats and trends related to terrorism and violent extremism abroad, Georgia closely collaborates with international law enforcement bodies, such as Interpol, Europol, and relevant services of partner countries. Georgia continuously conducts appropriate measures to raise the country's level of preparedness for terrorist threats. Efforts continue to identify Georgian citizens and their family members who are directly or indirectly affiliated with terrorist organizations. To address terrorist challenges, the State Security Service of Georgia actively plans and implements preventive measures. Furthermore, Georgia continues to fulfill its international obligations in the area of terrorism, including the implementation of the requirements of the UN Security Council Resolution 1373 of 2001. Madam Chair, Here, let me draw your attention to the Russia-occupied Abkhazia and regions of Georgia. Due to the illegal occupation, these regions remain beyond the Georgian government's effective control and remain inaccessible for international monitoring mechanisms. Subsequently, these dire circumstances, including grave security, human rights, and humanitarian situations therein, create a fertile ground for all sorts of illicit activities and pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security. In conclusion, let me reiterate that the Government of Georgia maintains a steadfast commitment to employing all available regional and international mechanisms to effectively fight the common threat of terrorism. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:27:26]: I thank the distinguished representative of Georgia for the statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman. Oman [1:27:40]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Chair. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you on steering the work of the Sixth Committee during the current 81st session of the General Assembly. I wish you and the other members of the Bureau every success. I also align myself with the statements delivered by the OIC and the NAM, and would like to make the following statement in my national capacity. Madam Chair, the Sultanate of Oman welcomes the adoption by the General Assembly last June of the ninth review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of its adoption as a key framework for international cooperation aimed at preventing and combating terrorism. In this regard, the Sultanate of Oman attaches great importance to combating terrorism and ideological extremism through the implementation of the provisions of our national counterterrorism strategy. The strategy lays scientific and practical frameworks and foundations to combat terrorism and its financing, to safeguard the security and stability of the Sultanate of Oman from any terrorist acts, and to protect citizens from being influenced by extremist ideologies, and enhance participation in international efforts in a manner consistent with the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Madam Chair. The Sultanate of Oman pursues a consistent policy of condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of its causes and justifications. In fulfillment of its commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and maintaining international peace and security, Oman has undertaken all necessary measures to contribute to addressing the threat of terrorism by establishing a comprehensive system capable of responding effectively to this threat. across government institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations. The policies and measures adopted by the Sultanate of Oman in response to developments and events at both the domestic and international levels and across various sectors have significantly contributed to preventing the infiltration of extremist and destructive ideologies and to ensuring that such ideas are neither embraced nor adopted by its citizens. Oman has developed its model in a manner that strengthens the foundations of development and advances its progress by building a solid framework of cooperation with all parties regionally and internationally. It has also focused on empowering the Omani citizen, encouraging participation in political life, strengthening the concept of national unity. and the principles of mediation, tolerance, and moderation. The Sultanate of Oman has also established balanced relations with various countries around the world in a way that promotes global peace and stability and contributes to domestic security and stability. In the media sphere, the Sultanate of Oman has pursued a balanced and preventive media policy aimed at safeguarding society from the causes of extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism. This was achieved by promoting the values of tolerance, harmony, unity, and social cohesion, avoiding the incitement of sectarian divisions and hate speech through all domestic media outlets. We have maintained neutrality in reporting news, particularly news relating to civil and sectarian conflicts, and avoiding exaggeration and sensationalism. Oman, therefore, stresses the need to respect religious sanctities and refrain from violating them under any pretext or justification. As part of the ongoing efforts undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman to combat hate speech and extremism, Oman has launched the Muscat Plan of Action for Countering Hate Speech, Genocide, Atrocity Crimes, and Incitement to Such Crimes through an initiative inaugurated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations with broad international participation at the UN Headquarters in New York on the 11th of June, 2026. In the same vein, the city of Muscat will host an event next November on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, as part of a process through which the Sultanate of Oman hopes to open new horizons for further initiatives and partnerships in cooperation with the international community and the United Nations. In conclusion, the Sultanate of Oman reaffirms that terrorism is an international problem that can only be addressed through constructive international cooperation and a comprehensive approach focused on eliminating the pretext exploited by extremist groups to recruit new members, efforts to resolve political conflicts and international crises, to achieve international justice without selectivity, to uphold the values of tolerance and coexistence, and combat hate speech and extremism embody the objectives for which we have gathered to confront this grave danger, particularly as these organizations continue to enhance their warfare capabilities through various means. Thank you, Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [1:33:16]: I thank the distinguished representative of Oman for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Democratic People's Republic of Korea [1:33:30]: Madam Chair, to begin with, my delegation expresses belief that the work of the committee will become successful under able leadership. My delegation aligns itself with a statement made by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Madam Chair, two decades have passed since the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Over the past 20 years, the UN General Assembly has conducted nine reviews of the strategy, coupled with a number of resolutions of the Security Council, General Assembly, as well as multilateral conventions to combat terrorism. During this course, the UN Office of Counterterrorism was created to promote regional and international cooperation. It is the unanimous position of all the UN member states to reject terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whomever, wherever, and for whatever purpose. What merits our sharp attention is that today we are witnessing an unprecedented and open high-profile act of state-sponsored terrorism that infringes upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a sovereign state and endangers regional and global peace and security. In the hope that this session will serve as a meaningful occasion in discussing appropriate ways of fighting international terrorism, my delegation would like to highlight the following points. First, We should unmistakably look into the underlying cause of the continued vicious cycle of terror and strengthen international unity and cooperation in the fight against terrorism. It is imperative to reject acts of interference in internal affairs and state-sponsored terrorism aimed at overthrowing governments of independent and sovereign states. Today, to the deep concerns of the international community, the ISIS and other extreme terrorist groups are exploiting new and emerging technologies, such as virtual assets, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial systems, to perpetrate terrorist acts in a more sophisticated and evolving manner in Africa and other parts of the world. It is no exaggeration to say that the emergence And survival of those terrorist groups cannot be accounted for apart from subversive moves against the sovereign states and consequential chaos, armed conflict, and extreme disorder caused by the alleged color revolutions and war on terrorism provoked by the US and the West. State-sponsored terrorism is a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law, in particular, the principles of respect for sovereignty equality and non-intervention. As such, it is the most heinous crime that can never be justified whatsoever. All UN member states must no longer overlook infringement on sovereignty and state-sponsored terrorism by specific forces, which trigger the vicious cycle of terror and retaliation. Second, double standards and selectivity should be strongly rejected in combating terrorism. The US and the West turn a blind eye to the terrorist acts committed by their followers and continue to impose sanctions and pressure on the independent and sovereign states in their disfavor under the guise of war on terrorism. Unless double standards and selectivity are terminated, the efforts of the international community to fight terrorism will fall far short of the intended goals and the vicious cycle of terror will only repeat itself. My delegation takes this opportunity to strongly condemn and reject terrorist acts against the Russian Federation by the neo-Nazi Ukrainian authorities, and express full support to the just cause of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and security interests. Madam Chair, the Government of the DPRK remains firmly committed to oppose terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as any form of assistance thereto. The Government of the DPRK will continue to take every possible measure to protect national security and the safety of its people from terrorist threats and attacks, and fully discharge its responsibilities and duties in defending peace and stability in the region and beyond. