Sixth Committee, 5th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Good morning. I declare open the fifth meeting of the Sixth Committee for the 81st session of the General Assembly. Distinguished delegates, this morning the Committee will first continue and conclude its debate on agenda item 112, measures to eliminate international terrorism. After which, we will take up the consideration of agenda item 139, programme planning, and then, in accordance with our programme of work, commence our consideration of agenda item 84, the rule of law at the national and international levels. As just announced, the committee will continue and conclude its debate on agenda item 112. The report of the Secretary General on the item is contained in document A/81/218/Cor.1, which is available on the website of the Sixth Committee. I wish to recall the decision taken at our first meeting that statements delivered in a national capacity should be limited to seven minutes, while statements by groups of states will be limited to 12 minutes. Delegations are strongly encouraged to adhere to the time limits. The first speaker on the list is the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Before delivering my statement in national capacity, I wish to deliver the following in capacity as coordinator of the Non-Aligned Movement, which due to a technical error was not delivered the other day. The Movement reaffirms the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy as well as the Member States' primary responsibility to execute the aforementioned strategy and calls for its transparent and comprehensive implementation. including through cooperation with the UN Office of Counterterrorism and the UN Center for Counterterrorism. We look forward to receiving the contributions of the UNACT aimed towards providing more coherence and effectiveness to the activities carried out by the UN in the counterterrorism sphere. This includes the assistance it can provide in addressing such issues upon the request of member states' capacity building needs, while underscoring that such assistance must be tailored to the specific needs and realities of the concerned state and that it shall take into account the centrality of national ownership. Finally, the member states of the movement welcome the ninth review of the global counterterrorism strategy in 2026, co-facilitated by the Kingdom of Morocco. This is the end of the statement in NAM capacity. With your indulgence, I wish to deliver the following in my national capacity. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Madam Chair, Terrorist activities continue to pose an immense threat and formidable challenges to the safety and security of societies, adversely affecting the economic and social development of countries and eroding the foundations of the rule of law at the international level. The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a responsible founding member state of the United Nations, has demonstrated its continued commitment to combating terrorism. In this regard, Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Ghalob-e Islami, as an official and constitutionally established components of Iran's armed forces, played an important role in confronting ISIS in the region, with martyred General Qassem Soleimani at the forefront of these efforts. At the time when ISIS had seized large areas in the region, posed a serious threat to regional security and beyond, Sepah-e Pastroon, at the request of the countries concerned, contributed to the fight against ISIS and saved the lives of thousands of people. These efforts contained the advance of ISIS, strengthened local counterterrorism capacities, ultimately pushed ISIS back from territories under its domination, and finally defeated the terrorist group. We pay tribute to the members and commanders of Safa Pasdaran who lost their lives in the fight against ISIS and underline that without their sacrifices, the scourge of ISIS terrorist domination would have expanded across and beyond the region. Our counterterrorism efforts also encompass the strengthening of domestic legal frameworks. In recent years, Iran has amended relevant legislation, particularly its laws on countering the financing of terrorism and money laundering, with a view to addressing new and emerging forms of terrorism financing. Madam Chair, we are victims of terrorism, who lost more than 18,000 of our people as a result of foreign-backed terrorist acts over the course of years. We know firsthand of the perilous impact of this criminal phenomenon upon societies, as much as we know and suffered from terrorist aggressions against our people. On 28th February 2026, the Israeli regime and the United States, in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles, rules, and norms of international law, carried out an unprovoked and premeditated aggression against Iran and killed thousands of civilians, including women and children. In the course of their aggression, in a barbaric attack, the aggressor targeted an elementary school in the city of Minab, Hormozgan Province, killing more than 168 school children and teachers, injuring much more. In another instance, a sports club in Lamerd, Fars Province, was targeted, as a result of which more than 20 civilians were killed, including children. The peaceful nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran which operate under the full scope safeguards and monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency, were also targeted in brutal attacks which were at the minimum tantamount to acts of nuclear terrorism. The United States and the Israeli regime have also actively organized, armed, financed, supported and openly incited terrorist groups outside the country to initiate acts of terrorism against the Iranian people. We condemn in the strongest possible terms terrorist acts, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other atrocious crimes committed by the Israeli regime and the United States. We wish to emphasize that the implementation of obligations in good faith in countering such terrorist acts and preventing and punishment of war crimes committed by the aggressors remains a crucial element not only in ensuring international peace and security and in achieving a world free of terrorism, but to end impunity for commission of atrocious crimes. Madam Chair, Regrettably, throughout these acts of aggression, certain countries, including Bahrain, allowed their territory to be used for carrying out acts of aggression and war crimes against Iran, including in the Persian Gulf. This was not a passive act, for General Assembly resolution 3314 expressly underlines that placing one's territory at another state's disposal to be used for aggression against a third state constitutes an act of aggression. and entails international responsibility. We call upon all States, including Bahrain, to refrain from direct or indirect facilitation of aggression against Iran. Madam Chair, we express our serious concerns that Muslims increasingly fall victim to various forms of terrorism, hatred and violence resulting from right-wing supremacism. We also condemn deplorable acts desecrating Quran al-Karim and mosques and further express concerns that such acts incite terrorism against Muslims. This is a serious challenge that needs to be addressed. We regret that this year the GCTS resolution only underwent a technical update and was thus unable to reflect developments in this regard. We hope that future GCTS processes duly address this pressing challenge. We reserve our rights of reply, and I also understand that there was a technical error in the delivery of OSCE Group's statement and that it will be appropriately taken care of. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Hungary.

Madam Chair. As this is the first time I'm taking the floor, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election and to assure you of Hungary's full support. Hungary aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member state and would like to offer some additional remarks in its national capacity. Terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. For Hungary, preventing and countering terrorism is not only a foreign policy priority, but also a national security imperative. Our efforts in this field must remain firmly anchored in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and upholding international law. Effective counterterrorism and respect for international law are mutually reinforcing. A rules-based approach, respect for the obligation of states and international cooperation are indispensable if our collective response to terrorism is to remain effective, credible and sustainable. In this context, Hungary highly values the central role of the United Nations and its entities as essential partners in our collective counterterrorism efforts. Hungary is particularly proud to host the Budapest Program Office of the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, which plays an important role not only in supporting global UN counterterrorism efforts, but also as a key regional hub for cooperation and capacity building. Through hosting and supporting the office, Hungary contributes to certain regional and international cooperation, facilitating the exchange of experts and good practices, and enhancing capacities to prevent and countering terrorism. We remain committed to our close cooperation with UNOCT and supporting its important work. We welcome the recent publication of the final report following the assessment visit of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to Hungary last June. I am pleased to share that the final report has recently been published on the websites of both CTED and the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We greatly appreciate the constructive engagement throughout this process and look forward to continuing our close cooperation with CTED. Madam Chair, Hungary also welcomes the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. While we regret that the consensus could not be achieved throughout the negotiations, our objective remained to preserve the spirit of consensus that has guided previous reviews of the strategy. Hungary remains committed to the strategy and to working constructively with all partners toward its effective implementation. We believe that sustained multilateral cooperation, grounded in international law, remains essential to addressing an increasingly complex and evolving terrorist threat. Despite our collective efforts, tens of thousands of people around the world continue to fall victim to terrorist attacks every year. Behind these numbers are individuals, families, and communities whose lives have been profoundly and, in many cases, irreversibly affected. Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims and survivors of terrorism and their families. Supporting them, protecting their rights, and addressing their needs must remain at the heart of our collective efforts to prevent and counter terrorism. Recent developments in the Middle East, Africa, and the Pakistan-Afghanistan region and elsewhere remind us that terrorist groups and their affiliates retain the capacity to carry out deadly attacks and devastating consequences to civilians. No Member State can address this challenge alone. Terrorism knows no borders. Effective prevention and counterterrorism therefore require sustained international cooperation, solidarity, the exchange of good practices, and the consistent implementation of our international obligations. Hungary attaches particular importance to ensuring that victims receive appropriate assistance and support. Under our national framework, victims of intentional violent crimes, including acts of terrorism, are entitled to state compensation. Since 2020, Hungary has further strengthened its victim support system, which is based on direct engagement with victims and the rest of the three pillars, regional victim support services, victim support center, and the dedicated victim support hotline. Hungary is also committed to translating international solidarity into concrete action. On October 1st, Hungary participated in the latest meeting of the Global Coalition against Daesh in Rome. Furthermore, I am pleased to announce that Hungary is contributing a total of 100,000 euro to address the counter-terrorism needs and priorities of the Iraqi and Syrian governments. Of this amount, 50,000 euro is being allocated to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support its activities in the Iraqi Al-Kars prison. Hungary will furthermore provide a package of essential medical supplies, including protective gloves, surgical masks and burn dressings. For Syria, Hungary is providing 50,000 euro in support of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund for its Camp to Community initiative in the Al-Rus camp. Madam Chair, terrorism is a common challenge that requires a common response. Hungary will continue to work closely with the United Nations and all member states to strengthen international cooperation, support victims, prevent terrorism, and ensure that our collective efforts are pursued in accordance with it and contribute to upholding international law. Only through sustained cooperation, respect for our international obligations, and effective multilateral action can we build a safer and more resilient international community. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Hungary for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malta.

