S/PV.8528 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At the outset, I will make a joint statement on behalf of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004). Following this joint statement, the Council will hear briefings by the Chairs of those three Committees. On behalf of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism; and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I have the honour to brief the Security Council on the cooperation among the three Committees and their respective Groups of Experts. The Committees and their Groups of Experts share a common understanding of the seriousness of the threat posed by terrorism and the challenges presented by terrorists and their organizations. This was reiterated in the eighth report of the Secretary-General (S/2019/103) on the threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh) to international peace and security and the range of United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat, prepared by the prepared by the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and other United Nations entities and international organizations. The Committees and their Groups of Experts also share an understanding that despite its progressive military defeat ISIL remains a global organization with centralized leadership, which continues to resource and instruct its affiliates within its reduced ability. Returning and relocating for foreign terrorist fighters poses a potential threat and requires tailored prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration methods that are consistent with international law and take into account gender and age considerations. Against this background, the Committees continue to raise awareness among Member States of their obligations with regard to effectively implementing relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate on joint visits and to hold joint committee meetings. Their Groups of Experts have continued to enhance their cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations and United Nation bodies, including within the framework of the newly- established United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact. The Committees also continue to augment information-sharing through joint briefings such as today’s meeting. Since the last joint briefing to the Council on 3 October 2018 (see S/PV.8364), the 1267 Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) conducted two joint informal meetings  — in December 2018 and in February 2019 — to hear briefings by the United States Department of State and the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. On 26 April 2019, the CTC and the Committees established pursuant to 1267 (1999) and 1988 (2011) co-organized a special meeting on the nexus between international terrorism and transnational organized crime. The meeting provided an opportunity to address regional specificities, strategies, responses and lessons learned in addressing the Committees’ linkages as well as the challenges to strengthening domestic, regional and international cooperation in this field. The Groups of Experts of the three Committees maintain regular contact and continue to share relevant information where appropriate, discuss matters of common concern, coordinate action and exchange analysis on particular issues. The Monitoring Team and CTED continue to conduct quarterly meetings for coordination and information exchange. As requested by the Council in resolution 2396 (2017), on returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters, in February 2019 the CTC held an open briefing on the Madrid Guiding Principles on foreign terrorists fights, adopted by the CTC in December 2018. The briefing, which was also attended by the Monitoring Team, was aimed at raising awareness and strengthening the understanding of the 17 additional good practices to assist Member States in their efforts to respond to the evolving phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters. As an example of that cooperation, I would like to highlight the support that the Monitoring Team and the 1540 Group of Experts jointly provided to Zimbabwe for the organization of a workshop held from 10 to 12 October 2018 in Harare. Attended by representatives of the Government, as well as the private sector, the workshop contributed to raising awareness of ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida sanctions and provided a platform for discussions on the obligations contained in resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004) for Member States; the distinctions among resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004); the global threat assessment and terrorism financing risk in the eastern and southern Africa region; Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendation 6; and other important topics. From 29 to 31 October 2018, the Monitoring Team participated in a CTED-assessment visit to the Republic of Mali to monitor and facilitate the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions and follow up on the progress made by Mali in implementing the Committee’s 2006 and 2009 visit recommendations. The three Committees believe that such coordinated activities are important for strengthening their dialogue with Member States in order to ensure the implementation of the relevant United Nations resolutions. The Groups of Experts of the three Committees plan to continue organizing similar events in 2019. The adoption on 28 March of resolution 2462 (2019), on countering the financing of terrorism, laid the groundwork to further enhance coordination among our Committees. I would like to particularly welcome the role that the resolution assigns to CTED and the Monitoring Team in providing consultation to the Office of Counter-Terrorism and other stakeholders, especially on how to enhance coordination with the aim of delivering integrated technical assistance on counter-terrorist financing measures, including assistance that will improve the capacity of Member States to implement that resolution. The resolution requests that the CTC and the 1267 Committee hold, within 12 months, a joint special meeting on terrorist financing threats and trends, as well as on the implementation of the provisions of the resolution. It also requests that CTED and the Monitoring Team prepare, ahead of the joint special meeting, a report on actions taken by Member States to disrupt terrorist financing. Resolution 2462 (2019) comes at a critical time, and by setting new tasks for the CTC and the 1267 Committee it will help to further enhance our cooperation. The Committees, through their Groups of Experts, remain engaged with relevant international and regional organizations to explore ways to further strengthen interaction to complement efforts in the implementation of our mandates. The Groups of Experts continued to interact with the Financial Action Task Force, including its regional bodies: the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force, the Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group, the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America, the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism and the Inter-Governmental Task Force against Money- Laundering in Central Africa. In February, the Experts attended the FATF plenary and working groups meetings in Paris to discuss the efforts deployed by the FATF to monitor and take action against terrorist financing and countries’ progress in addressing their deficiencies in countering the financing of terrorism and strategic anti-money-laundering. In the reporting period, the expert groups continued to participate in platforms of common interest offered by regional organizations, such as the Eurasian Group on Combating Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism, INTERPOL, the Anti-Terrorism Centre of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and others. CTED recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization aimed at enhancing the strategic framework of cooperation between the two entities. The three Committees and the expert groups also continued to use the platforms for interaction provided by Member States. From 7 to 8 November 2018, the experts of the Committees and CTED attended the 17th Meeting of Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law-Enforcement Organizations, held in Moscow and organized by the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation. The three Committees will continue to strengthen cooperation and effective coordination, where relevant and possible, with the support of CTED, the Monitoring Team and the 1540 Group of Experts, and will continue to provide guidance and direction to their expert groups in enhancing their collaboration and cooperation in the light of the requirements of the relevant Security Council resolutions. The three Committees and their expert groups will continue to strive to ensure the effective implementation of specific counter-terrorism measures in the areas of sanctions, the financing of terrorism, border management and non-proliferation, among others, in regions and Member States of common interest, and in full compliance with international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. Only through strong collaboration and targeted efforts can we achieve concrete results in our fight against terrorism. I now resume my functions as President of the Security Council. I shall now provide a briefing in my capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities. On behalf of the Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, I would like to give a brief overview of developments in the work of the Committee since the joint Council briefing in October 2018 (see S/PV.8364). This briefing will also satisfy the requirement of resolution 2368 (2017) to report to the Security Council at least once per year on the overall work of the Committee. I shall focus mainly on the following elements: first, the evolving threat to international peace and security posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Da’esh, Al-Qaida and affiliates; secondly, the response from the Committee; and thirdly, the Committee’s engagement with Member States. On the evolving threat to international peace and security posed by ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and affiliates, in its latest, twenty-third report (S/2019/50), the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team assesses that ISIL and its affiliates continue to pose the main and best-resourced international terrorist threat, while Al-Qaida remains resilient and active in many regions and retains the ambition to project itself more internationally. Despite a substantial reduction in the number of global attacks, ISIL continues to evolve into a global covert network, a process that is more advanced in Iraq than in the Syrian Arab Republic. In Iraq, ISIL has already started to organize cells at the provincial level, and there is currently a net flow of ISIL fighters from the Syrian Arab Republic to reinforce the emerging network in Iraq. If the objective to survive and resurge in the core area is achieved, ISIL may be expected to revive its focus on external terrorist operations, but for now the ISIL core lacks the strength to conduct coordinated international attacks. Meanwhile, Al-Qaida remains active in many regions and there is a concomitant risk of Al-Qaida growing stronger by taking advantage of the lull in ISIL strategic terrorist activity and staging a major attack of its own. The Monitoring Team further reported that there is a possibility that ISIL foreign terrorist fighters will choose to join Al-Qaida affiliates in regions where they are the dominant brand. Following the military defeat of ISIL, the Monitoring Team updated the Committee to the effect that the evolving threat continued to be substantially as anticipated in the twenty-third report, with the issue of detainees and refugees in north-eastern Syria an increasingly urgent concern. Regarding the Committee’s response, the evolving threat is also reflected in the Council’s adoption of a new resolution, which has expanded the work of the Committee and the Monitoring Team. Through resolution 2462 (2019), adopted in March, the Council reiterated the obligation of Member States to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts to ensure that any person who participates in the financing of terrorist acts is brought to justice and that terrorist acts are established as serious criminal offences in domestic laws and regulations. The Council further requested the 1267 (1999) and the Counter-Terrorism Committees to hold a joint special meeting on the terrorist financing threats within 12 months and their expert bodies to prepare, ahead of that meeting, a report on actions taken by Member States to disrupt terrorist financing. Under the resolution, it is crucial that Member States engage with and provide updated information to the Committee and the Monitoring Team on the evolving nature of the threat, listed individuals and entities and the status of implementation and enforcement of the sanctions measures. Such information is fundamental to the operation of the regime. To enhance the full and effective implementation of the sanctions, the Committee also undertakes visits to selected countries. In that context, the Chair visited Uzbekistan, from 31 October to 1 November 2018, to participate in the sixth