S/PV.8963 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under- Secretary-General, United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism; and Mr. Weixiong Chen, Acting Executive Director, Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2022/63, which contains the fourteenth report of the Secretary-General 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. I now give the floor to Mr. Voronkov. Mr. Voronkov: I thank the Security Council for the opportunity to brief it today. Just over 20 years ago, the footage of planes crashing into the Twin Towers, here in downtown New York, was seared into the minds of millions of people as, in a short span of time, Al-Qaida terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people from the United States and more than 90 other countries. Only two weeks later, on 28 September 2001, the Security Council demonstrated decisive leadership and resolve with the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001) and the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. International peace and security and support for the victims of terrorist attacks around the world are the core values for the United Nations counter-terrorism efforts. I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the Governments and the people who have suffered from acts of terrorism. My heartfelt thoughts and sympathies will forever be with the survivors and the families of the victims. Today Al-Qaida and Da’esh and their various affiliates remain serious threats, while terrorist attacks based on xenophobia, racism and intolerance are increasing. As we begin a new decade of counter- terrorism, it is time to ask ourselves difficult questions and search for honest answers. It is in that context that I present the fourteenth report (S/2022/63) of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by Da’esh to international peace and security, and the United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering that threat, as mandated by resolution 2610 (2021). I am pleased to be joined today by Mr. Weixiong Chen, Acting Executive Director of the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, to present this report, which our offices prepared jointly with the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. I welcome the recent mandate extensions by the Council of two United Nations counter-terrorism entities, namely, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the Monitoring Team, through resolutions 2610 (2021) and 2617 (2021). I also take this opportunity to commend the excellent work of the Monitoring Team, aptly led by Mr. Edmund Fitton-Brown, which recently produced its twenty-ninth report (see S/2022/83) on the threat posed by Da’esh and Al-Qaida, which informed the Secretary-General’s fourteenth report on Da’esh. The threat posed by Da’esh and its affiliates to international peace and security remains significant. Two weeks ago, I briefed the Security Council (see S/PV.8958) on the terrorism landscape in the north-east of the Syrian Arab Republic, following the Da’esh’s jailbreak attack on Al-Sina’a prison in Al-Hasakah city. The assault on the prison was one of the group’s most significant operations since Da’esh’s defeat in Syria nearly three years ago. The attack was also a shattering and sober reminder of Da’esh’s extreme brutal violence. I was particularly disturbed by the group’s use of children as human shields during the intense fighting that occurred in and around the prison. That deeply distressing event also took a heavy toll on the civilian population in nearby neighbourhoods and was denounced around the world. It is encouraging to note that, according to reports, a targeted attack last week resulted in the death of Da’esh’s leader, Amir Muhammad Sa’id Abdal-Rahman Al-Mawla, also known as Abu Ibrahim Al-Hashimi Al-Quraishi. While that is perhaps the most significant in a series of blows against its leadership in recent months, Da’esh is known for its ability to regroup despite similar losses in the past, maintaining and intensifying its activities in conflict-afflicted regions across the world. We have learned over the past two decades that counter-terrorism is a long-term game and that there are no quick fixes. Military counter-terrorism operations may be necessary, but comprehensive measures with a strong focus on prevention are required to address the dynamics that fuel the appeal of terrorism. I therefore urge the Council and all Member States to use every available tool at their disposal to sustain important gains against the threat posed by Da’esh to prevent its regional expansion and curtail its capabilities to launch attacks and recruit new members to its ranks. Starting in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic, where its operational leadership is still concentrated, Da’esh continues to operate as an entrenched rural insurgency, exploiting the porous borders between the countries, where it retains between 6,000 and 10,000 fighters. During the reporting period, the group maintained its ability to launch attacks at a steady rate, including hit- and-run operations, ambushes and roadside bombs in both countries. It also continued to attack Government forces and civilians with the apparent aim of instigating panic and increasing pressure on the authorities. It is crucial to build on the momentum following the recent death of Abu Ibrahim Al-Hashimi Al-Quraishi. Now is the time to address the grievances that Da’esh and other terrorist groups exploit with their propaganda to attract new followers. We must focus on restoring human dignity, trust and social cohesion. That must start with addressing the desperate situation in displacement