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:38:10]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal. Nepal [1:38:22]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Nepal aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. At the outset, I congratulate you, Madam Chair, and members of the Bureau on your election, and I assure you of Nepal's full support and cooperation. Madam Chair, terrorism remains a persistent threat to international peace and security, sustainable development, and human dignity. Terrorism traumatize communities, fractures social cohesion, undermines fundamental rights and freedom, disrupts livelihoods and development, and erodes the trust upon which peaceful societies are built. Women and children often bear disproportionate burdens. The threat of terrorism itself is evolving. Terrorist actors exploit instability, transnational networks, illicit financial flows, and emerging digital technologies to spread extremist narratives, recruit, mobilize resources, and expand their reach. At the same time, conditions such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, discrimination, social injustice, and governance gaps create a breeding ground for radicalization and violent extremism. Our response must therefore match the scale of multi-pronged challenges terrorism has posed to humanity. Madam Chair, Nepal unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever, by whomever, and against whomever committed. Those responsible must be brought to justice. As a peace-loving nation and responsible member of the international community, Nepal believes that sustainable peace provides the foundation for sustainable development, human well-being, and shared prosperity. We consistently advocate for a just, inclusive, democratic, and rule-based international order in which dialogue and diplomacy prevail over violence and extremism. It remains Nepal's principal policy not to allow its territory to be used by any terrorist organization under any pretext against any country or people. Nepal is a party to seven international counterterrorism instruments and participates in regional initiatives against terrorism. At the national level, we have extended our legal and institutional frameworks through legislation and measures addressing money laundering, terrorist financing, organized crime, extradition, and mutual legal assistance. Our anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism national strategy 2024-2028 further extends national efforts against illicit financing. Nepal continues to cooperate with relevant international mechanisms, including FATF and Interpol. Our national efforts remain aligned with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We appreciate the important role of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in strengthening coordination, capacity building, and international cooperation. Nepal also welcomes the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime and recognizes the importance of stronger international cooperation in combating crimes committed through ICT system and facilitating the sharing of electronic evidence. Madam Chair, allow me to highlight five priorities. First, we need a stronger international solidarity, timely information sharing, institutional cooperation, and sustained capacity building while fully respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. We encourage the UN OCT to extend on technical assistance, particularly for LDCs and other capacity constraint countries in implementing the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy. APOL also reiterates the importance of concluding a comprehensive convention on international terrorism through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding. Second, the international community must extend and cooperation against money laundering, illicit financial flows, and terrorist financing, and fully implement relevant international obligations. Financial networks transcend borders. Our cooperation to dismantle them must do the same. Third, prevention must begin with people, communities, and opportunities. Civic and moral education, public awareness, a culture of peace, social harmony, and peaceful coexistence are indispensable to building resilient societies. Young people must be empowered as agents of peace rather than viewed merely through the lens of vulnerability. Education, innovation, entrepreneurship, decent employment, and meaningful participation offer powerful alternatives to narratives of hatred and extremism. Fourth, counterterrorism must address root causes of terrorism. while protecting fundamental human freedom and dignity. Poverty, unemployment, exclusion, discrimination, bad governance, injustice, religious extremism, and xenophobia require sustained national and international attention. Accelerating implementation of the sustainable development goals is therefore also an investment in prevention. Counterterrorism measures must remain consistent with international law and respect fundamental human rights and freedom. Security and human rights are not competing objectives. Lasting security depends upon respect for human dignity, justice, and inclusion. Fifth, we must prevent emerging technologies from becoming force multipliers for terrorism. ICTs, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms offer extraordinary opportunities for development. Yet their misuse by terrorist actors for propaganda, radicalization, recruitment, financing, planning, and incitement presents growing challenges. We need stronger international cooperation, responsible governance, digital literacy, and capacity building to address these risks while expanding the benefits of technological innovation. Madam Chair, no country can defeat terrorism alone. Nepal reaffirms its solidarity and cooperation with UN member states and all partners in our collective pursuit of eliminating terrorism and building a safer, more secure, and peaceful world for all. Let us strive together to rebuild societies in which hatred finds no fertile ground, extremism finds no willing recruits, and terrorism finds no place to survive. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:44:16]: I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Afghanistan. Afghanistan [1:44:26]: Chair, allow me to congratulate you and the other Bureau members on your well-deserved election. and assure you of our full support and cooperation throughout the work of the Sixth Committee. And it's particularly heartening to see women's leadership reflected in the work of this committee. Afghanistan aligns itself with a statement delivered on behalf of the non-aligned movement and reaffirms the shared commitments expressed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law. We wish to make the following remarks on our national capacity. The Afghan people have suffered profoundly from terrorism and use of extremist groups as proxies. We unequivocally condemn terrorism wherever and by whomever committed. No political objective, ideological claim, or religious justification can can excuse terrorist violence. There must be no distinction between good and bad terrorists. Five years after the Taliban's forcible takeover, Afghanistan continues to face interconnected political, security, humanitarian, economic, and human rights crises. The Taliban's policies have deepened the country's isolation and prolonged its political deadlock. In the absence of a legitimate representative and accountable governance, Extremism and terrorism remain serious threats to Afghanistan and the wider region. United Nations reports have repeatedly documented the presence and activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. We condemn the support, shelter, and financing provided to terrorist groups by any state or non-state actor, including the Taliban. Those who finance, arm or facilitate such groups must be held accountable. Terrorism cannot be defeated while violent groups are treated as instruments of political influence. Afghanistan's territory must never serve as a safe haven for terrorists or a platform for threatening other countries. At the same time, we strongly condemn the recent Pakistani air strikes in Kunar and Helmand provinces, which, according to UNAMA, killed at least 10 civilians, most of them children. Counterterrorism operations must comply fully with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, and respect Afghanistan's territorial integrity. Counterterrorism cannot justify unlawful attacks or disregard for civilian life. Afghan communities must not bear the cost of terrorism terrorist violence or military responses that endanger their lives and livelihoods. Madam Chair, we share the OIC's firm rejection of any association between terrorism and Islam or any other religion. Terrorist groups' exploitation of religious teachings to justify violence must be challenged. Education, interfaith dialogue, and engagement of communities and religious scholars are essential to countering hatred, and recruitment. A sustainable response requires legitimate, accountable, and inclusive governance, grounded in the will of Afghan people and capable of fulfilling the country's international obligations. Exclusion, repression, and denial of education and economic opportunities undermine lasting security. Restoring the rights of women and girls, ensuring women's full participation, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people are essential to building a peaceful and resilient society. We therefore call for a principled and coordinated international approach that combines effective counterterrorism cooperation with civilian protection, accountability, and support for an Afghan-led political process towards inclusive and representative governance. Afghanistan supports the central coordinating role of United Nations, the balanced implementation of UN global counterterrorism strategy, and efforts to conclude a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Our common objective must be lasting security for all, rooted in justice, human dignity, and rule of law. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:49:06]: I thank the distinguished representative of Afghanistan for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ecuador. Ecuador [1:49:20]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Ecuador congratulates you on your appointment to lead the work of the Sixth Committee and extends its congratulations to the members of the Bureau. you have the support of my delegation to move forward in the rationalization of working methods and contribute to the increasingly effective work of this committee. Madam Chair, Ecuador condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It constitutes a threat to international peace and security and maintains increasingly close links with transnational organized crime. The country's recent experience and of the region demonstrates that organizations linked to drug trafficking, illicit arms trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit economies resort to terror to control territories, intimidate the population, challenge the authority of the state, and weaken democratic institutions. This convergence which can be seen in its most serious expression in narco-terrorism, demonstrates that the boundaries between terrorism and transnational organized crime are becoming increasingly blurred. As President Daniel Naboa stated before the General Assembly, no State can defeat alone an enemy that recognizes no borders. For this reason, Ecuador participates in regional initiatives aimed at strengthening joint action against narcoterrorism, including the Shield of the Americas and the Santiago Regional Commitment. These initiatives reflect the importance of deepening cooperation, information sharing, and coordination to combat criminal networks that operate beyond national borders. In this context, Ecuador acknowledges the decisions adopted by countries in the region that, in accordance with their respective legal systems, have included transnational criminal organizations on their national lists of terrorist organizations. These measures help recognize the evolving nature of the threat and strengthen the tools available to confront it. Ecuador's commitment is also reflected in its ratification in February 2025 of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, thereby strengthening its adherence to the international legal framework against terrorism. Madam Chair, today, terrorist and criminal networks cooperate with an agility that States have not yet achieved. To reduce this gap, Ecuador has put forward three concrete proposals. First, To establish an international mechanism that will strengthen the tracing and