Thank you, Madam Chair. As this is my first time taking the floor, allow me to congratulate you and other members of the Bureau on your election and assure you of our delegation's full support. Malta aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. Malta reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorism remains a universal and persistent threat, requiring a sustained and coordinated international response, grounded in a rules-based approach and implemented in accordance with international law, including international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law. This year marks 20 years since the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Malta welcomes the adoption of its ninth review and its reaffirmation of multilateral cooperation across the strategy's four pillars. While we regret that for the first time it was not adopted by consensus, the discussions reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that the strategy remains responsive to today's challenges. Malta also supports continued efforts to advance negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, which would further strengthen the international legal framework underpinning our response. Among the pressing challenges is the misuse of new and emerging technologies by terrorist actors. The exploitation of online platforms to fuel political extremism and instability, spread propaganda, and facilitate recruitment, even across borders, requires our responses to evolve accordingly. Due regard must be paid to children and young people in this respect, both to protect them from exploitation and to recognize them as active agents in building more resilient societies. Particular attention must also be paid to the maritime dimensions of terrorism, including the nexus between terrorism and transnational organized crime. Malta has been a steadfast contributor to effective maritime governance and remains committed to addressing terrorist threats at sea. Maritime routes, vessels, ports, and critical infrastructure must not become targets of terrorism, nor avenues through which terrorist actors can move, finance their activities, or secure logistical support. Terrorist actors may also seek to exploit illicit trafficking networks, criminal facilitators, and gaps in maritime domain awareness to move persons, weapons, funds, and other resources across borders. The maritime domain must therefore form an integral part of our counterterrorism architecture and cannot be addressed in isolation. This requires stronger cooperation among states, relevant UN entities, specialized agencies, regional organizations, and the private sector, including through enhanced information sharing and maritime domain awareness to identify and disrupt networks that enable terrorist activities at sea. Malta will continue working with partners to ensure that maritime security is fully reflected in the counterterrorism efforts. Chair, no state can address the terrorist threat alone. An effective response requires sustained cooperation, coordination, and a whole of government and whole of society approach. In this regard, Malta reiterates the values of the Valletta Principles, developed in collaboration with CTED, as practical guidance for strengthening cooperation in preventing and responding to terrorism. Malta stands ready to work with partners to strengthen our collective response and to ensure that no domain, including our oceans, is left open to exploitation by terrorist actors. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malta for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Niger.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the groups to which we belong, and we would like to express some additional comments in our national capacity. Niger reiterates its strongest condemnation of terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations, regardless of the perpetrators, their motivations, or the places where they occur. We remain convinced that no political, ideological, or geopolitical consideration can justify acts that deliberately target populations, institutions, or the vital interests of states. In the same vein, Niger reaffirms that the fight against terrorism must in no case be instrumentalized to serve political agendas or destabilization projects against states, and that it must in all circumstances be carried out in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, particularly relating to sovereignty, territorial integrity, the political independence of states and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. As you will be aware, terrorism is today a reality in our country. It affects our development prospects and threatens to spread across the whole of the West African region. In this regard, we need to have a comprehensive response on the security, legal, financial, institutional and regional levels. particularly due to the transnational nature of this phenomenon and the increasing sophistication of the way that it is carried out. With regard to the National Security and Defence Forces, they continue to tirelessly and professionally carry out their work in the various areas affected by the threat and are seeing significant results by neutralizing several active terrorists, dismantling their logistics bases, as well as recovering weapons and ammunition, and disrupting supply circuits and funding, thus contributing to significantly reducing the ability of terrorists to do harm. This increase in the state's capacity is part of our adapting our security and defence forces to the reality on the ground. We are doing this by strengthening coordination between units as well as collecting, using intelligence, monitoring our border areas and ensuring a reaction capacity in the face of an increasingly mobile and diffuse threat. We believe that the military response, although necessary, cannot alone address this scourge in a lasting manner. Therefore, we have also stepped up our civilian and military, as well as legal, operations. We believe that this latter is an important part of our national counter-terrorism strategy. And with this in mind, we have held a national workshop on ensuring the legalization of our military operations in March 2026. This to enhance the traceability of our operations, to ensure legal arrests, and also train investigators, judges, and other practitioners in charge of investigation and prosecution. Fighting financing of terrorism is also another essential part of our national counterterrorism strategy. Experience has shown that terrorist groups can only maintain their operational capacity if they have access to financial, logistic, and material resources that come from illicit activities and other forms of transnational organized crime. In this regard, Niger is continuing to strengthen our anti-money laundering capacities through our financial intelligence unit and national mechanisms that look at suspect information and also transmit the relevant information to the authorities. Our national efforts are also being shored up by strategic cooperation as a part of the Confederation of Sahel States. We established this with Burkina Faso and the Republic of Mali. This already represents the best framework for us to pool our security and defense capacities on the basis of the shared determination three states to together face this scourge that knows no borders. This cooperation is based on the sharing of intelligence, coordination of our operations, border monitoring, and combating financing as well as arms trafficking. The results that we've seen over the last few years show that this coordinated approach is allowing us to step up our pressure on terrorist groups to weaken their logistical networks and their operational capacities. to gradually increase the ability of our forces to react in a coordinated, joint manner on all of the concerned area. However, we believe We remain concerned by some of the support that some terrorist groups continue to receive, and we condemn all forms of funding, information, logistical or other support, as well as covert political support that is provided by registered terrorist groups. Indeed, there can be no credible international counterterrorism if some actors condemn this scourge in their statements while at the same time, through their actions or support to terrorist organizations, they allow them to continue with their capacity to harm. The good faith principle means that all states should refrain from taking any steps that might facilitate terrorist acts. NICHR consequently calls on all States to strengthen their mechanisms to identify, dismantle and punish networks and actors that fund terrorist organizations. To conclude, NICHR reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the international legal framework on counterterrorism. We believe that the work relating to the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism should be continued decisively so as to reach, through a spirit of compromise, an instrument that can complement the existing instruments. Further, we hope that we will have a comprehensive instrument for a more effective international counter-terrorism strategy. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Niger for her statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cabo Verde.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, allow me to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election and assure you of Cabo Verde's full support for the successful conduct of the work of the Sixth Committee during this session. Cabo Verde thanks the Secretary-General for his report on measures to eliminate international terrorism, contained in document A/81/218, and we strongly and unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as all acts, methods and practices of terrorism, wherever, by whomever and against whomever they are committed. including state terrorism. We further reaffirm that terrorism cannot and should never be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. For Cabo Verde, every act of terrorism constitutes a grave violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. As a committed member of the international community, Cabo Verde reaffirms the obligation of all states to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of every state in full accordance with the Charter of the UN. Madam Chair, we welcome the adoption last July of General Assembly resolution 80/286 on the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, marking the 20th anniversary of this landmark framework. We commend the permanent representatives of Finland and Morocco for their leadership as co-facilitators throughout the review process. CABUFAIR reaffirms the Strategy as the principal global framework for collective action against terrorism and underscores the importance of its balanced implementation across all four pillars in full compliance with international law. including international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international refugee law. Cabo Verde draws attention to the particular vulnerabilities of coastal and developing States, including SIDS, We therefore call for enhanced preventive cooperation, strengthened information sharing, more effective border management, and sustained capacity building to prevent the spread and geographical expansion of terrorist networks. Within the ECOWAS region, several Member States continue to face serious security challenges posed by terrorism and violent extremism. We therefore reiterate our call for stronger and more coordinated engagement by the United Nations in support of regional and national efforts to combat this scourge. Beyond the implementation of concrete counter-terrorism measures, it is equally essential to deepen inter-state cooperation, particularly among African sub-regions through strengthened institutional partnerships, intelligence sharing, and coordinated preventive action aimed at addressing both the manifestations and the root causes of terrorism. In conclusion, Cabo Verde reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working closely with all states within our sub-region, across the African country, sorry, African continent, and throughout the international community to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations in full accordance with international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cabo Verde for her statement. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you on your assumption of the chairmanship of the Sixth Committee. We wish you and the members of the Bureau every success in leading its work. Madam Chair, Terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security, given the ability of terrorist groups and individual actors to develop their methods and adapt to changes, as well as to exploit conflicts, instability, and rapid technological developments. This requires developing the necessary legal and policy frameworks and strengthening international cooperation to prevent and counter this evolving threat. In this context, we stress the importance of building on the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which continues to represent a unique global framework that unites Member States around a common commitment to preventing and countering terrorist activities 20 years after its adoption. Although Member States did not reach a consensus on substantive amendments to the Strategy during the 9th Review, we stressed the importance of focusing on its effective implementation and the strengthening of international cooperation to keep pace with evolving threats and challenges. My country believes that confronting these threats cannot be limited to security measures alone, but must include addressing the factors exploited by extremist and terrorist groups to recruit individuals and spread their ideas. This requires a comprehensive preventive approach based on strengthening resilience of societies, investing in education and empowerment of youth, and the promotion of the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in efforts to prevent extremism and terrorism. Such an approach must also promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, and counter hate speech and violence. We also need to prevent and counter sources of funding for terrorist activities and counter methods used to attract and recruit individuals, as well as inciting rhetoric. My country also stresses the importance of drawing up the sources of terrorist financing and countering the misuse of virtual assets and modern technologies such as AI and digital platforms for the purpose of recruitment, incitement, financing, and the planning of terrorist acts. We stress the importance of strengthening partnerships with the private sector and technology companies to counter the misuse of these tools and platforms for terrorist purposes. We stress the importance of accountability and the prevention of impunity by strengthening legal and judicial cooperation among states, including information exchange and mutual legal assistance, to ensure that crimes are effectively investigated and those responsible are prosecuted in accordance with obligations under international law. We support international and multilateral efforts in this field. My country pledged this year financial support to the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum in the amount of 500,000 euros for 2027, in addition to an annual financial contribution of 300,000 USD starting in 2028, stressing the importance of international partnerships and collective action in confronting terrorism. During the Fourth United Nations Counterterrorism Week, the UAE participated actively and in partnership with a number of countries and international partners organized two events on the future of AI in counterterrorism and countering the use of UAVs by terrorist groups. We also highlighted the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles on the use of UAVs for terrorist purposes and the need of translating them into practical and concrete steps. Madam Chair, we reiterate the importance of making headway in our work on the draft of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Despite frameworks and treaties in place, there is a need for a comprehensive international framework that strengthens the international legal system and contributes to addressing existing gaps. We affirm our readiness to work with all Member States to bring positions closer and address outstanding issues to contribute to progress in the conclusion of the Convention. We will continue to support the UN's efforts. We will continue to work with Member States and international partners to promote an effective and coordinated response and achieve our common goal of eliminating international terrorism and building a safer and more peaceful world for all. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates for his statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Very pleased to see you in the chair. Congratulations to you and other members of your bureau on the election, and we assure you of our full support and cooperation. Pakistan aligns itself with the statements delivered by Saudi Arabia and Iran on behalf of the OIC and NAM, respectively. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It is most concerning that terrorist attacks are on the rise in many parts of the world. Terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, in particular, has emerged as a grave threat, besides its incidence in West Africa and the Sahel and the Middle East. Pakistan has paid a heavy price on account of its frontline role in the global counter-terrorism campaign since the turn of the century. losing more than 100,000 precious lives and suffering staggering economic losses of over 150 billion U.S. dollars. We continue to face terrorist attacks from externally sponsored groups such as the TTP and BLA and its Mejeed Brigade, which operate with impunity from Afghan soil with the active support of India. This terrorism has resulted in the grievous loss of more than 4,700 innocent Pakistanis in just the last three years. No country can tolerate such brazen attacks on its citizens. Pakistan has been compelled to respond with precise, well-planned, and calibrated city operations against terrorist infrastructure and safe havens along our western border, based on credible intelligence. These strikes are strictly targeted at TTP and BLA terrorists and are carried out with high precision and accuracy to avoid civilian casualties. We categorically reject any allegations or insinuations to the contrary. Chair, the global counterterrorism architecture has not kept pace with the evolving nature of the threat. The international community must address the contemporary terrorist threat through a collective, comprehensive, and coordinated response based upon the balanced implementation of GCTS. I would like to make the following suggestions in this regard. First, effectively tackle the terrorist threats from Afghanistan, including by holding to account those who are providing them safe havens and those who are aiding and financing them. Two, address the root causes of terrorism with an enhanced focus on the first pillar of GCTS, addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. Three, clearly distinguish between terrorism and the legitimate struggle of peoples against foreign occupation and for exercising their inalienable right to self-determination. Fourth, state terrorism of the type on crass display in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and occupied Palestinian territory must be roundly rejected and stopped. Occupation and accompanying repression cannot be masked as counterterrorism. