Members of the U.N. General Assembly called for stronger international cooperation to fight terrorism during the fourth review of the U.N. Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June 2014.
“Terrorism will not be defeated by military force, law enforcement measures and intelligence operations alone,” said Egyptian representative Mootaz Ahmadein Khalil, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. He expressed the organization’s commitment to implementing the strategy.
Recent terrorist attacks in Iraq, Pakistan and Nigeria prompted officials to promote implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted by consensus in 2006. The plan calls for measures to address conditions that allow terrorism to spread and to prevent and counter terrorism. It also promotes programs that examine national capacity to prevent and fight terrorism. Most importantly, the strategy urges a respect for human rights and the rule of law in the fight against terrorism.
Turkish representative Erdogan Iscan said the recent horrific attacks by Daesh have security implications far beyond Iraq’s borders. Among the violence in Iraq in June 2014, Turkish nationals were taken hostage by the terrorists. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of people were displaced from their homes, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
Kyrgyz Republic representative Talaibek Kydyrov said the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy offers a good foundation but that recent terror attacks are a reminder that there is much to be done. For instance, the Kyrgyz Republic is working to stem corruption, strengthen law enforcement, create new jobs and improve the economy and education. Still, Kydyrov added, with limited resources, only so much can be done, underscoring the need for capacity-building measures and international cooperation to achieve success.
Pakistani representative Masood Khan said his country is committed to intensified international cooperation regarding security, police and finances. Economic and social development must be promoted as additional methods to stop terrorism from spreading, Khan said. He added that theories that support violent extremism must be countered, and education and the media can help “banish the darkness” in which terrorism flourishes.