effective freezing of illicit financial flows that sustain these organizations. Second, to develop standardized transnational platforms that facilitate the timely exchange of information and mutual legal assistance among police forces, prosecutors' offices, and financial intelligence units. Third, to incorporate the fight against transnational organized crime as a priority within conflict prevention efforts under the UNAT initiative, strengthening the organization's capacity to support states. These proposals seek to translate multilateral cooperation into concrete and effective instruments. Ecuador stands ready to work with member states and the organization to advance their development. Finally, Ecuador recognizes that a security response, although indispensable, is not sufficient. A sustainable strategy also requires addressing the conditions that foster the expansion of violence and criminality and terrorism, including poverty, exclusion, and inequality. Thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [1:53:08]: I thank the distinguished representative of Ecuador. I now give the floor to the distinguished Permanent Representative of Lebanon, followed by Ukraine. Thank you. Lebanon · Permanent Representative [1:53:21]: Madam Chair, Occupation, destruction, killing, forced displacement. We know all too well the devastation that terror has brought upon our people and our land. And we have learned that when such violence goes unanswered, it returns. It must be condemned by all of us in all its forms and manifestations, wherever, by whomever, and against whomsoever committed. It destroys lives, spreads fear and trauma, and sets back every effort to build stable institutions. The Lebanese state is working to assert its control and sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, including the exclusive authority of the state over the decisions of war and peace. and its monopoly on the possession and use of arms. Such efforts need stability to succeed. Instead, Lebanon continues to face destructive Israeli attacks by land, sea, and air that violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity and spread terror among civilians. Entire villages have been declared military targets, and civilian life treated as a military objective. Villages in the south that had stood for centuries were erased in days. When every person, whether farmer, paramedic, journalist or child, is described as a terrorist or a human shield, the aim is to make everyone a legitimate target, as if the protection of the law could be withdrawn before the first bomb falls. Such attacks violate the UN Charter's prohibition on the use of force and the core rules of international humanitarian law. When they go without consequence, it reveals just how far we have allowed the norm to erode. Supporting the Lebanese state starts with putting an end to these breaches of international law. Madam Chair, in the occupied Palestinian territory, terrorist settlers continue to attack Palestinians, burn homes, and uproot olive trees, under the protection of Israeli forces. The law is clear, and yet the language is inverted. The victims are branded terrorists. Those who invoke the law are dismissed as radicals. And those who demand accountability are accused of siding with terror. Madam Chair, our task in this committee is to uphold the rules we have agreed upon, and wherever they are unclear or fall short, to clarify and develop them. We still have no agreed legal definition of terrorism, nor comprehensive legal framework. A definition worthy of the name must be determined by the act, not the actor, and it must avoid conflation. Terrorism cannot be associated with any religion, nationality or civilisation. Nor confused with the legitimate struggle of peoples for self-determination under foreign occupation. Nor used against humanitarian workers and human rights defenders. Madam Chair, a definition is necessary but not sufficient. Treating the symptom while ignoring the cause is to guarantee its recurrence. A comprehensive approach that must never lose sight of the law. The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, 20 years old this year, must remain our shared framework. Its four pillars are interdependent, from addressing the conditions conducive to terrorism, none of which can excuse or justify it, to prevention, capacity building, and respect for human rights and the rule of law. An international order that seeks to confront terrorism must first be an order in which the law applies to all. Otherwise, it will protect no one. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [1:57:28]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Lebanon for his statement. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Ukraine. You have the floor, sir. Ukraine · Permanent Representative [1:57:41]: Madam Chair, let me begin by congratulating you on your election and wishing you every success in carrying out this demanding responsibility. Ukraine remains firmly committed to the principles of the UN Charter, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the international legal framework aimed at preventing and combating terrorism. Now, for more than 12 years, Ukraine has faced Russia's aggression and its systematic use of violence and terror against our civilian population. Russia has deliberately targeted residential areas, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, energy infrastructure, and other civilian objects through missile strikes, drone attacks, guided bombs, and artillery shelling. These attacks constitute not just grave violations of international humanitarian law, not just war crimes. Due to their widespread and systematic nature, they may also be characterized as crimes against humanity. We all perfectly know that international humanitarian law prohibits the deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, as well as indiscriminate attacks. Moreover, Article 51, paragraph 2 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions also prohibits, and I quote, "acts of or threats of violence, the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian populations," end quote. At the same time, the existence of an armed conflict does not in itself deprive an illegal conduct of its possible qualification as terrorism. The fact that such a violation is committed during an armed conflict does not provide a licence to deliberately terrorise civilians. The same conduct may, where the relevant legal elements are satisfied, constitute a violation of international humanitarian law a war crime and an act of terrorism. These legal characterizations are not mutually exclusive. This is not merely a matter of terminology, it is a matter of law. Madam Chair, Russia may argue that the term terrorism cannot be applied to conduct by the armed forces of a state during an armed conflict, referring to some limitations contained in particular counter-terrorism conventions. Such an argument would be legally incomplete Indeed, certain instruments, like International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, contain specific provisions concerning the activities of armed forces, but such provisions do not create a general legal immunity for states or their armed forces to commit acts whose sole purpose is to spread terror among civilians, nor do they displace the rules of international humanitarian law. A missile deliberately directed against a residential building may constitute a war crime because it violates the rules governing the conduct of hostilities. If the same act is committed with the primary purpose of spreading terror among the civilian population, it may also fall within the prohibition contained in Article 51, para 2. The two legal characterisations are not mutually exclusive. Nor does the fact that the perpetrator is a state official or a member of its armed forces transform an otherwise prohibited act into a lawful one. The issue is not whether every Russian war crime should automatically be called terrorism. The issue is whether international law permits us to disregard the deliberate use of violence to terrorize civilians merely because that violence occurs in the context of an international armed conflict. And the answer is clearly no. Madam Chair, Russia's attacks against civilians and civilian populations are designed not only to cause physical destruction, but also to spread terror and fear among the civilian population in Ukraine. The downing of Malaysia Airline flight MH17 in 2014, which killed 298 innocent people, remains one of the most tragic examples of the devastating consequences of such violence against civilians. Particularly alarming are Russia's reckless actions with regard to Ukraine's nuclear facilities. The occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the biggest in Europe, military activity in its vicinity and conduct creating grave risk to nuclear safety represent an extremely serious form of nuclear intimidation and terror. Ukraine, therefore, strongly condemns Russia's deliberate attacks against civilians against civilian populations, including acts whose main purpose is to spread terror among innocent people. We therefore call on the international community to recognize the Russian Federation as a state sponsoring terrorism and to take appropriate measures in response to its illegal actions. Madam Chair, we emphasize the importance of protecting critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. For Ukraine, This is not an abstract concern. Our energy is subjected to systematic attacks by Russia. In this regard, we underscore the continued relevance of Security Council Resolution 2341 on the protection of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks, which was initiated by Ukraine during its tenure as a non-permanent member of the Security Council and adopted unanimously. on February 13, 2017. We also stressed the importance of effectively countering terrorist propaganda and incitement to violence, including through the Internet and mass media. Preventing radicalization and addressing racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and other forms of intolerance remain essential. for comprehensive counterterrorism policies. Madam Chair, to conclude, counterterrorism legislation must never be misused for political purposes. Ukraine strongly condemns the Russian Federation's use of so-called counterterrorism and anti-extremism legislation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine as instruments of political repression, intimidation, and persecution. of civilians who oppose this illegal occupation. Ukraine will continue to work with Member States to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:04:40]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Ukraine. I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Paraguay. You have the floor, sir. Paraguay · Permanent Representative [2:04:53]: Thank you, Madam Chair. I'd like to begin by thanking the mission of Guyana, or congratulating the mission of Guyana on your election to chair. And we also align ourselves with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the CELAC countries. And now we would like to make a contribution in our national capacity. Well, firstly, we'd like to thank the Secretary-General for presenting his report, and we recognize the work being carried out by the United Nations and its member states to address international terrorism. Paraguay condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever it occurs. It is a threat that does not recognize any borders. It affects international security, and it violates fundamental rights. Confronting it requires determination on the part of States as well as effective international cooperation. For us, this cooperation must be reflected in concrete actions, namely