India, Brazil, and South Africa’s foreign ministers convened at the UN General Assembly to advocate for collective action against terrorism, targeting entities like Al-Qaeda and ISIS. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive international counter-terrorism framework while respecting international law. The meeting highlighted their commitment to fostering cooperation amid global security challenges, alongside calls for reform in the UN Security Council’s sanctioning processes.
On September 27, 2023, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India met with Mauro Vieira, the Minister of Foreign Affairs from Brazil, and Ronald Lamola, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation from South Africa, during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The ministers emphasized the necessity for a unified approach to combat terrorism and called for collective action targeting entities designated by the United Nations, specifically citing threats such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). Following their discussions, they issued a joint statement underscoring their commitment to joint efforts aimed at the swift adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN General Assembly. The ministers advocated for improved collaboration in counter-terrorism while highlighting the United Nations Security Council’s exclusive authority in imposing sanctions. They urged for reforms that would enhance the effectiveness and transparency of the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committees and sought to eliminate any politicization in the proceedings related to terrorist listings. Moreover, the ministers denounced terrorism in all its guises and stressed that it is a global plague that requires a concerted effort to eradicate terrorist strongholds worldwide. They reaffirmed the necessity for actions against terrorism to respect international law, specifically the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and international human rights law. In their statement, they called for the international community to forge a comprehensive counter-terrorism framework based on international law principles. They reiterated the obligation of all nations to prevent and counter terrorism, notably regarding the cross-border movements of terrorists, financing of terrorist networks, and illicit activities emanating from their territories. IBSA, which stands for the grouping of India, Brazil, and South Africa, was officially established in 2003 during a meeting of the countries’ foreign ministers in Brasilia. This unique forum brings together these diverse nations, characterized by their pluralistic, multicultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual societies, fostering collaboration on various global issues, including development, poverty eradication, and multilateralism. Minister Jaishankar highlighted the significance of the IBSA meeting on social media, emphasizing the need to intensify consultations among the member states as discussions about UN reforms gain urgency.
The article discusses a significant meeting that took place among the foreign ministers of India, Brazil, and South Africa during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. This gathering underlines the collaborative efforts these nations are making to address global terrorism, emphasizing the necessity for an integrated response against recognized terrorist entities. By focusing on international cooperation and law, the meeting illustrates their commitment to enhancing security frameworks against terrorist activities on a global scale.
In conclusion, the meeting of the foreign ministers from India, Brazil, and South Africa reflects a strong commitment to collaborative efforts against global terrorism. The ministers’ call for unified action against UN-designated terrorist organizations, alongside their push for reform within the UN Security Council, emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address the complexities of terrorism both regionally and globally. Their reaffirmation of the principles of international law further underscores their dedication to maintaining human rights while combating terrorism.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
