G7 Interior and Security Ministers, alongside the European Commissioner for Home Affairs and the Secretary General of INTERPOL, convened in Mito, Ibaraki, from December 8 to 10, 2023, to address pressing global safety and security challenges. This assembly, which included the Interior Minister of Ukraine, reaffirmed the commitment to counter threats guided by shared values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for gender equality and human rights.
Building upon prior commitments, the G7 Interior and Security Ministers pledged unity in facing the intensifying global security situation. Special emphasis was placed on collaboration through the G7 Roma-Lyon Group (RLG) to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and organized crime.
Continued Solidarity With and Support for Ukraine
The Ministers reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine’s fight for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustified aggression. Condemning all crimes committed during the conflict, they emphasized accountability for war crimes and atrocities, supporting Ukrainian authorities and international bodies like the International Criminal Court. The Ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine, acknowledging the need to address short and long-term threats, and pledged support through capacity-building measures, training, and equipment provision.
Efforts to deny Russia and associated entities benefits from the conflict were underscored, with a commitment to immobilize Russia’s sovereign assets in G7 jurisdictions until reparations are made. The Ministers renewed resolve to enforce sanctions and economic measures against Russia’s aggressive actions.
All Forms of Terrorism and Violent Extremism
The statement strongly condemned terror attacks by Hamas and others in Israel, calling for the immediate release of hostages. Addressing the humanitarian concerns in the Middle East, the Ministers supported Israel’s right to self-defense while condemning extremist violence and settler attacks. They expressed concern about rising hateful speech and acts globally, rejecting antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and discrimination, and committed to decisive action to protect affected communities.
Ensuring Economic Security
Focusing on economic security, the Ministers acknowledged threats to democratic values from state-led and non-state-led activities targeting cutting-edge technologies and economic systems. They committed to implementing export control measures, refining investment screening regimes, and securing supply chains to prevent the misuse of legitimate economic activities for aggression.
Countering Threats to Peace, Security, and Our Democratic Values
Expressing concern about North Korea’s humanitarian situation, driven by prioritizing weapons programs over citizen welfare, the Ministers pledged to enforce sanctions and address sanctions evasion. They condemned hybrid threats and foreign interference, emphasizing the strengths of democracies and supporting the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism to counter threats.
Keeping Cyberspace Safe
In response to growing cyber threats, the Ministers reaffirmed the governance of the digital economy based on democratic values. They emphasized addressing illegal content in cyberspace, promoting public-private partnerships, and countering cybercrime through international collaboration.
