International Cooperation Should Be Strengthened To Deny Terrorist Groups Safe Haven: P20 Joint Statement

The P20 leaders called for strengthened efforts to deny terrorist groups safe havens, the freedom to operate, freedom of movement, recruitment opportunities, and access to financial, material, or political support.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla presided over the P20 Summit on Friday.

Parliamentary leaders from the G20 countries have collectively committed to harnessing their legislative, budgetary, and oversight functions in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Their declaration was issued at the Parliament-20 Summit, or P20 Summit, held in New Delhi. In a resounding joint statement, the leaders vehemently condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, extending to acts rooted in xenophobia, racism, intolerance, or those committed under the guise of religion or belief, news agency PTI reported.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who presided over the P20 Summit, underscored the unanimous adoption of the Joint Declaration, emphasising its embodiment of the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," signifying the world as one family.

"The unanimous adoption of the Joint Declaration at P20 Bharat exemplifies the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. As public representatives, we pledge to collaborate for a human-centric, prosperous, and harmonious future. Many congratulations to all the delegates for their support," said Speaker Om Birla.

This joint statement by P20 leaders assumes greater significance against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recent flare-up of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The parliamentary leaders collectively asserted that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to global peace and security.

They unequivocally denounced all acts of terrorism targeting critical infrastructure, including critical energy facilities, and other vulnerable entities. Regardless of the motivation behind these actions, the leaders emphasised that all acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, as per PTI.

The joint statement further affirmed that effective counter-terrorism measures, support for terrorism victims, and the protection of human rights are not conflicting objectives but rather mutually reinforcing.

The P20 leaders maintained that a comprehensive approach based on international law can effectively combat terrorism. They called for strengthened efforts to deny terrorist groups safe havens, the freedom to operate, freedom of movement, recruitment opportunities, and access to financial, material, or political support.

"A holistic approach on the basis of international law can effectively counter terrorism. Efforts to increase the effectiveness of international cooperation should be strengthened to deny terrorist groups safe haven, freedom of operations, movement and recruitment, as well as financial, material or political support," the joint statement said.

"In the light of our legislative, budgetary and oversight functions, we pledge to play our role in combating terrorism and violent extremism," it added, as quoted by PTI.

In view of their legislative, budgetary, and oversight roles, the parliamentary leaders pledged to play their part in the ongoing battle against terrorism and violent extremism.

The statement also reflected on the comprehensive discussions held during the G20 Leaders' Summit and India's G20 Presidency, highlighting various key areas of focus, including Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), technological transformation, digital economy inclusivity, global economic recovery, food and energy security, climate change mitigation, energy transition, sustainable production, and consumption patterns, multilateralism revitalization, peace-building, counter-terrorism, global skill mapping, disaster risk reduction, and strengthening the global health architecture.

The P20 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to contribute effectively to the G20 process through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, promoting international peace, prosperity, and harmony, and supporting the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes.

The joint statement also acknowledged and congratulated the Parliament of India for passing the women's reservation bill, which ensures the reservation of one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures for women, as reported by PTI.

The joint statement adopted seven paragraphs, including those referring to the Ukraine conflict, from the G20 Leaders Declaration held in Delhi last month, PTI reported.

"It is recognised, that due to their constitutional positions or other factors, certain Speakers cannot directly associate themselves with substantive political statements, and therefore, should not be seen as indicating specific support for all sections," read a note at the end of the joint statement, as per PTI.

Nonetheless, on behalf of their Chambers, they recognize the importance of the issues raised and the intentions of their colleagues in proposing particular ways forward, it said.