On September 27, 2023, the Foreign Ministers of India, Brazil, and South Africa convened in New York, urging collective action to combat terrorism. They emphasized the need for the swift adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, called for reform of UN Security Council Sanctions Committees, and condemned terrorism in all its forms. The meeting reinforced the significance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global terrorist threats.
On September 27, 2023, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India, Mauro Vieira, Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, convened in New York on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. This meeting focused on the urgent need for collective global efforts to combat terrorism, specifically targeting terrorist entities and individuals recognized by the United Nations, including Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), along with their associated proxy groups. The ministers articulated the importance of implementing concerted actions against these terrorist organizations as outlined in a joint statement released post-meeting. They expressed their commitment to the swift adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the UN General Assembly. Furthermore, the ministers emphasized enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation and reaffirmed the UN Security Council’s exclusive authority to impose sanctions against terrorist threats. They called for an urgent reform of the Security Council’s sanctions committees to promote efficacy, transparency, and the unbiased evaluation of listing proposals based on factual evidence. The trio condemned terrorism unequivocally, stressing that it is a global menace that necessitates decisive action and the eradication of terrorist havens worldwide. They reiterated that counter-terrorism efforts must respect international law, specifically the principles set forth in the UN Charter and international human rights law. The ministers urged the international community to establish a robust, legally coherent framework for counter-terrorism that supports the UN in its coordinating role. Additionally, they acknowledged the responsibility of all states to prevent terrorist activities on their territories, including the cross-border movement of terrorists and the financing of terrorist networks. The IBSA group, consisting of India, Brazil, and South Africa, was formalized in 2003, aiming to foster dialogue among these diverse nations to tackle global challenges collaboratively. In a post on social media platform X following the IBSA meeting, Minister Jaishankar remarked on the productive discussions he had with his counterparts, indicating the shared commitment of IBSA nations to influence global conversations on development and multilateralism.
This meeting of the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Foreign Ministers took place against the backdrop of increasing global terrorism threats and the need for a unified response. The UN General Assembly serves as a vital platform for nations to address such pressing concerns, and the emphasis on collective counter-terrorism measures reflects a growing acknowledgment of the transnational nature of terrorism. IBSA has historically aimed to facilitate dialogue among its member states on various global issues, including security, development, and governance. A key point of discussion was the need for reform in international governance structures, particularly the UN Security Council, to enhance the efficiency and impartiality of its processes.
The meeting of the foreign ministers of India, Brazil, and South Africa marked a significant step towards strengthening global cooperation against terrorism. Their collective voice in urging immediate and coordinated actions against international terrorist entities underscores the pressing need for a unified front in the face of such global threats. Moving forward, the emphasis on reforming key international frameworks, particularly those within the UN, highlights the urgency for enhanced operational effectiveness and fairness in counter-terrorism measures to adapt to contemporary challenges.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
