Statement by H.E. Frances Lisson, Ambassador and Chargé d’affaires of Australia to the United Nations to the United Nations Security Council on Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts
19 March 2008
(As delivered)
Mr President,
Australia is a strong supporter of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate. The CTC and CTED are central to the international community's response to the threat of international terrorism and are a key component of the UN architecture constructed to help Member States deal with that challenge. We thank the Executive Director of CTED, Mr Smith, for his informative briefing this morning and for his efforts to date in reviewing the Directorate’s organisation and methods of work.
The revised organisational plan for CTED, that was endorsed by the CTC last month, will serve to strengthen CTED, improve its operations and place it at the centre of the UN’s counter-terrorism effort. Australia welcomes the CTC’s recognition of the need for CTED to participate actively in the work of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force that has been established to assist Member States in their implementation of the Global Strategy. The unanimous adoption by the General Assembly of the Global Strategy is an important achievement for the international community. The challenge now lies in translating the Strategy’s commitments into concrete action to prevent, prosecute and punish terrorist acts, wherever they may occur. Through engagement with the Task Force, CTED should play a constructive role in coordinating the counter-terrorism activities of various UN agencies. Australia looks forward to working with a more effective, dynamic and responsive CTED.
Australia strongly welcomes CTED’s focus on improving Member States’ capacity to implement all UN counter-terrorism resolutions. Counter-terrorism legislation serves no purpose without the capacity to put it into practice. Australia’s counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance in our own region focuses on providing practical assistance to achieve counter-terrorism successes on the ground. CTED’s commitment to pursuing practical measures aimed at increasing the capabilities of Member States in the fight against terrorism is highly welcome.
In this context, Australia welcomes CTED’s renewed focus on engaging with donors active in the counter-terrorism field and matching donor capabilities with recipient’s needs. Constructive relations with donor and recipient countries, and a practical focus on capabilities and needs, are critical to the success of the CTC's and CTED’s work.
Mr President,
The nature of the terrorist threat varies from state to state and region to region, as do State counter-terrorism capabilities and needs. Regional and sub-regional bodies have an important role to play in providing the UN counter-terrorism actors, including the CTC and CTED, with a better understanding of the local conditions and challenges. Australia supports CTED in its efforts to work to strengthen its relations with regional and sub-regional organisations, as recognised in its revised organisational plan.
Australia also welcomes CTED’s focus on the human rights aspects of counter-terrorism. We cannot effectively counter the threat of terrorism by using the same methods as terrorists. Counter-terrorism measures must respect human rights and the rule of law, and strike the right balance between the protection of the public from the terrorist threat and protection of civil liberties. CTED has a vital role to play in advising the CTC and Member States on ways to counter terrorism consistent with their obligations under international law, in particular, international human rights law, refugee law and humanitarian law.
Mr President,
Australia remains ready to work with the CTC and CTED to further its objectives and improve its engagement with the UN membership. Australia is confident that with its revised organisational plan in place, CTED will be in a position to contribute fully and centrally to global efforts to combat terrorism.