BRICS members condemn terrorism, stress adoption of CCIT unanimously

The Foreign Ministers of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations, on Thursday, during their annual meeting on the margins of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, laid stress on the need for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) 

Strong retaliation towards terrorism

The Ministers expressed their strong retaliation towards all kinds of terrorism, whenever and by whomsoever committed. As per the joint statement released following the meeting, it was reported that the members expressed their conviction that a comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure an effective fight against terrorism. 

The statement further mentioned the importance of finding ways to combat terrorism in accordance with international law under UN auspices and stressed in this regard the need for early adoption of a CCIT. While recalling the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, the Foreign Ministers also talked about the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council. The joint opinion came on the grounds with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges.

READ | BRICS meet at UNGA: Member nations condemn terror, call for CCIT

 "China and Russia reiterated the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN," the statement added. The BRICS leaders also welcomed the special focus of the high-level segment of the UNGA on sustainable development and the holding of the Climate and SDG Summits and high-level events on Health and Financing for Development. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and called for redoubled efforts for its timely implementation. 

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Need for effective international action stressed upon

Another thing that was stressed upon is the need for more effective international action on climate change and reaffirmed their commitment towards the full implementation of the Paris Agreement. The statement also said: "the leaders urged developed countries to support developing countries, including through honouring their financial commitments and the transfer of technology, which are the most critical enablers for climate action," 

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 "The Ministers further reiterated their commitment to transparent, non-discriminatory, open, free and inclusive international trade and noted that protectionism and unilateralism run counter to the rules and the spirit of the WTO," the statement further highlighted. Expressing their concern about the current world situation and in an effort to find peaceful solutions, the Foreign Ministers expressed their concern over continued conflicts in several regions around the globe, which undermine international security and stability. They also went on to commend the African Union for its efforts aimed at resolving and managing conflicts on the continent and welcomed the strengthening of the cooperation between the United Nations Security Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council. 

"They further commended the African Union's commitment to "Silencing the Guns by 2020" and reiterated support for efforts to strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture," the statement added. The 11th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in Brasilia in November 2019. A stand-alone meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations is also supposed to be held in Russia next year.

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(With ANI inputs)