India, Brazil, and South Africa Advocate for United Action Against Global Terrorism
India, Brazil, and South Africa held a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, calling for joint action against UN-listed terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS. They emphasized the need for reforms in the UN Security Council to combat terrorism effectively and condemned terrorism in all forms. The meeting is part of the ongoing collaboration through the IBSA Dialogue Forum, aimed at enhancing international counter-terrorism measures.
During a recent meeting held at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar of India met with Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. The ministers collectively emphasized the necessity for united action against all terrorist entities recognized by the United Nations, specifically including Al-Qaeda, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), and various affiliated groups, as detailed in a press release from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The ministers released a joint statement post-meeting, which underscored their commitment to strengthen collaborative efforts towards the rigorous enforcement of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the UNGA. They called for decisive actions against all terrorist persons and organizations listed by the UN, expressing the significance of maintaining the UN Security Council’s authority in sanctioning such entities while advocating for urgent reform in the operational methodologies of the Security Council Sanctions Committees to enhance their efficiency, responsiveness, and transparency, thereby eliminating any forms of politicization and bias during the process of listing proposals. Furthermore, the ministers condemned terrorism under all circumstances, recognizing it as a pervasive global issue that necessitates a concerted response and the eradication of terrorist sanctuaries worldwide. They affirmed that counter-terrorism efforts must respect international law, particularly the UN Charter and international human rights principles. The group agreed on the importance of establishing a comprehensive international counter-terrorism framework based on legal principles, as well as reaffirming the United Nations’ central role in coordinating global counter-terrorism initiatives. They also acknowledged states’ responsibilities to thwart terrorism, including preventing the cross-border movement of terrorists and their financing from any territory. The IBSA framework, which unites India, Brazil, and South Africa, showcases the collaborative potential of these diverse, multicultural nations. Established during a ministerial meeting in Brasilia in 2003, IBSA serves as a unique platform for discussions on various critical global issues. In a statement shared on X regarding the IBSA meeting, Minister Jaishankar expressed the productive nature of the discussions, reflecting on the shared objectives of the nations involved in addressing pressing global discourses on development, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), poverty reduction, multilateralism, and South-South collaboration.
The joint efforts discussed during the meeting among India, Brazil, and South Africa highlight a growing trend among emerging economies to combat global terrorism collectively. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS pose significant threats worldwide, prompting discussions on reforming international frameworks to enhance the effectiveness of counter-terrorism operations. The IBSA Dialogue Forum, which consists of these three nations, serves as a strategic platform to address and influence global developmental issues, with a strong emphasis on mutual cooperation and reform within international institutions, particularly the United Nations.
In conclusion, the recent meeting of the foreign ministers from India, Brazil, and South Africa represents a crucial initiative in the fight against terrorism. By advocating for united strategies and reforms within the United Nations framework, these countries reaffirm their commitment to international cooperation against an ongoing global threat. The emphasis on legal principles and the elimination of terrorist safe havens is vital for sustainable peace and security. Through the IBSA Forum, these nations continue to contribute to the discourse on global governance and counter-terrorism efforts.
Original Source: www.aninews.in