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that counterterrorism is not misused to violate human rights and international law. Fifth, adapt the UN counterterrorism architecture and its sanctions regimes and listing processes to ensure that they adequately respond to the current challenges and represent a fair, just, and comprehensive mechanism. Lastly, address the abuse of new and novel technologies by terrorists to organize, recruit and finance their nefarious activities. Chair, Pakistan fully supports the OIC's position that a consensus-based comprehensive convention on international terrorism must clearly distinguish between acts of terrorism and legitimate struggle of peoples for their right to self-determination. Counter-terrorism policies have so far singled out only the adherents of one religion, Muslims, for affiliation with terrorism and extremism. Any definition of terrorism must also encompass the new and emerging trends in terrorism, including violent acts by far-right extremists, violent nationalist, xenophobic, Islamophobic, and anti-Muslim groups, such as Hindutva groups, and similar ideologies in various parts of the world. We must also take into account the state-sponsored extraterritorial assassinations, disinformation campaigns, use of terrorist groups as proxies, and hydro-terrorism as instruments of state policy. Chair, it is most ironic that a country that is actively sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan, besides perpetrating state terrorism in occupied Jammu and Kashmir for decades, is playing the victim and spread falsehoods in this committee yesterday. We have extensively document India's involvement in terrorism inside Pakistan and presented irrefutable evidence to the international community. India took it a step further in May last year when it used false pretexts and baseless allegations to commit naked aggression against Pakistan, deliberately targeting civilian areas and infrastructure, including residential buildings and mosques, resulting in the death of 54 civilians, including 13 women and 15 children. Pakistan exercised its right to self-defense and gave a befitting and proportionate response to the aggressor, targeted against military sites and installations only, that resulted in neutralizing Indian fighter jets, drones, and military targets. Calm was restored through a United States-brokered ceasefire. Following its humbling on the battlefield, India has only intensified the use of its terrorist proxies against Pakistan. These Indian terrorist proxies will meet the same fate as its fighter jets did in May last year. Chair, Pakistan had hoped that the 9th GCTS review would reflect the OIC's key concerns. Regrettably, it failed to address them or add value to the text. It was unfortunate that consensus eluded us and the resolution was put to a vote on the 20th anniversary of the GCTS. We reiterate our proposal for the establishment of a subsidiary body of the General Assembly, funded by the regular budget, to oversee balanced implementation of all four pillars of the GCTS through a Member State-driven process, and to translate the strategic objectives outlined in the strategy into concrete outcomes to eliminate the menace of terrorism. I thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Thank you very much for giving us the floor, Madam Chair. First of all, allow me to express my sincere congratulations to you upon your election to the chair of our committee and to the members of the Bureau assisting you in this difficult undertaking. Rest assured, you have the full cooperation of our delegation during your term. My delegation has taken note of the Secretary-General's report in the documents A/81/218 on measures to eliminate international terrorism and fully aligns with the statements delivered by the distinguished representatives of Cameroon and of the Islamic Republic of Iran, respectively, on behalf of the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement. Madam Chair, the Democratic Republic of the Congo most firmly condemns terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations. It reaffirms its commitment to the United Nations' efforts to prevent and combat this scourge, while fully respecting the United Nations Charter, international law, and human rights. Terrorism around the world is not an abstract threat. Attacks, abductions, violence against women and children, and forced displacement demonstrate the brutality of this threat. The African continent remains one of the main epicenters of the terrorist threat, notably in the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, the Horn of Africa, and some parts of Central Africa. The DRC's experience also teaches us that terrorism does not prosper in isolation. It feeds off of prolonged conflicts, transnational crime, the illicit flow of arms, clandestine financial flows, and the illegal exploitation of natural resources. That is why our response must be global and must attack both the terrorist groups and the networks and mechanisms that allow for their financing and their expansion. Firstly, we must shut down the sources of financing of terrorism. Madam Chair, the United Nations Charter entrusts us with an essential responsibility to preserve international peace and security. But that responsibility cannot be limited to simply responding to crises after they have begun, when the root causes remain unaddressed. Indeed, the illicit exploitation of natural resources and strategic minerals is a structural factor of instability and fragility for states, above all in Africa, and this in that it provides ongoing support and essential financing for terrorism, which generates rapid fragmentation. And this is in flagrant violation of resolution 2195 of 2014 of the Security Council, which established the links between terrorism, transnational organized crime, and the illicit exploitation of natural resources. However, in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the situation remains particularly worrying. The terrorist threat there is closely linked to the looting and illegal exploitation of natural resources, to organized crime, and to illicit financial flows, which help feeds and support terrorist groups and to prolong terrorist abuses in the Great Lakes region. My delegation in particular condemns the attacks carried out by the ADF, the Allied Democratic Forces, which is affiliated with Daesh. against the civilian population, in particular women and children. Massacres, abductions, sexual violence, and the destruction of villages. These constitute acts of extreme severity, which requires a firm and coordinated response from the international community. The DRC also denounces terrorist abuses committed by the M23, supported by Rwanda, which is continuing to sow terror and devastation in the east of our country, with the aim of looting natural resources and strategic minerals to finance terrorism around the world. At the international level, and faced with this emergency, my government based on agreements with its international partners, nevertheless calls on the international community to uphold the various Security Council resolutions, in particular Resolution 2773, as well as many other regional and international legal instruments aiming at combating international terrorism. At the national level, the DRC has strengthened its legislation to combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. interalia through law number 25/048 of the 1st of July 2025 which modifies and supplements law number 22/068 of the 22nd of December 2022 which strengthens prevention identification punishment and international cooperation mechanisms in this area through the National Financial Intelligence Center CENAREF in cooperation with the FATF. Lastly it has strengthened its military and legal arsenal with the adoption of the decree 26/003 of the 31st of January 2026, which modifies and supplements law number 023/2002 on the military justice code. The aim of this is to strengthen its technical capacities in the face of new forms of crime linked, inter alia, to acts of terrorism, with digital investigation and criminal analysis initiatives. Secondly, the fight against terrorism must fall within the context of strengthened regional and international cooperation. Madam Chair, the threats that we face know no borders. They require heightened cooperation in the areas of intelligence, border control, combating arms trafficking, monitoring illicit financial flows, and criminal justice. The Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms the importance of the African Union's role and the role of regional mechanisms. The efforts of African states must be supported by sustained international support to strengthen their institutional, judicial, and security capabilities. My delegation calls for strengthened solidarity and judicial cooperation among states in line with Article 146 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 on the protection of civilians in wartime, which requires the identification, prosecution or extradition of any person suspected of a grave offence. The prospect of prosecutions and sanctions must remain a central tool of prevention and deterrence against serious crimes. We also call for strengthened measures to combat the financing of terrorism, including the payment of ransoms, the illicit exploitation of natural resources and strategic minerals by terrorists and their accomplices, as well as illegal trade, and this through cooperation among financial institutions of states in strict compliance with resolutions 2133 of 2014, 2199 of 2015, and 2462 of 2019 of the United Nations Security Council. Third, prevention must remain at the heart of our activities. Poverty, marginalization, youth unemployment, social injustice, Persistent inequalities, exclusion, and governance shortfalls cannot be a justification for terrorism. They can nevertheless create vulnerabilities which extremist groups attempt to exploit. The implementation of the global counterterrorism strategy, including resolution 60/288 of the UN General Assembly, reminds us of the importance of dealing with the conditions that lead to the spread of terrorism, and this includes investing in education, youth employment, social cohesion and the rule of law. allowing women and girls to be fully involved in the efforts aiming to eradicate this scourge and to work on an effective response to new ways in which technologies are used for terrorist purposes. To conclude, Madam Chair, in this same context, the Democratic Republic of the Congo also underscores the need to move towards a universal legal framework on terrorism. The persistent absence of a universal definition remains a weakness for the international legal architecture and could weaken judicial cooperation, particularly when it comes to extradition, mutual legal assistance and prosecutions. We call upon all states to redouble their efforts to reach a consensus on the draft General Convention on International Terrorism through the convening of a high-level conference to provide the United Nations with a common, clear, equitable and legally robust normative framework in this area and to make it easy to describe and qualify acts related to this, to punish the perpetrators, co-perpetrators and accomplices of terrorist acts. and to sentence them for reparations for the victims and survivors in accordance with the norms of international law. It is only in doing this that we can hope to achieve a world in the future that is free of terrorism. The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains determined to, with the United Nations, the African Union, and its regional and international partners, to continue its efforts to work towards a safer, more just world that is free of terrorism once and for all. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for his statement. I remind delegations of the agreed time limits, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali. Microphone for Mali, please. I would now like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chad.

Madam Chair. I wish to begin by expressing to you and the members of the Bureau our warm congratulations on your election to lead our work, and we assure you that you will have the full support of my delegation. Chad aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Group, and we would like to make the following comments in our national capacity. My delegation takes note of the Secretary-General's report under this agenda item, and we welcome the Secretary-General and the States and entities that contributed to the report's preparation. Madam Chair, we strongly condemn terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations, and we reaffirm that it represents one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of the motivations, the time and the perpetrators. We remain resolved to contribute to the extent possible to the collective effort against this scourge, and we will spare no effort in that regard. Chad has always been, and is now more than ever, on the front line of the fight against terrorism in Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin area. The contribution of Chad to the joint efforts under the multinational joint task force in the Lake Chad Basin has allowed us to significantly weaken the Boko Haram terrorist group, even though it continues to pose a threat to peace and security in the region. The attacks that continue to be perpetrated by this sect against civilians and our security forces bear this out. We recall the military and security mechanisms that we've strengthened. We've also strengthened our legal framework in counterterrorism. And in the same vein, we continue to strengthen our border, regional and international cooperation. This is shown through the adoption of a law on the suppression of terrorist acts in 2020. And the basic framework for the prevention and punishment of acts of terrorism, focusing on hostage taking, money laundering for terrorism, apologism for terrorism, and financing of terrorism. We have joined around a dozen international and regional instruments on counter-terrorism, including the International Convention for the Repression of the Terrorist Financing and the International Convention against Hostage Taking, among others. In the same vein, we reaffirm our support for efforts to achieve an agreement on the comprehensive UN Convention on international terrorism. We believe that such an instrument could contribute to further strengthening the international legal counterterrorism framework and to consolidating cooperation among States. We encourage Member States to pursue negotiations, showing a spirit of compromise, flexibility and collective responsibility so as to reach an acceptable solution on pending issues. Madam Chair. The Secretary-General's report also shows that the fight against terrorism can only be carried out together. It needs multifaceted, collective efforts. No country or organization alone can overcome this scourge. It is only together, with respect for the sovereignty of states and through coordinated actions, that we will manage to do this. In this regard, the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy remains an important framework to coordinate action against this harmful phenomenon at the international level. Chad supports this process and we remain committed to it. In this regard, we call for us to strengthen the various pillars of it in order to effectively respond to the new terrorist threats in the era of the new information and communication technology and artificial intelligence. Madam Chair, All of these efforts made at the international and national level can only be effective when the root causes that lead to the enabling factors that breed terrorism are addressed. Therefore, in several regions around the world, particularly in Africa and in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin that is being struck by the harmful effects of climate change, the lack of socio-political prospects for young people makes it fertile ground for terrorism. Therefore, it's important to underscore that measures to eliminate international terrorism should not be dissociated from measures to promote socioeconomic development, because providing basic social services, health, education, food, et cetera, to the population are all a crucial part of combating terrorism. to ensure that these not serve as drivers of terrorism. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Chad for his statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation congratulates you and members of the Bureau on your election. You can count on Zimbabwe's full cooperation and support during this session. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statements delivered by Cameroon on behalf of the African Group and Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I will add the following remarks in my national capacity. Madam Chair, terrorism constitutes a grave threat to human life and to international peace and security. Its consequences extend far beyond the immediate loss of life. It divides communities, disrupts economies, and undermines the stability and development of societies. Zimbabwe, therefore, condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Our collective response must, however, remain firmly anchored in the Charter of the United Nations and international law. Sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states must be respected. These principles must remain at the center of our collective response to terrorism. Madam Chair, experience has shown that terrorism cannot be defeated through security measures alone. We must confront terrorist acts firmly while addressing the conditions that allow extremism to take root. This requires greater investment in prevention, education, creating opportunities for the youth, Inclusive development and building communities' resilience are essential to effective prevention. Dialogue and social cohesion are equally important. These efforts must also extend to the digital space. Emerging technologies and online platforms should not become instruments for recruitment, radicalization, propaganda, or terrorist financing. Countering harmful narratives requires more than restrictions. We must offer a stronger alternative, a message of hope, tolerance, inclusion and opportunity. Madam Chair, as terrorism becomes increasingly transnational, no country can confront it alone. Stronger international cooperation is therefore indispensable. For Zimbabwe, national ownership must remain at the centre of these efforts. International cooperation should strengthen national institutions and complement regional responses. Zimbabwe therefore supports enhanced cooperation in information sharing, border management, judicial and law enforcement cooperation, countering terrorist financing, and preventing the movement of terrorist fighters and weapons. This is particularly important in Africa. The United Nations should strengthen its cooperation with the African Union and relevant regional and sub-regional organizations. Those closest to the threat often possess invaluable knowledge of its local drivers and dynamics. African-led responses should therefore receive adequate and sustainable international support. Madam Chair, a stronger collective response also requires a stronger legal foundation. Zimbabwe, therefore, attaches importance to the concluding negotiations on the Convention on International Terrorism. The absence of a comprehensive legal instrument remains a gap in the international legal framework for combating terrorism. At a time when terrorism is evolving in scope, methods and reach, we must redouble our efforts to strengthen the legal foundations of our collective response. In conclusion, Zimbabwe remains committed to working with all stakeholders in addressing the scourge of terrorism. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe for his statement and give the floor to the distinguished representative of Libya.

