7813th Security Council Meeting: UN, Regional and Sub-regional Cooperation

Delegates call for stronger strategic partnership between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in fighting extremist ideology, at 7813th meeting.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 02:25:44
• Production Date: 17 November 2016
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Corporate Name: ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION - OIC
• Subject Topical: COOPERATION; PARTNERSHIP; RADICALISM; TERRORISM
• MAMS Id: 1776717
• Parent Id: 1776010

Description

Speakers Reject Terrorism Link with Any Specific Religion, Culture, Nationality.

Speakers in the Security Council this morning called for a stronger strategic partnership between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on peace and security, particularly in relation to countering extremist ideology.

The relationship between the two organizations was invaluable, given the magnitude and complexity of global challenges, Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, said during a meeting that also heard from OIC Assistant Secretary General Hameed Opeleyeru and Columbia University professor Souleymane Bachir Diagne.

Mr. Opeloyeru described OIC and United Nations objectives as broadly similar, both organizations being devoted to the cause of international peace, security and development. The OIC was a natural partner of the United Nations in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism. Having adopted the Convention on Combating International Terrorism in 1999, the OIC had been among the first to formulate a clear and principled position against terrorism, he pointed out.

Among many such initiatives, he continued, the OIC was developing narratives to counter extremist ideologies by elevating credible and authentic religious voices supporting tolerance and non-violence. It had established the Centre for Dialogue, Peace and Understanding for that purpose and to expose the reality of terrorist groups claiming to belong to the Islamic faith. The OIC looked forward to further engagement with the United Nations in addressing the immediate and future challenges facing the Muslim world, he added.

Mr. Diagne cautioned that, in the sound and fury of the violence unleashed in the name of religion, one might lose sight of the fact that it had its roots in the promotion of human values. He said the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue must focus on the universal values that made human coexistence possible, including respect for universal human rights. Describing pluralism as a cornerstone in the promotion of peaceful coexistence, he said it was the authentic response to extreme violence. The OIC and the United Nations had a shared belief in advocating the unity of the human community and full respect for pluralism, he said, pointing out that Islamic texts also evoked pluralism. A core principle of Islam was that humankind was the lieutenant of God on earth and should therefore ensure the continual renewal of Creation, he emphasized.

Following those briefings, Council members affirmed the importance of enhancing United Nations-OIC cooperation in conflict prevention and counter-extremism, as well as the need for a comprehensive global counter-terrorism strategy supported by all regional partners. In that regard, most speakers stressed the importance of fighting terrorism, not only through security efforts, but also through development initiatives, conflict-resolution measures and the dissemination of voices challenging extremist ideology, including prominent religious voices.

Speakers including the representatives of Angola, Uruguay and Malaysia encouraged the OIC to enhance efforts to promote tolerance within its various member States and around the world. In that regard, France’s representative highlighted the importance of all fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression. Many speakers underlined the importance of ensuring that terrorism was not associated with any one religion.

Underlining that there could be no differentiating between “good” and “bad” terrorists, the Russian Federation’s representative said it was important to prevent terrorism by eliminating radicalism. Anti-terrorism efforts must be built upon the solid foundation of international law, he said, adding that attention must be paid not only to the military threat, but also to underlying causes, including conflict.

The representative of the United States suggested the appointment of a dedicated counter-terrorism coordinator to liaise with the OIC and other partners, in order to enhance cooperation in that field between the OIC and the United Nations.

Also speaking were representatives of Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, China, Venezuela, Egypt, Uruguay, Japan, Malaysia, France, New Zealand and Senegal.

According to a concept note prepared by the Senegalese presidency (document S/2016/965), the OIC is mindful that fighting terrorism requires a comprehensive and inclusive approach that takes realities on the ground into account. The United Nations and the OIC have worked closely to restore peace and security in Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Darfur/the Sudan, Libya, Mali, Somalia and Yemen. They have also worked together on reconstruction and development in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sierra Leone and Somalia, the note states.

The meeting began at 10:05 a.m. and ended at 12:33 p.m.