Sixth Committee (Legal) — 79th session

Measures to eliminate international terrorism (Agenda item 110)

«

Documentation

Additional documents from previous sessions:

Summary of work

Background (source: A/79/100)

The item entitled “Measures to prevent international terrorism which endangers or takes innocent human lives or jeopardizes fundamental freedoms, and study of the underlying causes of those forms of terrorism and acts of violence which lie in misery, frustration, grievance and despair and which cause some people to sacrifice human lives, including their own, in an attempt to effect radical changes” was included in the agenda of the twenty-seventh session of the General Assembly further to an initiative of the Secretary-General (A/8791, A/8791/Add.1 and A/8791/Add.1/Corr.1). At that session, the Assembly decided to establish the Ad Hoc Committee on International Terrorism, consisting of 35 members (resolution 3034 (XXVII)).

The Assembly had the item on its agenda at its thirty-first session and biennially from its thirty-second to forty-eighth sessions and has had the item on its agenda annually since then, changing its title to “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” at its forty-sixth session (resolutions 31/102, 31/103, 32/147, 32/148, 33/19, 34/145, 34/146 (International Convention against the Taking of Hostages), 36/109, 38/130, 40/61, 42/159, 44/29, 46/51, 49/60 (Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism), 50/53, 51/210 (Declaration to Supplement the 1994 Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism), 52/164 (International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings), 52/165, 53/108, 54/109 (International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism), 54/110, 55/158, 56/88, 57/27, 58/81, 59/46, 59/290 (International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism), 60/43, 61/40, 62/71, 63/129, 64/118, 65/34, 66/105, 67/99, 68/119, 69/127, 70/120, 71/151, 72/123, 73/211, 74/194, 75/145, 76/121, 77/113 and 78/115 and decision 48/411).

At its fiftieth session, the Assembly requested the Secretary-General to submit an annual report on the implementation of paragraph 10 of the Declaration on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism (resolution 50/53).

At its fifty-first session, the Assembly established an ad hoc committee to elaborate an international convention for the suppression of terrorist bombings and, subsequently, an international convention for the suppression of acts of nuclear terrorism, to supplement related existing international instruments, and thereafter to address means of further developing a comprehensive legal framework of conventions dealing with international terrorism (resolution 51/210).

At its fifty-fourth session, the Assembly decided that the ad hoc committee should also address the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations to formulate a joint organized response of the international community to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations (resolution 54/110).

At its seventy-eighth session, the Assembly allocated the item to the Sixth Committee, where statements in the debate were made by 93 delegations (see A/C.6/78/SR.1–5). The Assembly decided to recommend that the Sixth Committee, at the seventy-ninth session of the Assembly, establish a working group with a view to finalizing the process on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by resolution 54/110 concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations, recognized the valuable dialogue and efforts of Member States towards resolving any outstanding issues, and encouraged all Member States to redouble their efforts during the intersessional period (resolution 78/115).

Consideration at the seventy-ninth session

The Sixth Committee considered the item at its 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 37th and 38th meetings, on 2, 3 and 4 October and on 8 and 22 November 2024 (A/C.6/79/SR.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 37, 38).

For its consideration of the item, the Committee had before it the report of the Secretary-General (A/79/99 + Add.1).

Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 78/115 of 9 December 2023, the Committee established a Working Group on measures to eliminate international terrorism with a view to finalizing the process on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by Assembly resolution 54/110 concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. The Working Group was open to all States Members of the United Nations or members of the specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Working Group held two meetings, on 11 October and 5 November 2024. At its 37th meeting, on 8 November, the Committee heard and took note of the oral report of the Chair of the Working Group on the work of the Working Group and on the results of the informal consultations held during the current session. At its 38th meeting, on 22 November, the Committee adopted draft resolution A/C.6/79/L.6 without a vote.

