Agenda Item 16: Culture of Peace and Agenda Item 117: The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy: Report of the Secretary-General (A/70/674) and Document A/70/675
Mr. President,
At the outset, allow me to express my delegation’s appreciation to you for convening this plenary debate, and to also extend our gratitude to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the proposed Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, as contained in document A/70/674.
Trinidad and Tobago views this debate as a means to further strengthen the international community’s response to the pernicious scourge of violent extremism which threatens our shared values of peace, tolerance, and respect for human dignity, while destabilizing regional and international security.
As we approach the Ten-Year Review of United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in June of this year, the deliberations today will facilitate the deepening our common commitment to building an effective global framework for collective security that will be faithful to the aspirations of international peace envisioned in the Charter of the United Nations.
Radicalization of otherwise law abiding, responsible individuals in peaceful communities and societies has resulted in such persons committing acts of violent extremism by permeating a deep sense of collective frustration, deprivation and disillusionment. What we face, therefore, as an international community built on the cherished values of freedom, individual choice, mutual respect and understanding even while appreciating and indeed valuing our rich diversity, is a virtual battle for the hearts and minds of our citizens, particularly our young people who appear to be especially susceptible to external radical influences.
Consequently, an integral feature of the international community’s strategy in countering violent extremism must therefore be to reduce the social, economic, political and psychological appeal of terrorism by addressing the socioeconomic challenges and pressures attendant in vulnerable societies, which provide fertile ground for exploitation by terrorist groups in order to breed hatred, intolerance and violence, all in the name of serving a higher and just cause.
Let us be clear, Mr. President, that violent extremism and terrorism can exist anywhere and everywhere and as such, should not be regarded as limiting itself to any particular belief system. The wide geographic, ethnic and cultural span of persons who have become associated with terrorist groups confirm that radicalism can have cross-cultural resonance.
Mr. President,
In September 2014, Trinidad and Tobago was among the 104 Member States to cosponsor the historic United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178 on Foreign Terrorist Fighters amid growing international concern over this phenomenon. Our support for this landmark resolution reflects then, as it does now, the critical importance we attach to the view that there must be coordinated and coherent international action, under the auspices of the United Nations, in order to confront and repel international terrorism and violent extremism by transnational and non-state groups.
In this context, Trinidad and Tobago strongly supports the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action on Violent Extremism as it would undoubtedly further bolster international counter-terrorism efforts by providing a pragmatic strategic framework that addresses the negative social, economic and psychological elements that converge under conditions of poverty and human deprivation, violations of human rights, humanitarian crises, protracted conflicts, and poor and autocratic governance, which provide the impetus for violent extremism.
Mr. President,
The correlation between violent extremism and development ought not to be either overlooked or dismissed. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that there can be no peace without sustainable development. Trinidad and Tobago ,therefore, commends the Secretary-General for his visionary approach centered on fighting violent extremism through the promotion of a culture of peace, eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities and marginalization , and building just and inclusive societies. It is imperative that marginalized groups, in particular women and young people, are allowed to freely exercise their rights to education, decent work, freedom of religion, and respect for their human rights in general.
Women are disproportionately affected by violent conflict, and we believe that the empowerment of women and gender equality are critical to countering violent extremism. Trinidad and Tobago’s advocacy at the United Nations for the empowerment of women as leaders in developing responses to conflict and violence is a matter of record.
Trinidad and Tobago is deeply concerned by the global trend revealing the significant number of young people falling victim to recruitment by violent extremist groups, through modern communication technology. We have therefore engaged in consultations and partnerships with young people and youth-oriented stakeholders to develop policies and implement programmes and services to advance youth empowerment and development, so that our younger citizens feel a greater sense of belonging and self –worth in doing positive things to build stronger and more cohesive communities.
As global youth unemployment continues to increase, there is an unfolding battle for the minds of our young people who seek self-fulfillment and purpose and might embrace violent extremism as a means to advance their objectives. As a result, Trinidad and Tobago reiterates the importance of establishing an enabling environment where young people are not only encouraged, but are also given all appropriate assistance and support in developing a sense of self-purpose and selflessness and calls on the United Nations to play its part in sending a universal and effective message using language and other communication techniques and formats that they find appealing and energizing, to youth across the globe about the dangers and practical consequences inherent in embracing violent extremism.
Small States such as Trinidad and Tobago have limited capacity and resources in their efforts to fight violent extremism. We thus view the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action as an opportunity for the international community to share knowledge and information on matters related to violent extremism, and to deepen cooperation to build an effective global shield.
Trinidad and Tobago stands ready to use its own expertise as a model for other countries to implement aspects of the Plan of Action, which calls on Member States to enhance cross-cultural understanding as a means to counter violent extremism, and to promote social inclusion and cohesion. Earlier this week, Trinidad and Tobago celebrated its annual festival of Carnival, which showcased the splendor of our cultural diversity through a vibrant array of music, artistry, masquerade, theatre, and other expressions of cultural ingenuity for which Trinidad and Tobago is world renowned. This has been heralded as an excellent example of social cohesion and peaceful coexistence between peoples of different creeds, races and belief systems, unity in diversity.
Mr. President,
International terrorism has no respect for territorial borders, as well as race, age, gender or social class. We must work assiduously together to rid the international community of acts of terrorism and the proliferation of violent extremism. For these reasons, Trinidad and Tobago reaffirms its unequivocal commitment to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and supports the Secretary-General’s Plan of Action on Violent Extremism as a collaborative multi–dimensional effort by all States for national, regional and international peace and security. With our unified international will, we can and must prevail.
I thank you.
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