In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate. Madam Chair, allow me at the outset to extend my sincere congratulations on your election to chair this committee, as well as the members of the bureau. We wish you success in your endeavor. We reaffirm our firm commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, despite the exceptional circumstances we are facing. This commitment is pursued through a comprehensive approach that integrates legislative, intellectual, and security and military dimensions, and is grounded in the rule of law and respect for human rights. It also stems from the values of the Libyan people, namely moderation, the rejection of violence, hatred, and incitement to terrorism, as well as from our conviction of the need for international cooperation and strengthening criminal justice. We reiterate our unequivocal... unequivocal condemnation and rejection of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its sources, motives, and justifications. Terrorism is a global phenomenon that should not be associated with any religion or belief. We have gone through difficult and decisive times in confronting terrorist groups across several regions and made significant sacrifices to protect our people and territory. The liberation of the city of Sirte from ISIL marked a major milestone in these efforts. we -- or more than 2,500 terrorist fighters affiliated with ISIL, one of the most dangerous terrorist groups, were eliminated. Our contribution to confronting terrorism transcends national borders and threatens -- which threatens the security and stability of the region. We stress that preserving these gains requires continued vigilance, the pursuit of terrorist cells, and the prevention of their reemergence. We underscore that combating terrorism requires integrated political and legal international efforts, beginning from preventing the financing, movement, and support of terrorists. We also stress the need to address the linkages between terrorism and transnational organized crime. including trafficking in persons, arms smuggling, and other forms of illicit financing. We emphasize the need to bring perpetrators of terrorist crimes to justice in accordance with international law. Relevant Security Council resolutions remain a fundamental reference for strengthening international cooperation in the prevention and suppression of terrorism. From a legal perspective, we reaffirm the importance of completing the comprehensive international legal framework that has been under consideration for decades, including concluding a comprehensive convention on international terrorism to strengthen judicial and security cooperation, reduce loopholes, and harmonize criminal definitions, and cut off sources of support for terrorist groups. At the same time, we stress that such efforts must be accompanied by respect for human rights and the rule of law. Counterterrorism should be implemented in accordance with a state's obligations under international law, including international humanitarian rights law and international humanitarian law. This would ensure the legitimacy and effectiveness of measures taken while avoiding further fueling of extremism and division, while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. We stress the central role of the Sixth Committee as the principal legal body of the General Assembly in intensifying negotiating and technical efforts to develop clear and effective legal provisions. accompanied by follow-up mechanisms that take into account the diversity of legal systems and based on transparency and justice. Discussing terrorism leads us to reaffirm the necessity of protecting civilians and rejecting their targeting, starvation, or intimidation, regardless of whether such acts are committed by individuals, groups, or states. Once again, we condemn the crimes and violations committed by the Israeli occupying forces against the Palestinian people. We emphasize that the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law are obligations that cannot be diminished or violated under any pretext. Libya stresses the importance of ensuring unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, and we reject the use of starvation as a method of warfare. We call for accountability for violations in line with international law and stress that counterterrorism must not be used as a pretext for aggression against peoples or for depriving them of their legitimate rights. Madam Chair, in conclusion, we stress that the humanitarian suffering, violations, and escalating tensions in Palestine, Syria, and the wider Middle East require responsible international action to protect civilians, put an end to attacks, and ensure respect for international law and the UN Charter. Counterterrorism must not be invoked as a justification for targeting civilians, forcibly displacing them, or undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. Ending impunity and securing justice for victims are essential pillars for establishing lasting peace. In this regard, we renew our solidarity with the Palestinian people. We reject forced displacement and support their inalienable right to self-determination and to establish their independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. We stress our support for the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of Syria. We reject attacks against Syria and support the aspiration of the Syrian people for security and stability and the right to build a future founded on peace, justice, free from terrorism and foreign intervention. We call for prioritizing dialogue and political solutions in addressing the crises in the Middle East. de-escalation, and respect for the sovereignty of the states of the region, thereby preventing the expansion of violence and human suffering. We reaffirm our determination to continue contributing to international efforts to combat terrorism, based on our conviction that security and stability over the region are linked to the protection of the rights of its people and the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Libya for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Madam Chair, at the outset, this is the first time my delegation takes the floor. Allow me to extend my warm congratulations to you and members of the Bureau on your election and assumption of the leadership of the Sixth Committee. I am confident that, under your able guidance, the Committee will achieve constructive and meaningful outcomes during this session. I wish to assure you of Tanzania's full support and cooperation throughout the session. We also commend the Secretary-General and his Secretariat for the comprehensive report contained in document A/81/218 and its addendum. Tanzania aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Cameroon on behalf of the African group and Elan on behalf of Non-Aligned Movement, and we wish to make the following intervention at our national capacity. Madam Chair, terrorism continues to constitute a serious threat to international peace and security, as well as to sustainable development. Terrorism knows no religion, nationality, or borders, and its prevention and elimination therefore remain a shared responsibility of the international community. No State is immune from this global threat. We continue to witness the devastating consequences of terrorist attacks, including the deliberate and indiscriminate targeting of civilians and critical infrastructures in different parts of the world. Terrorist threats have also become increasingly complex and transnational, including through the exploitation of technological advancements and vulnerability arising from geopolitical crisis. These developments underscore the need for renewed collective resolve to prevent terrorist organizations and individuals from finding safe haven, resources, and operational space. On our part, Tanzania has actively participated in regional and international efforts aimed at addressing the cause and the the causes and manifestation of terrorism. Tanzania is a part to nine international counterterrorism instruments and one regional instrument. In fulfillment of its obligation under these instruments, Tanzania has consistently condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestation. During the reporting period, Tanzania continued to undertake administrative, policy and legislative measures at the national level to strengthen its efforts to combat international terrorism in accordance with the four pillars of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. These measures have included capacity building, information sharing and review, and the amendment of relevant primary and subsidiary legislation. including in light of the Financial Action Task Force's review concerning terrorist financing risk associated with non-profit organizations. In collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, Tanzania also undertook a capacity building initiative for law enforcement personnel relating to foreign terrorist fighters, the use of financial intelligence reports and parallel investigation. Madam Chair, we all recognize that international terrorism is a transnational and organized criminal phenomenon that requires concerted international action. Effective prevention and elimination therefore depends upon sustained international cooperation, coordination and solidarity. In this regard, my delegation welcomes the adoption on 1 July 2026 of General Assembly resolution 80/286 on the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Tanzania commends the co-facilitators of the resolution, Finland and Morocco, for their commitment and constructive engagement throughout the review process. Madam Chair, The evolving nature of terrorist threats, including their increasing exploitation of emerging technologies and the vulnerability arising from geopolitical instability, requires a strategic operation among all relevant stakeholders, with the states retaining the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security within their respective jurisdiction. Terrorist financing remains a significant impediment to collective efforts to prevent and combat terrorism. In this regard, my delegation joins the call for strengthened measures to disrupt terrorist financing, including through addressing ransom payments, illicit trafficking, and money laundering, as well as enhanced cooperation with relevant financial institutions and the effective implementation of Security Council Resolution 2133 of 2014. Madam Chair, in our collective efforts to eliminate international terrorism, we should remain mindful of the obligations set out in operative paragraph 1 of the Security Council Resolution 2370. of 2017, adopted on August 2017, which calls upon states to refrain from providing any form of support, active or passive, to entities or persons involved in terrorist attack, including by preventing the supply of weapons to terrorists. Tanzania They have underscored the importance of the effective implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions and of taking appropriate measures consistent with international law to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Madam Chair, the Sixth Committee has remained seized of this agenda item since its allocation to the committee in 1972. While Member States have consistently attached great importance to this matter, and notwithstanding the broad support for the elaboration of a draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism, negotiations have yet to reach a conclusion. Tanzania believes that the renewed political commitment and intensified negotiations are required to advance the long-standing endeavours. We therefore encourage the Committee to intensify its efforts with a view of achieving a balanced, comprehensive and universally acceptable legally binding instrument at the earliest opportunity. Tanzania underscored the importance of strengthened international cooperation in preventing and countering terrorism effectively. Since the establishment of the United Nations Office on Counterterrorism, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime have provided valuable assistance to member states in addressing terrorism as well as violent extremism and radicalization among the young people. With this, we commend a valuable support extended by the United Nations entities to the regional and subregional mechanisms In this regard, my delegation calls upon UNOCT and UNODC to further strengthen their engagement and cooperation with the African Union Counterterrorism Center based in Algeria, as well as with established regional mechanisms, including the SADC Regional Counterterrorism Center hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This center was established to strengthen coordination, enhance partnership, and facilitate timely and effective regional response to terrorism and violent extremism. Madam Chair, in conclusion, terrorism remains one of the most serious and persistent threats to international peace and security. Tanzania firmly maintains that all acts of terrorism, irrespective of their former manifestation, perpetrators, motivation, place or circumstances are criminal and unjustifiable. Tanzania will therefore continue to attach the highest importance to strengthening international and regional measures aimed at preventing and combating terrorism and organized crimes. Tanzania welcomes Action 23 of the Pact for the Future, which calls for enhanced coordination of United Nations counterterrorism efforts and the strengthened cooperation between the United Nations and relevant regional and subregional organizations to prevent and combat terrorism in accordance with international law, while also encouraging renewed efforts towards conclusion of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Finally, Tanzania reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law and emphasizes that all measures undertaken to prevent and combat terrorism must be consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and applicable international law, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international refugee law. Tanzania supports strengthening information sharing, capacity building, measures to prevent and disrupt terrorist financing, efforts to prevent the misuse of emerging technologies, and coordinated technical assistance, particularly for developing countries, regional and subregional institutions. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania for the statement. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Madam Chair, the delegation of Sierra Leone congratulates you on your election to steer the work of the Sixth Committee for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly and assures you of my delegation's full cooperation. My delegation associate itself with a statement delivered on behalf of the African group and the Non-Aligned Movement. We thank the Secretary-General for his report under this agenda item, and we commend Member States and international organizations that responded to the Secretary-General's request for information. Sierra Leone continues to stress its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever committed, as they violate international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. No justification can be found for acts of terrorism. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by the General Assembly on 8 September 2006. Over two decades, the Strategy has served as the single, universally agreed blueprint for national, regional and international efforts to prevent, and counter-terrorism. Sierra Leone reaffirms its full commitment to the strategy and its four pillars, which remain interdependent and must be implemented in a balanced and integrated manner. Sierra Leone notes with concern, however, that the ninth review of the GCTS concluded on July 2026 marked the first time in the Strategy's 20-year history that the review resolution was not adopted by consensus, but through a recorded vote. While we note that the overwhelming majority of Member States voted in favour of the resolution, CILM regrets that the ninth review did not preserve the long-standing tradition of consensus that has underpinned the Strategy since its adoption in 2006. Consensus has been the hallmark of this instrument since its inception and its erosion weakening the spirit of collective ownership that gives the strategy its legitimacy and force. My delegation urges Member States to reflect on the lessons of this review and to approach future review cycles with a new political will, flexibility and genuine spirit of compromise. The strategy must remain a living document attuned to emerging threats and the priorities of all Member States, including those most affected by terrorism. Siraliom stands ready to engage constructively in this endeavor. Madam Chair, building on the outcomes of the ninth review is crucial, particularly in addressing the return and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters, countering extremist narratives, and preventing the misuse of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, the internet, and social media platforms for recruitment and terrorist purposes. The growing use of AI-driven propaganda, encrypted communications, and drones by terrorist networks demand an equally innovative and coordinated response from the international community. At the national level, CIO continues to build on the progress made through the enactment of the National Counterterrorism Act 2024, which strengthened enforcement against terrorism, terrorist financing, and related offenses. The National Security Policy and Strategy, launched in August 2024, with support from ECOWAS and other partners, continues to modernize our security framework and enhance response mechanisms. Sierra Leone remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the relevant international counterterrorism conventions and Security Council resolutions. and to working with the Financial Action Task Force and the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa to strengthen our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regimes. At the sub-regional level, the Mano River Union initiative continues to deepen cooperation among Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia in combating terrorism and violent extremism, aligned with ECOWAS Regional Action Plan. Sierra Leone encourages continued dialogue between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel, and we recall the informal and interactive dialogue hosted in July 2025, which saw the participation of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, a significant step toward inclusive regional engagement following their withdrawal. Madam Chair, West Africa and the Sahel regrettably remain the epicenter of terrorist activities, with escalating violence reflected in recent United Nations reports. reporting. As President Julius Maada Bio stated in this hall on 22nd September, across West Africa and the Sahel, terrorism feeds on poverty, exclusion, unemployment, and weak institutions. The Secretary-General's reporting on ISIL and its affiliation confirms that Africa is now the epicenter of ISIL activity, with affiliated groups expanding operations in the Liptotakou-Gouma tri-border region and threatening coastal states. The Global Terrorism Index continues to document that the Sahel accounts for the disproportionate share of terrorism-related deaths worldwide. CILSS welcomes the Secretary-General's effort to review the UN counterterrorism architecture through the UN80 initiative and commends the technical support of UNOCT in strengthening regional joint task forces in West Africa and the Sahel. We take note of the UNOCT strategy plan for 2026 to 2028 and its focus on integrated support measurable results, and clear accountability. Chair, by reason of the foregoing, my delegation wishes to underscore three points. First, military solutions alone are insufficient. Addressing root causes, poverty, weak governance, youth employment, the absence of state authority, gender exclusion, and unequal access to education is essential. As President Beig reminded this Assembly, when hunger, exclusion, and despair deepen, insecurity takes root. The connection between peace and development must move from our resolutions into our budgets. Second, we must enhance real-time intelligence sharing and border control capacities, drawing on the best practices from the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum and Africa-led initiatives. Third, disrupting trafficking networks and illicit economies means that sustaining terrorist groups is crucial. The links between terrorism and international Transnational organized crime and the illicit trade in natural resources, arms, and persons must be addressed through targeted sanctions, stronger financial monitoring, and international cooperation to trace, freeze, terrorist assets, including those moved through cryptocurrencies and informal values. In conclusion, We continue to examine legal policy and institutional frameworks at all levels to address the threat of terrorism. SGL calls for a comprehensive gender-sensitive approach consistent with international humanitarian law, human rights law, and refugee law. Counterterrorism measures must serve as a pretext for human rights violations. On the contrary, respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the cornerstone of sustainable and effective counterterrorism strategies. The 20th anniversary of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is both a moment of reflection and a call to action. Let us honor it merely by reaffirming our commitment, but by redoubling our efforts to ensure that the strategy remains a living instrument, relevant, balanced, and responsive to the evolving threats of our time. I thank you.