International Conference on Combating Terrorism  — Cooperation without Boundaries, organized by the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The Chair was accompanied by representatives of the Monitoring Team and the United Nations Secretariat. On 7 to 8 November 2018, the Chair, accompanied by the experts of the Monitoring Team, visited Moscow, Russian Federation, to participate in the seventeenth Meeting of Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law-Enforcement Organizations, attended by representatives of 68 countries and 10 international organizations. The Chair and the experts used this opportunity to raise awareness regarding the 1267 and 1988 sanctions regimes and advocated for their active use by Member States. On the margins of the event, the Monitoring Team conducted a series of bilateral meetings with national delegations. The Committee continuously strives to ensure that its sanctions list is as updated and accurate as possible in order to facilitate the implementation of the sanctions measures. Since the last joint briefing in October 2018 (see S/PV. 8364), three individuals and two entities have been listed and five individuals and one entity have been delisted. The Committee approved amendments to the existing entries of eight individuals on its sanctions list. The Secretariat has also implemented technical amendments to 81 list entries prepared by the Monitoring Team based on the 2017 annual review process. Since the last joint briefing to the Security Council, the Committee has considered two comprehensive reports presented by the Ombudsperson. Currently, six requests for delisting are pending with the Office of the Ombudsperson; four cases are in the information-gathering period and two cases are in the decision period. Regarding the Committee’s engagement with Member States, I hope that, in accordance with the its rules of procedure, all Member States will continue their engagement with the work of the Committee and the Monitoring Team, as that is essential for maintaining an up-to-date and dynamic sanctions list and fundamental to the efficacy of the sanctions mechanism. In that regard, I would like to note that the Committee is in the process of conducting its annual review for 2018, which considers if names on the list, especially those that have not been reviewed in three or more years, remain pertinent and addresses cases where sufficient identifiers do not exist, individuals are deceased or entities are defunct. I thank the Member States that have provided information, as it has proved challenging to obtain responses from all relevant Member States. In addition to the regular reviews, the Monitoring Team updates list entries based on information provided by Member States. We encourage Member States to keep the Team informed, as the Council and international community can target their response effectively only if they have up-to-date information. I also urge those Member States that have not done so to submit the implementation reports mandated under the relevant resolutions. As the Monitoring Team keeps the Committee apprised of the evolving threat posed by ISIL, Al-Qaida and their affiliates, the Committee will also work closely with key actors, including the other relevant Security Council sanctions committees. As Chair, I would like to thank all Member States for their cooperation with the Committee, its Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra of Peru, in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism.

I thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to brief the Security Council on the state of the overall work of the Counter- Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate (CTED) since the last report (see S/PV.8364), in accordance with paragraph 12 of resolution 2395 (2017). Terrorist groups, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and their affiliates, still pose a significant challenge to Member States and a grave threat to international peace and security. Terrorist groups are also tending to shift their focus towards more localized narratives, marked by a greater focus on local or national issues. Our major concerns are further exacerbated not only by the activities of the foreign terrorist fighters who remain in the conflict zones but also by returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters and their family members and the potential risk posed by the forthcoming release of imprisoned foreign terrorist fighters, including frustrated travellers. Other forms of violent extremism conducive to terrorism have also evolved to include individuals or groups that commit violence motivated by racism, intolerance, misogyny, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia. Member States continue to face complex challenges in responding to the threat of terrorism and I wish to briefly highlight a few of those. First, the past six months have seen an escalation of violence against soft targets and places of worship, not limited to any one denomination or faith, including in Burkina Faso, Mali, the Niger, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and the United States. Secondly, the evolving threat posed by terrorists and by foreign terrorist fighter returnees, relocators and their family members is a further major challenge, which requires a holistic approach in the light of the relevant Security Council resolutions, including enhanced use of international tools and measures to detect and prevent their travel and to stop them from committing crimes. Thirdly, terrorist groups, including ISIL and its affiliates, as well as lone actors, have consistently demonstrated their intent and ability to exploit new technologies. Finally, States are increasingly concerned about the use of improvised explosive devices in terrorist attacks around the world. To support Member States in overcoming the challenges that I have mentioned above, the Committee has been undertaking several activities with the support of CTED. The assessment of the performance and implementation efforts of Member States continues to be the central task of the Committee and CTED, pursuant to the relevant Council resolutions. Such assessment visits have enabled the Committee to engage in in-depth dialogue with visited States, identifying progress, strengths, gaps, technical assistance needs and effective practices in the various implementation measures under the relevant Security Council resolutions and have provided such States with a road map for the implementation of those recommendations. In February, the Committee adopted a list of country visits for 2019. Since our last joint briefing, CTED has conducted five assessment visits on behalf of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and we have received consent from a further 10 Member States to receive visits this year. In my capacity as Chair of the Committee, I encourage Member States that have not yet done so to consider providing their consent. I would also like to recall that the Committee and CTED have been working closely with the visited Member States to encourage them to share their respective assessments with other partners within the United Nations system and beyond. Since our previous joint briefing, we have received approval from Switzerland to share its entire assessment, including on steps taken to implement the Committee’s visit recommendations, not only with our partners but also with interested Member States upon request. The Committee continues to undertake review and stocktaking of Member States’ implementation efforts through its assessment tools  — the overview of implementation assessment and the detailed implementation survey  — which help CTED monitor and promote the implementation by Member States of all the relevant resolutions, based on its working method of thoroughness, consistency, transparency and even-handedness. Among other activities, in my capacity as a Chair, I have participated in high-level consultations with Spain and NATO to identify possible areas of cooperation in areas of common interest. The Committee organized an open briefing on the connection between terrorism and organized crime in October 2018 and, more recently, a joint special meeting to exchange views on the regional aspects of that issue. In February 2019, CTED issued a report entitled Identifying and Exploring the Nexus between Human Trafficking, Terrorism and Terrorism Financing, on the correlation of those three elements. CTED will continue to devote its attention to the organized crime and terrorism linkages in its engagement with Member States, including in the context of the country visits conducted on behalf of the Committee. The Committee welcomes the adoption of resolution 2462 (2019)  — the first Security Council resolution to focus on preventing and suppressing terrorism financing  — and highlights the adoption of the 2018 addendum to the 2015 Madrid Guiding Principles on foreign terrorist fighters, which provides guidance to Member States on effective responses to the evolving foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon. The CTC and CTED are working closely with Member States to promote their effective implementation. I also wish to give a few examples of our collaborative efforts to support Member States in countering the continued threat posed by ISIL. CTED has been working with other United Nations entities, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), to finalize guidelines to facilitate the use and admissibility as evidence of information preserved, collected and shared by the military. CTED has also actively promoted the United Nations compendium of recommended practices for the responsible use and sharing of biometrics in counter-terrorism. As terrorists also continue to exploit the Internet and social media, CTED continues to promote public- private partnerships to support Member States and the technology industry. It has also been providing strategic support for the design of follow-up actions by the Emergency Task Force on Burkina Faso, in line with the Committee’s recommendations. CTED, together with UNOCT, INTERPOL and Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities, has drafted the compendium of good practices on the protection of critical infrastructure, pursuant to resolution 2341 (2017). The Executive Directorate is also one of the core partners in the United Nations Countering Terrorist Travel Programme, which was launched on 7 May in the presence of the Secretary- General. The Programme aims to build Member States’ capacities to implement advance passenger information and passenger name record systems in accordance with resolution 2396 (2017). In the area of digital evidence, CTED, together with the International Association of Prosecutors and UNODC, launched the Practical Guide for Requesting Electronic Evidence across Borders in February 2019. Through its dialogue with Member States and its relationships with, inter alia, academia and think tanks, including members of its global research network and international, regional and subregional organizations, CTED has continued to analyse emerging threats, trends and developments. In all our activities, respect for human rights is of course essential to effectively countering the terrorism threat. In that regard, the Committee continues to take careful account of human rights and rule-of-law issues relevant to counter- terrorism, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. The Committee also continues to stress the need to promote whole-of-society approaches to countering terrorism and violent extremism that is conducive to terrorism, including by encouraging the participation of civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth, religious leaders and other actors concerned. One area in which that is crucial is in countering terrorist narratives in accordance with the guidelines set out in resolution 2354 (2017). The Committee continues to integrate gender as a cross-cutting issue throughout its activities, in accordance with resolutions 2242 (2015) and 2395 (2017) and other relevant Security Council resolutions. As the Council is aware, cooperation with, and among, international and regional organizations and among the relevant United Nations entities is essential. Pursuant to resolution 2349 (2017), CTED recently took part in a joint high-level mission of the United Nations and the European Union to Chad to support Member States and relevant subregional and regional organizations in the Lake Chad basin region to address the effects of violence perpetrated by Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West African Province. Where needed, we have continued to support Member States’ capacities to address new threats and challenges, in close cooperation with our partners, including UNOCT, and we shall continue to work with our implementing partners to deliver as one United Nations to match the needs and recommendations set forth in our visit reports with the appropriate technical assistance. Technical assistance should of course not be considered as an alternative to Member States’ fulfilment of their own obligations under international law and the Charter of the United Nations. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm the determination of the Committee to develop and implement comprehensive responses to the evolving threat of terrorism, in close cooperation with its implementing partners and the relevant stakeholders.