camps and detention facilities across Syria and Iraq. I remain profoundly disturbed by the humanitarian hardships of thousands of people, especially children with presumed family links to Da’esh members, who  — through no fault of their own — remain stranded in that precarious limbo, at a growing risk of further radicalization and recruitment. It is essential to ensure humanitarian access to those locations to alleviate their suffering and reduce security concerns. While I welcome the efforts of those Member States that have repatriated their citizens, the current pace does not demonstrate the requisite urgency and is likely to exacerbate conditions conducive to terrorism. Repatriation alone is not sufficient. Comprehensive responses in countries of nationality that include protection, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration, as appropriate, are crucial. In that regard, I note that most of the individuals held in those camps and detention centres are Syrian and Iraqi nationals. It is essential that those efforts be grounded in human rights and the rule of law, including due process and fair trial guarantees, promoting accountability and bringing justice to the victims and survivors of crimes by Da’esh. I wish to highlight, in that regard, the Global Framework that my Office coordinates together with UNICEF, which assists requesting Member States with those efforts. I urge the international community to support the Global Framework’s Multi-Partner Trust Fund, which was launched in September. During the reporting period, Da’esh’s regional affiliates beyond Syria and Iraq continued to expand at an unsettling scale and pace, partly enabled by the proliferation of conventional arms and weapons, especially in fragile conflict settings. While the interplay between terrorism and conflict and the threat of spillover is a global strategic challenge, it is particularly pronounced in Central, East and West Africa, where the expansion of Da’esh affiliates could have serious and lasting repercussions well beyond the continent. In Cabo Delgado and the border area between Mozambique and Tanzania, the Da’esh affiliate has suffered setbacks following the deployment of foreign troops. There has been an increase in sporadic violent attacks on civilians in more remote areas. The group appears displaced rather than defeated, and its fighters have continued to regroup into smaller, more autonomous cells. The deteriorating situation and the intensification of Da’esh activity in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, the Niger, Nigeria and Uganda are another cause for serious concern. Tactical gains in those regions may also increase the group’s revenues. In North Africa, terrorist activity by Da’esh affiliates declined in Egypt, Libya and Morocco during the reporting period, following counter- terrorism gains, defections and public investments in development initiatives. The security landscape in Afghanistan changed dramatically on 15 August, following the Taliban takeover. Member States are concerned that Da’esh and other terrorist groups enjoy greater freedom in Afghanistan than at any time in recent history. I reiterate Secretary-General Guterres’ repeated calls to work together to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorist activity. Outside conflict zones, in Europe online terrorist radicalization and recruitment remained a foremost concern over the reporting period, possibly inciting terrorist attacks by lone actors or small groups inspired by, but unaffiliated with, Da’esh. European Member States identified a common pattern in ongoing investigations of homegrown terrorism cases, typically involving young individuals who had underlying vulnerabilities and who combined a fascination with extreme violence with personal grievances, making them receptive to terrorist propaganda. My Office has continued to work closely with partners across all sectors. I am very proud that we have ensured business continuity during the ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic and intensified the implementation of our global programmes and projects to address the needs of Member States. Those efforts have been bolstered by our growing presence in the field, as requested by Member States. That includes our new Programme Office in Nairobi — and I thank Ambassador Kimani and the Government of Kenya for their close collaboration in that regard — and the Programme Office for Counter-Terrorism and Training in Rabat, in the context of which I thank the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco. This past June, the General Assembly adopted by consensus its most comprehensive and forward- looking resolution during its seventh review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (General Assembly resolution 75/291). We need to nurture that consensus and work together towards stamping out terrorism, including groups like Da’esh, which continue to evolve, finding new and malicious ways to spread fear. In his report entitled Our Common Agenda (A/75/982) Secretary-General Guterres identified terrorism as a strategic global risk and pointed to the need for continued international counter-terrorism cooperation as part of a new agenda for peace. The Council’s guidance remains instrumental to our collective fight against terrorism. I count on continued consensus on this matter. That is the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, which comes with a blueprint for peace and security and for a world free from terrorism. The United Nations system, through the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, led by my Office, stands ready to support all Member States in their fight against terrorism.

