In a recent meeting held at the UN General Assembly, the foreign ministers of India, Brazil, and South Africa discussed the need for unified action against globally recognized terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS. They called for reforms in UN sanctions procedures, reiterated the condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, and emphasized the necessity for international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
During recent discussions held on September 27, 2023, at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India, along with Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, emphasized the urgency for collective action against various terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The meeting, part of the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Dialogue Forum, resulted in a joint statement advocating for a unified approach targeting all individuals and entities designated as terrorists by the United Nations. This resolution includes a call for the prompt adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UNGA framework. The ministers expressed a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, underscoring the United Nations Security Council’s authority in imposing sanctions while also calling for urgent reforms to improve the effectiveness and transparency of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committees. They stated that these reforms should avoid politicization and uphold objective, evidence-based criteria for terrorist listings. The joint statement reiterated condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and stressed the necessity of combating terrorist safe havens worldwide. Additionally, the ministers highlighted the imperative of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Charter and international human rights law throughout the counter-terrorism fight. The three nations collectively recognized their role in fostering a comprehensive international counter-terrorism framework, urging all states to undertake responsibilities to prevent and combat terrorism, particularly the cross-border movement and financing of terror-related activities. The IBSA grouping, established in 2003, consists of three diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-linguistic developing nations that aim to collaboratively shape global discourse on crucial topics, including development, poverty eradication, and reforming the UN system, particularly the Security Council. Minister Jaishankar later shared insights on social media regarding the efficacy of their meeting, stating the importance of engaging as the global discourse surrounding these pressing issues intensifies.
The IBSA Dialogue Forum comprises India, Brazil, and South Africa, which brings together three developing nations characterized by their rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Established in 2003, this forum aims to foster collaboration and dialogue on pivotal global issues, particularly those affecting the Global South. In recent years, the threat of terrorism, particularly from organizations like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, has necessitated a more unified and coordinated international response. This meeting underscores a collective recognition among these nations that terrorism poses a threat that cannot be tackled in isolation and requires a concerted global effort that respects international law.
The meeting of the foreign ministers of India, Brazil, and South Africa marks a significant step towards collective international action against terrorism. By advocating for a unified response based on mutual respect for international law and the urgent need for reform within the UN Security Council, these nations have underscored their commitment to combating global terrorism. Their cooperation lies at the heart of future strategies to counteract extremism on a global scale, thereby ensuring safer and more stable international communities.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