Thank the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone for his statement. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm honored to take the floor on behalf of the Republic of Turkey. At the outset, allow me to congratulate you and your Bureau on your election and assure you Turkey's full cooperation and support. For decades, Turkey has waged a principled, consistent, and determined fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism. Thanks to our comprehensive counterterrorism strategy, we have managed to cripple the PKK within Turkey. We have also enacted legislation to establish the necessary legal groundwork, marking a historic milestone toward our goal of a terrorism-free Turkey. Our expectation is for the PKK to dismantle its armed capabilities, along with its organizational structures and affiliated networks. We also consider this initiative in tandem with regional security. Our overarching vision is a terrorism-free region, which we remain committed to realizing through stronger regional cooperation and enduring peace, stability, and security. Distinguished representatives, the terrorist threat continues to evolve. Terrorists use crypto-messaging applications to communicate and coordinate, including to recruit or plan and conduct attacks. Chat groups on widely used social media and messaging platforms also serve as channels for terrorist propaganda, which may be created and translated through artificial intelligence. Even on the most widely used social media platforms, terrorist propaganda is ubiquitous. We need to work with private actors and platforms, including by holding them accountable in countering terrorism. Terrorists also exploit injustices and double standards, as well as twisted religious messages to form narratives that appeal to individuals. Madam Chair, Turkey co-leads the Terrorist Travel Working Group and the Daesh Afghanistan Focus Group within the Global Coalition against Daesh. Together with Kuwait, the Netherlands, the United States and Interpol, we aim to operationalize UN Security Council Resolutions 2178 and 2396/2017. Turkey is at the forefront of preventing terrorist travel with risk analysis units at our border gates and population dense areas, advanced physical border security measures, and effective use of API PNR data. Member states need to better implement their relevant Security Council resolutions. Some airlines tend to refuse sharing PNR data in over compliance with data protection rules. Member States must make clear that airlines will not be penalized for sharing PNR data. Madam Chair, turning to Syria, Daesh increasingly operates through small cells and focuses on low-cost, high-impact attacks to create political and social shockwaves. It's encouraging to see that the Syrian government remains dedicated to eliminating Daesh threat within its territory. Its participation in the Global Coalition demonstrates its readiness to work with the international community. Syria needs to be supported in building a strong, professional security architecture to counter terrorism. Israel's continued attacks and violations of Syria's sovereignty create instability, weaken state capacity, and risk opening new security vacuums. Madam Chair, following the withdrawal of global coalition forces, it's important not to allow any power vacuum that terrorist organizations might exploit in Iraq. We welcome the efforts of the government of Iraq to consolidate state authority and sovereignty across its territory. Daesh Afghanistan continues to show intent to conduct attacks inside and outside the region it primarily operates. Turkiye, together with the United Kingdom, co-leads the Daesh Afghanistan Focus Group and continues to work closely with countries in the region. In Somalia, Al-Shabaab, along with Daesh, still constitutes a threat to security and stability. Turkiye provides fourth-generation assistance to Somali security forces at the TurkSom military training center. The Sahel is fast becoming the new global epicenter of terrorism, with Daesh and Al-Qaeda affiliates increasing their activities. The spillover risk requires urgent and coherent action by the international community. Support to Sahel states should also address the root causes of terrorism, alongside defense cooperation and development assistance. Madam Chair, Turkey has also had to deal with another terrorist organization, the FETÖ, which attempted a coup d'etat through infiltrating into state security structures and judiciary. This terrorist organization is involved in many crimes, including tax evasion, drug trafficking, money laundering, and unauthorized disclosure of classified government documents. We are ready to work with our partners and colleagues to eradicate this new age terrorist network. Madam Chair, Turkey views the rise of far-right violent extremism and Islamophobia with concern and believes that provocative acts in Europe, such as the burning of the Holy Koran, which are defined as religious hatred and violation of international law by the recent UNHCR and UN General Assembly resolutions, only strengthen the narratives of terrorists and violent extremists. Madam Chair and distinguished representatives, let me conclude by reaffirming Turkey's unwavering commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We will continue to strengthen regional cooperation and advance our vision of a terrorist-free Turkey and a terrorism-free region. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey for her statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States of America.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. As many delegations in this room have noted already, terrorism continues to be one of the most challenging threats to international peace and security. The nature of the terrorist threat constantly evolves, with emerging technology increasingly being used for terrorist purposes. And yet, the devastation terrorism wreaks on our families, communities, and nations is the same. It is abhorrent, catastrophic, and unacceptable. As we remember the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 by al-Qaeda, and commemorate today the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas, We are reminded about the importance of speaking with one voice against the scourge of terrorism. The United Nations has long recognized that acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivations. The United States remains steadfast in our commitment to pursue measures to eliminate international terrorism, and we urge all other nations to do the same. As we made clear during this year's process to review the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the GCTS, it is imperative that the international community focuses its counter-terrorism efforts on concrete and results-oriented actions to protect our respective citizens, borders, and interests from terrorism. We were disappointed to see Member States and the General Assembly squander the chance to streamline and focus the GCTS. We look forward to future opportunities to bring greater clarity and discipline to the UN's counterterrorism framework, including in upcoming discussions over a resolution addressing measures to eliminate international terrorism. Madam Chair, The United States counterterrorism strategy released earlier this year identifies three priority streams demanding our sustained attention-- narco terrorists, legacy jihadist groups, and the resurgence of political terrorism with a focus on far left terrorism. While confronting these threats, we must do more to address the connections between transnational organized crime and terrorism. We must also do more to stop the travel, recruitment, and financing of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters. As the United Nations has acknowledged, such offenders must be prosecuted and penalized in a manner reflecting the seriousness of the offense. It is critical that all efforts to counter and prevent terrorism respect human rights, including freedoms of expression and religion or belief, and respect the rule of law. As other delegations have observed in their statements, actions that stifle human rights and fundamental freedoms under the guise of counterterrorism are counterproductive and can even provide fuel for terrorist narratives and recruitment. Concerning a comprehensive convention on international terrorism, We have listened carefully to delegate statements, and of course, we remain open to dialogue. However, it is critical that the United Nations continue to strive to send united, unambiguous signals when it comes to terrorism, otherwise we risk losing some of the progress that we have made. Madam Chair, we are here to engage on the topic of international terrorism in a non-politicized manner. This is not the forum to raise extraneous topics and make inflammatory accusations. Doing so will only distract from this committee's important work. We therefore do not intend to engage in repeated back and forth interventions on such issues, many of which are being discussed in other fora. But I am compelled to respond briefly to earlier interventions made by certain delegations. We've heard a number of inflammatory statements alleging that Israel is committing acts of genocide. We reject such accusations and urge all delegations to refrain from escalatory rhetoric. Additionally, with respect to Iran's allegations regarding U.S. actions, U.S. officials have consistently made clear the United States takes seriously its obligations under international humanitarian law including regarding the protection of civilians. The protection of civilians is of utmost importance, and we will continue to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and civilian objects. With respect to allegations made by the delegation of Cuba, the US embargo and related sanctions are lawful. All countries have the right to decide who they want to trade with. Additionally, the U.S. embargo has important, long-standing exceptions for exports of critical consumer goods, and the United States is a major exporter of food, medicine, and medical devices to Cuba. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States of America for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mozambique. You have the floor, sir.

Madam Chair, at all outset, let me congratulate you on your election as a chair of the sixth committee of this 81st session of the General Assembly. I want to assure you of our full support and cooperation. Our congratulations are also extended to the other members of the Bureau. The delegation of Mozambique associates itself with the statements made by the distinguished representative of the Republic of Cameroon on behalf of the African Group and the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, respectively. In the framework of our common objective of fighting international terrorism, we note with thanks the last Secretary-General's report on the measures to eliminate international terrorism and commend the Governments and the international organizations for the additional efforts made towards the objective. Allow me to mention the Southern Africa Development Community contribution to the Secretary-General's report, recalling that terrorism remained a security concern in parts of the region and that the region's counter-terrorism strategy had been developed for the reason. which led to the creation of the Regional Counterterrorism Center established in 2021. SADC also recalled its mission in Mozambique between 2022 and 2023, which made the significant contribution to combating international terrorism in our country. SADC also reported that it continued to cooperate with regional communities and United Nations entities such as Office of Counterterrorism and UNODC. In this worth mentioning that the SADC mission ended, but the regional efforts continue. Furthermore, the ground cooperation continues bilaterally, standing out the continued cooperation between Tanzania and Mozambique. In parallel, the ground cooperation between Rwanda and Mozambique is strong and well established. In this regard, Mozambique will continue to advocate for the strengthening of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, taking now 20 years UN global strategy against terrorism as a reference, implemented even more effectively through regional and bilateral cooperation. Despite the continuing challenges and the break in the consensus tradition, We welcome to recent adoption by the General Assembly of the resolution of the ninth review of the United Nations Global Counterterrorism Strategy. On this common effort, Mozambique continues with the large majority of these delegations in supporting the swift advance in the negotiation to conclude the comprehensive convention on international terrorism, as well as the convening of the high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. We will continue to advocate for the primacy of international law and multilateralism. We believe that shared legal frameworks can strengthen international cooperation and the fight against international terrorism. Restoring trust requires consistency between the principles we proclaim and the decisions we make. Then it will require the fair application of international law, which can bring concrete results on this common fight against international terrorism, translated into improvements in people's lives. Madam Chair, As we have been sharing with the Sixth Committee, Mozambique has been a direct target of international terrorism since 2017 in parts of the Cabo Delgado province in the north region of the country. Thus, the eradication of the threat posed by terrorism is one of the priorities of our government. We have made progress in combating terrorism and strengthening security, and thanks to the efforts for our defense and security forces and the support of SADC. The European Union, Rwanda and Tanzania, however, stabilization remains complete and requires a concerted response and great international cooperation. We are aware of prevailing challenges about all the increasingly link between terrorism and associated criminal network that exploit borders, illicit routes, financial flows and cross-border movements for recruitment and logistics. broadening the scope of the threat of the clear religion and transnational dimension. In this regard, the Mozambique government approved in March 2025 the national strategy for the prevention and combat of terrorism and violent extremism and established a multi-sectorial institution of the technical and operational nature, the National Center to coordinate its implementation. We continue to strengthen our defense and security capacity through intensive and specialized training of our forces. We also continue to strengthen our institutions and legal framework, expanding correspondingly the space for international legal and judicial cooperation. As part of its ongoing work with the Eastern and Southern Africa and Money Laundering Group and the Financial Action Task Force, Mozambique has been removed from the grey list of financial risk following the completion of the 26 planned activities and evolution carried out last year. We are also aware that victory against international terrorism does not depend exclusively on the military operation on the ground, but also on the investments in education, infrastructure, social inclusion, and local development, considering essential pillars for consolidating peace, stability, and sustainable development in the affected regions and affected regions and in the country in general. In this regard, Mozambique continues to promote the active engagement for community, communities and religious faith in the fight against the violent extremist narrative, also highlighting the role of women and young people in maintaining peace and security. We are investing in these assets and pledging more international cooperation and support on this end. We are also continuing with the implementation of programs to promote development, training and creation of employment opportunities diverting the young people from recruitment by terrorists. Madam Chair, even if restricted, terrorist activities in Mozambique proceeds on the ground, creating the high number of internally displaced people, the displaced people who require humanitarian assistance and dignified and permanent resettlement and the coordination of our under the coordination of the National Institute of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. We are grateful for the solidarity we have been receiving and and called for more predictable and coordinated international support to consolidate security, stabilization, reconstruction and development in the affected areas. We thank again the United Nations and other national and international partners for their continued support. Due to his personage and destabilizing, I'm sorry, natural international terrorist activities in Mozambique, pose a threat to not only to the country, but also to the region and beyond. making international cooperation essential in the fight against it, and that depends on our collective decisions. All advances that we can make in our discussions in the Sixth Committee on this critical issue will certainly contribute to defeating international terrorism, including in Mozambique. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mozambique for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Peru.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Allow me to congratulate you on your election to the chair of the Committee on Legal Affairs, and congratulations also to the other members of the Bureau. You can rely on Peru in making a success of your work. Madam Chair, Peru thanks the United Nations and in particular the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism for its central role in building the capacities of Member States and also for its contribution to the implementation of relevant resolutions of the Security Council, the General Assembly and international instruments aimed at preventing and combating terrorism. Peru reaffirms its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the rule of law, democratic institutions, human rights, and the construction of a peaceful and safe world. Terrorism, in all of its forms, manifestations, and new modalities, remains a grave threat to peace, security, human rights and democracy. Peru robustly condemns all terrorists acts, whatever their origin or motivation may be, and reiterates that there is no justification for them. Peru supports and is working for a firm multilateral response to prevent and combat terrorism, always within the framework of international law, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Madam Chair, progress made in the fight against terrorism should not lead us to underestimate the changing nature of this threat. Although important capacity, significant capacities of terrorist organizations have been weakened, there are still transnational threats and new modes of activities that require immediate, innovative and coordinated responses. In that regard, we still have the not very encouraging results of the 9th review of the global counterterrorism strategy, which after waiting for two years, should have been a more robust and strengthened text. The lack of consensus prevented substantive progress on a subject which today, more than ever, required a firm and concerted response from the international community. This is particularly worrying in a context in which terrorist groups continue to adapt, to strengthen their structures, and to make the most of divisions which are hindering our collective response. We call upon all delegations to redouble their efforts to overcome their disagreements and to find common ground that will allow us to recover the spirit of cooperation and consensus that should guide our work in this area. Madam Chair, the evolving nature of this threat requires us to pay particular attention to the improper use of new technologies. Terrorist organizations can use digital tools and sophisticated platforms to spread propaganda, promote radicalization, recruit, and coordinate their activities. The accelerated development of artificial intelligence is posing new challenges. We must prevent it being used for terrorist purposes without undermining or limiting its benefits for our societies. Moreover, we must strengthen the prevention of and combating cybercrime. At the same time, the financing of terrorism is a subject that deserves urgent attention. Peru would highlight resolution 2482 of the Security Council, which was promoted during our presidency in 2019, which addresses the nexus between terrorism and transnational organized crime. This is a threat which is a top priority for Peru. We need to continue to pay particular attention to those links and to strengthen cooperation to prevent terrorist organizations from obtaining financing, resources, or logistical support through illicit activities. This concern was highlighted by the President of the Republic of Peru in his recent statement at the General Debate of the General Assembly. There she underscored the urgent need to together combat threats to our security, democracy and institutions. These are threats which undermine development and which, above all, affect the most vulnerable. Madam Chair, Peru's experience is relevant in these efforts. Our country, for decades, had to deal with terrorism and managed to defeat it. This experience shows that firm action on the part of the state is essential. However, a sustained response requires robust democratic institutions, social cohesion, and opportunities. In that regard, we must prioritize education. Good quality education fosters critical thinking, coexistence, the peaceful settlement of conflicts, and a rejection of violence. It also reduces vulnerability to radicalization and recruitment. It helps create truly democratic societies that are tolerant and helps to prevent all types of violence. Education is another top priority for Peru. Madam Chair, to conclude. Peru will continue to contribute to the efforts of the United Nations to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms, with the conviction that at the present time, international cooperation is even more relevant if we are to be able to overcome this scourge. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Peru for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mauritania.