I thank Mr. Voronkov for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Chen. Mr. Chen: I thank you, Mr. President, for giving the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) the opportunity to brief the Security Council on the fourteenth report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by Da’esh (S/2022/63) and the efforts of the United Nations to assist Member States to counter the threat. I would also like to thank Under-Secretary- General Voronkov for his overview of the report, which we just heard. And I thank the Office of Counter- Terrorism (UNOCT) and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team for their invaluable collaboration in preparing the report. Just last November, the Counter-Terrorism Committee held a special meeting to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the 11 September attacks and the subsequent adoption of resolution 1373 (2001) and the establishment of the Committee. On that occasion, the Committee issued an important outcome document, which not only highlighted notable successes achieved in countering terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism but also stressed the need to strengthen national, regional and international efforts to address and mitigate the emerging challenges. The global terrorist landscape continues to present a range of complex challenges for Member States. The threat of Da’esh persists, as the group and its affiliates continue to recalibrate their strategic and operational approaches. Da’esh has become more decentralized  — with supporters notably emerging and expanding their operations in the battlefields of West, East, Southern and Central Africa — and is also seeking to exploit recent developments in Afghanistan. It has also continued to regroup in its traditional geographic centre, resulting in a resurgence of violence in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. Developments following the recent death of the Da’esh leader should be closely monitored. Over the past two years, the terrorist threat has of course also intersected with the many challenges posed by the coronavirus disease pandemic. Da’esh and other terrorist groups have sought to exploit fault lines arising from social restrictions, political tensions and economic downturns exacerbated by the pandemic. In some States, increasing political instability has led to critical governance situations, which may exacerbate a significant existing terrorist threat. Many States have understandably diverted resources from counter- terrorism training and capacity-building to pandemic- related efforts, thereby creating challenges for States requiring counter-terrorism assistance. The pandemic has also influenced existing trends in terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, and has also generated human rights concerns, which may provide fertile ground for further exploitation and potential radicalization to violence. The challenges that have arisen during the pandemic have curtailed not only counter-terrorism operations but also civil society and humanitarian outreach, thereby worsening pre-existing conditions of displacement and insecurity. The lack of measures and strategies to ensure safe and voluntary repatriation, as well as comprehensive and tailored prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration, may also expose already vulnerable populations to further violence. Monitoring and suppressing the flow of funds to Da’esh and other terrorist groups also remains an imperative for the international community. Terrorists and terrorist groups also continue to exploit social media and online platforms. The global rise in hate speech and misinformation and disinformation, often online, also remains a concern for many Member States. Against the backdrop of those many challenges, CTED continues to coordinate closely with UNOCT and other key partners to ensure that the Counter- Terrorism Committee’s recommendations serve as the basis for relevant capacity-building activities. I would also note that CTED recently issued its updated global survey of Member States’ implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and other resolutions, as well as its updated global survey of the implementation of resolution 1624 (2005), and a number of other reports and studies on the challenges faced by Member States. Acting under the all-of-United Nations approach and in accordance with resolutions 2395 (2017) and 2617 (2021), CTED has continued to work closely together with UNOCT on a series of activities aimed at enhancing the capacities of Member States on, inter alia, countering terrorist travel; the creation of fusion cells; countering the trafficking of small arms and light weapons; the protection of vulnerable targets; countering the financing of terrorism; and prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration. Combating the global terrorist threat requires a multilateral approach that involves close collaboration among Member States, United Nations entities, international and regional organizations, and civil society. The strategies and measures employed should also be tailor-made, gender-sensitive and human rights- compliant. In that regard, CTED will continue to actively support the Security Council and the Counter- Terrorism Committee in those efforts.

