Statement by H.E. The Hon Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council on Counter-Terrorism efforts
6 May 2008
(As delivered)
Mr President,
The UN’s comprehensive legal framework in the field of counter-terrorism is of fundamental importance to the international community in developing a global response to the continually evolving threat of terrorism. Australia strongly supports the work of the UN counter-terrorism committees to bring practical effect to the UN’s counter-terrorism framework and the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. We encourage close engagement by these committees with the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force to ensure appropriate coordination in efforts, to avoid duplication and to encourage effective implementation by Member States of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Australia’s international engagement on this issue is focused on enhancing security and capacity building efforts with partner countries to combat terrorism and prevent terrorist attacks. Regional counter-terrorism successes are continuing to have an impact on the primary terrorist threat to our region, Jemaah Islamiyah. Bilateral, regional and international cooperation are essential to effectively combat terrorism, in all its forms. Australia remains committed to working at all levels with Member States to overcome the grave threat to our security posed by terrorism.
Australia strongly supports the work of the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate. Australia encourages the Committee in its efforts to improve facilitation of technical assistance to countries with vulnerabilities in counter-terrorism responses and in the monitoring and implementation of counter-terrorism measures.
Australia welcomes the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate’s comprehensive strategy in engaging with donors active in the counter-terrorism field and matching donor capabilities with recipients' needs. Effective relationship building between donor and recipient countries, and a practical focus on capabilities and needs, are critical for success.
Australia recognises the importance of the work of the 1267 committee in the UN’s counter-terrorism efforts. In March this year, Australia significantly increased the maximum penalties upon conviction for breaching Australian measures implementing the obligations set out in Resolutions 1267 and 1373 and subsequent resolutions.
Australia welcomes the steps being taken by the 1267 Committee to engage more closely with Member States and regional bodies to better coordinate its work and improve the exchange of information. This will be important if global counter-terrorism efforts are to be effective, as a strong legislative and regulatory framework is essential to disrupting terrorist networks and dealing with specific threats.
Australia welcomes the unanimous adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1810, extending the mandate of the 1540 Committee for a further three years. We encourage the Committee to continue building on its efforts of the past four years in support of the universal and effective implementation of the goals of Resolution 1540. Australia particularly commends the Committee for seeking to promote and develop greater Asia-Pacific coordination and cooperation of 1540 implementation, including facilitating assistance to regional countries to fulfil their 1540 obligations.
Australia is directing particular efforts to non proliferation in the Asia-Pacific. Implementation of Resolution 1540 is regularly discussed at the bilateral and multilateral levels with regional countries and Australia continues to offer to further improve capacity and expertise in regional countries where we can.
As chair of the Australia Group, Australia works with 40 other member governments, and the EC, to strengthen the Group’s control lists, and through outreach we complement the goals of 1540 and the outreach efforts of the 1540 Committee. Australia will also chair the planning meeting of the 34-member Missile Technology Control Regime in Canberra in November this year, providing us with a further opportunity to contribute to strengthening international non-proliferation frameworks and norms.
Finally, Australia welcomes Resolution 1810’s emphasis on enhancing ongoing cooperation between the 1540, 1267 and 1373 Committees, including greater coordination of their respective efforts. This will be particularly well-received in the Asia-Pacific region where countries are focused on cooperating in developing their counter-terrorist capabilities.
Thank you.