Latest news with #UNOfficeofCounter-Terrorism
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Have 'credible evidence' of India's role in train hijacking
A Pakistani diplomat at the United Nations told the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) that Islamabad had the "credible evidence" proving India's hand in the train hijacking in Balochistan last month, while delivering a scathing response to Indian allegations. Speaking at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) by the UNOCT in New York on Monday, Pakistani Counsellor Jawad Ajmal rejected New Delhi's accusation that Pakistan was indulging in "baseless propaganda" against India. Ajmal referred to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) attack on Jaffar Express near Sibi in March, which resulted in the loss of at least 30 innocent lives. "Pakistan has credible evidence that this attack had external sponsorship from our adversaries in the region," he said, in an obvious reference to India. Ajmal used his right to reply to Indian Deputy Permanent Representative Yojna Patel's statement, which accused him of misusing the forum to "indulge in propaganda and make baseless allegations against India", and went on to allege that Pakistan was involved in terrorism. Rejecting the Indian delegate's accusations, Ajmal highlighted Pakistan's own struggles with terrorism, citing the loss of over 80,000 lives over two decades. He praised the resilience of the Pakistani nation and paid tribute to the families of martyrs from law-enforcement agencies and armed forces. In his address earlier, Ajmal called for addressing the root causes of terrorism, distinguishing terrorism from legitimate struggles for self-determination and also addressing state-sponsored terrorism. He also called for a consensual definition of terrorism, taking into account new trends. "We must-address challenges, emanating from new tools of terrorism on social media and the dark web which seek to deepen divisions and sow the seeds of discord, including incitement to violence," he said, underscoring the need to counter disinformation campaigns aimed at spreading hate speech. He also pointed out to the plight of the people of IIOJK, who had been suffering as victims of state terrorism perpetrated by the Indian state machinery. Indian perpetrators must be held "accountable for state terrorism and crimes against humanity", he said. He reiterated the call for the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to compel India to halt state terrorism and oppression in Jammu and Kashmir, and demanded the implementation of the Security Council's resolutions, which required a free and fair plebiscite in the region.
Al Etihad
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UN launches network to support victims and survivors of terrorism
29 Apr 2025 09:33 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) on network is a key outcome from the first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in September 2022. It brings together victims and survivors of terrorism, victims' associations and civil society organisations from across the goal is to provide a safe space for victims and survivors to support each other, build resilience and engage as advocates, educators, and Voronkov, UN Under Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, expressed solidarity with all victims regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, and paid tribute to their courage and resilience.'In the face of unimaginable personal tragedy, many have chosen to raise their voices, becoming powerful advocates for solidarity and tolerance,' he said, while also calling for greater support. 'In many cases, the needs of victims and survivors are urgent and underfunded. International and national assistance remains critical,' he stressed.
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Launches Network To Support Victims And Survivors Of Terrorism
28 April 2025 The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) on Monday. The network is a key outcome from the first UN Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, held in September 2022. It brings together victims and survivors of terrorism, victims' associations and civil society organizations from across the globe. The goal is to provide a safe space for victims and survivors to support each other, build resilience and engage as advocates, educators, and peacebuilders. Solidarity, advocacy and assistance Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, expressed solidarity with all victims regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion, and paid tribute to their courage and resilience. ' In the face of unimaginable personal tragedy, many have chosen to raise their voices, becoming powerful advocates for solidarity and tolerance,' he said, while also calling for greater support. 'In many cases, the needs of victims and survivors are urgent and underfunded. International and national assistance remains critical,' he stressed. Understanding victims' needs The development of VoTAN received financial support from Spain and its launch marks an important step which will allow victims to connect and support each other, said the country's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno. ' Synergies between civil society and governments are essential to understanding the needs of victims, so we trust that other Member States, especially those belonging to the Group of Friends, will also support the Global Network,' he added. The Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, chaired by Spain and Iraq, was established nearly six years ago to uphold the need to protect victims' rights. Co-chair Abbas Kadhom Obaid Al-Fatlawi, Chargé d'Affaires at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Iraq, reaffirmed the Group's solidarity with all those affected. ' They all have our utmost respect and commitment to continue doing everything necessary to make them feel recognised, cared for and protected,' he said. Transforming pain into purpose The event concluded with statements from five victims of terrorism and victims' associations. Grace Acan from Uganda highlighted 'the critical importance of collaboration, resilience and partnership' in her remarks. 'Through partnerships, we can amplify our voices, advocate for justice and ensure that the needs of victims are met with compassion and urgency,' she said. ' Together, we can transform our pain into purpose, creating a safer, more inclusive world for all.'
Arab News
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Islamic military coalition addresses extremism prevention at Riyadh forum
RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism organized a symposium in Riyadh on Wednesday, commemorating the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism. The event was attended by the coalition's assistant military commander, Air Force Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Qurashi, as well as member state representatives and coalition personnel, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Chaired by Abdullah Al-Dawah, director of monitoring and analysis at the Intellectual Affairs Department, the symposium emphasized the day's role in enhancing global efforts to combat terrorism and extremist ideology while fostering peace and tolerance. Al-Dawah explained that the symposium serves to address the complex drivers of extremism, explore preventive measures, and highlight the crucial roles of community awareness and global cooperation. In the first session, Yahya Abu Maghayed, director of preventive programs at the Intellectual Affairs Department, examined extremism's dynamic nature and stressed the need for increased public awareness. He discussed factors driving its spread and indicators of violent radicalization, such as violence justification, conspiracy theory adoption, and participation in social unrest. The second session featured Col. Malik Al-Farrayeh, Jordan's representative to the Islamic coalition, who highlighted the importance of public education on extremist ideology risks. He emphasized that prevention begins with promoting moderate religious values while rejecting hardline ideas. Al-Farrayeh also noted the critical role of educational and media institutions in promoting tolerance and moderation. He stressed the need for regional and international cooperation to prevent extremism from evolving into a security threat. The event concluded with recommendations to strengthen community oversight, reinforce moderate values, and address extremism's root causes. Participants underscored the need for coordinated international action to combat this phenomenon and protect communities from its impact.
