Statement by H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami

Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

At the General Assembly on the:

Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Review

1 July 2016

 

 

Mr. President,

 

          Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to you for convening today’s important debate on the Review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. My appreciation also goes to Argentina and Iceland for their tremendous efforts in facilitating the Review discussion.

 

Mr. President,

 

          From the beginning of this year, we have witnessed terrorist attacks all over the world almost every week. This means that the threat of terrorism still remains very high even after the adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

          On this occasion, Japan strongly condemns the heinous terrorist attacks which took place at the Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, on 28 June, and we express our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the victims and the families.

 

          The adoption of the Resolution today by consensus reaffirms the commitment of all Members of the United Nations to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

 

Mr. President,

 

          Japan has been strengthening counter-terrorism efforts. We not only introduced the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record, but also use biometric tools to secure border control, and have been contributing to INTERPOL databases. Japan hosted the G7 Summit at the end of May this year and, together with other leaders, compiled the “G7 Action Plan on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism.”

          No one country can fight terrorism alone. Terrorism is a global phenomenon. Foreign Terrorist Fighters travel to the Middle East and Africa to join ISIL or other terrorist groups, and return to their original countries. Lone-wolf terrorists attack civilians in their home countries with or without direction by terrorist groups, including ISIL.

 

Mr. President,

 

          We have to make collective efforts both domestically and internationally to combat terrorism and violent extremism. In this context, I welcome the Resolution, which engages civil societies, local communities, NGOs, women, youth and other private sectors.

          Before closing, let me touch upon the institutional arrangements. We strongly support better coordination among relevant bodies to effectively counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism including through streamlining the existing bodies.

          Today is a landmark day for renewing our commitment to counter terrorism. But this is not the end. Our goal is to implement the Resolution. I urge all Member States to take concrete actions on the basis of the Strategy and the Review.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.