preventing terrorist organizations from financing themselves, recruiting members, moving across borders and carrying out their activities, improving information sharing among States and developing stronger national capacity to prevent and respond to these threats. As part of this chain of cooperation, Paraguay is a party to the principal international treaties and conventions on the matter, and we maintain active cooperation both within the United Nations as well as in the Organization of American States. We particularly value the work we have been carrying out with the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism, including capacity building in the areas of biosafety and biosecurity within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1540. In particular, with regard to preventing the financing of terrorism, Paraguay has been steadily strengthening its national system for the prevention, detection, and disruption of illicit financial flows. Among the measures that we have adopted are those aimed at strengthening mechanisms for the implementation of targeted financial sanctions. in accordance with recommendations six and seven of the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1267 and 1373. International experience shows that gaps in information sharing and the lack of coordination among authorities can be exploited by terrorist organizations to move, finance themselves, and operate across borders. It is precisely here that cooperation among states makes the difference, because no country can face this problem alone. Timely information sharing, improving coordination among our institutions, and strengthening national capacities are essential. Paraguay very much values the cooperation it receives in these areas from the United Nations, regional organizations and other international partners. Paraguay also welcomes the adoption of the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy through General Assembly resolution 80/286. We believe it remains an important framework for organizing and guiding international cooperation, always in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. Paraguay will continue to participate constructively in the work on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and in discussions concerning a possible high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. in accordance with the process established by General Assembly resolutions 51/210. We know that important differences among States still exist on key issues. This makes it all the more necessary to maintain dialogue and to attempt to bring positions together. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the fight against terrorism requires resolve, cooperation, and the capacity to respond to evolving threats. Paraguay will continue to do its part by strengthening its capabilities, cooperating with other States and supporting multilateral efforts that help address this problem, always within the framework of respect for international law. Thank you very much. 6th Committee · Chair [2:09:40]: I thank the Permanent Representative of Paraguay for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Tunisia. you have the floor. Tunisia [2:09:50]: Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Madam Chairperson, at the outset, I'd like to express to you and other Bureau members my congratulations on your election. I wish you every success as you steer our proceedings. Rest assured that you have our unstinting support. Chairperson, we reiterate our staunch commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism through a comprehensive, multidimensional approach underpinned by our National Strategy for Combating Terrorism and Violent Extremism. prevention, protection, monitoring, and response, the emphasis being on cooperation between various national and international bodies all the while respecting the law and human rights. We note the ever evolving nature of the terrorist threat as well as the modus operandi of terrorist groups, in particular their growing links with transnational organized crime through trafficking, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and the use of cyberspace as well as other technological tools to recruit members, to wage propaganda campaigns and to fund their activities. For this reason, we must bolster international cooperation, exchange information so as to counter the aforementioned threats. Chairperson, my country would like to applaud the role played by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, as well as CTED. the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate. These bodies help to build capacity, share information and expertise. They also facilitate technical assistance. On this note, we take note of the 2025 UNOSCT report, in particular as regards, we also take note of the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. focusing on avoiding duplication and bolstering capacity. We need to be close to the ground and to ensure accountability and transparency. Madam Chairperson, we've facilitated the Global Counterterrorism Strategy. We recognize the importance of multilateral and international cooperation. This is the very bedrock of the fight against transnational terrorism. Therefore, we have created a legal and institutional framework, including Organic Law 26 on the fight against terrorism and money laundering. We've established a counterterrorism judicial unit and a security unit focused on combating terrorism. They are working all the while upholding human rights and respecting the rule of law. By way of conclusion, we'd like to add that eradicating terrorism requires joint political resolve and international solidarity underpinned by multilateralism. We must tackle the root causes of terrorism and extremism, all the while upholding the UN Charter and international law. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:13:17]: I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Togo. You have the floor, sir. Togo [2:13:26]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Madame la Presidente. Madam Chair, this is the first time we are taking the floor at the 81st session. Therefore, I would like to extend to you and other members of the Bureau the heartfelt congratulations of the Togolese delegation. Congratulations on your election. Rest assured, you have our full support as you discharge your duties. My delegation takes note with great interest of the SG's report on measures to eliminate international terrorism. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the NAM and by Cameroon on behalf of the African Group. We would now like to make the following remarks in a national capacity. Madam Chair, Togo staunchly condemns terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations, regardless of who the perpetrators are and what their motives are. No cause can justify terrorism. My country condemns anyone's involvement, directly or indirectly, the involvement of states in terrorist acts. We call on everyone to avoid supporting terrorists and to ensure that no one misuses their refugee status. The Sahel is the epicenter of global terrorism, and the threat is progressing towards the Gulf of Guinea. Since November 2021, the north of Togo, on the border with Burkina Faso and Benin, we've seen incursions by armed groups, terrorist groups, and our Border communities are paying the price. Thanks to the commitment of our defense and security forces and the resilience of our people, these incursions have been contained. But the threat persists. That's why a security state of emergency in the seven S region was extended in March 2026 with the authorization of the parliament and with full respect for the rule of law and human rights. Confronted with this threat and under the leadership of our president, Mr. Faure, As a Togo has opted for a comprehensive approach underpinned by three complementary pillars, prevention, a comprehensive early warning and rapid response mechanism, and a security response, socioeconomic resilience of our communities as well. We are targeting terrorism as well as what fuels it, that is, indoctrination, radicalization, and violent extremism. On the legal front, our new criminal code dedicates an entire chapter to terrorist offenses and suppresses their financing. recruitment, and training. Institutionally speaking, we have specialized bodies such as Centiv and CIPLEV, the Interministerial Committee on Preventing and Combating Violent Extremism, as well as the National Cybersecurity Agency. They have been strengthened. For example, Centiv met in March of 2026 in Sokode, bringing together criminal sector organizations to discuss terrorism financing and how to combat it. Operationally speaking, KUNDU RARE, an operation launched in 2018, is protecting the north of the country. In May 2026, the President of the Council and the Commander-in-Chief went to the theater of operations to provide new guidance, attesting to the state's commitment at the highest level. In parallel, we've redeployed security forces. This is since 2024. That means each one of our 117 municipalities has a police station and a gendarmerie brigade. We also have community police, community justice centers, bolstering the state's presence and the trust between local people and security forces. At the international level, Togo is party to universal and regional instruments in this sphere. We're implementing the ECOWAS counterterrorism strategy. We're working closely with ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States and the African Union, including within the framework of the ACRA initiative and police cooperation networks. In February 2026, Lome hosted experts from Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, and created joint operational procedures for how to address incident scenes, military and judicial cooperation, and secure sharing of information. We are working transparently and we're committed to UN mechanisms. This is evidenced by the fact that an assessment mission of the CTC went to Togo. recently. We stand convinced that the security response is not enough. That's why we're investing in the resilience of our community. We have an emergency program for strengthening the resilience and security of our communities. This is improving living standards and access to basic social services in the 7S region. Furthermore, we're stating that coastal states, their security is indissociably linked from that of the Sahel. That's why we have a new Togo's health strategy 2026, 2028 underpinned by prevention, respect for sovereignty and diverse partnerships. This has transformed Togo into a dialogue, a bridge for dialogue on stability between the Sahel, the Gulf of Guinea and the international community. My delegation would like to thank all of our partners, in particular UNOCT, UNODC, the EU, for their invaluable support. We call for international solidarity, heightened international solidarity for West African states, both coastal and Sahelian, as well as collective vigilance in the face of the use of drones, cyber assets, and AI by terrorists, which requires greater cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity building. Last but not least, we reiterate the central role of the UN in the fight against terrorism. take note of the resolution adopted in July 2026 following the ninth review of the global counterterrorism strategy which turns 20 this year we reiterate we reiterate our commitment to the four pillars of the strategy and we hope that we can maintain the spirit of consensus which has always pervade we are in favor of greater impetus so as to finalize the work on the ccit I thank you 6th Committee · Chair [2:19:22]: I thank the distinguished representative of Togo for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus. You have