First Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism
[September 9, 2022]
 
Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj
Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations
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Thank you Chair.

 
May I congratulate the UN Office for Counter Terrorism and the Group of Friends for Victims of Terrorism in organizing the first Global Congress of the Victims of Terrorism.
 

2.​The Congress is a tribute to the victims of terrorism across the globe, including in my country, for their losses and the immense pain that has befallen them.
 

3.​Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasized that “terrorism is a threat to humanity”. And we agree. Indeed, terrorism is an attack on the values that define the international community, and seriously impairs the enjoyment of human rights including the right to life. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to human rights abuses by terrorists. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary to root out terrorism to protect human rights, including the rights of victims and their families.

 
Mr. Chair,

 
4.​The pain and suffering of victims and families multiply when their right to justice is denied as the perpetrators, facilitators, and financiers of these attacks continue to walk free, enjoying state support and hospitality. The victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and the 2016 Pathankot terror attack are yet to get justice. The international community must work towards redressing deficiencies in the international efforts to ensure that perpetrators of cross-border terrorism are brought to justice.  
 

5.​Terrorists use violence to disrupt livelihoods, destroying lives and traumatizing people, rupturing societies, destabilizing states, and undermining the very fabric of human beliefs by creating panic for achieving their nefarious goals. Pluralistic societies are increasingly targets of such insidious attempts by terrorists. The strengths of diversity and pluralism are sought to be undermined by those who promote intolerance and exclusivism. The need to collectively demonstrate zero tolerance for terrorism and violent extremism has never been greater.

 
6.​Further, the issue requires a consolidated, rather than fragmented approach including that of developing a legal framework for fighting terrorism at the international level, especially by early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, as well as developing suitable regulatory frameworks for prosecution of terrorist outfits and personnel.

 
7.​India has been a victim of state-sponsored cross-border terrorism for past more than 3 decades and deeply understands the human cost of terrorism, and its lasting impact on victims and families of victims. We remain fully committed to do our utmost to look after victims of terrorism and protect their dignity.

 
8.​India has been at the forefront of supporting UN efforts to promote the cause of victims of terrorism. We had co-sponsored the GA resolution on ‘Enhancement of international cooperation to assist victims of terrorism’ aimed at promoting awareness and supporting the victims of terrorism in fulfilling their needs. We have also contributed constructively to strengthen the language of provisions related to victims of terrorism in the 7th review resolution of the Global Counter Terrorism Strategy (GCTS). In the same vein, India supports establishment of a voluntary fund aimed at strengthening Member States’ efforts in assisting victims of terrorism through national systems.

 
9.​Let me conclude by saying that while the Global Congress is an opportunity for us to pay homage to their memory, share their pain, and work jointly towards addressing their needs and protecting their rights, our most enduring tribute to the victims of terrorism will be to rededicate ourselves to combating and eliminating the menace of terrorism with strong determination and joint action. There cannot be any justification for terrorism in any form. The menace of terrorism has to be fought on all fronts and at all places. We should not and must not be found wanting in our efforts. We can afford this only at our own peril.

 
I thank you.
 
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