Madam Chair, I wish to express to you on behalf of my delegation my warm congratulations on your election to chair the Sixth Committee, and I extend that to all of the Bureau for this 81st session. Rest assured, you will have the full support of our delegation. Mauritania fully aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the African Group, the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Madam Chair. The matter of measures to eliminate international terrorism is for my country and for the whole of the Sahel sub-region of existential importance. Terrorism knows no borders, religion or nationalities. It represents one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, to sustainable development and to the enjoyment of human rights. Mauritania reaffirms its absolute, unequivocal and strong condemnation of all acts of terrorism, regardless of the perpetrators, venues or their motivations, be they carried out by individuals or entities. Madam Chair, in the face of this scourge, Mauritania has developed a comprehensive dimensional strategy, which has been recognized for its effectiveness. This strategy isn't solely limited to the essential security and military response. It also encompasses intensive prevention work, focusing on dialogue, education, and combating radicalization. Nonetheless, our national efforts will fall short without enhanced international and regional cooperation. West Africa and the Sahel in particular are weathering complex geopolitical changes and seeing increasing terrorist activity. For this reason, we call on our international partners to step up their support in operational capacity building, intelligence sharing and technical assistance. In this regard, we welcome our cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the UNOCT, and on the UN Office on Counter-Terrorism, the UNOCT. Madam Chair, in the legal sphere, Mauritania reaffirms its unwavering commitment to respect for international law, human rights law, and international humanitarian law as it carries out all of its counter-terrorism operations. Security and respect for the rule of law are not mutually exclusive, they're interdependent. We remain deeply convinced that it is time for our committee to overcome long-standing differences and to conclude the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism, including a clear and consensus-based definition of this phenomenon. The persistent legal ambiguity harms international solidarity that is needed to eradicate this scourge. At the same time, we express our deep concern at the increasing use of new ICT technology by terrorist groups, particularly for the recruitment, funding of terrorism and the spread of hatred. Adapting our multilateral legal framework to these new realities is an immediate imperative. To conclude, Madam Chair, Mauritania reiterates its staunch commitment to remain a driver of peace and stability at the regional and international levels. We will spare no effort to work together with the United Nations and all Member States for a future world free of fear and terrorist violence. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mauritania for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Madam Chair, at the outset, we wish to congratulate you on assuming the chairmanship of the Sixth Committee in this 81st session of the General Assembly. We also congratulate members of the Bureau. We commend the annual report of the Secretary-General, A/81/218, on measures to eliminate international terrorism. We wish to align ourselves with the statement made by the representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the OIC, as well as the statement of NAM. We reiterate our steadfast commitment to combat the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We pursue the drying up of its sources of funding in line with international law and international humanitarian law, as well as relevant international norms, to bolster efforts to ensure the implementation of Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII of the Charter. Madam Chair, We reiterate our steadfast commitment to the implementation of Security Council resolutions, which we have supported and contributed to drafting through our membership in the Security Council. And we've developed our legislative and institutional system to combat terrorism and its funding. Therefore, we adopted Law Decree 47 of 2026 on on anti-terrorism, as well as Law Decree 76 of 2025, amending the provisions of Law No. 106 of 2013 on countering money laundering and terrorism financing. This sets out an integrated legislative framework to combat terrorism, strengthen security, bolster our national capacities to address the scourge of terrorism. The State of Kuwait, in line with its commitment to anti-terrorism, believes that one of the main pillars of anti-terrorism is to raise awareness on its risks. Therefore, we have cooperated with the Secretariat of the GCC and partners such as the UNODC in organizing in organizing important sessions and workshops on the implementation of anti-terrorism measures, financial sanctions, and the countering of money laundering in late 2025 to raise awareness and build national capacities in anti-terrorism. Madam Chair, we reiterate the vital importance of the United Nations' efforts encountering terrorism and supporting efforts to finalize the comprehensive convention on international terrorism. We welcome the adoption of GA resolution 80/286 in line with the ninth review of the UN global counterterrorism strategy on its 20th anniversary. We commend the efforts made by the co-facilitators, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco, Omar Hilali, and Permanent Representative of Finland, Madam Elina Kalko. We reiterate the importance of countering extremism, hate speech, and Islamophobia. Terrorism has no religion. It should not be associated with any religion, belief, ethnicity, culture, or nationality. We pride ourselves in our membership in the core group that drafted the GA resolution 78/264 on combating Islamophobia, in line with our principled positions, namely that terrorism has no religion. The State of Kuwait condemns the violations of international law and the UN Charter which jeopardized international peace and security, namely the latest aggression against the KSA by the Houthi militias. This constituted a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter and threatened international peace and security. We urge the international community to concert efforts to deter terrorist groups in accordance with international norms and principles. We reiterate our commitment to contributing to national and international efforts to combat terrorism and to foster cooperation amongst member states, the United Nations, and relevant agencies to safeguard international peace and security. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mali.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I'd like to begin by apologizing for the misunderstanding earlier. You'll be well aware of the life of missions such as mine in this building. I'm very proud to see you chairing our work. Allow me to express to you and the other members of the Bureau our congratulations and our wishes for success. I can assure you that you will have our full support and our gratitude also to the Secretariat. Madam Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, by Saudi Arabia on behalf of the OIC, and by Cameroon on behalf of the African Group. Madam Chair, the elimination of international terrorism remains the main priority for the countries of the Sahel, particularly Mali. The NATO military intervention in 2011... in Libya has had a major collateral impact on security, particularly with the resurgence of terrorist groups and other forms of criminals. Our populations are the main victims of this, particularly women and children, who are deprived of their most basic rights. Added to that, we have thousands of dead, displaced, internally displaced refugees, as well as material damage, including at cultural sites. Terrorism is at the heart of the political institutional instability of Sahel states, and indeed, it threatens our very existence. To address this, the state of Mali has addressed a comprehensive approach covering political, legal, security areas, the adoption of the national counterterrorism strategy, including a plan of action, is just one illustration of this. This strategy grants particular priority to development. This not only takes into account the specific needs of young people, but also women. The monitoring committee meets regularly to ensure the consistency of the actions that we carry out. On the security level, we continue to build our operational capacities through training equipment for our security and defence forces. Madam Chair, in parallel to these measures, my government is supporting inter and intra-faith dialogue. We are working to raise awareness among the communities, providing education for the culture of peace, human rights, and funding rapid impact projects for the populations affected by this crisis. At the institutional level, Mali has control and regulation mechanisms, including the judicial unit to combat transnational organized crime and terrorism, the international unit for terrorist financing, and also the unit on cybercrime. At the regulatory level, we have the law of 2008 on repression of terrorism, as well as the uniform law on money laundering and the financing of terrorism, as well as one on the criminal procedure law, which accompanies our new criminal code. We In addition, the withdrawal of Mali from the Financial Action Task Force list recognizes the efforts made by the government in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Madam Chair, the transnational character of the terrorist threat means that we need to mobilize various actors, both at the regional and continental level, as well as at the international level. In this spirit, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, through the Alliance of Sahel States, have pulled their forces, their efforts in three areas, defense, security, development and diplomacy. In addition, we have implemented a joint force, the results of which are currently satisfactory, and we are creating a criminal court. The global scale of terrorism, Madam Chair, means that we need a comprehensive response. This means ensuring a common understanding of the phenomenon, particularly at the legal level. Therefore, it's regrettable to note that the efforts of Sahel states in combating terrorism are being undermined by states and other entities that provide weapons, personnel, and training, and funding to terrorist groups. We see that through attacks in my country. In this regard, we call on the international community to shoulder its responsibility to prosecute and punish not only the perpetrators, but also the instigators, the accomplices and state sponsors of terrorist acts. To conclude, Madam Chair, I would like to, on behalf of the Government of Mali, express our gratitude to all partners who remain mobilised alongside us in this difficult and complex struggle. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mali for her statement and also extend thanks to all delegations that expressed support for the Chair and the Bureau in their statements. The final speaker on the inscription that has inscribed on the list is the observer delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Allow me to congratulate you and the rest of the Bureau as well for your election, and I wish you a productive session of the Sixth Committee. Madam Chair, the International Committee of the Red Cross unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism, whether in times of armed conflict or not, and regardless of the perpetrators. Terrorism is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Acts or threats of violence whose primary purpose is to spread terror among civilians are prohibited. These prohibitions apply equally to all parties to armed conflict, state and non-state alike. Terrorism violates IHL and negates the basic principle of humanity. The ICRC has repeatedly recalled the prohibition on terrorizing the civilian population, both in public statements and in its confidential bilateral dialogue with parties to armed conflict. Madam Chair, the ICRC recognizes the legitimacy for states to take responsive action in conformity with international law to counter terrorism and ensure their security and that of their population. At the same time, we recall that the rules of international humanitarian law, where applicable, are relevant regardless of whether a situation is considered to be related to terrorism. The IHL conditions for determining the existence of an armed conflict are irrespective of any terrorist label placed on a particular act or actor. The existence of an armed conflict must be determined solely on the basis of facts and legal criteria established in IHL And the IHL rules governing the conduct of hostilities must only be applied in armed conflict, not in other situations of violence. Furthermore, we continue to observe instances where counterterrorism measures restrict humanitarian action. A risk exists when humanitarian activity is conducted by impartial humanitarian organizations, such as the ICRC, may be interpreted as a form of support to terrorism. This may result in the criminalization of humanitarian activities which are foreseen, authorized, and protected under IHL. Impartial humanitarian organizations must be able to carry out such activities, which include, for example, the delivery of food assistance to civilians, the delivery of essential services such as water or electricity to the civilian population, providing medical supplies and treatment for the wounded and sick, visiting people deprived of their liberty, reuniting families, and training parties to armed conflict on their obligations under IHL. Criminalization of such activities is also in clear contradiction with states' obligation under IHL to respect and protect humanitarian personnel, as recalled in UN Security Council Resolution 2730. Signatories of the 2024 Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel have committed to implement measures to allow and facilitate humanitarian access, without administrative or criminal burden. The Security Council and the General Assembly have both urged states to ensure that their counterterrorism frameworks do not impede humanitarian and medical activities or engagement with all relevant actors as foreseen by IHL. They have also demanded that states ensure that all measures taken to counterterrorism comply with their obligations under international law, including IHL. In the view of the ICRC, the most effective way to reconcile counterterrorism obligations with IHL and preserve humanitarian activities is to adopt well-framed and standing exemptions, excluding exclusively humanitarian activities undertaken by impartial humanitarian organizations from the scope of CT measures, notably terrorism-related criminal offenses. Some UN Member States have already adopted such measures, and we encourage others to examine their domestic regulations in this light and make the necessary amendments to fully protect impartial humanitarian action. The ICRC stands ready to support States in this regard. Madam Chair, the ICRC looks forward to continued discussions with States and with UN bodies in order to further consider the relationship between counterterrorism measures and international humanitarian law. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the ICRC for his statement. He was the last speaker on this item. It is my understanding, however, that the delegation of India wishes to exercise the right of reply. You have the floor, madam.