the floor. Cyprus [2:19:32]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Allow me first to congratulate you and the Bureau for your election and to assure you of our full support during the work of this committee. Madam Chair, Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union and wishes to offer a few additional remarks in its national capacity. We thank the Secretary-General for his report. Cyprus unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever committed. We maintain a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and reject any attempt to justify terrorist acts under any circumstances. At the same time, we are deeply concerned by the continued presence and resilience of terrorist groups in conflict zones and fragile regions. Recent developments in various parts of the world demonstrate that terrorism remains a significant threat to international peace and security and continues to undermine efforts towards stability, recovery, and sustainable development. Our collective response must remain firmly anchored in the Charter of the United Nations and international law. We underline the need for a comprehensive, coordinated and sustained approach to combating terrorism through cooperation both bilaterally and within the multilateral system. No state can effectively address such threats in isolation. Cyprus therefore attaches particular importance to strengthening the international legal framework for the prevention and suppression of terrorism. In this regard, we reiterate our support for the finalization and adoption of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism within the framework of the United Nations. Madam Chair, an effective legal framework must be accompanied by equally effective implementation. Cyprus attaches particular importance to disrupting the financing of terrorism and other forms of material support to terrorist networks. We support strong and coordinated action to deny terrorist access to financial resources, eliminate safe havens and terrorist infrastructure, disrupt recruitment and support networks, and ensure that those responsible for terrorist acts are brought to justice. We also call for action against all UN and EU designated terrorists and terrorist entities, including those under 1265 UN Security Council Sanctions Committee. their associated proxy groups, facilitators, sponsors, financiers, and backers. The evolving nature of the threat also requires us to address the exploitation of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. While technology offers important opportunities for societies and for law enforcement, terrorist actors seek to exploit digital platforms and other technologies for recruitment, financing, propaganda, and operational purposes. Addressing this Solving threats requires enhanced international cooperation and innovative policy responses that preserve fundamental rights and freedoms. At the national level, Cyprus pursues a comprehensive approach based on the following priorities: the prevention of radicalization, the protection of potential targets and critical infrastructure, the effective prosecution of offenders, and the response to terrorist incidents. Our national strategy also recognizes that effective counterterrorism cannot be pursued solely at the national level. As a member state of the European Union, Cyprus actively contributes to collective efforts to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism conducive to terrorism. International cooperation, information sharing, judicial cooperation, border security, and counter-terrorist financing measures remain essential components of an effective response, particularly in regions affected by conflict and instability. Madam Chair, terrorism threatens international peace and security, destabilizes societies, creates fear, affects the feeling of safety of our citizens, and the values upon which the United Nations was founded. The United Nations must remain at the center of our collective efforts to address this threat through a comprehensive response firmly grounded in international law. Cyprus remains firmly committed to working with the United Nations, the European Union, and all international partners towards strengthening the international legal framework, enhancing practical cooperation, and advancing our common objective of eliminating international terrorism. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:24:13]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cyprus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Russia. You have the floor, Russian Federation. Russian Federation [2:24:26]: Thank you, Madam Chairperson. International terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. It knows no borders. It makes no distinction between different nationalities nor faiths. Russia knows the price to be paid for this threat full well. Beslan, the Nordost theater, explosions in the Moscow Metro, the attack on Crocus City Hall, and other terrorist attacks have claimed hundreds of lives and left a gash in the memory of Russian society. Terrorism aims not just to physically annihilate people. Terrorists seek to sow fear, to divide society, incite hatred, and to undermine trust between States. This is exactly why our position is unchanged. It is a principled one. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations does not, nor can it, have any justification. What is equally unacceptable is double standards, the politicization of counter-terrorism cooperation, as well as any attempts to use terrorist groups as instruments for the achievement of political or other short-term objectives. We note with concern fast-paced changes to the terrorist threat. ISIL and al-Qaeda, as well as related bodies, are intensifying their activities in Africa, including often with the support of external forces. What continues to pose a serious threat is fighter activities in the Middle East, as well as ISIL Khorasan in Afghanistan. What's also changing are the methods and means terrorists use. They are becoming increasingly proficient in their use of ICTs and modern communications technologies. They use these to recruit, to disseminate propaganda, to fund themselves, to coordinate and prepare attacks. And we're not just referring to specific technologies, but an amalgamation thereof. What's particularly dangerous is the comprehensive use by terrorists of AI, UAVs, digital financial instruments, as well as cutting-edge communications channels. All of this compels the international community to shift from simply responding to a well-established threat to doing joint proactive work. It's necessary to strengthen professional cooperation by relevant bodies. I'm referring to the timely exchange of information, effective border control, and MLA. Under the current conditions, Delays in the sharing of intelligence can have tragic ramifications. Yet when it comes to persons involved in terrorist activities, the expedite or prosecute principle should be diligently implemented. so as to ensure the inevitability of responsibility. It's equally important to ensure that we cut off resources and technology support flowing to terrorists. I'm referring to financing channels, illicit arms trafficking, and the recruitment of new associates, as well as FTF movements. Nonetheless, the emphasis should be placed on curbing the use of modern-day technologies by terrorists. What requires our urgent attention is the protection of critical infrastructure, first and foremost energy, transport, communications, and information. We need to develop international exchange of experience and best practice on how to bolster the protection of infrastructure sites, including by harnessing UN-relevant advances. Nor can we underestimate the ideological dimension of terrorism. We call for efforts to counter the dissemination of extremism, radicalization, terrorist propaganda, incitement to racial, national, and religious hatred, as well as the enlistment of young people into terrorist and extremist activities. The only international legal basis for combating the aforementioned threat is the SCO Convention on Countering Extremism. Having said that, all the aforementioned measures should be anchored in the international architecture for countering terrorism, with the UN playing a central coordinating role and States leading the way. International assistance should, first and foremost, strengthen national capacity, by bolstering the quality of training, honing relevant legislation, and endowing competent bodies with cutting-edge analytical and technical tools. Against this backdrop, it is worth developing practical cooperation between the UN and the SCO, the CIS, the CSTO, the BRICS, and other regional formats. Regional organizations know the local situation. They have fine-tuned mechanisms for cooperation, thanks to which they can be swiftly political agreements can be swiftly translated into practical measures. Chair, the rapid transformation of the terrorist threat calls for increasingly close cooperation between states and relevant agencies. Political divisions should not become the reason why professional counterterrorism ties are cut. We can't allow for terrorists to win simply because interstate engagement is now more complicated. That's why politically motivated refusals to cooperate on counterterrorism is unacceptable in our view. The fight against terrorism should remain within the realm of professional, depoliticized, and equitable international cooperation. Our common response should be underpinned by common approaches to terrorist crimes, the inevitability of punishment for these crimes, and a willingness to work proactively. Therefore, we consistently have supported the initiative to craft and adopt a comprehensive convention on international terrorism without any politicized, politically motivated, rather, exemptions nor loopholes which could be used to justify terrorist crimes. on political, ideological and religious pretexts. The CCIT should be a legal instrument that strengthens the universality and the consistency of the international response we mount to the terrorist threat. Russia is open to equitable and practical cooperation with all states willing to work To this end, Madam Chairperson, I didn't want to discuss any off-topic matters, but there is a delegation which is using the sixth committee, where we're discussing counter-terrorism, it's using this platform for political score settling and anti-Russian attacks. Such an approach undermines our professional discussion on one of the most important, the most serious international threats. Such behaviour is inappropriate, it's unacceptable. The groundless allegations that were levelled at us cannot go unanswered. However, let's focus on the facts, including those which were not mentioned by those who levelled the allegations at us earlier today. I am referring to the terrorist acts committed by the Kev regime and the structures it controls, deliberate killings of civilians, attacks and use of explosives, strikes on civilian objects, solely civilian objects, including critical infrastructure, residential neighborhoods, hospitals, and educational institutions. Let us remind you of just a few episodes. One of the most flagrant examples of the terrorist nature of the KGB regime is the Nord Stream attacks in September of 2022. Three out of the four pipelines of this civilian infrastructure were taken out of commission. This dealt a blow to European energy security, to the economy of regional states, and to the environment as well. Those who are responsible have not been punished to date. Let's take a recent example. In July of this year, an attack was waged on civilian tankers. near the Caspian pipelines, near Novorossiysk. This is infrastructure that was used to export oil, bringing together