Maldives has condemned all acts, methods and practices of terrorism as well as stated that terrorism should not be associated with any religion or culture, during the debate on “Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism” at the 69th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Noting that terrorism coupled with fanaticism and extremism poses a greater threat to the world than ever before, the Maldives asserted that the so-called Islamic State and other such terrorist organizations “are not only un-islamic, but are in fact anti-islamic”. The statement argued that these entities could not be regarded as religious groups but rather identified as terrorist organizations.
The Maldives also noted that the way forward in addressing terrorism would be through a renewed focus on the application and implementation of universal instruments as well as by complementing international activities with regional, bilateral and national initiatives. The Maldives welcomed initiatives that emphasize the global will to jointly address the issue of foreign fighters, including UN Security Council Resolutions 2170 and 2178 adopted during the year.
During its statement, the Maldives also highlighted its domestic efforts against terrorism. The Maldives Anti-Terrorism Act of 1990 and National Security Policy of 2012 provide as a guide on rooting out extremist ideologies, monitoring threats and prosecuting offenders, it was noted. Moreover, a new Anti-Terrorism Bill currently underway, when enacted, would help the Maldives to more effectively target and prosecute those who espouse terrorist ideologies and actions.
The statement at the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly, was delivered by Jeffrey Salim Waheed, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United Nations.
