Madam Chair,

At the outset, I congratulate you and other bureau members on your election to lead the Sixth Committee of the 81^st Session. My delegation assures you of our support and cooperation.

Terrorist acts constitute a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and human rights, threaten communities, States, regional and international peace and security, and hinder socio-economic development. Therefore, all acts of terrorisms regardless of who commits, when and where happened are never justified and should be condemned unequivocally.  

Madam Chair,

The Lao PDR ratified 13 out of 19 treaties and protocols on the UN Counter-Terrorism frameworks. The Government of the Lao PDR attaches great importance to prevent, address and eliminate terrorism in all forms by taking all measures to fight against terrorism. The Lao PDR adopted the Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism and two Decrees, one on Counter Financing of Proliferation in Weapons of Mass Destruction; and other Decree on stopping, seizing and freezing fund for people involved in terrorism and financing of terrorist.

Furthermore, the Lao PDR has organized a series of workshops on awareness raising on anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism for government officials at the central and local levels to enhance their understanding of their mandates and obligations and mechanism for the implementation of domestic laws and international treaties related to anti-money laundering.

Madam Chair,

Terrorism is a global issue which no single country could effectively address or prevent it alone. Therefore, it is indispensable that the international community should continue to strengthen concerted efforts and cooperation in combating this critical issue. In doing so, we should:

• First, tackle and address the root causes of terrorism, including addressing social and economic disparities, extreme poverty, and ensuring social justice;
• Second, enhance resilience of community, create favorable conditions for all people to exercise their fundamental rights and freedom, promote education and improve well-being for all people, particularly vulnerable groups such as youth and women;
• Third, punish perpetrators in line with international and national laws, and refrain from applying double standards and associating terrorism with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group;
• Fourth, strictly respect and uphold the principles of national sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the UN Charter and the international law in combating terrorism.  

In conclusion, the Lao PDR is committed to working closely with the international and partners to combat terrorism.

I thank you Madam Chair.