the interests of states such as the US, Kazakhstan, and Western European countries. All of their interests are in play. Whereas the principled reaction of those who have spoken about the protection of critical infrastructure in this chamber today, there have been other, more tragic incidents which resulted in many lives lost. In March of 2026, as a result of UAV attacks on the Starobelsk College, over 90 people were injured, many people died, and over 90 people were wounded. In Bransk, on the 17th of June, a bus that had Belarusian children on it was attacked and people died and people were wounded, including six children. Last but not least, we cannot but mention the ZNPP, which, let us remind you, is located on Russia's territory. On the 11th of September, a diesel fuel reservoir was struck. Two people died. This was a backup fuel reservoir. The next day, Ukrainian UAVs attacked a training facilities at the ZNPP. This is the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe we're talking about. If such actions do not result in condemnation, well, this begs the question, what do you mean when you talk about terrorism and attacks on civilian infrastructure being unacceptable? Kiev's activities now stretch beyond Ukraine. We've drawn your attention to Ukrainian activities in Africa on numerous occasions. the international community is seeking to support the Sahel states and other African states to counter terrorism. We're also getting reports of Kyiv supporting armed groups in the region. They're giving them information, UAVs. They're training fighters on how to use UAVs and explosive devices. At the same time, there's a high risk of the Western weapons flowing to Ukraine falling into the hands of criminal and terrorist networks. Madam Chairperson, the position of the Russian Federation is well known to all. Russia believes that what's most important is the UN Charter, including Article 51, the right to collective and individual self-defence. The Russian military is only striking sites which are being used for military purposes. Having said that, Kyiv has systematically placed weapons in residential areas in contravention of IHL, and the use of civilians as human shields. All of this attests to the flagrant double standards which are undermining trust in international organizations. We reject such an approach. We are seeking to counter terrorism by calling terrorist attacks just that, terrorist attacks, regardless of who the perpetrators are, no matter how politically inconvenient the facts are. Therefore, the Russian Federation will continue to fight for this approach being applied. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:36:16]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mongolia. You have the floor. Mongolia [2:36:46]: Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, at the outset, allow me to congratulate you, Madam Chair, and the members of the Bureau on your election. Please be assured of Mongolia's full support and cooperation. Mongolia thanks the Secretary-General for his report contained in document A/81/218. Mongolia unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The changing nature of terrorist threats, including the misuse of digital technologies, online recruitment, and new methods of financing, requires practical cooperation among states and stronger national preparedness. Madam Chair, Mongolia continues to strengthen its national counterterrorism system. Under the law on combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, the National Counterterrorism Council serves as the main coordination mechanism, bringing together 24 state institutions and maintaining branches and working offices in all 21 regions of the country. This structure enables closer cooperation among security, law enforcement, border, customs, financial, and other relevant authorities. In 2026, Mongolia continued practical exercises and specialized training to strengthen preparedness. This included the Han Sheng Hor exercise, with a focus on interagency coordination, emergency response, information sharing, and operational readiness. These efforts are complemented by closer operational coordination among security, law enforcement, border, and financial authorities, including through information sharing, risk assessment, and joint preparedness measures aimed at detecting and preventing terrorist activity at an early stage. Another priority is countering terrorist financing. Mongolia has continued to improve its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework through stronger financial monitoring, inter-agency cooperation, and improvements in national legislation. We also recognize that prevention begins before threats reach the law enforcement stage. Public awareness, education, and stronger community resilience are important in reducing the risks of radicalization and recruitment. Madam Chair, new technologies are changing both the methods used by terrorist groups and the tools available to states. Digital financial services, virtual assets, artificial intelligence, and online platforms can be misused for recruitment, financing, and propaganda. At the same time, these technologies can also support early detection, information sharing, and prevention. For Mongolia, strengthening institutional capacity and technical expertise in these areas remains an important priority. Madam Chair, Mongolia supports the central coordinating role of the United Nations and the balanced implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We welcome the conclusion of the ninth review and believe that its value will ultimately depend on practical implementation at the national and regional levels. In particular, capacity building and technical assistance should respond to the real needs of member states, including border security, financial monitoring, criminal justice cooperation, cyber-related threats, and institutional preparedness. Mongolia also supports the continued development of the international legal framework against terrorism. We attach importance to the universal legal instruments relating to terrorism and encourage their wider adherence and effective implementation. We also support continued negotiations on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Mongolia supports the reestablishment of the working group at the present session and encourage delegations to focus on practical areas of convergence so that progress can be made. Madam Chair, for Mongolia, effective counterterrorism cooperation means practical coordination among national institutions, better information sharing, stronger professional capacity, and closer international cooperation. We will continue to work with Member States, the United Nations and regional partners to strengthen these areas and to respond effectively to evolving terrorist threats. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:42:28]: I thank the distinguished representative of Mongolia for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Congo. Congo [2:42:48]: Madam Chairperson, at the outset I'd like to congratulate you, as well as members of your Bureau, on your election to steer the work of the Sixth Committee at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Rest assured, you have our unswerving support as you steer our proceedings. My delegation would like to align itself with the statement delivered by the Sisterly Republic of Cameroon on behalf of the African Group, as well as that delivered by the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the NAM. Having said that, we do have a number of remarks to make in a national capacity. Terrorist practices and the consequences thereof are a monumental scourge. which is undermining human rights, global development, and they also pose a recurring threat to peace and security. Madam Chairperson, we condemn terrorism in all of its forms. We welcome the relevance of the Secretary-General's report on measures to eliminate international terrorism. and A/80/77 compile Member States' and international organizations' communications about the concrete measures which are being deployed so as to prevent and suppress terrorism. In order to effectively combat terrorism, the Republic of the Congo has participated in mounting an international response centered around the following pillars. First, protecting human rights by upholding fundamental freedoms and the implementation of preventive mechanisms so as to avoid any security or authoritarian risks. Second, addressing the root causes which paved the way for these phenomena, such as poverty and exclusion and violations of the rule of law. Third, risks related to the diversion of cryptocurrencies, drones, and AI for terrorist purposes. Fourth, the crafting of national and international measures anchored in legislative measures so as to criminalize the financing of terrorism, as well as the signing of bilateral and international treaties. On this note, the Republic of the Congo is party to the majority of international counterterrorism instruments. We place particular emphasis on civil aviation security, Inter-Alia. At the universal level, we are party to the International Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Financing, which we signed in 1999 and ratified in 2006. We're also a party to the UN Convention against transnational organized crime, which we signed in the year 2000. This instrument, of course, also has protocols which are key to the fight against terrorism. We are also parties to the Hague-Montreal Convention on Civil Aviation. On the African continent, we are a party to the African Union Convention on preventing and combating terrorism, the non-aggression and common defense pact of the African Union, which was signed in 2005 by us and ratified in 2006, as well as the South Central African Convention, that is the Kinshasa Convention, we signed that in 2010. At the bilateral and community level, we are party to the Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Convention, which was ratified in 2011, and the Security Cooperation Agreement, including judicial and police cooperation, which also covers criminal intelligence sharing. In light of the above, the Republic of the Congo is of the view that the fight against terrorism should be underpinned by a comprehensive approach, which combines prevention, international cooperation, security measures, the fight against terrorist financing, respect for human rights as defined by the UN, the Security Council, and NATO. The imperative of encouraging, in fact, encouraging, tolerating terrorism is unacceptable. It should be part and parcel of our efforts To combat terrorism, including using the UN Charter, the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and relevant resolutions, the need to strengthen cooperation between states, international and regional organizations is vital. Condemning and criminalizing terrorism and also firmly condemning all terrorist acts, which are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of the motives. All of the above calls on states to adopt national legal measures that are in keeping with international human rights and humanitarian law. We need international legal frameworks. And in fact, we encourage all to accede to relevant counterterrorism instruments. International agreements and exchange of information between states and international organizations is also needed, as is technical assistance, national capacity building, enhanced cooperation through the UN Office of Counterterrorism, established by Resolution 71191, the promotion of education, tolerance, intercultural exchange, the fight against violent extremism, and conditions which give rise to radicalization. The fight against violent extremism and conditions which are conducive to radicalization. Protection of victims and victim support. International support to the victims of terrorism. The Global Congress for Victims of Terrorism. By way of conclusion, Madam Chairperson, we are in favor of zero tolerance. Therefore, we would like to reiterate our commitment to all of the UN strategies and activities aimed at countering terrorism, in addition to the mechanisms that have been forged so as to build the capacity of all international partners and actors as they combat terrorism. We also encourage the implementation of strategic decisions as we take this fight forward. