Statement by the Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations, Ambassador Martin Garcia Moritán
 

Thank you very much, Mr. President

First, I would like to thank the Chinese presidency for the invitation to participate in this open debate on an issue of such importance to the international community, and also to thank the Secretary General for his presentation at the beginning of this debate.

Mr. President
Argentina condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and considers that terrorist acts not only constitute a threat to international peace and security, but also a threat to human dignity, to peaceful and civilized coexistence, to stability and consolidation of democracy as well as the economic and social development of nations. Terrorist acts are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

Terrorism must be fought under the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, which demands organic and permanent cooperation, with legal legitimacy and in conformity with international law, international refugee law, international humanitarian law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

We are convinced that the response to terrorist acts cannot and should be one-dimensional, but must be based on a comprehensive approach, as reflected in the Global Strategy of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism. National, regional and international efforts in this area must be built upon the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Strategy.

Mr. President
We must recognize that the reasons for the appearance of this type of extreme violence are due, in many cases, among other factors, to root causes linked to racial, religious, cultural and economic reasons, the violation of human rights, civil and political rights, inequality, corruption, poverty and poor governance.
We must therefore deepen prevention activities. In this sense, the crucial importance of education in combating discrimination, xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance cannot be overemphasized, as well as its role in promoting a culture of tolerance, dialogue and diversity. In this context, too, the role of the media is essential.

That is why Argentina supports the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism of the Secretary-General, in the light of its preventive nature, which seeks to provide a comprehensive framework in the fight against violent extremism conducive to terrorism, within the full respect international law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law.

Mr. President
Argentina agrees on the severity of the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters for international peace and security and reiterates the need for States to comply with their obligations under resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2170 (2014) and 2178/2014, among others, the Security Council.

Indeed, the severity and complexity of the current threat, which includes an unprecedented flow of foreign terrorist fighters, and facilitation networks that fuel many conflicts in various parts of the world, undoubtedly increases the risk of terrorist attacks.

The problem of the emergence and participation of Combatants Foreign Terrorist is also based on underlying issues, including social exclusion, discrimination, religious, ideological and ethnic intolerance, among other factors. Hence, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive, multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach, based on international, which requires commitment and interdependence between security agencies and organizations dealing with development, social policies and public education.

For our region, although far from the conflict zone, the threat of Foreign Terrorist Fighters is still a concern that requires preventive actions. In this sense the issue is being followed by the Specialized Forum of Terrorism of Mercosur and Associated States, in which Argentina stresses the importance of strengthening cooperation with countries in the region through cooperation and effective control of borders.

It is essential to redouble efforts to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism, for which it is necessary to follow financial trails, coordinated police, investigators and prosecutors work; to obtain tangible evidence and its preservation and strong and agile multilateral and bilateral international cooperation. In this regard, it is worth highlighting Decree 918/2012 which provides for the administrative freezing of assets or money from individuals designated by the United Nations Security Council pursuant to Resolution 1267 (1999) and order of third countries in accordance with res. 1373 (2001)

Mr. President

The terrorist phenomenon has mutated in recent years, particularly in the stages of propaganda and recruitment, using new technologies and taking advantage of communication tools, including the use of the internet and social media. Social networks are an important means of spreading propaganda and recruitment. The sophistication and propaganda style of terrorist groups is deliberately aimed at young people from different societies and presents an attractive combination of idealism, enthusiasm, membership and bloody content.
It is necessary to work closely with providers of these services to address the phenomenon of Foreign Terrorist Fighters. Not only to detect and stop their recruitment, but also to neutralize a massive propaganda resulting in apology and glorification of crimes.
Another important issue is the assistance to the families of the victims, not only to alleviate their needs, provide psychological help and keep the memory of the victims alive, but also so they can play the important role to reaffirm a counter narrative to terrorism.
Mr. President
Our country, which has been the victim of bloody terrorist attacks, follows this issue with the utmost attention, as evidence by our recent ratification of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) and the participation in the recent "Conference on Preventing Violent Extremism" in Geneva. Similarly, Argentina intends to actively participate in the "Fifth Biennial Review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy UN", to be held next June.

Finally, Mr. President, we reaffirm the central role of the United Nations in the fight against terrorism, as the pillar of the multilateral system, being an organization of universal membership with primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. We are convinced that multilateral action through the United Nations, in accordance with the principles of the Organization, will allow us to confront the threat of terrorism in full respect of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and achieve a world safe for everyone.

Thank you very much, Mr. President

 

April 14, 2016