I thank Mr. Chen for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I thank the briefers for their presentations. Last week, on orders from President Biden, United States troops conducted an operation in Syria against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham (ISIS)  — consistent with our letter to the Secretary- General dated 23 September 2014 — that resulted in the death of the leader of ISIS, Abu Ibrahim Al-Hashimi Al-Quraishi, also known as Hajji Abdullah, who had served as the overall leader of ISIS since he was appointed to replace the group’s previous leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, who died, on 26 October 2019, in a United States counter-terrorism operation. Under Hajji Abdullah’s leadership, ISIS provided material support to its Afghanistan branch, ISIS-Khorasan, which was responsible for the heinous attack on the Hamid Karzai International Airport. As we have all seen, ISIS and those inspired by it continue to engage in horrific attacks wherever and however they can. The group attempts to exploit humanitarian crises and recruit and radicalize to violence members of vulnerable populations and attack civilians. The international community must augment the ability of vulnerable populations to reject appeals to violent extremism and to avoid misplaced assumptions about the susceptibility of those populations to such appeals. We wholeheartedly agree with the Secretary- General’s characterization of the human tragedy resulting from the so-called “caliphate” of ISIS to include approximately 40,000 foreign nationals, among them tens of thousands of innocent children, currently residing in displaced persons camps. They should not be further victimized because of the activities of others. The situation is unacceptable and is a humanitarian, human rights and security crisis. That is why the repatriation, rehabilitation, reintegration and prosecution of foreign terrorist fighters, as appropriate, is the best way to hold individuals accountable for their crimes and prevent the uncontrolled return or movement of foreign terrorist fighters to their countries of origin or elsewhere. We are not just calling on others to repatriate their citizens, we are repatriating our own as well. To date, we have repatriated 30 United States citizens from north-east Syria — 13 adults and 17 children. The United States stands ready to support any Member State that wishes to bring their own nationals home. With the recent extension of the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, the Directorate will now facilitate the training and assistance Member States need in order to develop and implement comprehensive strategies to provide for the proper collection, preservation, sharing and use of battlefield evidence. Financing continues to be the lifeblood for terrorists. We must bolster our efforts to go after terrorist financiers and financial facilitators and stymie vital resource streams that exploit weak regulatory oversight in vulnerable jurisdictions. The United States is especially concerned about the increasing terrorism threat in areas of Africa outlined in the Secretary-General’s assessment. ISIS and Al-Qaida affiliates have metastasized in pockets across Africa and grafted onto long-simmering conflicts, providing them new volatility and lethality. Islamic State-West Africa Province merits particular focus, as the group has grown into the largest numerically and one of the most lethal ISIS affiliates outside the core region. The United States continues to provide our African partners critical counter-terrorism assistance to disrupt and degrade ISIS and Al-Qaida affiliates, underscoring that capable law enforcement and broader security service responses are essential to prevent and counter terrorism. As the Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/63) highlights, it is critical that the international community continue the fight to deny safe haven for Al-Qaida and its affiliates, including those in Afghanistan. Further, ISIS-Khorasan remains active and continues to orchestrate sophisticated attacks that target civilians, including vulnerable ethnic and religious minorities, civil society actors and others who are risking their lives to improve the lives of Afghan citizens across the country. As President Biden has stressed, “[w]e will hold the Taliban accountable for its commitment not to allow any terrorists to threaten the United States or its allies from Afghan soil”. Globally, promoting good governance, the rule of law and accountability, inclusive democracy and respect for human rights mitigates the conditions and grievances conducive to violent extremism and terrorism used to recruit. The most successful counter- terrorism approaches incorporate perspectives and voices beyond Governments, including those of women, youth, civil society, members of marginalized racial, ethnic and religious groups and victims of terrorism. To bolster civil society engagement, the United States provides funding to the Strong Cities Network, the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, Mother Schools for Countering Radicalism and many other civil society organizations that work to strengthen community resilience to violent extremism. In conclusion, the Secretary-General’s report provides a vivid reminder of the continuing and evolving ISIS threat. Moving forward, we must use the report to shape the collective actions we take to maintain pressure on ISIS.

