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Sixth Committee (Legal) — 75th session

Measures to eliminate international terrorism (Agenda item 114)

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Documentation

Additional documents from previous sessions:

Summary of work

Background (source: )

The item entitled “Measures to prevent international terrorism which endangers or takes innocent human lives or jeopardizes fundamental freedoms, and study of the underlying causes of those forms of terrorism and acts of violence which lie in misery, frustration, grievance and despair and which cause some people to sacrifice human lives, including their own, in an attempt to effect radical changes” was included in the agenda of the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly further to an initiative of the Secretary-General (, and ). At that session, the Assembly decided to establish the Ad Hoc Committee on International Terrorism, consisting of 35 members (resolution ).

The Assembly had the item on its agenda at its thirty-first session and biennially from its thirty-second to forty-eighth sessions, and has had the item on its agenda annually since then, changing its title to “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” at its forty-sixth session (resolutions , , , , , , (International Convention against the Taking of Hostages), , , , , , , (Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism), , (Declaration to Supplement the 1994 Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism), (International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings), , , (International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism), , , , , , , (International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism), , , , , , , , , , , , , , and and decision 48/411).

At its fiftieth session, the Assembly requested the Secretary-General to submit an annual report on the implementation of paragraph 10 of the Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism (resolution ).

At its fifty-first session, the Assembly established an Ad Hoc Committee to elaborate an international convention for the suppression of terrorist bombings and, subsequently, an international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism, to supplement related existing international instruments, and thereafter to address means of further developing a comprehensive legal framework of conventions dealing with international terrorism (resolution ).

At its fifty-fourth session, the Assembly decided that the Ad Hoc Committee should also address the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations to formulate a joint organized response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations (resolution ).

At its seventy-fourth session, the Assembly allocated the item to the Sixth Committee, where statements in the debate were made by 91 delegations (see –). The Assembly decided to recommend that the Sixth Committee, at the seventy-fifth session of the Assembly, establish a working group with a view to finalizing the process on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by resolution concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations, recognized the valuable dialogue and efforts of Member States towards resolving any outstanding issues and encouraged all Member States to redouble their efforts during the intersessional period (resolution ).

Consideration at the seventy-fifth session

The Sixth Committee considered the item at its 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 17th and 19th meetings, on 6, 7, 8 and 12 October and on 11 and 19 November 2020 (, , , , and ).

For its consideration of the item, the Committee had before it the report of the Secretary-General ().

Pursuant to General Assembly resolution  of 18 December 2019, at its 1st meeting, on 6 October, the Committee established a working group with a view to finalizing the process on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism, as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by General Assembly resolution concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. The Working Group was open to all States Members of the United Nations or members of the specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Working Group held two virtual meetings on 16 October and on 6 November 2020. At its 17th meeting, on 11 November, the Committee heard and took note of the oral report by the Chair of the Working Group on the work of the Working Group and on the results of the informal consultations held during the current session. 

Statements were made by the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)), Saudi Arabia (on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)), Cambodia (on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)), the European Union (also on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries Turkey, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, aligned themselves with the statement)), Norway (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden (Nordic Countries)), India,  Singapore, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Argentina, Colombia,  Honduras, Philippines, Maldives, Nepal, Cameroon (on behalf of the African Group), Australia (also on behalf of Canada and New Zealand (CANZ)), Qatar, Ethiopia, Yemen, Mongolia, Bangladesh, United States of America, Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, Switzerland, Brazil, Sierra Leone, Oman, Malaysia, Sudan, Ecuador, South Africa, Morocco, China, Israel, Egypt, Djibouti, Turkey, Japan, Cuba, Georgia, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Republic of Korea, Bahrain, Viet Nam, Lebanon, Paraguay, Ukraine, Indonesia, Algeria, Panama, Armenia, Afghanistan, the Russian Federation, Myanmar, Mexico, Nigeria, Ghana, Costa Rica, Azerbaijan, Syrian Arab Republic, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, Kuwait, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Senegal, Niger, Libya, Namibia, Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates, Burkina Faso, Uruguay and Malawi. The Permanent Observers of the  Holy See, the  State of Palestine and for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also made statements. The representatives of India, Pakistan, Turkey, Armenia, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan and Myanmar also spoke in the exercise of the right of reply.

Delegations reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, underlining that terrorism constituted a serious breach of international law, including of international humanitarian law and human rights law, and a threat to international peace and security. It was also noted that terrorism had adverse consequences on economic and social development and sustainable development under the 2030 Agenda. Several delegations also emphasized that terrorism should not be associated with any specific religion, culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or civilization, and that it should it be distinguished from the legitimate self-determination and national liberation struggle of peoples under colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation, recalling in that respect General Assembly resolution 46/51.

Delegations generally underlined the importance, while countering terrorism, of a strict observance of the Charter of the United Nations as well of as other rules of international law, including human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, and respect for the rule of law. Several delegations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen international and regional cooperation as well as partnerships with and within the United Nations, including towards an “All-of-UN” approach. The importance of sharing of information and best practices was also mentioned. Several delegations also stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, exclusion, lack of access to resources and social marginalization. Some delegations emphasized the role of inclusiveness, poverty eradication, respect for diversity, education and social justice in combating terrorism and preventing violent extremism. The importance of ratification of and accession to instruments relating to counter-terrorism was emphasized.