Madam Chair, India exercises its right of reply to the statement made by the delegation of Pakistan. The statement we heard from the representative of Pakistan demonstrates precisely why the international community has been struggling to deal with this agenda. Pakistan speaks of combating terrorism while seeking to obscure the very question that this Committee must confront. What happens when terrorists are financed, facilitated, trained, sheltered or supported from the territory of a state? India has been consistent on this question. Terrorism cannot be defeated by declarations. It requires action against its perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors. For years, Pakistan has presented itself as a frontline state in combating terrorism and as a victim. while masking the fact that the Frankensteins the Pakistani state has created and lost control over have moved from wreaking havoc in neighboring countries to doing the same in Pakistan. This was exposed recently by a provincial chief minister of Pakistan, and may I jog the memory of colleagues to an interview in 2018 by her father and former prime minister of Pakistan exposing this dark secret. You cannot run with the hares and hunt with the hounds. Reality never works like that. Madam Chair, Pakistan glosses over its state support for terrorism by announcing enhanced rewards for apprehending UN listed head of Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist and mastermind of several attacks against my country, Masood Azhar. The world is aware of Pakistan's financial support to terrorism as also the FATF plenary meeting coming up soon. Yet, we also remember that just a few months ago, Pakistani representatives used this forum to call the Jaish-e-Mohammed a defunct organization. The world has seen the script play earlier, and we are clear-eyed that this time also it is going to be no different. When the media can reach Masood Azhar and get confirmation from him about the success of Operation Sindoor, surely the Pakistani state knows his whereabouts. When terrorist groups are allowed to operate under state political power, international commitments become meaningless. And when perpetrators are provided safe havens, the victims of terrorism are denied justice. The world has not forgotten 9/11 and where its perpetrators, including Osama bin Laden, were caught. The world has not forgotten 26/11. The world has not forgotten Pahal Gan. This list, unfortunately, is painfully long. and many parents, spouses and children are still denied any closure, as those who took these precious lives roam free and continue to wreak havoc. The victims in Pehalgam were not asked about their political orientation. They were asked about their religion. It is therefore deeply ironic that Pakistan speaks of combating religious hatred while allowing the conditions that enable it to persist and thrive, especially by fomenting cross-border terrorism. Madam Chair, we note the Pakistani representative's desperation to forcefully tout the Pakistani military's narrative on the outcome of Operation Sindoor. Pakistan continues with its narrative building, misinformation, and disinformation. If bombed out airfields and cratered runways look like victory to Pakistan, they are, of course, welcome to enjoy it. Any regime against terrorism to be effective must do two things, assign responsibility and ensure accountability. India will defend its people, and continued terrorism against India will have consequences. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of India for his statement. It is my understanding also that the delegation of Rwanda wishes to exercise the right of reply. I remind the committee that in accordance with paragraphs 9 and 10 of Annex 5 to the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, the number of interventions in the exercise of the right of reply for any delegation at a given meeting is limited to two per item, and the first intervention should be limited to 10 minutes, and the second intervention should be limited to five minutes. In view of the tight schedule of our meetings this year, I encourage delegations exercising a right of reply to please be as brief as possible and to remain well within these time limits. I give the floor to the delegation of Rwanda.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We are in good hands, and again, thank you for your leadership in you we trust. Madam Chair, Rwanda is compelled to exercise the right of reply following the unfounded allegation made by the representative of the DRC. Madam Chair and colleagues, we regret that the DRC has chosen to misuse and abuse this forum, which is intended for serious discussions on the collective fight against terrorism, to advance unfounded allegation against my country, Rwanda. This does little to advance the work of this committee and more importantly, distracts the DRC's own documented support for FDLR, a genocide militia sanctioned by UN Security Council and many other countries. FDLR is a genocide militia which fled Rwanda into DRC As we speak, it is integrated into the RSC's army for the same. Madam Chair and colleagues, this is not Rwanda's allegations. In paragraph 63 of its final report S/2025/446 of 3 July 2025, The UN group of experts states that the DRC continues to support, to integrate, and to rely systematically on the sanctioned FDLR terror group, now residing in DRC. The report further reports that FDLR fights along the front lines with FARDC. FARDC is the army of DRC. The report further indicates that The very armed group terrorizes not only Brandon speaking Congolese, but other Congolese who live in Eastern DRC. The shock in this report was that even though that is happening with well-documented UN reports, it's surprising that DRC still integrates them. They are provided with money, this is according to report, logistical support, and in violation of the sanction regime. These are not incidental contacts. These are deliberate actions that sustain and enable the activities of that terror group, if there are, and its grave atrocities it commits. The same UN report, among so many, documents that citizens of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the L.C. are targeted, terrorized because of how they look, because of the language they speak. This is in the same report. Therefore, colleagues, there is a profound contradiction in speaking against terrorism in this committee while providing money, logistics, military support to such armed terror groups that committed genocide that we all know. Rwanda rejects these allegations made against Rwanda. The DRC should end all support to FDLR genocide militia, fulfill its obligation under Security Council resolutions to neutralize it, as well as under the Washington Accord. and to protect all citizens without discrimination and terror. Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and thank you, colleagues.

I thank the distinguished representative of Rwanda for his statement. The delegation of Pakistan has also expressed the wish to exercise the right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We have once again heard the propaganda made by the Indian delegation in a further statement just now. It is unfortunate that a country that is a serial violator of human rights, that has mainstreamed Islamophobia and extremist ideologies, and that is engineering demographic changes in the unlawfully occupied territories of Jammu and Kashmir, in gross violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions, is making such false accusations and foul remarks. Pakistan is fully aware of the cost of Indian sponsored terrorism on our territory, aiding and abetting terrorist groups such as the Fitna al-Khawarizj TTP and the Fitna al-Hindustan BLA through active support of proxies inside Afghanistan. Their newfound love for the Taliban regime is no accident. Under the garb of humanitarian aid, They have been actively supporting the Taliban regime with material and logistical support for carrying out terrorist attacks against Pakistan. We have been warning the world about Indian attempts to sow discord and create mischief in our region. The capture of serving Indian Naval Commander Kulbhushan Yadav on Pakistani territory and his confession for acts of sabotage, espionage, and multiple terrorist incidents in Pakistan that has resulted in the deaths of scores of innocent civilians, including women and children, is a glaring example of Indian state terrorism. The Indian footprint of extra-territorial assassinations and killings abroad, which have now become a global feature of their illegal actions, include attempts made by Nikhil Gupta, who pleaded guilty for plotting to murder a Sikh leader on US territory, and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, all at the behest of the Indian government are public knowledge and need no elaboration. Let this be known to all. Pakistan will defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, its people, and its security. And Pakistan will do all that is needed towards this end while maintaining its steadfast commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes and compliance with international law and the UN charter. As regards the so-called Operation Sindoor and Pakistan's befitting response in retaliation in May 2025 last year to defend ourselves against this aggression. The entire world bears witness to the ground realities and what we did, the details of which I need not repeat. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. The delegation of Cuba has expressed the wish to exercise the right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Since the delegation of the United States persists in its intention to lie about my country, we are forced to exercise our right of reply. The government of the United States has not been able to provide a single solid argument to in any way justify its actions towards Cuba. It is ignoring the call from the international community, including the dozens of voices in recent days within this organization that have called for the end to the blockade and the energy siege against our population and the unilateral listing of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. The representative of the United States can deny the blockade as many times as he wants, but he cannot hide the effects of it. More than 7,000 containers of food, medicines, inputs, and resources destined for power generation continue to be blocked in various ports in the Caribbean. Only one ship with oil has reached the country in the last nine months, coming from Russia on the basis of humanitarian assistance. There are more than 7,000 patients on the surgery waitlist, including 12,000 children as a result of the energy siege. The blockade exists and it is killing. These are not just numbers, they are children. The United States lies about its exports to Cuba, which are selective and highly regulated, and which depend on licenses or permits from its government in violation of universally agreed trade rules and rules of freedom of navigation. And almost exclusively now, they relate to the private sector, which it also limits in its economic links with US counterparts. And last week, also, that was sanctioned too. If the United States really is interested in the Cuban people, how does its delegation explain its intent at the World Food Programme to block $117 million worth of food assistance to Cuba in July of this year? There is profound inconsistency between the apparent generosity of those who, on the one hand, are subjecting the Cuban people to a prolonged collective punishment, while at the same time subjecting them to economic suffocation, while at the same time they claim to be benefactors, Madam Chair. the delegate of the United States regrets the politicization of this subject. Well, I am wondering, is it not the application of the blockade that is a political decision? Is the application of collective punishment against my people not a political decision? Is the continued attempt at genocide applied against my people not a political decision? And I say this because my government has accepted the impossible to try and make sure that the crime against my people would not be carried out, but the harm is being increased. And lastly, I am wondering whether the blockade and the application of the blockade is not a crime against humanity and a political decision. Madam Chair, when the victors write the history of this, we will know who has emerged righteous. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba for his statement. It is my understanding that the delegation of the State of Palestine wishes to exercise the right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The core principle of genocide denial is that calling a genocide a genocide is somehow, as one delegation put it, inflammatory. They then to explain that calling a genocide a genocide is somehow more violent than committing a genocide. They speak with a conviction never used against those who killed over 21,000 children, an average of a classroom a day for over 1,000 days. Throughout history, genocidal projects aim to target history and memory of victims to prevent an archive and to crush any movement, whether diplomatic or legal, to hold perpetrators accountable. They had hoped that if victims do not say the word genocide, somehow the evidence would evaporate. But Israel's genocide is not archived. It is live. We are three years into a live stream genocide of which everyone is a witness to. Three years of endless stream of information and images of genocide that has poured from Gaza. The issue was never a lack of facts or evidence or testimonies. The issue is the very few who, despite being surrounded by archives, images, and testimonies, still managed to broadcast Israeli propaganda, despite its absurdity and how it can be easily disproven and presented as a judgment. And while they continue to deny that Israel is committing a genocide, Israeli soldiers have gleefully documented their own atrocities. They found themselves demolishing universities, humiliating detainees, and rummaging through the personal belongings of families they have displaced or killed, and then post these videos on their TikTok accounts. Israeli officials, on the other hand, are enunciating their genocidal plans one by one. They are confessing and they are admitting to their crimes. Israeli ministers have said, and I quote, "The government is racing ahead for Gaza to be wiped out. Thank God we are wiping out this evil." Other ministers have said, "We are being blessed with the opportunity, thank God, of seeing an expansion of the borders of the land of Israel on all fronts. We are being blessed with the opportunity to blot out the seed of Amalek, a process which is intensifying. Other genocidal statements, we conquer, we cleanse, and stay. On the way, we annihilate everything that still remains. The IDF leaves nothing standing. We are breaking Gaza apart, leaving it as a pile of rubble, total unprecedented destruction. And just yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister said, They imbibe with their mother's milk this hatred, this insane hatred for Jews and for Israel, in a way to justify the killing of over 21,000 Palestinian children. Yes, Israel is committing a genocide. International law is not a tool of mere convenience to be muted for our friends and trumpeted against our enemies. Israel is not beyond moral reproach and historical accountability. Israel is responsible for its crimes. Israel has obligations under international law that it is violating, and Israel must be held accountable. No amount of genocide denial and deflections will hide the reality that we are all witnessing. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Palestine for her statement. The delegation of Iran wishes to exercise the right of reply. