Statement on behalf of Latvia by Elvira Cupika-Mavrina, Legal advisor of Latvia to the United Nations during the second session of the United Nations High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism.
Distinguished co-chairs, Panelists and Youth and Civil Society,
In the face of evolving global terrorism, we must recognize that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. The tactics employed by extremist groups have become increasingly sophisticated, taking advantage of technological advancements and exploiting vulnerabilities within our societies. Cooperation with international organizations and civil society plays a paramount role in enhancing our collective response to the evolving global terrorism landscape.
Back in 2015, following the adoption of the EU PNR Directive, Latvia has quickly become an active member of the EU PIU community, focusing its efforts on improving the international collaboration on the use of passenger data for prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime.
In 2022 Latvian PIU was elected chair to the EU Informal Working Group on PNR, taking new role in facilitating dialogue and operational collaboration between the API/PNR experts of the EU Member states and their global partners.
Considering the successful national and regional implementation of the passenger data processing solutions, in 2021 Latvian PIU has joined several other countries in assisting the UN Countering Terrorist Travel Program (CTTP) and supporting the associated global activities carried out by the UN Office of Counter Terrorism and the Office on Drugs and Crime.
Within the framework of this collaboration, Latvian experts have participated in the bilateral experience sharing exercises in the Philippines, Moldova, Botswana and provided training and presentations at multiple regional events organized by the UN CTTP program and its partners including on Setting-Up Passenger Information Units and Processing API and PNR data and other.
There is no doubt that cooperation among nations is crucial in combating terrorism effectively. By working together, sharing information, and exchanging expertise, member states can develop joint strategies to prevent and respond to terrorist activities. This collaboration should extend to intelligence sharing, capacity-building, and joint operations, creating a united front against terrorism.
Lastly, on 11 August 2022, the Latvian Parliament Saeima adopted a statement on Russia's targeted military attacks against civilians and public areas in Ukraine, recognizing Russia's violence against civilians as terrorism and Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. Russia’s terrorist attacks and crimes of aggression are grave violation of the UN Charter and is a threat to the regional security.
I thank you.