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:49:43]: I thank the distinguished representative of Congo for the statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan [2:50:02]: Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, I would like to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau on your election. Despite tangible progress in the development of international law, the promotion of cooperation and coordination, and the strengthening of states' capacities, terrorism continues to pose both potential and immediate threats in many regions and countries. This menace has become increasingly diverse in its geographical reach, ideological underpinnings, and operational methods, evolving further under the influence of information and communication technologies, as well as other new and emerging technologies. Under these circumstances, the fight against terrorism cannot be confined to the efforts of individual states, but should remain a key area of international cooperation and joint action. Azerbaijan is strongly committed to an active partner in global counterterrorism efforts and attaches great importance to promoting international cooperation in this domain. Among other efforts and initiatives, Azerbaijan launched the annual Baku Security Forum in 2023, bringing together representatives of intelligence and security agencies from various countries to discuss issues of common interest and concern with a particular emphasis on interagency collaboration. in the field of counterterrorism. The fourth forum that took place last month, with the participation of high-level representatives from over 100 countries, focused on contemporary challenges in global security architecture and formation of effective cooperation mechanisms against terrorism. Madam Chair, Azerbaijan has been a target of the external orchestrated terrorism for years. while parts of its sovereign territory, when under occupation, served as a gray zone for the presence and activities of infiltrated terrorists, mercenaries, and other armed groups, as well as for illicit trade, uncontrolled arms, and resource exploitation. In this written submission to the report of the Secretary-General, prepared pursuant to paragraph 8 of General Assembly resolution 50/51, 53 and paragraph 23 of General Assembly resolution 80/171, Azerbaijan provided an updated information on the implementation of paragraph 10 A and B of the declaration on measures to eliminate international terrorism, annexed to General Assembly resolution 49/60. Accountability for serious offenses, including terrorism, is imperative and must be inevitable. It is also an essential tool to prevent recurrence of violations and an indispensable constituent on the path to genuine reconciliation, to the adoption of a longer-term approach that looks toward shaping a more peaceful, just, and inclusive future. Blanket amnesties, de facto impunity, or other forms of immunity, and early release for the perpetrators of terrorist acts are incompatible with states' obligations under international law. Equally, the instances of shielding, glorifying, or providing safe havens to terrorists cannot be tolerated. Overall, strict compliance by all States with their international counter-terrorism obligations is critical to ensure that their respective territories are not used for terrorist and related activities. Furthermore, strengthening national and international legal frameworks is essential to detect, disrupt, and interdict all forms of financial support for terrorism and violent extremism. This includes the prevention of radical ethnic diaspora communities from raising funds and other material means to finance terrorist and related criminal conduct under the cover of non-governmental, non-profit, and charitable status. It's also essential to address the root causes of radicalization, such as hatred, extremism, xenophobia, racism, ethno-nationalism, and other forms of intolerance, as well as to invest in education for peace and fostering dialogue, particularly among youth. As many delegations have emphasized, counter-terrorism efforts cannot and should not target any religion or culture. This principle must be part and parcel of any counter-terrorism strategy. Furthermore, continued solidarity with and support for victims and survivors of terrorism, as well as affected states, must remain humanitarian and human rights imperative. Madam Chair, Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to combat international terrorism in its all forms and manifestations, prosecute offenders, contribute to developing the normative framework, and promote international cooperation. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [2:54:44]: I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan for the statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. You have the floor. Bangladesh [2:54:57]: Mr. Rahim. Madam Chair, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election. We assure you of our delegation's full cooperation. Bangladesh aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Bangladesh has also taken note of the report submitted by the Secretary-General, contained in the document A/81/218. A few points are added by our delegation further. This year, the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy turns 20. It was adopted by consensus in 2006 And every review since then was adopted the same way until July of this year, when the ninth review had to go to a vote. Bangladesh voted in favor, but we should be honest about what that vote tells us. The consensus that once held this organization together on terrorism is under strain. This committee, as the legal conscience of the General Assembly, has a particular responsibility to help restore it. Madam Chair, Bangladesh does not speak about terrorism in the abstract. We have buried our own. Over the past quarter of a century, terrorists have bombed our cultural festivals, attacked our courts, our judges, our lawyers. Writers, bloggers, publishers, and university teachers have been murdered for what they wrote and for what they believed. Thankfully, We believe that episode is over in Bangladesh. From that experience, our position is simple and unconditional. Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations committed by whomever, wherever, and for whatever purposes can never be justified. And as this global strategy itself affirms, terrorism cannot be and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. Bangladesh unequivocally condemns terrorism in any form. Bangladesh has created a special national coordination mechanism amongst agencies to implement relevant UN resolutions and adheres to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We draw this committee's attention to a few more issues. Firstly, the law. It is now three decades since this Assembly established the Ad Hoc Committee under resolution 51/210 in 1996. We have sectoral conventions for bombings, for financing, for nuclear terrorism. Bangladesh itself is a party to all such conventions. What we still lack is a comprehensive convention. Dame Rosalind Higgins, writing before she became the president of the ICJ, observed that terrorism was a term without any legal significance. Nearly 30 years on, that observation should trouble us more than it does. A crime that the law cannot define is a crime that power can define instead. And definitions set by power alone are applied selectively. Bangladesh therefore supports the early conclusion of the draft comprehensive convention built on a clear legal definition that address such acts whether committed by groups or by entities and a law that distinguishes terrorism from the legitimate struggle of the peoples under foreign occupation for self-determination in accordance with international law. We encourage the working group of this session to focus squarely on the outstanding provisions so that the Committee can report substantial progress next year, including on the proposal to convene a high-level conference. Next, the rule of law within counter-terrorism. Counter-terrorism measures that violate human rights do not defeat terrorism; they feed it. Every such measure, as all colleagues here have recognized, must comply with the charter, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and refugee law. Bangladesh has learned this lesson at home. Counterterrorism laws must never become instruments to silence political opponents, journalists, or civil society, as we experienced in Bangladesh during the last unelected fascist regime. A law that punishes dissent as terror weakens the very trust between citizen and state on which prevention depends. In that vein, we welcome the humanitarian exemption established by the Security Council Resolutions 2664 of 2022 and its extension in 2024. We urge its full implementation so that sanctions regime do not obstruct principles of humanitarian action. Then we find the threats of the next decade. Terrorists are exploiting scientific developments faster than our legal frameworks can respond to. Developing countries cannot close that gap alone. We call for an international framework for sustained demand-driven capacity building, and technical assistance, particularly in countering the financing of terrorism, digital forensics, and cross-border judicial cooperation, including mutual assistance and extradition. Before we conclude, we ask this committee to remember that terrorism feeds on hopelessness. The global strategy itself recognizes the conditions conducive to its spread, such as unresolved conflicts, political exclusion, and socioeconomic marginalization, while making clear that none of them can excuse terrorism. Bangladesh fully shares that position, but to say that these conditions cannot justify terrorism is not to say that they can be ignored. Addressing them is not a concession to terrorists. It is the most effective form of prevention. We therefore call on all states to build consensus, not only on a clear definition of terrorism, but also on concrete actions to address and prevent the conditions conducive to its spread. Madam Chair, the preamble of the Charter commits us to establish conditions under which justice and respect for obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained. Against terrorism, that is the task, to answer violence with law and fear with justice. Bangladesh will remain a reliable and constructive partner in that work. I thank you, Madam Chair. 