Statements were made by the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Saudi Arabia (on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States), Uganda (on behalf of the African Group), the European Union (also on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Georgia, as well as Andorra, Monaco and San Marino aligned themselves with this statement)), Cambodia (on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Norway (on behalf of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway)), Australia (on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ)), Brazil, Israel, Oman, Armenia, Cuba, South Africa, Singapore, Guatemala, Iraq, the Philippines, the United States of America, Viet Nam, Eritrea, the observer of the Observer State of Palestine, Uganda, Yemen, Jordan, Mexico, Kenya, Nepal, Bahrain, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, Ecuador, Georgia, Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, Qatar, El Salvador, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Peru, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mozambique, Colombia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Korea, China, Mongolia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Morocco, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (on behalf of Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations) [in English], Ghana, Malaysia, the Russian Federation, Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan, India, Mauritania, Ukraine, Pakistan, Lebanon, the United Republic of Tanzania, the Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Paraguay, Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Mali, Libya, Nicaragua, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Haiti and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Statements were also made by the observers for the League of Arab States and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The representatives of India, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and of the Islamic Republic of Iran spoke in the exercise of the right of reply.

Delegations generally welcomed the Secretary General’s report on “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” (A/79/99 + Add.1). Delegations reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, underlining that acts of terrorism constituted a serious threat to international peace and security and the rule of law, as well as to the territorial integrity and stability of States. It was noted that terrorism had adverse consequences on economic and social development, as well as sustainable development. A number of delegations emphasized that terrorism should not be associated with any specific religion, culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or civilization, and it should be distinguished from the right of peoples to self-determination and their legitimate struggle against colonial and racist regimes or other forms of alien domination and foreign occupation, recalling in that respect General Assembly resolution 46/51. Several delegations stressed that the international community should avoid double standards when countering terrorism.

Delegations generally highlighted the importance, while countering terrorism, of a strict observance of the Charter of the United Nations as well as other rules of international law. The question of the application of the rules of jus ad bellum that govern the use of force by States in their international relations to counter-terrorism operations was raised. Delegations also reiterated the need to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. The view was expressed that the brutalisation of peoples remaining under foreign occupation should continue to be denounced as the gravest form of terrorism. State-led and State-sponsored terrorism were condemned by some delegations.

Delegations also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation at the international, regional, sub-regional and domestic levels, as well as partnerships with and within the United Nations while countering terrorism. The work of United Nations counter-terrorism entities, in particular the Office of Counter-Terrorism, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Counter-Terrorism Centre, was commended. Several delegations reaffirmed the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism Strategy as well as the Member States’ primary responsibility to execute the aforementioned Strategy and call for its transparent, balanced, and comprehensive implementation. Generally, delegations welcomed the eighth review of the Strategy, underlined the importance of its implementation and expressed their commitment to its four pillars. Regret was expressed by some delegations that there was a lack of consensus on certain elements of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy. There were also calls for more cooperation to reach a consensus on essential points in the ninth review which will be held in 2026.

Some delegations highlighted their accession to and ratification of various instruments relating to counter-terrorism. Delegations also noted the implementation of various relevant instruments and Security Council resolutions in their domestic law and called upon other States to do so as well. Several delegations provided information on their domestic legislation for combating international terrorism, as well as developments and initiatives within their regions.

A number of delegations highlighted initiatives to counter all forms of violent extremism. Several delegations expressed concern regarding xenophobic, extremist, and racial supremacist ideologies as well as hate speech in relation to terrorism. Some delegations underscored the importance of not only military and law enforcement responses but also community-based programs, interfaith dialogue, and educational initiatives aimed at countering extremist narratives and ideologies.

Delegations were called upon to condemn any form of, and refrain from extending, political, diplomatic, moral or material support for terrorism. States were urged to refrain from instigating or assisting the commission of terrorist acts, including by allowing their territory to be used as a platform for individuals or terrorist organizations, or from providing safe havens in that connection. Delegations were urged to ensure that refugee status or any other legal status was not abused by perpetrators, organisers or facilitators of terrorist acts. 

Grave concern was expressed over the acute and growing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters; some delegations emphasized the need for States to address this issue, including through the implementation of their international obligations. The need to cooperate to find a solution to the problem of repatriation and reintegration of families of foreign terrorist fighters was also mentioned. Delegations also underlined the importance of United Nations capacity-building and facilitation of capacity-building in accordance with existing mandates to assist States upon their request, including those in the most affected regions. The importance of sharing information and best practices was also highlighted.

Several delegations referred to the link between terrorist groups and international organized crime and emphasized the importance of transnational crime prevention, investigation, enforcement, and prosecution efforts. A number of delegations expressed concern regarding the financing of terrorism and the supply of weapons, stressing the need to enhance efforts to combat terrorism financing and money laundering. Concern was also expressed about kidnapping and hostage-taking for ransoms claimed by terrorist groups.

