Discurso do Representante Permanente, Embaixador Sérgio França Danese, em debate aberto do Conselho de Segurança sobre a Manutenção da Paz e Segurança - 21 de janeiro de 2025 (texto em inglês)
Remarks by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on the Maintenance of international peace and security
January 21st, 2025
Mr. President,
I thank Algeria for organizing this timely open debate. Brazil acknowledges the efforts made by Algeria to combat terrorism in Africa and commend the activities of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), headquartered in Algiers.
I also thank Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed; AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye; and Mr. Said Djunnit for their briefings.
Terrorism is a multidimensional challenge that requires not only robust security responses but also - and mainly - effective strategies for prevention and
long-term development. In this regard, Brazil commends the approach of this debate to focus on sustainable development as a key aspect of our joint efforts to combat terrorism.
The root causes of terrorism are deeply tied to a range of socioeconomic, political, and developmental factors. While security responses are essential and often urgent to address immediate threats, they alone are insufficient.
Terrorism thrives in environments of poverty, inequality, lack of opportunity, and marginalization. It thrives also on hate speech and the facility through which, with modern IT technology, it can be fed into potential recruits for terrorist activities.
Indeed, young people, especially those who feel excluded from social and economic opportunities, can be vulnerable to radicalization and recruitment.
Young people must have a vision of their future and feel safe to pursue their dreams and wishes.
Therefore, a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy must focus on addressing these underlying conditions by investing in education, job creation, and social inclusion.
Strengthening social cohesion and community resilience is also essential for building a lasting peace and ensuring that young people are not drawn into violent extremism conducive to terrorism.
In the African context, this perspective is especially relevant, considering that the continent is home to the youngest population in the world.
The African Union and regional mechanisms are central to efforts to combat terrorism on the continent, and Brazil fully supports the AU’s initiatives.
It is essential to enhance African leadership in designing and implementing counterterrorism strategies, including strengthening the capacity of African institutions and governments to prevent violent extremism through both security measures and long-term development.
The United Nations must continue supporting Africa’s efforts to combat terrorism, grounded in African priorities, with sustainable funding and technical assistance to address both terrorism and its root causes. The Security Council must ensure that actions align with the UN Charter, respecting human rights, the rule of law and the principles of sovereignty and national ownership.
In Africa, as well as everywhere, on the other hand, it is important to treat terrorism and transnational crime as interconnected but distinct challenges. While transnational organized crime often provides funding and logistical support to terrorist groups, blending the two can undermine the clarity of our responses.
We must strengthen our collective action against both, ensuring a clear focus on the specific drivers and solutions for each.
Mr. President,
Brazil reaffirms its support to the vital role that the United Nations and the African Union, in the African context, play in fostering international and
regional cooperation to tackle terrorism.
As we move forward, let us prioritize a balanced approach: one that combines security measures with efforts to build resilient societies, promote sustainable development, support sound peacebuilding and conflict prevention strategies through the UN peacebuilding architecture and thus create real opportunities for youth.
Thank you.