Discurso do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador Norberto Moretti, em briefing do Escritório das Nações Unidas de Combate ao Terrorismo (UNOCT) aos Estados-Membros - 4 de março de 2026 (texto em inglês)

Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, at the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Briefing to Member States
March 4th, 2026

Mr. Chair,

I thank Acting USG Zouev, as well as Ambassadors Kalkku and Hilale for their remarks.

The repudiation of terrorism is a guiding principle of Brazil’s international relations enshrined in our very constitution.

My delegation has actively engaged in the reviews of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy since its inception. In our view, the document commands robust legitimacy as the principal framework for guiding the global effort against international terrorism, given its inclusive approach that reflects a wide diversity of perspectives.

However, the Strategy alone is insufficient. Its effective and consistent implementation is essential to ensuring a firm and effective response to the threat of terrorism. In this regard, the United Nations, through entities of the Global Compact such as UNOCT, UNCCT, UNODC and CTED, plays a crucial role in providing sound advice and technical assistance to States.

Cooperation must always take into account the need for a balanced implementation of the Strategy across its four pillars, as well as the provisions outlined in Action 23 of the Pact for the Future.

In this endeavor, as we have said before, it is essential that we address the root causes of terrorism. Understanding why individuals commit such horrific acts is an essential step toward prevention. Obviously, comprehending is not tolerating, much less condoning. Rather, it is key to effectively fighting it.

As Brazil has consistently underscored in both the GA and the Security Council, it is high time to break the current

deadlock on negotiating a comprehensive convention on international terrorism. Without a clear, universally agreed-upon legal definition of this conduct, there will always remain the potential for accusations of double standards.

We look forward to continuing our active engagement in the ninth review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, addressing both contemporary challenges and the persistent gaps. Addressing issues on all three pillars of the UN - peace and security, development and human rights – will be equally vital in this task. We cannot afford to limit ourselves to a purely security-focused perspective, if we are to make meaningful progress in our fight against terrorism.

Thank you.