I thank Mr. Meza-Cuadra for his briefing. I shall now provide a briefing in my capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). On behalf of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I am pleased to report on the progress made since our previous briefing, in October 2018 (see S/PV.8364). We fully endorse the joint statement delivered on behalf of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, as well as of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the 1540 Committee. While the mandates of the three Committees differ, there are important areas of complementarity. The focus of the 1540 Committee remains the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, their means of delivery and related materials to non-State actors, particularly for terrorist purposes. It is widely recognized that the use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons, including for terrorist purposes, could have devastating and potentially catastrophic consequences. The readiness of non-State groups and individuals with extreme or apocalyptic views to use extreme violence in various parts of the world remains a matter of serious concern. In that context, no State is exempt from the task of making every effort to prevent such proliferation. The obligations under resolution 1540 (2004), which are designed precisely for those purposes, involve a wide range of activities that go together with the requisite adoption and enforcement of measures to prohibit non-State actors from manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery. Among those are domestic controls over nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and related materials, including measures to account for and secure such items, appropriate effective physical protection measures, effective border controls and law enforcement efforts, appropriate effective national export and trans-shipment controls and controls on providing funds and services related to exports, such as financing and transporting. The full and effective implementation of those obligations requires continuous attention. The Committee will continue to undertake a number of activities this year to promote the full and effective implementation of the resolution and to assist States, upon request, in strengthening national capacity. We will also intensify our engagement with international organizations whose mandates are directly related to resolution 1540 (2004). The Committee will continue to enhance information-sharing, coordination on visits to countries, within their respective mandates, technical assistance and other issues of relevance to the 1540 Committee; the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, as appropriate. In conclusion, I would like to highlight that the spirit of cooperation and dialogue with Member States continues to inform the 1540 Committee’s activities. I thank members for the opportunity to make this statement to the Security Council. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank the Chairs of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for their strong cooperation. Those Committees play a crucial and complementary role in assessing and countering global threats and are invaluable in our fight against terrorism. The Islamic State in Iraq and Sham (ISIS) and Al-Qaida are dynamic organizations, evolving with the pressure the international community brings to bear on them. The 1267 Committee must continue to keep up its pace to adapt to the evolving threat. We are pleased that, this month, the 1267 Committee designated Masood Azhar Alvi, leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and ISIL-Khorasan, a dangerous ISIS affiliate operating in Afghanistan and Pakistan, for United Nations sanctions. Azhar’s listing shows that the international community can and will hold terrorists accountable for their actions. The designation of ISIS-Khorasan demonstrates the Committee’s commitment to ensuring that ISIS affiliates do not take up the mantle of a diminished ISIS core. In that vein, it is important that the Committee designate other ISIS affiliates who seek to replicate the destruction wrought in Iraq and Syria in new corners of the world. We commend our Security Council colleagues for supporting those important designations. The threat of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation is a growing concern, and the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) is more important than it has ever been. We have all seen the devastating consequences of chemical weapons use by State and non-State actors in Syria and Salisbury. We cannot allow the international norm against the use of such dangerous weapons to break down. The possibility of WMD proliferation is real. We must all work together to stop that, through the work of the 1540 Committee and beyond. The Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) has examined issues we consider critical over the past year. In February, the CTC presented its Addendum to the Madrid Guiding Principles, which provides Member States practical tools to address the threat of returning and relocating foreign terrorist fighters. We also look forward to working with the CTC and Member States to implement resolution 2462 (2019) to counter the financing of terrorism. Finally, the United States was happy to welcome the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) to New York, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C., this month as part of our assessment visit. We look forward to reviewing the results of the CTED visit and encourage other Member States to work with CTED on visits of their own. The three Committees and other relevant parts of the United Nations system, including the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, should work closely together and take a whole-of-United Nations approach to counter-terrorism. We still see many gaps and considerable overlap. In conclusion, we will continue to promote regular and continued engagement to better understand the intentions and capabilities of terrorists. We urge the three Committees to continue sharing notes on how the United Nations can help to build State capacity to counter terrorist threats and advance our common security.

My delegation welcomes the holding of this briefing on the consideration of the joint reports of the three subsidiary bodies of the Security Council responsible for combating terrorism and non-proliferation. We congratulate the Chairs of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for their detailed briefings on their activities. Terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction are more than ever challenges to international peace and security. The increase in, and sophistication of, terrorist attacks is compounded by the stated will of terrorist groups to access weapons of mass destruction. The strengthening of collective tools for the control of weapons of mass destruction, the fight against terrorism and the excessive ease of mobility of terrorists now seems to be an absolute priority that must be placed at the heart of the international community’s security priorities. An assessment of the threat indicates that there is a trend in mobility and recycling of thousands of foreign terrorist fighters from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and affiliated groups into new hotbeds of tensions, where they continue to radicalize and adopt new strategies for spreading terror. In the face of that change, both in geography and typology, and the risks associated with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the joint efforts of the three subsidiary bodies of the Security Council in the implementation of their mandates is cause for optimism, despite the scale of the challenges. My delegation therefore appreciates the efforts of the various Committees and the groups of experts who assist them in their respective missions to assess the terrorist threat and provide Member States with the necessary support to fulfil their obligations. Côte d’Ivoire welcomes the dynamic cooperation among those bodies, including their determination to adopt a more coordinated approach in the fight against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. In that respect, my delegation notes with satisfaction the joint visits to Member States, the joint meetings and the awareness-raising activities aimed at strengthening the national mechanisms for combating terrorism and assessing threats and needs for technical assistance. The preparation of a compendium of good practices for the protection of critical infrastructure and the programme of assistance to Member States in the implementation of advance passenger information and passenger name record systems for the collection of passenger information are also the result of the excellent cooperation among United Nations entities and should be welcomed. Despite the considerable results achieved, many challenges remain, as we noted earlier. Those challenges include the return and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters. That exercise is difficult at best and requires a better sharing of information between States. To that end, we encourage the continuation of information sessions and regional meetings, which are sources of valuable information for Member States in their efforts to combat terrorism and the proliferation of small arms and weapons of mass destruction. My delegation also welcomes the adoption, in December 2018 and March 2019, of two instruments that enhance the normative framework for combating terrorism, namely, the Addendum to the Madrid Guiding Principles on foreign terrorist fighters and resolution 2462 (2019), on the financing of terrorism. We consider that more sustained attention should be paid in particular to measures to ban biological, chemical and bacteriological weapons, financing and proliferation networks and national export controls and trans-shipment of such weapons. My country therefore intends to actively contribute to the work of the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, in the context of consolidating the international non-proliferation architecture. To be effective over time, our joint action must integrate strategies to prevent radicalization and violent extremism, through policies aimed at eradicating poverty and unemployment among young people, which are among the underlying causes. Emphasis should also be placed on combating the financing of terrorism and the illegal use of the Internet, communication technologies and social media for criminal purposes. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my country’s unwavering support and readiness to cooperate with the counter-terrorism bodies, the members of the Groups of Experts and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate.

