Open briefing of the Counter-Terrorism Committee

“The work of CTED with the Member States of South and South-East Asia pursuant to Security Council resolution 2395 (2017)”

Monday, 14 February 2022, 10.00 a.m.-1.00 p.m.

United Nations Headquarters, New York, Economic and Social Council Chamber

Closing remarks of Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti,

Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations,

Chair, Counter-Terrorism Committee

Excellencies, distinguished participants,

I wish to thank you all for participating in today’s open briefing, as well as for your invaluable contributions to our discussions.

I also wish to reiterate my thanks to the representatives of the States of South and South-East Asia and other participating Member States, as well as to those of UNOCT, UNODC and INTERPOL.

I am aware of the considerable difficulties posed by the time differences between New York and your respective capitals and other locations, and I thank you for all for your invaluable support.

I am glad to note the commitments of Member States from these two sub-regions, who took significant steps to counter terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism effectively by implementing the counterterrorism resolutions of the Security Council. Some of the best practices shared today clearly need emulation by others.

It also remains clear that the Governments of the two subregions should continue to take an all-of-society approach in addressing that challenge and also seek ways to further strengthen their exchange of experiences, including to effectively counter violent extremism conducive to terrorism.

Today we heard several member states expressing serious concerns over continuous evolution of the terrorist threat to the countries of two subregions, including in the consequences of recent developments in Afghanistan as well as of the rapid evolution in information and other emerging technologies.

Another challenge has been the prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration into society of terrorist prisoners, returning foreign terrorist fighters and their family members from the ISIL conflict zones.

I would like to reassure you that the Committee and CTED remain determined to engage with all relevant stakeholders to assist the States of South and South-East Asia in their efforts to address these threats, in accordance with the relevant Council resolutions and incompliance with human rights and the rule of law.

The Committee and CTED will continue to assess progress achieved and remaining gaps in implementing the relevant Security Council resolutions and international standards; facilitate technical assistance delivery in accordance with the Committee’s visit recommendations and the requests of Member States; and identify emerging issues and trends in both regions.

Excellencies, distinguished participants,

I wish to reaffirm the vital importance of continued constructive dialogue between the Committee and all key stakeholders, including not only the Member States of the two subregions, but also, inter alia, other Member States, relevant United Nations entities, international and regional organizations, and broad range of civil society organizations.

Before I close, I would like to re-iterate the need for ‘zero tolerance’ to terrorism in its all forms and manifestations. There cannot be any exception or justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivation, and wherever, whenever and by whomever it is committed. As UNSC resolution 1566 (2004) mentions, "terrorism, under no circumstances is justifiable by considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnical, religious or other similar nature”.

I wish to thank CTED for organizing today’s open briefing and look forward to our continued constructive dialogue and partnership.

Thank you.

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