New York, July 02 (QNA) - The State of Qatar reaffirmed its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of its perpetrators or motives, describing it as a serious threat to international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law.

The State of Qatar also reiterated its commitment to the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and to implementing its four pillars in a comprehensive and balanced manner, as well as to relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council, and to applicable international and regional conventions.

The statement was delivered by HE Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani,before the General Assembly during the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy at UN Headquarters in New York City.

Her Excellency noted that the State of Qatar believes preventing terrorism requires addressing the conditions that contribute to its spread, including conflicts, foreign occupation, hate speech, and human rights violations, which terrorist groups exploit for recruitment and incitement. She added that the State of Qatar continues to support initiatives that empower young people, promote education, and foster dialogue and mutual understanding.

She also emphasized the State of Qatar's view that promoting tolerance and respect for religious values is essential to countering violent extremist rhetoric. She stressed that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization, culture, or ethnic group, and underscored the need to confront terrorist threats driven by intolerance, racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia.

Her Excellency said that the State of Qatar has strengthened its strategic partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and was among the first countries to contribute to the office following its establishment. Since 2019, Qatar has provided an annual grant of $15 million, which has been renewed through 2026. She added that Qatar's total contributions now exceed $141 million, equivalent to nearly one-third of the total contributions to the Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, which makes the State of Qatar the office's largest donor.

She further noted that the State of Qatar supports the office's leadership, coordination, capacity-building, and technical assistance efforts through major global programs implemented in line with the priorities of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review. These programs include countering terrorist travel, protecting vulnerable targets, and securing major sporting events. She also highlighted that Doha has hosted the International Hub on Behavioral Insights to Counter Terrorism, one of the office's principal program offices outside its headquarters, since 2020. She conveyed Qatar's welcome for the Office of Counter-Terrorism's continued efforts to fulfill its mandate in cooperation with the entities of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact. Her Excellency said these efforts are intended to support member states while being guided by the principles of transparency and accountability, establishing unified results frameworks, and enhancing the effectiveness of UN assistance.

At the national level, Her Excellency said that the State of Qatar has continued to strengthen its legislative and institutional framework, including measures to prevent and suppress terrorist financing and to criminalize terrorist acts in accordance with its international obligations. She added that the State of Qatar has adopted a comprehensive national strategy to combat terrorism and violent extremism that is fully aligned with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. The strategy focuses on prevention, protection, prosecution, and recovery, and is implemented through coordinated action plans led by the National Counter-Terrorism Committee in cooperation with all relevant national authorities.

In conclusion, Her Excellency reaffirmed the State of Qatar's commitment at all levels to supporting international efforts to achieve the shared goal of a future free from terrorism. (QNA)