I would like to express our most sincere congratulations and appreciation to Ambassador Meza- Cuadra and Ambassador Djani, as well as their respective teams, for their informative briefings and excellent work as Committee Chairs, as they strive to implement the mandates of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), concerning the non-proliferation of weapons of weapons of mass destruction, respectively. I take this opportunity to reiterate, as we have been doing, that the Republic of Equatorial Guinea strongly and categorically opposes terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which are serious threats to international peace and security. In that regard, today’s briefing is an excellent opportunity to jointly address those very important cross-cutting issues, as finding solutions for and eradicating them fall within the mandate of the Security Council. We note with deep concern the impact of the flow of foreign terrorist combatants, their return to their countries of nationality or origin and the growing nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism. Through the excellent work of the 1373 Counter- Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate and the 1267 Committee, concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida, and its Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, we have been able to build on the work of the 1373 Committee and its Executive Directorate. We remain abreast of new global challenges resulting from changes in methodologies, capabilities and impact with regard to exploiting people, natural resources and new technologies in order to finance and conduct their criminal activities. In that regard, we recognize the recent focus on preventing and combating the financing of terrorism through resolution 2462 (2019) — a French initiative co-sponsored by Equatorial Guinea — to ensure that the response of the United Nations, regional and subregional organizations and States to terrorist threats is more effective and efficient. The work of the 1267 Committee has also reinforced the message regarding the importance of curbing the financing of terrorism to prevent attacks by Da’esh, Al-Qaida and affiliated groups. That is why it is necessary to invest in preventing the criminal exploitation of new financial technologies, such as cryptocurrency and mobile payment services. As Ms. Mercy Buku, an expert in anti-money-laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, recalled two months ago in the Chamber (see S/PV.8496), those new technologies used to transfer capital could be the most effective contribution to global efforts of financial inclusion to ensure that the 1.7 billion people in need are lifted out of poverty in the regions of the world most affected by terrorism and conflicts. In that regard, we encourage the work of the 1373 and 1267 Committees to continue to take that issue into account and to support the work of States in not suppressing financial inclusion. That should be achieved by implementing measures to combat the financing of terrorism through the regulation and facilitation of services that contribute to sustainable development. Resolution 1540 (2004) is the first international instrument that has comprehensively addressed the very complex issue of the possible use of nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological weapons by terrorist groups. Therefore, the work of the 1540 Committee in ensuring its implementation of its mandate is an important basis for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and for mobilizing international cooperation for the nuclear disarmament of State and non-State actors. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea believes that Africa should go even further by implementing nuclear non-proliferation in its geographical area, thereby complementing the principles of the Treaty of Pelindaba with a total ban on the direct or indirect supply and marketing of mineral resources from African soil, specifically uranium and plutonium, for the production, use, manufacture or research of weapons of mass destruction, as well as military activities. Recent events lead us to believe that there is a serious global risk of a resumption of the arms race, due not only to clashes caused by disagreements stemming from the balance of power but also by the ambition of new States to possess such weapons as a deterrent strategy, which creates worldwide concern and insecurity. Given that scenario, the Security Council must not tolerate rhetoric that threatens the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and human existence and must act firmly as the helm and defender of international peace and security. We must strive to make this world a place of renewed peace and order among States. We must strive to ensure an environment conducive to social, political and economic progress. We must also strive to ensure a secure environment for all. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea supports the States Members of the United Nations in their efforts to mitigate and prevent conflicts within their borders and among themselves. We encourage the Committee to continue working with States to promote educational programmes that contribute to disarmament, non-proliferation and public awareness, in collaboration with international organizations and various sectors of society. Today’s briefings remind us that the threats of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction have changed, but they have not diminished. We must be able to improve our collective efforts and anticipate events in order to counteract and eliminate those threats and lessen their impact on the most vulnerable, in particular children, women, refugees, displaced persons, the elderly, persons with disabilities, members of minority groups and others. The Republic of Equatorial Guinea remains firmly committed to implementing Security Council resolutions to ensure that such important work is conducted. For those reasons, and in conclusion, we would like to make the following recommendations. First, we need to be innovative in our collective response in order to be able to face new threats and, at the same time, do so in a way that does not hinder the sustainable development of countries and communities. In that regard, we commend the role played by the three Committees and their Groups of Experts for their growing and increasingly robust collaboration, as well as for their cooperation with other United Nations entities, such as the Office for Disarmament Affairs and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as INTERPOL and others. We also acknowledge their collective efforts and encourage them to continue bolstering their cooperation with other international and regional organizations, particularly with the African Union. Secondly, we deem it important to cooperate with the private sector, civil society and other sectors to ensure that efforts in these areas are more effective, always with full respect for the sovereignty of States and their laws. We also reiterate that the most effective method of preventing and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, violent extremism and conflicts is to invest in sustainable development. Thirdly, we acknowledge the efforts of the three Committees in ensuring the implementation of their mandates and in supporting States in that regard. This will require improving transparency in the Committee’s discussions. We therefore commend the efforts being made to increase accountability through ensuring the participation of States in debates and informative briefings and facilitating the participation of interested Member States in informal meetings, particularly when their interests could be affected by the inclusion of persons or organizations on the sanctions list. Finally, we urge the Committees to further bolster such initiatives.

It is with deep regret that we must once again begin our remarks by expressing South Africa’s condolences on this occasion to the people of Burkina Faso, who recently suffered an attack at a place of worship. This attack comes only weeks after the devastating attacks in New Zealand and Sri Lanka claimed so many innocent lives, and, of course, we also condemn the terrible attack that took place in Egypt on Sunday. The frequency of these barbaric, cowardly acts of terror lends even more urgency to our joint efforts to eradicate violent extremism and terrorism. We thank the Chairs of the Committees that have briefed the Security Council today for their informative briefings and capable stewardship of these important Committees. While the African continent has taken significant steps towards addressing many of the peace, security, governance and development challenges that we face, terrorism and violent extremism continue to present a serious threat to our joint efforts to uplift the continent and its peoples. The two most recent bulletins of the African Centre for the Study and Research of Terrorism, which is an African Union research institution, provide alarming statistics on the nature of terrorism in Africa. The Centre finds that from mid-March to mid-April, Africa suffered 140 terrorist attacks, which claimed a staggering 841 lives. We are also deeply concerned at reports of the spread of Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham affiliates throughout the African continent, as the remnants of the self-declared caliphate seek new areas of operation and recruitment in the wake of its territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria. We cannot allow these groups to exploit our peoples in spreading their poisonous, extremist and murderous ideologies. South Africa unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism, in whatever form, for whatever reason and wherever they may occur. We firmly believe that the fight against terrorism must be led by the United Nations, as the most widely representative and appropriate international structure for coordinating action against this global challenge, which threatens us all. South Africa also places great emphasis on the need to address violent extremism and terrorism holistically, beginning with addressing the conditions that influence vulnerable people, particularly youth, to become radicalized and involved with terrorist organizations. Addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism should be imperative in our fight against this scourge. We also urge States to refrain from the use of unilateral coercive measures in their counter-terrorism measures and to take all measures to protect civilians as well as to ensure that counter-terrorism efforts do not have a negative impact on the provision of humanitarian aid and medical assistance in conflict situations. All counter-terrorism measures must also accord with international law and respect international human rights. We welcome the format of this joint briefing, which fulfils one of the core aims of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism under the capable leadership of Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov, which is to foster a “one UN” approach in addressing these common challenges. South Africa fully supports this approach and encourages the identification of complementary mandates and aims among the complex architecture of the United Nations that can allow us to break down silos and merge our efforts towards greater gains. We also welcome the continuing work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate in promoting cooperation in the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the relevant Security Council resolutions. We also value the work being done in providing technical assistance to those States that request it so as to facilitate Member States’ compliance with the relevant decisions of the Security Council. South Africa remains of the view that in implementing our counter-terrorism obligations under the various Security Council resolutions, we should take into account the need for a Member-State-driven agenda. Accordingly, we recognize that it is up to each State to contextualize the threat in accordance with local conditions, keeping in mind also regional and international dynamics. In countering these very threats, it is critical that all our counter-measures be relative to the threat being faced and that Member States do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach but, rather, deal with threats on an individual basis. Turning now to the 1540 Committee, allow me to state that resolution 1540 (2004) remains one of the most critical instruments in preventing non-State actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. In this sense, it is evident that there are important links between this Committee and its resolution and the counter- terrorism efforts of the United Nations in ensuring that terrorist organizations never have access to the types of materials covered by resolution 1540 (2004). To that end, South Africa welcomes the significant progress made towards the effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), and we renew our commitment to working with the other members of the Committee to address the challenges that remain, not least in terms of national implementation and assistance. Furthermore, while dealing with the challenges of weapons of mass destruction, it is imperative that no unwarranted restrictions be imposed on the inalienable right of Member States, particularly developing countries, to use any related materials, equipment and technologies for peaceful purposes. In that context, the opportunities provided by nuclear technologies, for example, in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of food security, public-health technologies and clean energy, cannot be overlooked. South Africa’s experience with the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) has demonstrated that financial and technical assistance is critically needed to ensure that developing countries are able to fully implement the resolution, especially on the continent, where greatest attention is still devoted to issues of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment. We therefore call upon Member States in a position to do so to, upon request, offer assistance to those in need. We must always bear in mind that the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) will be realized only through the strengthening of the weakest among us.

