Unofficial transcript 
October 8, 2012

TUNISIA:  Chairman, allow me to begin by conveying to you on behalf of my delegation our congratulations on your appointment to the chairmanship of the Sixth Committee.  I would also like to underscore that my declarations share the statements made by the OIC and the NAM.
The Tunisian delegation is pleased with the convening of this debate.  It is an opportunity for my country to reiterate its commitment to the condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.  Indeed, counterterrorism is of critical importance for my country because treats of terrorism continue today given the tensions and risks that mark the international and regional context, as well as the precedence of terrorist groups and criminal networks whose activities are a serious threat to international peace and security.
The situation in the African Sahel is a particular source of concern.  Serious and multifaceted challenges facing the countries of this region are exacerbated by the illicit trafficking in drugs and weapons as well as the apparition of new terrorist groups.  These challenges go beyond the borders and are today a threat to international peace and security.  This means that the international community must develop a global strategy that is joint and holistic and takes issue with the root causes of terrorism in this region.  The implementation of a strategy to dismantle these groups.
Sir, Tunisia has always demonstrated a firm commitment nationally as well as regionally and internationally to countering terrorism.  This commitment nationally has meant that we adopted a national strategy, a multidimensional strategy to attack the causes of terrorism and takes into account the right of each and every individual to benefit from dignity and prosperity.  This strategy goes hand in hand with a number of legal instruments which make the provisions of international conventions and instruments a part of our national laws.
Given the gaps in Tunisian law in counterterrorism and money laundering, as well as certain past repression of freedoms, we have engaged in deep reaching reforms of our legislation so as to ensure that all provisions taken in counterterrorism be in line with laws regarding human rights.  We are convinced that the protection of human rights and counterterrorism are not at loggerheads but rather complement each other.  
We believe, however, that states alone cannot tackle terrorism nor can any single international organization.  Thus, we've acceded to most international conventions and laws on terrorism.  We continue to work to uphold our obligations under the global counterterrorism strategy.
Sir, as terrorism knows no race, religion or nationality, it is multifaceted in its means and spread.  Today terrorism is electronic and makes increasing use of new ICT and often goes hand-in-hand with cybercrime.  Any national, regional or international strategy in counterterrorism must integrate this new reality in its concept and implementation.
On another front, Tunisia feels that unilateral security efforts have been shown to be limited in their scope.  We believe that pursuing injustice internationally and resolving conflicts as well as economic disparities, exclusions, religious discrimination -- all of these we believe fuel hate and a lack of understanding of other people.  They fuel terrorism and recruitment of terrorist as well.  This means that there must be greater rallying of efforts internationally to provide global responses that are shared in particular with a balanced implementation of the four pillars of the Global Counterterrorism Strategy.  
We also feel that we should convene a United Nations Summit, on the one hand, to demonstrate country's commitment to being part of the human family, and also to draw up shared plans so as to counter this disturbing hate which irresponsible groups try to draw upon so as to wage a war against different peoples.  
Finally, we would call attention to the fact that it is important to build capacities amongst states and their security mechanisms to allow for an effective combat against terrorism, money laundering, flow of capital, weapons proliferation and to tackle terrorist use of new ICTs.  
Thank you.