「テロ・暴力的過激主義防止及び対策にCOVID-19が与える影響に関する国連安保理アリア・フォーミュラ会合における大菅大使ステートメント

令和3年6月16日

(As delivered)

Mr. Chair,

Thank you for convening this important meeting. I am also grateful to the briefers for their insightful remarks.

COVID-19 continues to pose a serious threat to human security. It has caused widespread and cross-cutting challenges to the survival, livelihood and dignity of people and affected the efforts to tackle global issues. Our joint endeavor to fight terrorism and violent extremism is no exception. Let me highlight three points.

First, terrorism and violent extremism are closely interlinked with persistent conflicts in many cases. In March 2020, the Secretary-General issued an appeal for a global ceasefire against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. In early July, Security Council Resolution 2532 supporting a global ceasefire was adopted and 172 Member States and Observers jointly issued a statement in support of the SG’s appeal. It is regrettable to see, almost one year thereafter, parties to conflicts disregarding the voice of the United Nations. Persistent conflicts not only jeopardize the global fight against the pandemic but will perpetuate the grievances that lead to terrorism and violent extremism.

Second, in relation to livelihoods, the first year of the “Decade of Action” for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was seriously strained by the pandemic. In our path to build back better, we should pay special attention to eradicate the breeding grounds of terrorism and violent extremism, and address the vicious circle of violence and lack of livelihoods embedded in societies. This is one reason why Japan continues to support projects by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) to improve strategies for the prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of terrorists (PRR).

Lastly, on dignity, the third pillar of human security, issues related to dignity must be addressed in the contexts of both COVID-19 and terrorism and violent extremism. COVID-19 has accelerated our dependence on ICTs and increased people’s susceptibility not only to cyber-attacks by hackers but also to attacks on the dignity of individuals and has prompted terrorists to expand their online activities. Japan supports capacity-building projects by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in Southeast Asia and South Asia to enhance national capacities to leverage artificial intelligence and open source information for counter-terrorism investigations, in full compliance with human rights and the rule of law.

Mr. Chair,

There is no panacea for preventing and countering the evolving threat of terrorism and violent extremism. The international community must continue to make efforts, with an increasing emphasis on resolving persistent conflicts, enhancing livelihoods and protecting people’s dignity. Japan stands ready to continue playing its part in this global effort.

Thank you.