Our deepest thanks go to our colleagues and friends Dian Djani of Indonesia, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State, Da’esh, Al-Qaida and associated individuals, undertakings and entities, and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and Gustavo Meza- Cuadra, Ambassador of Peru, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, for their briefings. I also acknowledge the exemplary work done by both in leading their respective Committees with the commitment, neutrality and efficiency that the issues under consideration require. The report attests to the fact that these terrorist groups, as well as weapons of mass destruction, remain two of the main threats to international peace and security. On the one hand, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and its affiliates continue to represent the main international terrorist threat, with access to abundant resources, while, on the other, Al-Qaida remains resilient and active in many regions, with the aggravating factor of its intention to further expand internationally. As we have stressed in the past, the current transformation of ISIL into a covert global network; the activities of its affiliates at the regional level, as we have seen in Iraq; and the problem presented by the return and relocation of foreign terrorist fighters, including movements between terrorist groups as a result of their persistent nature and the development of policies and actions to combat them, requires that cooperation among States be deepened in order to strengthen global action. We applaud the joint efforts of the Committees, and of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team pursuant to resolutions 1526 (2004) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities, in preventing and combating terrorism, and we encourage them to continue working to develop regulations and actions for that purpose, just as we urge States to comply with Security Council resolutions and other international norms. We also need parallel actions such as strengthening the implementation of the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force and providing support at the national level for the work of the financial intelligence units. An example of the important collaboration between these Committees was the Council’s adoption in March of resolution 2462 (2019), on combating terrorism financing, which reaffirms Member States’ obligation to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts by strictly enforcing their laws and ensuring appropriate criminalization of those acts, including by establishing serious criminal offences in their national laws and regulations. The resolution also instructs the 1267 and 1373 Committees to hold a joint meeting every 12 months on new threats and trends in terrorist financing. We therefore encourage Member States to commit to providing updated information to the Committee and the Monitoring Team on the listed threats, persons and entities and the status of the implementation of sanctions measures, which is essential for the sanctions regime to function effectively. We also emphasize the important role played by investigations of the underlying causes that produce these terrorist groups, enable them to survive over time, and help them change and adapt their activities and financing methods. Another example I want to point to is the joint special meeting in March of the 1267 and 1373 counter- terrorism Committees on the links between terrorism and international organized crime, which was a concrete effort to understand the changing nature of these groups, including the very worrying causes that create or fuel radicalization and violent extremism among young people, women and children. In that regard, we also want to acknowledge the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the areas of research, intelligence and implementation. We want to highlight the hard work that the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts are doing to ensure the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) through activities, technical assistance and cooperation, and we commend the progress and commitments made by the great majority of States with respect to its implementation. The full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) as the cornerstone of the regime for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as for preventing non-State actors, especially terrorist groups, from accessing such weapons and their delivery systems, is something we consider extremely important. The Dominican Republic and Panama recently conducted a peer review exercise with a view to sharing experiences and good practices for implementing the resolution, analysing aspects such as national and international legislation, strategic trade, safe transportation and risk management in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive emergencies. We urge other States to do the same. Our peer review took place in the Dominican Republic from 26 to 29 March, and in Panama from 9 to 12 April, with the participation of officials from associated institutions. We are very grateful to the Group of Experts of the 1540 Committee, the experts from the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the Organization of American States, and the Government of Canada, for their support and assistance in planning and executing the exercise. The authorities of both nations agreed to prepare a final report on the peer review, which will be presented to the 1540 Committee soon.

China would like to thank you, Mr. President, and Mr. Meza-Cuadra for this morning’s briefings. The Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), under the leadership of these two Ambassadors, have been working actively. China commends both of you, and your teams, for your efforts. Terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery pose a serious threat to international peace and security. The international community must improve its cooperation and take comprehensive steps to effectively address these issues. We would like to make the following comments on the various Committees’ work. First, the 1267 Committee represents an important counter-terrorism sanctions mechanism of the United Nations and its Security Council. It plays a significant role in assessing terrorist threats and strengthening sanctions measures. China supports the 1267 Committee in working under Council mandates, communicating closely with the countries concerned and fostering cooperation with regional and subregional counter-terrorism mechanisms, with a view to making greater contributions to international counter-terrorism efforts. We hope that in its work, such as listing exemptions and de-listing, it will abide strictly by the relevant Council resolutions and the norms guiding it, uphold the principles of objectivity, impartiality and professionalism, and base its efforts on solid evidence and consensus among the relevant parties so as to safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the sanctions mechanism. Secondly, in accordance with the mandates of Council resolutions, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) has been working hard to promote the implementation of counter-terrorism resolutions and raise awareness about them, keep track of new threats and trends in terrorism and provide technical assistance to the countries concerned. It has therefore played an important role in international counter-terrorism efforts. China supports the CTC’s continuation of its work, including through joint meetings and visits designed to improve information-sharing and enhance coordination and cooperation with other relevant United Nations agencies. We hope that the CTC will further increase its dialogue with Member States, help them to build their counter-terrorism capacity and cooperate with international, regional and subregional organizations to jointly address such new challenges as the use of the Internet and new technologies to incite, plan, finance and carry out terrorist activities. Thirdly, the 1540 Committee is an important component of the international non-proliferation regime. It plays a significant role in raising awareness about non-proliferation and building Member States’ capacity in that regard. The priority for its next phase is to advance the comprehensive review of resolution 1540 (2004) scheduled for 2021 in a balanced and orderly manner. China supports the Committee’s continued work in a spirit of cooperation and dialogue and based on mandates from Council resolutions aimed at fully and effectively implementing the resolution. In order to respond effectively to proliferation threats from non-State actors, all parties must work earnestly to safeguard the authority, universality and effectiveness of the international non-proliferation regime, uphold the principle that national Governments bear the primary responsibility for non-proliferation and deepen international cooperation in that regard, with special attention to developing countries’ needs for international assistance. China is opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. We stand firm in seriously implementing Council resolutions and supporting the work of the Council’s subsidiary bodies. We support the joint thematic activities of the various Committees and hope that their Groups of Experts will enhance coordination, fully leverage their own advantages, keep improving their work and professionalism and pay more attention to the views of Member States. China will continue to work with the international community to actively promote international counter-terrorism cooperation and improve the international non-proliferation regime so as to jointly maintain world peace and stability.

