Addressing the virtual Arria-formula meeting on “the impactof the COVID-19 pandemic on international efforts to prevent and counterterrorism and violent extremism” on June 16, Anh emphasised the need to solvethe root causes of terrorism through economic development, nationalreconciliation, and building a society that is just, tolerant and self-resistantto terrorism and extremism.
It is also necessary to ensure that counter-terrorismmeasures are consistent with the fundamental principles of the UN Charter andinternational law, he noted.
The Arria-formula meeting was organised by Tunisia incooperation with Estonia, France, Ireland, Kenya, Niger, Norway, Saint Vincentand the Grenadines, the UK, and Vietnam.
Assistant Secretary-General Michèle Coninsx, who isExecutive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate(CTED), stated that the long-term socio-economic impacts of the pandemic willcreate favourable conditions for terrorism, especially in countries withfragile political and economic situations.
She said that the post-pandemic anti-terrorism policiesshould ensure the gender factor and focus on equal distribution of COVID-19vaccines, while calling for increased coordination of global efforts to combatterrorism and ensure an inclusive, equal and respectful approach to humanrights and dignity.
Delegates affirmed their commitments to maintainingsolidarity against terrorism and extremism, and stressed the need to guarantee basichuman rights in combating terrorism, facilitate access to humanitarian aid, andstrengthen national capacity and the role of regional organisations, andsupport the role of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) andCTED./.