Sixth Committee (Legal) — 80th session
Measures to eliminate international terrorism (Agenda item 109)
- Authority: resolution 79/129
- List of speakers
Documentation
- A/80/177 — Report of the Secretary-General
- Oral report of the Chair of the Working Group
- A/C.6/80/L.22 — Draft resolution
Additional documents from previous sessions:
- A/79/99 + Add.1 — Report of the Secretary-General
- A/68/37 — Report of the Ad Hoc Committee established by General Assembly resolution 51/210 of 17 December 1996
- A/60/329 — Letter dated 1 September 2005 from the Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General
- A/C.6/60/2 — Letter dated 30 September 2005 from the Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations addressed to the Chairman of the Sixth Committee
- A/C.6/79/SR.37, A/C.6/78/SR.36, A/C.6/77/SR.35, A/C.6/76/SR.27 | A/C.6/75/SR.17 | A/C.6/74/SR.34 | A/C.6/73/SR.33 — Summary records of the 35th meeting (10 November 2022), the 27th meeting (9 November 2021), the 17th meeting (11 November 2020), the 34th meeting (11 November 2019) and the 33rd meeting (5 November 2018)
Summary of work
Background (source: A/80/100)
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 its forty-sixth session, the Assembly changed the title of the item to “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” at its forty-sixth session (resolution 46/51).
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 seventy-ninth session, the Assembly decided to recommend that the Sixth Committee, at the eightieth 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 79/129).
Consideration at the eightieth session
The Sixth Committee considered the item at its 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 37th and 38th meetings, on 6, 7 and 8 October and on 14 and 21 November 2025 (A/C.6/80/SR.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 37 and 38).
For its consideration of the item, the Committee had before it the report of the Secretary-General (A/80/177).
At its 1st meeting, on 6 October, the Committee established 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 General 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 17 October and 6 November 2025.
At its 37th meeting, on 14 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.
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), Cameroon (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, as well as Armenia, Monaco and San Marino aligned themselves with this statement)), the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (on behalf of Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations), Cambodia (on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)), Norway (on behalf of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway)), New Zealand (on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ)), and Latvia (on behalf of Baltic countries, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia), the observer of the Observer State of Palestine, and the representatives of Cameroon, Israel, Ethiopia, Armenia, Sierra Leone, India, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Yemen, the Philippines, Morocco, Mexico, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Eritrea, Senegal, Indonesia, Uruguay, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Qatar, Nepal, Oman, El Salvador, Côte d'Ivoire, the Congo, Jordan, Togo, Singapore, Nicaragua, Türkiye, Viet Nam, Guatemala, China, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, Mali, Algeria, United States of America, Bahrain, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Niger, Ukraine, Mongolia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Ecuador, Cuba, Afghanistan, Panama, Angola, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Maldives, Mozambique, the Gambia, the Russian Federation, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Peru, Tunisia, Uganda, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Pakistan, Kuwait, Libya, Paraguay, Kenya, Sudan, Georgia, Gabon, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Costa Rica, the United Republic of Tanzania, Chad, the Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste and the Dominican Republic.
A statement was also made by the observer for the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran made a statement on a point of order.
The representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Syrian Arab Republic, Iraq, India, Pakistan and the observer for the Observer State of Palestine spoke in the exercise of the right of reply.
Delegations generally welcomed the Secretary General’s report on “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” (A/80/177). 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, the rule of law, and the territorial integrity and stability of States, and noted their adverse effects on economic and social development, including sustainable development. A number of delegations stressed that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or civilization. It was also underscored that terrorism should be distinguished from the right of peoples to self-determination and from legitimate struggles against colonial and racist regimes or other forms of alien domination and foreign occupation, recalling in that regard General Assembly resolution 46/51. Several delegations cautioned against double standards in countering terrorism.
In discussing the applicable legal framework, delegations highlighted the importance of strict observance of the Charter of the United Nations and rules of international law while countering terrorism. The question of how the rules of jus ad bellum governing the use of force applied to counter-terrorism operations was raised. Delegations reiterated the need to respect the sovereign equality of States, territorial integrity and political independence of all States in accordance with the Charter. It was stated that the brutalization of peoples remaining under foreign occupation should continue to be denounced as among the gravest forms of terrorism.
Delegations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation at the international, regional and subregional levels, including through partnerships with and within the United Nations. Delegations highlighted the value of information-sharing and the exchange of best practices. Delegations commended the work of United Nations counter-terrorism entities, particularly the Office of Counter-Terrorism, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Counter-Terrorism Centre. Several delegations recalled the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and emphasized the primary responsibility of Member States for its implementation, calling for a transparent, balanced and comprehensive approach.
Several delegations highlighted their accession to, or ratification of, counter-terrorism instruments and referred to steps taken to implement relevant international instruments and Security Council resolutions in national law, encouraging other States to do likewise. Delegations also provided information on national legislation and institutional measures to combat terrorism, as well as regional initiatives and developments.
A number of delegations underscored the importance of prevention and efforts to counter violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Delegations expressed concern regarding xenophobic, extremist and racially supremacist ideologies, as well as hate speech, in the context of terrorism. It was emphasized that effective responses should combine security and law enforcement measures with community-based programmes, interfaith dialogue and educational initiatives aimed at countering extremist narratives.