We attach great importance to our regular meetings with the Chairs of the three Security Council Committees with mandates in counter-terrorism, the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). We share your positive assessments of the cooperation among these subsidiary organs, Mr. President, including in the areas of exchanging information, preparing analytical documents and organizing joint meetings and monitoring missions. The Council’s specialized bodies face the difficult challenge of adapting to the rapidly changing conditions on the counter-terrorism front. The subsidiary bodies’ experts agree that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaida and their affiliated organizations are now trying to expand their presence into States that were previously fortunate where security was concerned. And yet it is extremely difficult to determine exactly where the next flare-up of terror will be. In the circumstances, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) should devote every effort to monitoring the implementation of the relevant resolutions in all key regions. We call on States that are on the Committee’s current list for assessment visits to take a constructive approach to coordinating those visits with the CTC leadership and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). We have noted CTED’s efforts to analyse new trends in the area of counter-terrorism. We believe it is essential to continue studying the problem of cooperation between terrorist organizations and international crime. By exploiting the potential of criminal groups, terrorists can significantly expand their subversive capabilities on a transnational scale. In that connection, we believe that the efforts of Peru’s chairmanship to develop this subject in the Committee are especially critical. In the CTC we traditionally highlight the importance of paying close attention to modern digital technologies, and particularly the problem of their unlawful use by terrorists for radicalizing and recruiting new supporters. Resolutions 1624 (2005) and 2354 (2017) should continue to form the basis for those efforts. We urge all States to thoroughly study the Council’s new requirements in resolution 2462 (2019), on combating the various forms of support for terrorists. Acting in accordance with Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the Council called in particular on all States to criminalize the full spectrum of criminal acts related to illicit trafficking in small arms and light weapons. The verification of national legislation and law enforcement practice in this area now comes under the CTC’s purview. Against that backdrop, I would like to once again caution our colleagues on the Committee and its Executive Directorate’s experts about getting too caught up in the secondary elements of the CTC’s mandate. Attempts to fill its agenda with human rights issues and replace counter-terrorism with the infamous concept of the prevention of violent extremism distract States from fulfilling their primary obligations in the area. On the positive side, I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank and congratulate Ms. Michèle Coninsx, Executive Director of CTED, for her contribution to strengthening the Committee’s cooperation with the specialized organizations. We welcome the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CTED and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and stand ready to assist in its implementation, if necessary. In our view, the task of effectively implementing the Council’s resolutions on the counter-terrorism sanctions regime in relation to ISIL and Al-Qaida is absolutely crucial. We note the work of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh) Al-Qaida and associated individuals groups undertakings and entities, which has established itself as one of the Council’s most effective counter-terrorism mechanisms. Given ISIL’s growing presence in Afghanistan and the possibility of fighters spreading further into the countries of Central Asia, extending the Council’s counter-terrorism sanctions regime to individuals and organizations linked to ISIL’s Afghan wing is a priority. Despite the limited losses they have sustained in the north, it is those groups that remain one of the key factors in the destabilization of the situation in Afghanistan. ISIL’s activity there is also being driven in part by foreign terrorist fighters who have gained combat experience in Syria and Iraq. The high number of terrorist attacks involving the use of suicide bombers indicates that the group has major human resources. In that connection, we underscore the importance of continuing to focus on the problem of foreign terrorist fighters, including in the context of adding to the counter-terrorism sanctions lists. We support the effective work of the 1267 Committee’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, whose reports are an important support to the Committee’s work, and we encourage Member States to work closely with its experts. However, we also trust that the Monitoring Team’s reports will be as objective as possible and rely only on verified sources of information. While we consider the Monitoring Team’s country visits an important factor in this work, we hope that it will focus on trips to countries that are dealing directly with a terrorist presence. Resolution 1540 (2004) is a key universal, legally binding instrument in the area of the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), which requires all countries to take effective measures to prevent WMDs and any related materials, as well as their means of delivery, from falling into the hands of non-State actors. Combating the proliferation of WMDs is one of Russia’s military and political priorities. As with any other pressing issue, it requires the joint coordinated efforts of every State, without exception. We are interested in finding common positions with our partners in order to advance the non-proliferation agenda as quickly as possible, especially since the problems in this area unfortunately continue to worsen. On the whole, we are pleased with the progress in the resolution’s implementation and with the international community’s recognition of its importance. We commend the efforts of the 1540 Committee under Indonesia’s chairmanship, and of its Group of Experts. We note its organization of courses for national focal points, country visits for formulating voluntary national action plans, the provision of assistance to countries that need it, the maintenance of contacts with the relevant international, regional and subregional organizations and so forth. However, a great deal remains to be done to achieve the core objective, which is every country’s full implementation of the resolution. In the light of the continuing activity in the Middle East of ISIL and other terrorist groups that have mastered the technology for producing chemical weapons and making active use of it, the importance of working collectively to prevent the horrific problem of chemical terrorism is only increasing. But we have to act quickly, especially considering that as the situation regarding a settlement in Syria continues to improve, the terrorists there, including those who have practical experience with chemical weapons, will try to hide in third countries. In that regard, we would like to remind the Council of the Russian Federation’s initiative to develop and adopt a convention on combating acts of chemical and biological terrorism.

I would like to thank you, Mr. President, as well as Ambassador Meza-Cuadra, for your commitment as Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, and resolution 1540 (2004). Terrorism and nuclear proliferation are some of the most serious threats to international peace and security today. I would therefore like to touch briefly on the activities of each of the Committees. I would first like to discuss the 1267 Committee, responsible for sanctions against Da’esh and Al-Qaida. While Da’esh has suffered some important military defeats in the Middle East, it continues to pose a complex threat and its barbaric ideology still inspires radicalized individuals to move from words to deeds. In some parts of the world, particularly in Afghanistan, Da’esh, through local franchises, has been the cause of particularly deadly attacks. The end of its territorial hold does not therefore mean the end of the terrorist threat posed by Da’esh. Al-Qaida also remains very active in some regions such as the Sahel or the Arabian peninsula. In this context, France attaches great importance to the 1267 Committee continuing to fulfil its two essential missions. The first is the analysis of the terrorist threat, through the reports of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which is very valuable for Member States. In this regard, France encourages all States to cooperate actively with the Group of Experts in order to enrich its analyses. The second mission is the implementation and rigorous monitoring of the sanctions list, the largest in volume among all United Nations sanctions regimes. If the regime is to remain credible and effective, it is essential that it be fully implemented by States, as required by Council resolutions, and that its procedures respect the fundamental freedoms of listed individuals. France therefore reiterates its full support for the Office of the Ombudsperson and encourages all States to continue to cooperate actively with it. My second point concerns the 1373 Committee on counter-terrorism, which also fulfils at least two major functions. The first of these functions is the Committee on Counter-Terrorism’s core activity, namely, implementation assessments. The assessment visits of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) are a unique tool for a comprehensive audit of national counter-terrorism measures and for making the best recommendations, including those concerning the technical assistance needs of States. We encourage all States to accept the visits of the CTED and to fully implement the Security Council resolutions on the fight against terrorism, including the most recent one adopted by the Council less than two months ago, in resolution 2462 (2019), on the fight against terrorist financing. The second and equally important function of the CTC is to be a laboratory of ideas. In this context, with the valuable support of the CTED and its network, the Committee makes it possible to raise States’ awareness of the emerging challenges that characterize an ever-changing terrorist threat. Special meetings of the Committee, such as the one we will soon have on vulnerable targets, are an excellent way to reflect together on specific issues. France therefore encourages the continuation of the joint meetings of the CTC and the 1267 Committee, as we did on 26 April last, in order to compare the threat analysis and the assessment of the implementation of Council resolutions. Finally, I would like to say a few words on the efforts made in the 1540 Committee. The risk of radiological, biological, chemical and nuclear materials and delivery systems falling into the hands of terrorists is real. We know this, and we have seen it in Syria and Iraq. In addition, there are major suspicions about the state of Syrian chemical stockpiles, which increases the possibility that, with the potential existence of residual capabilities on Syrian territory, there is a risk that terrorists may get their hands on these weapons. We are also particularly concerned about the transfer to the Middle East of goods and technology for the development of weapons and means of delivery capable of carrying weapons of mass destruction. In this worrying context, it is important to adapt our action to the evolution of the threat. Progress in the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and its aftermath is tangible, both at national and regional levels. Today, the vast majority of States Members of the United Nations have adopted measures incorporating the provisions of the resolution into national law. Whether it concerns the security of sensitive materials and goods, the strengthening of border controls or even, where necessary, the establishment of export-control mechanisms, States ensure that such sensitive materials and goods do not fall into the hands of terrorists. But we must go further: the 2020 deadline for reviewing the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) should encourage us to intensify our efforts. This includes strengthening the logic of coordination, assistance and interaction that underlies our action, for it is only through greater cooperation that we will be able to better prevent the risk of acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by non-State actors. France is fully involved in this regard, in this forum, as Coordinator of the Working Group on Assistance, at the General Assembly, at the European Union and in the context of its presidency of the Group of Seven.

