/United Nations/ UNOCT Under-Secretary-General Applauds Qatar's Great Role in Countering Terrorism

New York, September 19 (QNA) - HE Under-Secretary-General (USG) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Mr. Vladimir Voronkov applauded the prominent position of the State of Qatar in the field of countering terrorism, referring in this context to its strategic role during the Third United Nations Counter-Terrorism Week held in New York in June.
Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), HE USG Voronkov noted that the Third Counter-Terrorism Week consisted of three parts: the first was to review the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy; the second one was devoted to a high-level conference of heads of counter-terrorism agencies of Member States, while the third part included the organization of 40 side events.
USG Voronkov highlighted an important role played by the State of Qatar during the discussion of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy including consensus-building on this very important document.
HE noted a record number of 160 Member States attending the high-level conference of heads of counter-terrorism agencies of Member States this year, adding that discussions on countering terrorism were very productive and result-oriented.
With 40 different side events held on the margins of the Third UN Counter-Terrorism Week, the State of Qatar organized five events together with its partners. "This is another proof of the leadership of the State of Qatar with regard to counter-terrorism agenda of the United Nations", USG Voronkov added.
On the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, USG Voronkov said: "The Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact is a very important organizational structure for coherent and organized activities of the United Nations on countering terrorism, and the State of Qatar plays a critical role in supporting this platform as its primary financial contributor." Speaking about capacity building or technical assistance, USG Voronkov confirmed that UNOCT manages 19 global programmes, 12 of which are implemented with the financial support of the State of Qatar. He complimented the small and medium sized countries in having more and more active role in supporting the implementation of the United Nations counter-terrorism agenda." He expressed his gratitude to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and the State of Qatar for the strong support for the UNOCT activities through vital political, financial, and expert contributions to UNOCT.
On the United Nations efforts to eliminate terrorism around the world, USG Voronkov noted that "The United Nations is leading and coordinating this role for the international community. Starting from 2006, we have had a comprehensive document of the international nature on countering terrorism - the Global Counter-Terrorist Strategy. It's a unique document for the United Nations because it is updated every two years. Constant dialogue among Member States is a part of this updating process and should continue to be a priority for the next period of time. And I think this is a very important role of the United Nations to keep this document alive, constantly update the document, and maintain a set of capacity building activities." Speaking about victims of terrorism, USG Voronkov added that "Two years ago, we commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack here in New York. Close to 90 member states participated in this commemoration event on the level of the ministers of foreign affairs. Support of victims of terrorism is one of the programmatic activities of global nature. This is a very strong part of counter-terrorism prevention and human rights agenda." Another important priority of Member States, mentioned by USG Voronkov, is combating the financing of terrorism. "Without financing of terrorism, terrorism would disappear. And this is really one of the priorities." HE also highlighted the critical support of the State of Qatar to the UNOCTs global programme on countering terrorist travel which currently counts 68 beneficiary countries since the programs launch four years ago as well as a continuous high demand and interest among Member States to join the programme.
USG Voronkov added that this program offers a very important practical engagement of the United Nations from the security point of view in the fight against terrorism.
Regarding the ability of the international community to eliminate terrorists, USG Voronkov said: "The process is going in the right direction. But of course, we cannot say that it is an issue of tomorrow. We need to work very intensely. Addressing root causes is the key in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism is evolving very fast. The most concerning situation is now in Africa as it is spreading through the West African and the Sahel regions." "Regional approach is very important in the creation of the necessary conditions to prevent the dissemination of terrorism in the region. For example, focus on strengthening economy, social life, jobs, local infrastructure, giving young people a chance to upgrade their skills and to contribute to the development of their own country. It is very important to take into account this regional dimension in countering terrorism," he continued.
In this context, His Excellency pointed to the organization of an Africa Summit on Counter-Terrorism in Abuja in 2024, jointly co-organized by the Government of Nigeria and the United Nations. He expressed hope that this initiative could help stop the dissemination of terrorism on the continent. The summit will not only provide opportunity to share best practices but also showcase leadership by African member states, with the support of the international community, in tackling this important agenda. He added that Qatar could play its own role in supporting this process.
USG Voronkov expressed his full support for HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thanis way of thinking on the need to eliminate terrorism around the world. He reiterated that eradicating terrorism is a complex issue linked to addressing such issues as improving social life, economic life, transportation, infrastructure. "We need to establish firm ground, which would prevent the dissemination of terrorism," he said.
When asked about hostilities against Islam and Muslims in some countries, His Excellency said: "Terrorism is against any religion and is an offense to fundamental human rights, UN values and principles. There is a rise of terrorist attacks on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief in many countries. The United Nations is working towards preventing this kind of propaganda and ideology through a number of programmatic activities. For example, together with the Alliance of Civilizations, UNOCT is implementing a Global Program on Countering Terrorist Threats against Vulnerable Targets including religious sites, as well as the Global Programme on the security of major sporting events", he added.
Regarding Qatar's hosting of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in Doha, USG Voronkov highlighted the excellent work of two UNOCT programme offices in Doha: the International Hub on Behavioral Insights to Counter Terrorism and the Programme Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism.
Speaking about behavioural insights, USG stressed the importance of using science in recovery of former fighters or their family members and understanding a turning point when a person joins a terrorist organization.
He added that behavioural insights offer a very innovative approach to the issue. "The State of Qatar and the Hub organized a number of events on this topic with the participation of scientists to study this issue," he said.
On parliamentary engagement in preventing and combating terrorism, USG highlighted the work of the Programme Office on the Model Legislative Provisions that serve as a model for the review of existing laws and procedures related to victims of terrorism. He also added that it is a comprehensive document that can be used by different Member States for creation of own legislation in support of victims of terrorism. USG Voronkov also added that "the Programme Office provides an excellent platform for different meetings of parliamentarians from different parts of the world, dealing with counter-terrorism agenda".
In conclusion, USG Voronkov expressed sincere thanks to the State of Qatar for its role in the fight against terrorism, including as the largest contributor to the UN Trust Fund for Counter-Terrorism and the only partner contributing to UNOCTs core policy and coordination mandate as well as for being a major contributor of political, financial, and expert support to UNOCTs capacity-building programs that allows the Office to deliver high-quality and timely support to Member States. (QNA)