I would also like to begin by thank Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Acting Executive Director Chen for their informative briefings today. We also welcome the evident collaboration between their two teams, both in the preparation of this briefing and the delivery of their mandates. The work of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in analysing and helping States to tackle the ever-changing terrorist threat is an indispensable part of combating global terrorism. We also welcome the Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/63) on the global terrorist threat. Recent events have reminded us of the continuing threat of terrorism and underline the importance of this debate today. The January attack in north-eastern Syria was a sobering reminder that, despite its territorial defeat, Da’esh continues to pose a threat in Iraq, Syria and beyond. We condemn that attack and in particular share Mr. Voronkov’s concern about the taking of children as hostages. The international community must hold firm in its determination to counter and defeat Da’esh. That is why the United Kingdom is a committed member of the Global Coalition against Da’esh and co-leads its counter-propaganda efforts. Alongside that, we provide significant humanitarian and stabilization support to liberated areas of Iraq and Syria. We also continue to seek justice and accountability for Da’esh. Those who have fought for or supported Da’esh should face justice for their crimes in the most appropriate jurisdiction. In that regard, we welcome the emphasis on battlefield evidence preservation, as set out in the report. It is our view that justice will often be better served in the region where the crimes were committed, and any such justice mechanism must respect human rights and the rule of law, as well as ensure fair trials and due process. We must continue to be alert to the threat elsewhere in the world. The context in Afghanistan has changed. We welcome the Taliban’s commitments to tackle terrorist groups and urge them to ensure that Al-Qaida and Da’esh affiliates and other terrorist groups do not raise funds or plan attacks from Afghan territory. The threat continues to grow in sub-Saharan Africa, as we heard again today. The United Kingdom provides security, stabilization and humanitarian assistance in many of the affected countries in order to help them tackle the threat, build stability and support affected communities. But much more needs to be done. Terrorist groups continue to incite and recruit supporters around the world, particularly now using social media and encrypted online platforms. And, as the Secretary-General’s report makes clear, that has all been exacerbated by the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic, as set out so clearly by Mr. Chen just now. As such, it is right that the Council, as it came together at the end of last year to reaffirm the important work of CTED and renew its mandate (see S/2021/1107), also encouraged a new focus on those technologies. Finally, we must all ensure that we protect and promote human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law as we go about this work. We welcome CTED’s ongoing efforts to engage civil society and the emphasis Mr. Chen placed on their involvement with other partners, including with regard to the examination of gender and masculinity in terrorism prevention. We are committed to working together to continue the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism in a manner that protects human rights and upholds international law.

I would like to thank Mr. Voronkov, Under- Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, and Mr. Chen, Acting Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, for their valuable briefings. The United Arab Emirates places great importance on countering terrorism and extremism in accordance with international law. Notwithstanding the progress made by the international community in the war against the Da’esh organization in Syria and Iraq, including the killing of its leader last week, the recent report (S/2022/63) of the Secretary-General’s indicates that threats by Da’esh still exist and are dangerous, especially as the group spreads in several African countries. To expand their influence, terrorists continue to exploit security and political gaps as well as the difficult humanitarian conditions. The recent developments in Afghanistan have raised international concerns about the possibility of becoming a hotbed of terrorism and a destination for foreign terrorist fighters. We therefore emphasize the need for Afghanistan not to be used a safe haven for terrorists or for threatening the stability of neighbouring countries. No country or region is safe from terrorism. These cross-border threats cannot be totally eliminated without unity and concerted international efforts. I would therefore like to focus on the following points. First, there must be zero tolerance for terrorist acts and groups that undermine international stability and target innocent civilians. Recently, my country witnessed vicious terrorist attacks carried out by the Houthi militias against civilians and civilian infrastructure in flagrant violation of international law. Accordingly, we urge countries to coordinate, exchange information and impose international sanctions on terrorist groups to deter them from any behaviour that threatens international peace and security. Secondly, we must continue to develop strategies and laws at both national and international levels, while taking into consideration the local and regional contexts. In that regard, the Hedayah Center collaborates with more than 100 countries to prevent extremism and terrorism, including by establishing national plans tailored to national contexts. Thirdly, advanced technology is a double-edged sword. We therefore must take the measures necessary to prevent terrorists from exploiting advanced technology to carry out their operations or finance them. At the same time, we must harness technology and artificial intelligence to protect societies from extremism and terrorism. In that context, as my country co-chairs, together with the United States of America and the United Kingdom, the Communication Working Group of the Global Coalition against Da’esh, we continue to confront extreme narratives by terrorists and develop counter- narratives. That is done by exchanging experiences with other countries, developing comprehensive strategies and cooperating with relevant institutions. In addition, the Sawab Centre in Abu Dhabi has continued to counter false allegations by Da’esh by launching several awareness initiatives, including the Africa Against Extremism campaign, which aims to prevent Da’esh from penetrating the African continent and expanding there. Finally, we must take the necessary preventive measures to protect people from extremism and terrorism by promoting the values of peaceful coexistence, empowering women and youth and increasing our efforts aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Efforts to bring about stability and rebuild the liberated areas in Syria and Iraq must also be intensified. By co-chairing the Stabilization Working Group of the Global Coalition against Da’esh, together with the United States and Germany, my country has contributed more than $170 million to support such efforts as rebuilding infrastructure and historical sites, building national capacities and encouraging the safe return of internally displaced persons. In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates believes that we are stronger united. Harnessing our energy and efforts together will help us to eliminate the scourge of terrorism and achieve security, stability and prosperity for the people.