I would like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting and for the three briefings you delivered at the beginning of our work, which have clarified the great burdens and responsibilities that you shoulder in addition to the responsibilities of the presidency this month. We also thank his Excellency Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra for his briefing and applaud the cooperation among the three Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1373 (2001), 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004). We also applaud the cooperation between them and the Groups of Experts of those Committees, the Counter-terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of 1267 Committee. The three Committees on counter-terrorism and their Groups of Experts are among the most important tools available to the Security Council in countering the phenomenon of terrorism. That can be done by looking for the best ways and means to defeat this hateful scourge, which poses a serious threat to international peace and security. The close cooperation between the Committees and the Member States, in compliance with the relevant Council resolutions on counter- terrorism, has allowed the international community to achieve several successes against terrorism, represented by joint visits, workshops, joint briefings such as those of today’s meeting, as well as cooperation with international organizations, the exchange of information and other practical measures. With regard to the threats posed by terrorist groups, despite the victories achieved by the international community against the so-called the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida, these entities continue to pose a threat to international peace and security, as the President said. Da’esh continues to evolve through establishing a covert global network in Iraq and Syria that aims to continue terrorist attacks and undermine all the successes achieved through the cooperation and solidarity of the international community. This requires each of us to multiply our efforts and cooperation if we want to preserve our gains. In this regard, we thank the Chair of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh) Al-Qaida and associated individuals groups undertakings and entities and the Chair of the Counter-terrorism Committee for the efforts made by the two Committees, which include visits to Member States, comprehensive assessments and analyses of emerging issues, and identifying the trends and developments that accompany efforts made by Member States to counter terrorism. These efforts will support Member States and United Nations entities in undertaking the necessary measures, in accordance with international law, in order to mutually benefit Member States and the other subsidiary bodies. We commend the role of CTED in assisting Member States in implementing Security Council resolutions and in cooperating with international organizations. We particularly mention the assistance provided to Member States in implementing the advanced passenger information system and the passenger name record system through cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization. This work comes pursuant to Security Council resolutions 2178 (2014), 2396 (2017) and in accordance with domestic laws as well as international human rights law. With regard to the activities of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), we hope that the briefing delivered by the President of the Security Council will lead to greater conviction on the part of the Member States with respect to the need to promote efforts for the optimal implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) with the aim of fully implementing its provisions and achieving universality in this process. Our objective is to operationalize the mechanisms of the Committee on all levels — national, regional and international — which has become an integral part of international efforts aimed at attaining non-proliferation. This is extremely important in achieving international peace and security. I would like to note four issues that you mentioned in your briefing, Mr. President: the need to highlight the sectors that require the greatest attention in the light of new proliferation threats; national plans relevant to resolution 1540 (2004); the country and regional visits of the Committee and its Groups of Experts; and the importance of taking the specific circumstances of States into consideration in implementing measures to counter proliferation. On more than one occasion, Kuwait has expressed its concern with respect to the challenges faced in the world today by the non-proliferation regime for weapons of mass destruction. The proliferation of those weapons and the increased possibility of their falling into the hands of non-State actors cause great concern, especially given the growing threats posed by terrorism and the increase of conflicts and instability in our contemporary world. In that context, the possibility of non-State actors acquiring, developing, using and trafficking in weapons of mass destruction will increase, threatening serious and unpredictable consequences. One of our main tasks, therefore, is to correctly assess the evolving nature of the threat posed by proliferation and rapid advances in science and technology, while responding in a timely manner by taking preventive and proactive measures. In conclusion, we reiterate the importance of reaching universality in that vital process. We cannot wait until those weapons are used by non-State actors. Prevention is better than cure. We should like to emphasize in this regard that Kuwait remains steadfastly committed to and actively participates in the implementation of the Security Council resolutions that are relevant to anti-terrorism and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra for your informative briefings and tireless work and active leadership in the three Committees. The close cooperation and engagement of the Committees are an excellent example of the use of subsidiary bodies in highlighting the effectiveness of the Security Council as the organ entrusted with the maintenance of international peace and security. Let me also commend the ongoing cooperation among the respective expert bodies of the three Committees: the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Group of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). Their mutual understanding of the importance of information-sharing, cooperation in matters of common concern and outreach to regional and subregional organizations is highly appreciated. This year, the 1540 Committee has started the preparatory work for the upcoming comprehensive review of the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), which will be completed in 2021. The review will have two major objectives: to evaluate the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), with a view to increasing its effectiveness, and to analyse the work of the Committee and recommend any necessary changes. Based on resolution 2325 (2016), we ought to remember that recommendations should take into account the evolving nature of risks of proliferation and the rapid advances in science, technology and commerce in the context of non-proliferation. While the use of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery by terrorists continue to pose a real threat, non-State actors are becoming more creative in weaponizing new technologies. Obligations under resolution 1540 (2004) are not a one-time task. We call on all States to fully implement resolution 1540 (2004) by taking national and international measures to strengthen their capacities in countering threats posed by the terrorists acquiring weapons of mass destruction. Secondly, Poland welcomes the achievements of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh) Al-Qaida and associated individuals groups undertakings and entities. Despite the defeat of Da’esh in Iraq and the liberation of the last remaining territory occupied by Da’esh in Syria, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant still poses a significant challenge to international peace and security. Al-Qaida is relatively strong in many parts of the world and poses long-term danger to stability and sustainable development. In that regard, it is a matter of the highest importance to keep the sanctions list updated and to stay focused on the current threat. Having said that, I would like to underline a significant achievement made by all Security Council member States that enabled the listing of a person responsible for a deadly terrorist attack in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. We welcome the progress achieved and encourage all States to work together to hold perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of acts of terrorism accountable. Lastly, I would like to express our appreciation for the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. Thanks to its efforts, last year we adopted the addendum to the Madrid Guiding Principles. Now it is up to Member States to make the best use of them and come up with country-tailored responses to tackle the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters. The special meetings of the Committee, such as the recent one on the nexus between international terrorism and transnational organized crime, are an excellent tool for States to address those linkages and foster actions aimed at the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters. They are also a unique platform to galvanize discussion. With the adoption of resolution 2462 (2019), on countering the financing of terrorism, Poland hopes that the CTC, together with CTED, will play a coordinating role in the dialogue with Member States in terms of the implementation of its provisions. To conclude, let me stress that aside from States’ efforts in countering terrorism, we should not underestimate the effectiveness of engaging with the private sector and civil society organizations. Without mutual trust among all relevant actors, our undertakings will be futile.

I thank the Chairs of the Committees for their briefings and the experts who make that work possible, especially in the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the Counter- Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Group of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). While Da’esh has lost territorial control, it remains a threat to international peace and security and a covert network capable of continued destruction. As we have heard, while its core may be regrouping or developing plans for successor organizations, Al-Qaeda may take advantage of a perceived lull to perpetrate attacks and reassert itself. We therefore continue to encourage States and United Nations colleagues to work on the implementation of resolution 2396 (2017) to address returning or relocating foreign terrorist fighters, and we welcome the launch of the United Nations project on advanced passenger information and passenger name records systems to counter terrorist travel. We continue to endorse the call for a global standard of passenger names record data, which is a key pillar for its implementation. We have witnessed terrorist attacks motivated by a range of ideologies, including extreme right-wing terrorism, and we welcome the increased attention that the Counter-Terrorism Committee has given to that issue. The United Kingdom will continue to be an active and global supporter of counter-terrorism sanctions as a key tool to combat terrorism from Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates, within the high legal evidence threshold set by the United Kingdom’s courts. We welcome the 1540 Committee’s closer engagement with international organizations and acknowledge the positive impact that outreach efforts have on assisting Member States’ capacity to strengthen national measures and meet their treaty obligations. Let me make three points on the work of the Committees and our collective efforts to address terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors: on responsiveness, on transparency and on impact. Regarding responsiveness, we must ensure that our efforts can respond to evolving dynamics. We therefore welcome the efforts of the Committees to engage Member States to actively strengthen their counter-terrorism capacities and highlight emerging trends, such as attacks on soft targets and houses of worship and emerging technologies. With the adoption of resolution 2462 (2019) on combating terrorist financing, we also took note of the concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of counter-terrorism on humanitarian action. That is a complex issue but it remains important to better understand the potential consequences for humanitarian actors, who are called on to provide critical assistance in the most difficult and dangerous places. We look forward to a briefing on this topic in the Counter-Terrorism Committee later this week and opportunities to follow up. The Committees must also respond to new updates and information. In that vein, we are pleased to hear about the efforts of the Monitoring Team to gather updated information on the threat and to continually refine and update the sanctions list and delisting activities. It is key that those remain as current as possible in order to be effective. I would like to reinforce the United Kingdom’s support for the 1540 Committee’s preparations to review implementation ahead of the 2020 comprehensive review and renewal of the resolution. With regard to transparency, just as no Member State can counter terrorism alone, no single United Nations entity can address the spectrum of challenges and needs that arise alone. We therefore welcome efforts to undertake improved delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism assistance through the United Nations Global Compact and greater cooperation among the Committees. However, at the same time, there should be no confusion about the respective mandates and roles of each entity. We have been pleased to see greater alignment of the activity of the Office of Counter-Terrorism with CTED recommendations. We encourage continued cooperation to reduce any duplication, while meeting Member State needs in a timely manner. Key to that is the sharing of CTED reports, wherever possible, and we are pleased to hear that Switzerland has decided to share its assessment report — the first country to do so in line with resolution 2395 (2017). We understand the importance of confidentiality regarding sensitive information but we welcome the move, which improves the delivery of United Nations technical assistance and clarifies the purpose and process for those States that still remain unclear about the CTED assessments. Concerning impact, we must ensure that all our efforts here translate into a concrete impact on the ground. To that end, we hope that the next time we gather for this briefing we can learn in some more detail about the outcomes and impact of several of the visits and initiative that have been highlighted today and discuss how Committee members can enhance them.

