Describing terrorism as one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, NAM nations including India have called on states to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms, including financing and the illicit transfer of weapons to terror outfits.
The 17th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit here, attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, also condemned the destruction of cultural heritage and religious sites, as well as the commission of crimes against humanity by terrorist groups, among others, on the basis of their religion or beliefs.
"They reiterated that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Hence, they reaffirmed their firm condemnation of terrorist acts in all their forms and manifestations, whatever their motivations, wherever and by whomsoever they are committed," a declaration at the end of the summit said.
The nations recognised the threat posed nowadays by this despicable scourge, particularly the activities carried out by terrorist groups such as the Taliban, Al-Qaida, ISIS and its affiliated entities, Jabhat Al Nusra, Boko Haram and Al Shabbaab, and other entities designated by the United Nations, including the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters and the spread of violent extremism which can be conducive to terrorism.
So it is "necessary for States to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing and the illicit transfer of weapons, in a decisive and coordinated manner, with strict adherence to the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as other obligations under international law," the statement said.
"In this regard, they considered that the adoption of a future Comprehensive Convention for Combating International Terrorism could complement the set of existing international legal instruments, including the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy," it said.
In addition, they reaffirmed that terrorism and violent extremism as and when conducive to terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, and that these attributions should not be used to justify terrorism or counterterrorism measures that include, inter alia, profiling of terror suspects and intrusion on individual privacy.
India yesterday had said that "concrete action" was needed in the fight against terrorism and asked the 120-nation group to set up a mechanism to ensure effective cooperation in combating the menace.
They grouping also reaffirmed their full and decisive
support to the consolidation, strengthening and revitalisation of the Non-Aligned Movement, as the only guarantee to preserve its legacy and historical validity and to ensure therefore its strength, cohesion and resilience, on the basis of unity in diversity and the solidarity of its Member States.
The NAM nations reiterated that they will continue to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and international law in order to save future generations from the scourge of war and military conflict.
They also rejected the illegal policies of regime change aimed at overthrowing constitutional Governments, in contravention of international law.
Furthermore, they stressed that overcoming conflicts and the achievement of a firm and lasting peace requires a holistic approach that addresses the structural causes of conflicts, in order to realise the three pillars of the United Nations: peace and security, development and human rights.
They also reaffirmed their determination to continue opposing any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity or territorial integrity of a State.
NAM countries also expressed their commitment for the respect of the sovereignty, the sovereign equality of States, the non-intervention in the internal affairs of States, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the abstention from the threat or use of force, in accordance with UN Charter.
They stressed on the inalienable right of all peoples, including those of non-self-governing territories, as well as those of territories under foreign occupation or under colonial or foreign domination, to self-determination.
They reaffirmed their intention to redouble efforts towards eliminating the threat posed to the human species the existence of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons. In this regard, they resolved to work to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.
They also called for the urgent commencement of negotiations on nuclear disarmament, in particular on a comprehensive convention on nuclear weapons to prohibit their possession, development, production, acquisition, testing, stockpiling, transfer, use or threat of use and to provide for their destruction with a specified time frame. They also reiterated the sovereign right of countries to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes keeping in view their independence and economic development.
They reiterated that their will to work towards the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, leaving no one behind, remembering that the Agenda is based on people and is universal and transformative.