Delegations called for the condemnation of, and refraining 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 by individuals or terrorist organizations or by providing safe havens. Some delegations condemned State-led and State-sponsored terrorism. Delegations further emphasized the need to ensure that refugee status or other legal status was not abused by perpetrators, organizers or facilitators of terrorist acts.
Delegations expressed grave concern over the acute and growing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, and some delegations emphasized the need for States to address this challenge, including through the implementation of their international obligations. The need to cooperate to find solutions regarding repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration was also mentioned. Delegations underscored the importance of United Nations capacity-building and facilitation of capacity-building in accordance with existing mandates.
Several delegations referred to linkages between terrorist groups and transnational organized crime and emphasized the importance of strengthening prevention, investigation, enforcement and prosecution efforts to address such linkages. A number of delegations expressed concern regarding the financing of terrorism and the supply of weapons, stressing the need to enhance efforts to combat terrorist financing and money laundering. Several delegations expressed concern about kidnapping and hostage-taking for ransom attributed to terrorist groups.
Delegations noted the misuse of the internet and new technologies by terrorist groups, including artificial intelligence, social media, drones and cryptocurrency. The need for international frameworks and national legislative approaches to keep pace with rapid technological developments was highlighted.
Several delegations underlined the importance of a whole-of-society approach to countering terrorism. Delegations stressed the need to tackle destabilizing factors such as poverty, inequality and social exclusion, and noted that challenges such as inter-community tensions and climate change could exacerbate conditions associated with radicalization. Some delegations attached importance to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals as part of efforts to address underlying drivers of terrorism, while emphasizing that national circumstances and specificities should be taken into account.
Several delegations emphasized the importance of engaging women and children and addressing their specific needs, while empowering youth, and providing opportunities for their meaningful participation was also viewed as crucial in efforts to prevent and counter terrorism. A number of delegations stressed the role of civil society and local communities in countering violent extremism and terrorism. Solidarity with victims of terrorism was expressed by a number of delegations.
A number of delegations underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights while countering terrorism. Several delegations raised concerns regarding unilateral actions against States under the pretext of combating terrorism, as well as 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 advocated strengthening due process and ensuring fair and clear procedures within relevant sanctions regimes and committees, and some noted the importance of humanitarian carve-outs in United Nations sanctions regimes to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance where sanctions applied. Concern was expressed regarding the increasing politicization of the fight against terrorism, including polarization in international fora, and several delegations referred to the pursuit of a future free from terrorism in the context of the Pact for the Future.
A number of delegations reaffirmed their support for the negotiation and conclusion of the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism and stressed the need to reach consensus on outstanding issues. Several delegations highlighted the importance of an internationally agreed definition of terrorism. It was emphasized that indefinite postponement of negotiations was not justified and that States should demonstrate compromise and flexibility.
Several delegations welcomed discussion of the proposal to convene a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations, reaffirming support for such a conference as a means to help resolve outstanding issues relating to the draft comprehensive convention. It was noted that the convening of the high-level conference should not be contingent upon the prior conclusion of the comprehensive convention. A number of delegations expressed the view that convening a conference of plenipotentiaries and commencing negotiations on a convention might be premature, given the persistence of divergent views among States on a number of key concepts.
Archived videos and summaries of plenary meetings
1st meeting (6 October 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary
2nd meeting (6 October 2025, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) | Summary
3rd meeting (7 October 2025, 12:30am – 1:00pm) | Summary
4th meeting (7 October 2025, 3:00pm – 6:00pm) | Summary
5th meeting (8 October 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary
37th meeting (14 November 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm) | Summary
38th meeting (21 November 2025, 10:30am – 1:00pm) | Summary
Action taken by the Sixth Committee
At the 38th meeting, on 21 November, the representative of Canada, on behalf of the Bureau, introduced a draft resolution entitled “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” (A/C.6/80/L.22). At the same meeting, the Committee adopted draft resolution A/C.6/80/L.22 without a vote.
Under the terms of the draft resolution, the Assembly would, inter alia, decide to recommend that the Sixth Committee, at the eighty-first session, 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 eighty-first session (2026).
Full texts of submissions (A/80/177)
| State | Original submission | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | English | |
| Algeria | French | |
| Azerbaijan | English | |
| Belarus | Russian | English |
| Russian | English | |
| Belgium | English | |
| Cuba | Spanish | |
| Ecuador | Spanish | |
| Spanish | ||
| El Salvador | Spanish | |
| Germany | English | |
| Guyana | English | |
| Italy | English | |
| Kazakhstan | Russian | English |
| Russian | English | |
| Mexico | Spanish | |
| Peru | Spanish | |
| Philippines | English | |
| Qatar | Arabic | English |
| Russian Federation | Russian | English |
| San Marino | English | |
| Saudi Arabia | Arabic | English |
| Singapore | English | |
| Sri Lanka | English | |
| Togo | French | |
| Tunisia | Arabic | English |
| Ukraine | English | |
| Uzbekistan | Russian | English |
| Observer | Original submission | Translation |
| ASEAN | English | |
| CIS | Russian | English |
| CoE | English | |
| CSTO | Russian/English | |
| EU | English | |
| IAEA | English | |
| OSCE | English | |
