Terrorism is one of the main scourges the world suffers from, which claims innocent lives and brings despair to millions, creating orphans and homeless. It can take many forms and can strike unexpectedly causing unaccountable losses. To counter this menace nations will have to come together, join hands, share ideas and learnings and more importantly create an international framework for cross-border cooperation. With this focus, Qatar is hosting the 3rd Counter-Terrorism Coordination Meeting of Parliamentary Assembly and Parliamentary Policy Dialogue organised by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the UN Program Office on Parliamentary Engagement in Preventing and Countering Terrorism, in cooperation with the Shura Council.
Qatar has been at the forefront of efforts to curb extremism and combat terrorism. Doha has taken many tangible actions in this regard including hosting the office of the UNOCT Program Office.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim, said that the policy pursued by Qatar under the leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is locally based on continuing sustainable development efforts and providing all means of a de-cent life to citizens and residents.
Highlighting Qatar’s relentless efforts and deep commitment to the cause, President of the Inter-parliamentary Union H E Duarte Pacheco said that development is extremely important to instill hope in young people’s hearts, at a time when losing hope feeds terrorism, extremism and violence.
Violence, whether war or oppression by authorities, creates divisions and hate, which can be used by extreme elements to channel into terrorism. To prevent this there should be respect for international laws and more importantly inclusive and sustainable growth, which can accommodate the ambitions of the population, offering them something to hope for. A just society is possible only when people are free to aspire and work towards a hopeful future, all children can access quality education and there is a safe place to stay. For this to happen there must be proper adherence to social and cultural mores.
The third meeting of parliamentarians is expected to evaluate the steps taken so far and discuss what more can be done to stop these crimes against humanity. The IPU President described terrorism as a sprawling cancer that needs all-out efforts to combat. This high-level meeting will shine a light on how that can be accomplished and what more can be done to confront this cancer and not allow it to spread further.