6th Committee · Chair [3:02:35]: I thank the distinguished representative of Bangladesh for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya. Kenya [3:02:50]: Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, my delegation would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your election to steer this committee during the 81st session of the General Assembly. We assure you of our full support. Kenya aligns itself with the statements delivered by Cameroon on behalf of the African Group And the Islamic Republic of Iran, on behalf of the non-aligned movement in condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and wishes to add the following in our national capacity. Kenya has been greatly impacted and suffered the brunt of terrorism from the 1998 bombing of the US Embassy in Nairobi, in which over 200 people were killed and over 4,500 people injured. The September 2013 Westgate Mall attack, in which over 71 people died and over 200 injured. The Garissa University attack, in which over 148 university students were killed and 79 injured. and over 28 people were injured, besides a spate of other attacks, terrorism has left a permanent mark and is suffering on many innocent children, men and women. Kenya's geographical proximity to conflict-ridden region has made it susceptible to spillover effects from neighboring Somalia's instability, making counter-terrorism efforts even more complex. The rise of extremist groups like Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab has aggravated security situation in Kenya, resulting in a range of attacks that targeted public spaces, government institutions, and international interests within Kenya. Madam Chair, Kenya has domesticated the UN Global Strategy and the Plan of Action on preventing violent extremism through its national strategy to counter terrorism. Our citizen-driven national strategy has engendered ownership, sustainability, and innovation while maintaining desired resilience, synergy, and coordination nationally. As part of its obligations in implementing the global strategy and also to ensure regional and international peace and security, Kenya has, among other measures, legislated anti-terrorism law, created a national counter-terrorism center and an anti-terrorist police unit. On the regional front, Kenya continues to play a vital role as a peacemaker in Somalia through the African Union Mission in Somalia and the conflict mediation in the region through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the International Conference on Great Lakes Region. Kenya is also working with the African Union's Center for Study and Research on Terrorism and is a member of the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group. To combat this menace, Kenya has implemented several strategic measures, which include the recent establishment of the Trilateral Counter-Terrorism Hotline, where Kenyans, in collaboration with other partners, have launched the counter-terrorism hotline, which goes live on 15th of October this year. This platform provides Kenyans with a secure, anonymous channel to report suspicious activities and play an active role in keeping their community safe. It also enhances intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies, include increased border security enhancement to prevent the influx of terrorists and light weapons and establishment of community policing initiatives to foster local establishment, local cooperation. Kenya has also carried out legal reforms aimed at equipping law enforcement agencies with necessary tools to prevent and respond to terrorist threats. The passing of the Anti-Terrorism Act is one such intervention designed to empower authorities in their fight against terrorism. Other capacity building measures have entailed the establishment of well-trained and equipped counterterrorism agencies to wit, the National Intelligence Service, the National Counterterrorism Center established to develop long-term CT strategy, collect intelligence and coordinate regional CT efforts. The Anti-Terrorism Police Unit set up to plan and execute anti-terrorism operations. The Police, the Tourist Police Unit to protect tourists. The Maritime Interdiction Unit to prevent arms trafficking and movement of terrorist suspects and contraband along the East African coast. and the Joint Terrorist Task Force to control, coordinate, and command the various government agencies involved in combating terrorism. Recently, Kenya, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, in coordination with the National Counterterrorism Center, organized in Nairobi in May 2026 a regional workshop on countering the terrorist use of improvised explosive devices. The workshop was organized under the theme of supporting East Africa in countering terrorist use of improvised explosive. Kenya has also enhanced its counterterrorism and counterfinancing of terrorism legislation by amending the Anti-Terrorist Act and the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorist Financing Amendment Act of 2025 to enhance investigative and prosecutorial capacity of law enforcement officers. The law amended 10 existing acts of parliament relating to anti-money laundering, combating or financing of terrorism, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, despite these efforts, challenges abound to which the evolving tactics of terrorist groups and the complexity of their networks, the resilience of terrorist organizations, and changing typologies in terrorist financing. The organized and, in some cases, sporadic occurrence of attacks highlight the need for continued vigilance and adaptive strategies to counter the dynamic nature of terrorism. Kenya's experience underscores the broader global reality that eradicating terrorism requires international and multifaceted approach that combines law enforcement, intelligence sharing, socioeconomic development, and international cooperation to effectively address The root cause is the manifestation of this complex threat. Madam Chair, no country is immune from terrorism or the effects of terrorism. Though terrorist attacks may be localized, their effects are global in nature. It is the more reason why there must be concerted international and coordinated approach to counter terrorism. Finally, Madam Chair, My delegation would once again like to reiterate its commitment to the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its attendant instruments and mechanisms. In the same breath, my delegation would like to call upon all members to double their efforts to bridge the remaining differences towards the finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [3:10:18]: I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya for this statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India. You have the floor, sir. India [3:10:36]: Thank you, Chair. India congratulates you and the members of the Bureau on their election and thanks the Secretary-General for his report. Madam Chair, terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including Cross-border terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to humanity, with implications for international peace and security, economic progress, democratic order, and human rights. It attacks the most fundamental human right of every human being, the right to life. Terrorism is antithesis to the values of the UN. There can be no justification whatsoever for deliberately targeting civilians. There is no distinction between good and bad terrorism. India considers terrorist attacks to be attacks against humanity. As India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said, "We consider that even a single attack is one too many, and even a single life lost is one too many." Terrorist organizations are increasingly exploiting emerging technologies for recruitment, radicalization, propaganda, operational planning, and terrorist financing. Their anonymity, global reach, and speed enable them to evade law enforcement and increasingly target vulnerable youth. The international community must strengthen and modernize its collective CT efforts through sustained international cooperation. A key gap remains the absence of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, despite India's draft circulated in 1996. India reiterates that an early conclusion of the CCIT would strengthen the international legal framework to comprehensively counter terrorism. We believe that the paragraph 3 of Security Council Resolution 1566 provides important elements for advancing our discussions. It identifies acts involving serious violence against civilians and other specified conduct and makes clear that such acts cannot be justified by any considerations. Madam Chair, India understands from bitter experience that the threat of terrorism is not theoretical. It is a persistent and daily reality. For decades, our people have suffered from cross-border terrorism. The terrorist attack in Pehalgam in April 2025 again demonstrated the devastating human cost of terrorism. The Pehalgam terror attack was a calculated assault on our sovereignty, planned and executed by networks that continue to enjoy state patronage, safe havens, and material and logistical support from across our western border. The New Delhi Declaration, adopted by the BRICS Summit on 12 September 2026, not only strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pehalgam, but also condemned any acts of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever, wherever and by whosoever committed. Madam Chair, India emphasizes 6. Priorities in Counter-Terrorism Ending double standards and ensuring accountability for all perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors. Disrupting terrorist financing through stronger financial intelligence and effective FATF implementation. Addressing the misuse of emerging technologies. Placing victims of terrorism at the center. Strengthening demand-driven, nationally owned capacity building for the Global South. Confronting the ideology and infrastructure sustaining terrorism while addressing conditions conducive to terrorism. Our objective cannot be merely to review strategies, it must be to implement them. The UNGCTS must remain focused on its core purpose. India has hosted major international initiatives, including the No Money for Terror Conference and the Interpol General Assembly in 2022. India is actively participating in FATF proceedings and deliberations. We have supported capacity building and have consistently advocated stronger multilateral action. Earlier this year, We launched our National Counter-Terrorism Policy and Strategy, Prahar. It is aimed at strengthening India's national mechanisms for prevention of and responding to terror attacks through a whole-of-society approach as well as through strengthening of international cooperation. Madam Chair, I also address now the statement delivered by the Chair of the OIC. on India's focused and measured actions against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from where terrorist attacks against India were planned and directed. It is regrettable that those delivering the statement are unable to separate fact from fiction and distinguish between victim and perpetrator. India retains the right to defend its people against cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Indeed, there will be consequences for indulging in terrorism. I also refer to the OIC's unwarranted reference to the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The OIC Chair would do better to focus on Pakistan's illegal occupation, especially in Rawalakot, where wanton killings, brutal violence and the denial of basic rights to the people living there are so visible. Such wilful blindness only speaks of bigotry and intolerance. In conclusion, India calls upon the Member States to work together against terrorism and to building a stronger, more effective international response. I thank you. 6th Committee · Chair [3:18:05]: I thank the distinguished representative of India for his statement. Distinguished delegates, the distinguished representative of India was the last speaker on this item for this afternoon. The next meeting of the Sixth Committee will be tomorrow, 7 October, at 10 a.m., when we will continue and conclude the debate on agenda item 112, measures to eliminate international terrorism. Upon concluding the debate on this agenda item, the Sixth Committee will turn to agenda item 139, Programme planning. Thereafter, we will commence our debate on agenda item 84, the rule of law at the national and international levels. The meeting is adjourned.