I would first like to thank you, Mr. President, for your briefing as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I also thank Ambassador Meza- Cuadra for his briefing as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism. We welcome the good cooperation among the Committees, which is reflected in the joint visits, joint meetings and exchanges of views. We also welcome the collaboration between the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Monitoring Team, as well as their quarterly coordination meetings. Such cooperation among the three Committees can indeed strengthen the One United Nations approach towards Member States and ensure better implementation of the relevant resolutions. We share the assessment of the three Committees: the terrorist threat from Da’esh has not disappeared but has evolved. Indeed, the destruction of Da’esh as a terrorist organization with a territorial base does not mean the end of the threat it represents. Da’esh continues to act as an international spoiler through its influence on individuals and groups around the world. We saw that once again in the 21 April attacks in Sri Lanka, with more than 250 regrettable deaths. And that is without forgetting that Al-Qaida and its affiliated groups are also maintaining their position, in particular in the Sahel. We must therefore remain vigilant, and we therefore strongly encourage the work carried out by the three Committees in recent months. In that regard, we welcome the open briefing on the addendum to the Madrid Guiding Principles. We believe it to be an important first step towards the implementation of that addendum, making it possible to strengthen Member States’ understanding and knowledge of the Principles and thereby promoting the implementation of resolution 2396 (2017). CTED, the 1267 Monitoring Team and the Expert Group of the 1540 Committee have a crucial role as international entities in the fight against terrorism. We are committed to giving our full support to their respective mandates. We welcome the fact that resolution 2462 (2019), adopted in March, requests CTED and the Monitoring Team to prepare a report on actions taken by Member States in the fight against terrorist financing. Belgium welcomes the fact that the threat stemming from the entire spectrum of violent extremism, including extreme right-wing terrorism, is now on the Security Council’s agenda. The increasing polarization within and between our countries strengthens the growth of such phenomena, which seem to encourage individual actions. In addition, we face growing internationalization in terms of financial and tactical support. However, we recognize that in particular the issue of the extreme right remains difficult. Member States have very different approaches and the phenomenon is complicated to define and demarcate. We encourage CTED to continue to study and to define the phenomenon and to report on that to the 1373 Committee. Belgium also appreciated and supported the 26 April joint meeting of the 1988, 1267 and 1373 Committees on the link between terrorism and organized crime. With regard to that link, Belgium supports the holding of the debate and advocates a better exchange of information and good practices. Belgium also welcomes the work of the 1267 Committee’s Ombudsperson and reiterates its full support for his work. The establishment of the Office of the Ombudsperson in 2009 was an important step towards improving transparency and strengthening respect for the procedural safeguards necessary for effective and legitimate sanctions in the 1267 Committee. In conclusion, aware that the terrorist threat has not diminished and that terrorists seem to be constantly adapting to the new realities, let us remain vigilant and pursue international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Belgium will continue to support the work of the 1267, 1373 and 1540 Committees and its support structures. We remain committed to multilateral efforts to combat the global terrorist threat.

I would first like to thank you, Mr. President, and Mr. Meza-Cuadra for your briefings on your work. From our own experience, we know humanitarianow cumbersome that sometimes is and we are grateful for your efforts. However, I would like to echo what our United Kingdom colleague said earlier in not only thanking the Chairs but also the experts, who do a tremendous amount of work. I believe they need our support and, where necessary, our protection. With regard to the different Committees, let me start with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities. I think that it was a good omen for the work of the Committee that we were able to list Mohammed Masood Azhar Alvi earlier. It was difficult for some, but I believe that it was very important that we were able to overcome those obstacles. Concerning the 1267 Committee’s list, which is perhaps the longest of people proscribed, we believe that it is very important that the listing system remain credible. There must therefore always be a balance among listing, designations and delistings. The rule of law has to be an integral of part of the listing procedures, and we continue to support a strong role to be played by the Office of the Ombudsperson, which my French colleague mentioned and highlighted earlier. With regard to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), let me make four points. First, we all remember the horrendous attack in Christchurch, which showed that not all extremist terrorist groups assert that, with regard to what they do, their ideology rests within a religious context. That does not make them any less dangerous. In the Council and the Counter-Terrorism Committee, we have only started to explore the international component of far-right extremist terrorists and their cross-border networks. I believe that both require the increased attention of the Security Council. We believe that we need to study whether far-right extremist terrorists are interconnected across international borders and whether that connection poses a threat to international peace and security. We would appreciate it if the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate could make an assessment on the international dimension of that. A first discussion on that issue will take place within the Counter-Terrorism Committee later this year, and we look forward to its findings. Secondly, we have to look more closely at the effects of counter-terrorism measures on the work of principled, impartial and neutral humanitarian actors. In New York, there has been discussion on the issue. A lot of analysis with regard to their effect on humanitarian law and humanitarian actors is available, and we need to make sure that the knowledge we have is being translated into Security Council action. We have to ensure that our resolutions do not impede humanitarian action, but help us to help innocent civilians and children in need. We appreciate the fact that the Counter-Terrorism Committee will discuss those matters later this week. Thirdly, Germany is active within the Group of Like-Minded States on Targeted Sanctions, and we are convinced that we need to respect international standards of due process and human rights when countering terrorism. Only if we employ fairness and transparency will we be able to prevent young people from falling into the trap of violent extremist and terrorist propaganda. For Governments, it is therefore paramount to act humanely and within the realm of the law. It is not only our moral duty; it is also the most effective way to counter the terrorists’ lies. Lastly, drone strikes by terrorists are no longer only a topic for science fiction, but a real threat. That is why Germany and the United States have presented at the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF) an initiative to counter the threat by using unmanned aerial vehicles. As a next step, we intend to create a document on good practices to be presented at the GCTF ministerial meeting in New York in September. Concerning the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I should like to make a couple of points. First, in order to guarantee the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), it is very important that we provide assistance to States that require such support. The process of matching requests for assistance with offers from States or international, regional or subregional organizations is therefore absolutely vital and needs constant updating and refining. We particularly welcome the intensified cooperation of the Committee and the Panel of Experts with United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) regional centres and international organizations, such as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Customs Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency. With regard to partnerships among Government, States and industry, which is an issue key in connection with the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), Germany has been actively involved in promoting intensified cooperation. We host the biannual global Wiesbaden conferences, which serve as a platform for exchange among regulators, industry, international organizations and academia. Since 2016, those global conferences have been complemented by regional Wiesbaden conferences, held in South Korea, Mexico and India and looked at regional specificities. The next regional conference for southern Africa — the first in Africa — will take place in Zambia late this month. In that context, I would like to thank the Panel of Experts, UNODA and the Government of Zambia for their excellent cooperation in making that conference possible. The Wiesbaden process raises awareness, furthers the exchange of information and effective practices, and promotes private-sector engagement at the first line of defence.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of Indonesia. In my national capacity, I would like to once again express my delegation’s appreciation to the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team established pursuant to paragraph 7 of resolutions 1526 (2004); the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate; the Group of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004); and the Office of the Ombudsperson for carrying out their activities in accordance with their respective mandates; and to the secretariats for their dedication in supporting the Chairs in their daily work. We must acknowledge that there have been encouraging developments in advancing our common goals with regard to the three Committees’ mandates, but we are far from done. We share concerns that, although the threat has been transformed, it has not diminished. We believe that the continued collaboration and unity of the Committee are a prerequisite for the further development of our future work. We need the Committee to be united more than ever before. Therefore, I would like once again to commend the members of the Committee for their efforts over the past few months to preserve its credibility and sanctity. Indonesia, based on procedural rules of the Committees, will continue to facilitate consultations and find common ground to bridge various views in order to ensure the effective functioning of the regimes. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.