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. It's really a pleasure to come after our distinguished colleague from the delegation of Palestine. Indeed, what's happening in Palestine is a genocide committed by the Israeli regime and supported by its staunch supporter. It's a dark irony that the child-killing Israeli regime, which has bloods of thousands of children in its hand, attempts to undermine this meeting with falsehood and platitude. Israeli regime needs terrorist aggression against my country on June 13, 13 June 2025 and 28 February 2026 onwards, killed children, toddlers. And in Palestine, in Gaza, according to the most recent data, an average of 28 children a day, the size of a classroom, have been killed. In the course of its premeditated, unprovoked aggression against my country, the regime targeted our peaceful nuclear facilities. and these attacks are tantamount to acts of nuclear terrorism. The UN report estimates that only between January and August 2026, more than 1,600 attacks in various forms have been committed by the occupying settlers, killing innocent people and demolishing their property, averaging 6.7 attacks per day. Such instance of terrorism emanates not only from the incitement of hostility, but also from the very institutionalized policy of expanding network of terrorism, all to further the occupation of the Israeli regime. Of course, these are only a fraction of terrorism interwoven into an apartheid genocidal regime. The Israeli regime has confessed time and again that they planned, organized, financed, and armed terrorist groups to conduct terrorist attacks against Iranian people. And on 5th October 2026, the regime confessed once again in this room that they deliberately target civilian objects. And no amount of falsehood or platitude could whitewash these horrendous crimes. And in response to the delegation of the United States, I have to mention that before lecturing this room by the United States regarding protection of civilians, the delegation of U.S. should bear in mind what happened in Minab, whereby on 28 February, the United States targeted an elementary school named Shajarat Ayeb in southern of Iran, city of Minab, killed 168 children and teachers. And these children were about 7 to 12 years old. They were learning, playing, and just waiting to return to their families. And this was not a battlefield, this was an elementary school. They were not combatants, they were just children. And no amount of terminology that the U.S. delegation could use could alter this fact. The fact that a missile from U.S. comes and bombs a school full of children does not make it less horrific. And we believe in the need to end impunity in accordance with international law. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Iran for his statement. The delegation of the Democratic Republic of Congo wishes to exercise the right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you for giving me the floor, Madam Chair. And by way of right of reply, We would quite simply like to refute the allegations and also the temerous words used by the Rwandan delegation in order simply to make sure that this august assembly is not deviated from the reality on the ground. The Democratic Republic of the Congo does not recruit, enroll, or finance terrorist groups. Rather, it exercises the legitimate right to defend its territory, its population, and its sovereignty in accordance with international law. It also works to preserve the Congolese state's permanent sovereignty over its natural resources and minerals, the illicit trade and exploitation of which in the east of the country is a major concern for the DRC. The reference to Rwanda comes in the context of the support which it has been criticized for providing to the M23 movement, and links that have been established in several United Nations reports by its experts between the Republic of Rwanda and the activities of this group. Illicit networks for the exploitation of natural resources and for the financing of these armed groups as well. It is therefore not a question of presenting the DRC as a financer of these illicit activities. Rather, it is the victim of the pillaging and looting carried out by Rwanda to finance terrorist groups. And the proof is that the Security Council resolution 2773 of 2025 clearly establishes their responsibility and calls upon it to cease any support for terrorist groups and to liberate Congolese territory, which just for the pillaging of natural resources, it has been harassing for 30 years. It has turned into a major intermediary for the financing of terrorist groups through its presence, which can no longer be justified today, namely the FDLR. The FDLR are not Congolese, they are Rwandan. And if the FDLR is accused of treason against their homeland, it is up to Rwandans among themselves to engage in dialogue and to have an internal discussion and to resolve their problem on Rwandan soil and not to come and settle Rwandan problems on Congolese soil. That is an aberration. particularly that one of the troop contributing countries is setting a such a poor example and should stop contributing in fact because on the one hand it supports peace but on the other it creates trouble on the ground So, in that case, Rwanda should not even take the floor in that case. All it should do is repent. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the DRC for his statement. I have a request from the delegation of Bahrain wishing to exercise the right of reply. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, to respond to the statement of the representative of Iran, they condemned Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026, which was co-sponsored by 136 member states. It condemned the blatant Iranian attacks on the region, including my country, the Kingdom of Bahrain. The resolution called for their immediate halt, stressing that they are a violation of international law and a dangerous threat to international peace and security. And I quote the resolution, paragraph five, calls upon the Islamic State of Iran to immediately and unconditionally stop any provocation or threat of neighboring states, including the use of proxies. I would also like to note that the Human Rights Council Resolution L.38 of 25 March 2026 condemned the Iranian attacks. and I quote, paragraph seven, calls upon the Islamic Republic of Iran to fully comply with Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026 and to meet its obligations in line with the international law, including the international human rights law, and the international humanitarian law, and to immediately and unconditionally stop all threats, attacks, and provocations that are unjustified against the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, including the use of proxies. And it calls for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. I stress, there can be no way here to turn the tables. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain for her statement. It is my understanding that the delegation of India wishes to exercise a second right of reply. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. We heard the representative of Pakistan just now. Surely, Pakistan believes in the circular economy of words and narratives. If this much effort had actually been made in countering terrorism rather than narrative building, misinformation, and disinformation, the world would have been a better place. But nothing more can be expected from a Form 47 government. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. The delegation of Rwanda has also requested to exercise the second right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and I can assure you this is going to be the last one. Madam Chair, as my colleague from the DRC mentioned, indeed, if there are Rwandans living in the DRC, What business are they doing in the DLC? We have been requesting DLC for so many years through the Security Council to bring these people who committed genocide in Rwanda to account. Send them to Rwanda. We would really, really very much appreciate that. On the question of M23, they are Congolese. That is a business of DLC. We don't have to spend much time on that. My colleagues, I'm going to give you a few facts, and you can treat them the way you want. On 10 and 11 February 2026, according to information verified, DRC helicopters and metal trucks transported 13 tons of ammunitions to FDLR. That is 10th and 11th of February 2026. On 8 March 2026, verified information, FALDESE, which is the army of DRC, helicopter airlifted 12 tons of ammunition and food rations to FDLR and its sprinter groups. On March 31, information available and verified by the facilitators. Five of the said helicopter delivered the weapon, 693 rifles, six tons of ammunition, and cash incentives destined for FDLR. The pattern continued in April, June, and July. And recently, August the 15th, 2026, information verified. FDC operating alongside FDLR. That is just two months ago. Now, I think what is important is not only these incidents, is that these incidents are happening within the period in which DRC was given a window to neutralize them. So colleagues, I just wanted to share that information. And Madam Chair, I assure you I will not take the floor again. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Rwanda. I have a request for the second right of reply from the delegation of Pakistan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to exercise my second right of reply to respond to the comments made by the Indian delegation. Unfortunately, India seems obsessed with the internal affairs of Pakistan. Instead of criticizing and resorting to insults, India should spend its energy on putting its house in order. The ruling RSS-BJP dispensation in India has institutionalized Hindutva ideology in state policy and practice, and unleashed a reign of terror to persecute minorities. Muslims are being demonized, Christians targeted, Dalits dehumanized, and Sikhs disenfranchised. We have not forgotten the mass massacre of Muslims in Gujarat and Delhi under the direct watch of Indian state authorities and patronage of its extremist leadership that has called for the genocide of Muslims. Islamophobic rhetoric by politicians and discriminatory citizenship laws are part of the Hindutva project. India should also do some introspection and reflect upon its government's illegal and unilateral measures that were taken on 5th August 2019 and the unlawful action to revoke the special status of the internationally recognized and disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which is in clear breach of international law and several UN Security Council resolutions, which provide that the final disposition of the state of Jammu and Kashmir will be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the UN. Their aim is to change the distinct Kashmiri identity through brutal tactics and alter the demographic composition of the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir with the aim of turning Kashmiris into a minority in their own homeland that can materially affect the plebiscite arrangements to be held under the UN auspices in line with international law. The international community must reject such secular colonialism policies that have no place in the 21st century. We do not need any lectures from our colleagues from India. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. It is my understanding that the delegation of the DRC wishes to exercise a second right of reply. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you for giving me the floor, Madam Chair. For as long as Rwanda continues to provide lies in this Chamber, the Democratic Republic of the Congo feels duty-bound to restore the truth. And it's all very well that, and therefore it's a, Time for us to say our last word, because everything that the Rwandan delegate has just cited is nothing other than defensive measures taken by a sovereign state which has seen a large part of its territory illegally occupied by Rwanda, pillaging natural resources to finance terrorist groups. killing, murdering, killing, ******. And this would be the same for any responsible state. So Rwanda cannot use that as a basis to list, to create a list, but The things that it lists are mainly the actions taken by a state to defend itself. We insist, and we will stick up for what we have just said, we insist that it is not for us to resolve problems between Rwanda and the FDLR. The FDLR are Rwandans. Let them resolve their differences on their own territory. That is the very least they could do. It shows that there is no democracy in their country. That's why they want to resolve their problems on foreign territory. It's unacceptable. It is unacceptable for them to resolve their problems on our territory. May they do so internally. up to now there is no report that has established that the DRC is on Rwandan territory. So what is Rwanda doing on DRC territory for more than 30 years? Killing people. And the reports state this. Unfortunately, they just do so through Machiavellian interests. We believe that this chamber can bear witness for to this request that the DRC is making once again to withdraw and to uh back down before it becomes before it's too late because the rest of the world is bearing witness to these unacceptable acts and this can't carry on this cannot carry on the DRC will not allow that to happen. So we ask them for the last time, we ask for the last time for Rwanda to go home and leave the DRC alone to resolve its own problems. If there are no natural resources in Rwanda that are capable of justifying the steps that they take today, that's not the DRC's problem. They may as well raise their problems before God, God who created the earth and heaven, so leave the resources for us and our population. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the DRC for his statement. Distinguished delegates, we have concluded. We are not quite at the end yet. It is my understanding that the delegation of Iran wishes to exercise a second right of reply. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm sorry, but I am obliged to take the floor and respond to the baseless statement of the delegation of Bahrain. We wish to underline that our defensive measures was quite in line with the international law, including an exercise of our inherent right to self-defense. And there is a fundamental point here that could not be obscured by political rhetoric. A state cannot invoke sovereignty while placing its territory at the disposal of aggressors to conduct acts of aggression against my country. And I have to also make it clear, as we have said many times, our defensive actions were never directed against the people or sovereignty of Bahrain. It was in response to the aggression conducted from military bases of the aggressors in that country. And our position regarding Resolution 2817 has been reflected in document S/226/389. We don't have to repeat that. Of course, right now we are at a very unfortunate situation in the United Nations where, for example, a genocide happening in Palestine is not being condemned in the UN Security Council, but a country who has exercised its right to self-defense, Iran, is actually being accused of otherwise. So that's not acceptable. And we see no purpose in allowing an endless exchange of repetitive and baseless claims of that delegation to consume the valuable time of this committee. But we have placed our position clearly on the record in the Sixth Committee and other frameworks with regard to all the baseless statements that any delegation might level against us. And should any representative choose to take the floor again, our response should be considered already on the record. And I have to mention that the true name and designation for the body of water between Iran and Arabian Peninsula is Persian Gulf, and it has been used since the dawn of history, and it should be respected by all. Thank you.

Thank the distinguished representative of Iran for his statement. And we have a request by the delegation of Bahrain for to exercise a second right of reply. You have the floor, madam.

My apologies for taking the floor once again, madam Chair, to respond to the representative of Iran. We wish to remind him of the condemnation of the international community set out in resolution, Security Council resolution 2701, and we ask them to cease their illegal actions immediately.

I thank the distinguished representative of Bahrain for her statement. Distinguished delegates, we have thus concluded our debate on agenda item 112, measures to eliminate international terrorism. I recall that the working group established under the present agenda item will meet on 16 October and 5 November 2025. I wish to inform you that this year Mr. David Izquierdo of Spain will coordinate the draft resolution on agenda item 112, and we will have the opportunity to hear from Mr. Izquierdo this afternoon session. The meeting is adjourned. Thank you.