New Delhi, May 15: India concluded a two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting on Friday in New Delhi, opting to release a chair’s statement instead of a joint declaration. This decision stemmed from differing opinions among member countries regarding the situation in the Middle East and West Asia.
The foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation to address the growing humanitarian crises worldwide. They expressed concern over the decreasing international response to humanitarian aid. The ministers condemned all violations of international humanitarian law, including deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and targeting of relief workers.
They emphasized the necessity of accountability in cases of violations of international humanitarian law. The BRICS nations acknowledged their efforts to respect and properly implement international humanitarian law.
The statement noted, “Member countries had differing views on the situation in West Asia and the Middle East. They shared their national perspectives and various opinions, including the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing crisis, the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law, secure and uninterrupted trade through international waterways, and the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Several nations also expressed concern over the impact of recent events on the global economy.”
The ministers strongly condemned all forms of terrorist attacks, asserting that terrorism is a crime that cannot be justified, regardless of the reason, location, or perpetrator. They also denounced the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir last April, which resulted in 26 fatalities and numerous injuries.
The statement reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. This includes addressing the cross-border movement of terrorists, funding for terrorism, and providing safe havens for terrorists. They stressed that terrorism should not be linked to any religion, nationality, civilization, or ethnic group. Those involved in terrorist activities and their supporters should be held accountable and punished according to the law. They advocated for a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards terrorism and rejected double standards.
The ministers stated that the primary responsibility for combating terrorism lies with individual countries. Global action against terrorism should align with international law, the United Nations Charter, and the rules of human rights, refugee law, and humanitarian law.
They welcomed the work of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG) and its five sub-groups, which operate based on BRICS’s anti-terrorism strategy, action plan, and position paper. They emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation against terrorism.
The ministers called for the swift finalization and implementation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism under the United Nations. They also urged for collective and stringent action against all declared terrorists and terrorist organizations by the UN.
–
Leave a Comment