8 October 2008
Statement by Senator Kerry O’Brien, Parliamentary Adviser to the Australian delegation to the United Nations Sixth Committee Measures to Address International Terrorism
(As delivered)
Mr Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of Canada and New Zealand, as well as Australia.
All over the globe, terrorism remains a grave threat. In its wake, individuals and communities are left devastated – no region of the world is spared. We offer our condolences to the victims of these attacks and their families.
And we, CANZ, reiterate our commitment to do all that we can to address this serious global challenge, which can never be justified by any cause or grievance. There remains no room for complacency in the global fight against terrorism. Greater cooperation at the regional and international levels will strengthen our collective hand against this challenge.
Mr Chairman,
The global community has at its disposal universal legal tools to build cooperation in the counter-terrorism field. CANZ values all counter-terrorism conventions and protocols of universal application, and urges States to become parties to and implement these conventions.
CANZ also welcomes the important work of a range of institutions to make the aims of these legal instruments a reality on the ground. For example, CANZ strongly supports the work of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate to build counter-terrorism capacity by engaging donors and matching their capabilities with the needs and priorities of recipient countries. CANZ appreciates the work of the UN Office of Drugs and Crime and other international donors to promote the ratification and implementation of the international counter-terrorism legal framework in South-East Asia and the Pacific. This work complements work our countries undertake in the region. CANZ also welcomes initiatives by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force to ensure the UN’s counter-terrorism efforts are coordinated and coherent.
Mr Chairman,
CANZ firmly believes that it is here, in the UN – the pre-eminent forum for multilateral action – that we must focus our collective efforts. Uniting behind the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is, as the Secretary-General said recently, “not a choice” but a “fundamental duty”.
Closing the remaining gaps in the counter-terrorism legal framework is also vital. The conclusion of a comprehensive convention on international terrorism would demonstrate, unambiguously, a global political commitment to criminalise all terrorist acts and to cooperate to prosecute those responsible for such atrocities. The Convention’s adoption would allow us to tackle the diverse threats and methods of terrorism we continue to face, building upon the existing sectoral Conventions. We welcome the efforts of many delegations, both in this Sixth Committee and in the Ad Hoc Committee, to bridge the gap between views, with the aim of finalising an effective instrument.
Mr Chairman,
While we have seen some success in the disrupting of terrorist capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, the threat of attacks persists and demonstrates the need for vigilance. This real threat also reminds us of the urgent need for strong regional counter-terrorism cooperation.
And we are working in concert to address the global reach of terrorist activity. Since 2003, Australia has allocated over $450 million to fight the terrorist threat in South-East Asia. A particular success has been the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation, a joint venture between Indonesia and Australia, which since its establishment in 2004 has become the pre-eminent centre for counter-terrorism law enforcement cooperation and capacity building in the South-East Asia region. Since its establishment in 2005, Canada’s Counter Terrorism Capacity Building Program has provided nearly $50 million for training and technical assistance to help mitigate the impact of terrorism worldwide. Working in close partnership with OAS CICTE and UNODC, Canada has focused the bulk of its programming priorities in the Americas and Caribbean basin. New Zealand’s counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance is primarily directed to the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Bilateral and regional initiatives are funded through the Pacific Security Fund and the Asia Security Fund, both of which have been increased by nearly 50% this year.
CANZ recognises that it is not enough to suppress terrorist acts – preventing the financing of terrorism must also be a focus of global action. As active members of the Financial Action Task Force and its regional-style bodies, including the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, CANZ encourages the strengthening of legislative, regulatory and other measures to prevent and combat terrorist financing. CANZ also pursues an ambitious counter-terrorism and human security agenda through the APEC Counter-Terrorism Task Force, which focuses on the economic aspects of terrorism.
In addition to measures designed to combat the financing of terrorism, it is crucial that we engage closely with communities in the fight against terrorism, and that we ensure citizens are included in the development of national security measures. Ensuring a safe and secure world is the responsibility of all people, not just governments and law enforcement agencies
Recognising that the threat of international terrorism requires a comprehensive, multi-layered and long-term response, it is important to pursue initiatives aimed at addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. We support the aims of initiatives, such as the Alliance of Civilizations and interfaith dialogues, to improve understanding and cooperative relations among nations and peoples across cultures and religions.
Mr Chairman,
Strengthening, implementing and enforcing globally-recognised counter-terrorism norms, consistent with international law, are daunting tasks. But it is by consensus and resolute action that we increase the prospect of success. CANZ stands ready to assist.
Thank you.