THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

4 October 2001       

Excellency,

Having witnessed the immensity of the horror and devastation caused, both to lives and property, by the recent terrorist attacks in the host State of the United Nations and consistent with the calls made by the General Assembly and the Security Council, I urge States to reaffirm their abhorrence of terrorism by becoming party to the international framework of conventions which deals with terrorism, where they have not done so already. There are 12 global conventions which address various aspects of this problem, four of which are deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

For this purpose a treaty event will be organized at United Nations Headquarters from 10 to 16 November 2001 focusing on treaties which deal with terrorism and which are deposited with me. A list of the global treaties which deal with terrorism is attached. Their text and status can be obtained at the United Nations Treaty Collection site (http://untreaty.un.org). Reference is also made to UN document A/56/160. The opportunity provided by this event can also be used to sign and ratify or accede to any other treaties deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

In addition to undertaking actions to participate in the international treaty framework dealing with terrorism, States also need to take adequate measures to implement the obligations under these treaties within their domestic jurisdictions. Such domestic implementation becomes essential if we are to deal with this problem effectively. I wish to repeat my call made earlier this year to those States that need assistance in this respect to advise me of their needs as soon as possible.

Terrorism, wherever it occurs, essentially affects the lives of innocent men, women and children. It is a scourge that challenges civilised society and we should spare no effort in our endeavours to eliminate it.

In reaffirming their commitment to the treaty framework dealing with terrorism, by signing and ratifying or acceding to those treaties to which they are not already party, Member States will also contribute to strengthening the international legal framework. Times such as these make it all the more important that we do our utmost to advance the rule of law in international relations.

Appropriate facilities, including media coverage, will be made available for treaty actions to be undertaken in a solemn setting. Those States wishing to participate in this event should contact the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs in advance of this event. Needless to say, treaty actions can take place at all times upon contacting this Office.

With regard to treaties under the custody of other depositaries, I urge States to contact them if they intend to undertake relevant treaty actions. Contact details are included in the attached list.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Kofi A. Annan