A number of delegations voiced concerns regarding the abuse of the internet and new technologies by terrorist groups, including the use of artificial intelligence, social media, drones and cryptocurrency. The need to ensure that international frameworks and legislative bodies adapt swiftly to rapid technological advancements was highlighted.

The need to take a whole-of-society approach when countering terrorism was underlined by several delegations. Delegations stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism and destabilizing forces such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. Other challenges, such as inter-community tensions and climate change, exacerbated the conditions that are known to breed terrorism. To tackle the underlying causes of terrorism, some delegations attached importance to promoting sustainable development goals. It was also noted by some delegations that the specificities of each country should be taken into consideration.

The importance of engaging women and children, as well as taking into account their specific needs was emphasized, while empowering and providing opportunities for youth was likewise viewed as crucial in the fight against terrorism. Several delegations stressed the need to involve civil society and local communities to counter violent extremism and terrorism. A number of delegations expressed solidarity with victims of international terrorism and spoke of the need to engage them.

The rule of law and human rights in the fight against terrorism was emphasized by some delegations. Several delegations were concerned by the use of unilateral actions against States under the pretext of combating terrorism, and with the impact of counter-terrorism measures on humanitarian action. Some delegations called for the removal of unilateral coercive measures that could hinder counter-terrorism efforts. Several delegations expressed the need to strengthen the implementation of due process and fair and clear procedures by the sanctions committees. Some delegations noted the humanitarian carve-out from UN sanctions regimes, which had facilitated the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need in situations where sanctions apply. The concern about the increasing politicization of the fight against terrorism, including polarization in international fora, was raised by some delegations. Several delegations underscored the pursuit of a future free from terrorism in the Pact for the Future.

Delegations reaffirmed their support for the negotiation and successful conclusion of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and the necessity to accelerate the finalization of consensus on the outstanding issues. Some delegations mentioned the importance of negotiating an internationally agreed definition of terrorism. It was stressed that an indefinite postponement of negotiations on the draft comprehensive convention was not justified and States were encouraged to exhibit compromise and flexibility. The view was expressed that the absence of such a framework should not hinder the implementation of other existing counter-terrorism frameworks and instruments. 

Some delegations welcomed the discussion on the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. Several delegations reaffirmed their support for the proposal to convene a High-level Conference under the auspices of the United Nations to contribute to finalizing the outstanding issues with respect to the draft comprehensive convention. It was noted that the convening of the high-level conference should not hinge on the conclusion of the comprehensive convention.

Archived videos and summaries of plenary meetings

Video   1st meeting (2 October 2024, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary

Video   2nd meeting (2 October 2024, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) | Summary

Video   3rd meeting (3 October 2024, 11:30am – 1:00pm) | Summary

Video   4th meeting (3 October 2024, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) | Summary

Video   5th meeting (4 October 2024, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary

Video   37th meeting (8 November 2024, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary

Video   38th meeting (22 November 2024, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary

Action taken by the Sixth Committee

At the 38th meeting, on 22 November, the representative of Canada, on behalf of the Bureau, introduced draft resolution entitled “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” (A/C.6/79/L.6). At the same meeting, the Committee adopted draft resolution A/C.6/79/L.6 without a vote.

Under the terms of the draft resolution, the General Assembly would, inter alia, recommend that the Sixth Committee, at the eightieth session of the General Assembly, establish a working group with a view to finalizing the process on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by Assembly resolution 54/110 concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. The General Assembly would also recognize the valuable dialogue and efforts of Member States towards resolving any outstanding issues, and it would encourage all Member States to redouble their efforts during the intersessional period.

Subsequent action taken by the General Assembly

This agenda item will be considered at the eightieth session (2025).

Full texts of submissions (A/79/99 + Add.1)

State Original submission Translation
Algeria French  
Argentina Spanish  
Azerbaijan English  
Belarus Russian English
Belgium English  
Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Spanish  
Burundi French  
Colombia Spanish  
Cuba Spanish  
El Salvador Spanish  
Guatemala Spanish  
Spanish  
Spanish  
Jordan Arabic English
Lebanon Arabic English
Oman English/Arabic  
Qatar English  
Russian Federation Russian English
San Marino English  
Thiland English  
Türkiye English  
Ukraine English  
 
Observer Original submission Translation
CIS Russian English
CoE English  
EU English  
IAEA English  
OSCE English  

Related links

Quick Links

Key Documents

Resources