Explanation of Vote following the Security Council Adoption on Countering Terrorist Narratives

Mr President,

We welcome the adoption of the resolution on Countering Terrorist Narratives this morning. We especially welcome the Counter Terrorism Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate will be involved in compiling good practices from member states and other actors for the benefit of the wider membership.

More research is also needed to know what strategies actually yield result in countering terrorist narratives. We encourage public-private partnership in the development of strategies and approaches, as governments are not always the best originators of such messages.

We take this opportunity to underline that any measure aimed at combatting terrorism must be undertaken in full respect of international law, including international human rights law, international humanitarian law and international refugee law.

This is, of course, also applicable in terms of the prevention of terrorism, including in relation to countering terrorist narratives. Freedom of information, freedom of expression - online and off-line - and freedom of association are essential to foster critical thinking and societies resilient to terrorist propaganda.

Thank you