Security Council open debate on “Countering the narratives and ideologies of terrorism“
United Nations, 11 May 2016
Mr. President,
Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to deliver additional remarks in its national capacity. We thank the Presidency for focusing the Council’s attention on countering terrorist narratives and welcome the presidential statement adopted today, as well as its valuable practical focus.
Countering the narratives and ideologies of terrorism is a crucial aspect of our overall counter-terrorism efforts. More than ever before, the sad proliferation of terrorist attacks, with the past week not being short of such deplorable acts, has become a constant reminder that terrorist organisations are successful in widely inciting and recruiting new fighters. Faced with this reality, we have come to recognise the need to counter-terrorism in a comprehensive manner. It is clear that the holistic approach required is both thematic and institutional. This precept maintains that no issue can be tackled in isolation, or by individual actors working disparately.
Τoday’s discussion with assist to garner further momentum for the upcoming General Assembly 10 year anniversary review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, in the context of which we also remain engaged in considering the Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism presented by the Secretary General which we have welcomed, -including when it comes to strategic communication and building alternative narratives-. We see today’s initiative and what is mandated through today’s adopted presidential statement, as complementary to such efforts.
In line with the necessary holistic approach, our methodology for a globally devised solution to countering terrorist narratives needs to follow the principle of subsidiriarity and empower action as well as utilise knowledge at the local level as much as possible. In this vein we fully agree with the emphasis in the adopted statement on the importance of enhancing coordination and cooperation with the private sector, civil society, religious leaders and institutions, educational and cultural institutions, as well as with the recognition of the role that victims of terrorism, among other legitimate voices, can play in countering radicalisation to violence. Through criminal justice, information exchange, education and youth participation, inter-cultural dialogue, employment and initiatives for social inclusion, we can build up resilience of our societies to terrorist narratives.
Today’s debate showcases our unwavering determination to stand united, based on our shared values and goals in countering the narratives of terrorism, in what is undoubtedly a long way ahead. Such unity remains the only recipe for success.
I thank you, Mr. President.