Several delegations highlighted work against all forms of violent extremism, some mentioning also the Group of Friends of Preventing Violent Extremism. Some delegations expressed concern regarding xenophobic, extremist, and racial supremacist ideologies in relation to terrorism, while others sought to address the increase in home-grown radicalization. The importance of the implementation of the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism was also underscored.

States were urged to refrain from instigating or assisting terrorist acts or from providing safe havens in that connection. Several delegations expressed concern regarding the financing of terrorism and made note of efforts taken to combat terrorist financing and money laundering, while the work of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to root out illegal financing of terrorist acts was also highlighted.

The need to take a whole-of-society approach when countering terrorism was underlined by several delegations. In this regard, the importance of engaging women and children as well as taking into account their specific needs was emphasized, while empowering and providing opportunities for youth was likewise viewed as crucial. The fundamental role of a culture of peace was highlighted. A number of delegations advocated for a gender responsive approach to preventing violent extremism and countering terrorism, recalling also the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. A number of delegations also pointed out the need to promote credible alternative narratives of hope and solidarity to counter terrorist ideologies. Stressing the importance of upholding uniform standards in counterterrorism, some delegations rejected what were regarded as measures implemented under a pretext of combating terrorism in the pursuance of political aims.

Several delegations described challenges raised by the internet and new technologies in terms of the prevention of cyberterrorism, online radicalization and the dissemination of terrorist content online. Several delegations supported coordinated action on accountability and the prosecution and, where appropriate, extradition of perpetrators of terrorist acts. Concern over the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, including their return, rehabilitation and prosecution, was stressed by several delegations. Some delegations also expressed support for the Global Coalition against Daesh.

Several delegations highlighted the need for coordinated action and capacity-building, including regarding technology transfer, to support vulnerable States on measures to eliminate terrorism, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of delegations also confirmed their commitment to preserving and protecting the humanitarian space in the context of counterterrorism.

A number of delegations expressed solidarity with victims of international terrorism and their families. Condemnations were voiced regarding recent terrorist attacks around the world. Delegations also expressed their commitment to the first Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism planned to be held in 2021 and urged consideration of the needs and rights of victims and their families when developing counterterrorism measures as well as also expressing support for the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism. 

Delegations commended the work of the United Nations counter-terrorism entities, specifically the Office of Counter-Terrorism, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Counter-Terrorism Centre. Several delegations underlined the importance of implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Several delegations also welcomed the organizing of the Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week in July 2020. Generally, delegations expressed concern about effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to terrorism and violent extremism and stressed need to strengthen international cooperation and assistance in that regard.

Support was also expressed for the continuing and strengthened implementation of due process and fair and clear procedures by the sanctions committees and for the role of the Ombudsperson. A number of delegations also commended the work of the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

Several delegations reaffirmed their support for the negotiation and successful conclusion of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and the necessity to find consensus thereupon. In this regard, some delegations mentioned the importance of negotiating an internationally agreed definition of terrorism. Several delegations reaffirmed their support for the proposal to convene a High-level Conference under the auspices of the United Nations to contribute to finalizing the outstanding issues with respect to the draft comprehensive convention.

Archived videos and summaries of plenary meetings

1st meeting (6 October 2020, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary

2nd meeting (7 October 2020, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) | Summary

3rd meeting (8 October 2020, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) | Summary

4th meeting (12 October 2020, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) | Summary

17th meeting (11 November 2020, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary

19th meeting (19 November 2020, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) | Summary

Action taken by the Sixth Committee

At the 19th meeting, on 19 November, the representative of Canada, on behalf of the Bureau, introduced a draft resolution entitled “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” (). At the same meeting, the Committee adopted draft resolution A/C.6/75/L.14 without a vote.

Under the terms of the draft resolution, the General Assembly would, inter alia, recall the organization by the Office of Counter-Terrorism of regional high-level conferences in the follow-up to the High-level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States as well as the United Nations Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week that took place from 6 to 10 July 2020. It would recall also the decision of the General Assembly to postpone to its seventy-fifth session the seventh biennial review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, having taken into account the unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. It would note also the intention of the Secretary-General to organize regional high level conferences and convene in 2021 a second United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week in New York, including a second High-level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States. In addition, it would recommend that the Sixth Committee, at the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly, establish a working group with a view to finalizing the process on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by Assembly resolution concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. The General Assembly would also recognize the valuable dialogue and efforts of Member States towards resolving any outstanding issues, and it would encourage all Member States to redouble their efforts during the intersessional period. 

Subsequent action taken by the General Assembly

This agenda item will be considered at the seventy-sixth session (2021).

Full texts of submissions

State Original submission Translation
Algeria French  
Bahrain Arabic English
Belgium English  
Bosnia and Herzegovina English  
English  
Cambodia English  
Chad French English
Colombia Spanish  
Cuba Spanish English
Czech Republic English  
Egypt Arabic English
El Salvador Spanish English
Greece English  
Iran (Islamic Republic of) English  
Latvia English  
Madagascar French English
French English
Mexico Spanish English
Myanmar English  
Paraguay Spanish English
Peru Spanish English
Philippines English  
English  
Portugal English  
Russian Federation  Russian English
San Marino English  
Serbia English  
Singapore English  
Sri Lanka English  
Switzerland French English
Thailand English  
Turkey English  
Ukraine English  

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