G20 members 'strongly condemn' terrorism with adoption of New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration

The members of the grouping “strongly condemned” all terrorist acts perpetrated against critical infrastructure such as energy facilities and other vulnerable targets. It said that all acts of terrorism are “criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed”.

According to the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, counterterrorism measures, protection of human rights, and support for victims of terrorism “are not conflicting goals, but complementary and mutually reinforcing”.

The declaration underlined that a “holistic approach on the basis of international law” can help counter terrorism effectively. “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 declaration said.

The G20 members also expressed concern about the illegal trafficking and diversion of small arms and light weapons. They said international cooperation among nations is “critical” to tackle this issue.

The grouping also reaffirmed its support to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF Style Regional Bodies and urged others to do the same, “including for the next round of mutual evaluations”.

The members said it will remain committed to the “timely and global implementation of the revised FATF Standards on the transparency of beneficial ownership of legal persons and legal arrangements to make it more difficult for criminals to hide and launder ill-gotten gains”.

“We reiterate the importance of countries developing and implementing effective regulatory and supervisory frameworks to mitigate risks associated with virtual assets in line with FATF Standards, especially for terrorism financing, money laundering, and proliferation financing risks,” the declaration stated.