I thank Under-Secretary- General Voronkov and Acting Executive Director Chen for their briefings. I would also like to thank all those individuals and entities that have contributed to the fourteenth report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/63), which makes for sober reading. Wounds of the terrorist acts committed in the course of the past two decades by Al-Qaida, Da’esh and other terrorist groups are profound and still open. We remain deeply worried that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) continues to operate and is metastasizing in different parts of the world, despite coordinated efforts to defeat it. The Secretary-General’s assessment that Da’esh not only continues to be active and operational in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan and in the Sahel, but is also becoming stronger outside conflict zones by using online/offline propaganda to radicalize and recruit mostly children is a cause for serious concern. The recent use of children in their terrorist attacks acts in Syria — a familiar and notorious Da’esh tactic — bears witness to the fact that their cruelty remains intact. This clear and present threat to peace and security requires renewed cooperation of all States to uproot the group’s existence and fight the ideology that fuels it. In face of such brutality and the cruel ideology of Da’esh and other terrorist groups, a decisive military response will undoubtedly remain key, and Albania is part of the lobal Coalition against Da’esh. We applaud the recent elimination of ISIL leader Al-Quraishi by United States forces. But as we all know, to defeat ISIL and its appeal, much more must be done. Robust military action against terrorists and cutting sources of financing must be accompanied by social and tailor-made programmes countering violent extremism and terrorist ideology with development and humanitarian assistance and addressing the root causes of radicalization, which all too often are xenophobia, exclusion, extreme poverty and the lack of perspective. We advocate a comprehensive whole-of-society, human-rights- compliant and gender-sensitive approach and welcome an emphasis on interreligious and intercultural dialogue as effective preventive tools. While we deal with the consequences of terrorism, we must show the same resolve in upholding our values, norms and principles. We must not allow conditions that violate the basic principles of human rights that we seek to protect everywhere, including in particular in our fight against terrorism. Terrorists win when we fail to uphold these very values in our actions, and in such cases we all collectively lose. We therefore support all efforts, including through the Global Framework and the Multi-Partner Trust Fund, to ensure the protection, repatriation, prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of suspected terrorists and their families, especially women and children. We are concerned by the inhuman and degrading conditions of detainees, especially women and children, in the detention facilities in Syria and Iraq. We think this is unsustainable and counterproductive. Due process for detainees and suspects of terror must be ensured. Full accountability for the heinous crimes committed by fighters is necessary, including through the application of universal jurisdiction, which must be applied. In this regard, we welcome the conviction for crimes against humanity of individuals by German courts, which we hope will be followed by other rulings. But we must not allow that such places become recruitment and radicalization centres that exacerbate the very threat that we are seeking to contain. Young boys and children are especially vulnerable to exposure to terrorist ideology. They are harassed, stigmatized, ill-treated and violated. We must do what we can — and, indeed, we can do so — to help them get out of hell, give them a normal childhood, help them become normal adults and not become terrorist incubators and monsters who prepare the next generation of terrorists. Let us not forget that many of them are victims of terrorism themselves, misled by a violent ideology that is fuelled by ignorance. That is why women and children need to be repatriated in a humane and safe manner, with due regard for their rights, following a strategy that is sensitive to gender, age, rights and special needs. There is a need for a comprehensive approach to reintegrate them, especially children and women, back into society in order to allow them to restart their lives in security and dignity. In conclusion, I know that repatriation is, of course, a delicate and complex process; it needs to reflect security considerations. But we also need to share and learn from one another and exchange best practices in order to manage the process effectively and humanely. It is in that spirit that Albania has approached this humanitarian problem. We have already repatriated dozens of women and children from Syrian and Iraqi camps and have devised bespoke reintegration programmes by providing housing, employment and assistance to ensure their proper rehabilitation, adaptation and long-term reintegration in normal life. Our principles, our values and our philosophy of life must defeat the appeal to terrorism, to death, to darkness. We must win the battle of hearts and minds, and our actions must follow suit.

First of all, I should like to thank Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov and Acting Executive Director Weixiong Chen for their briefings. Their valuable analysis of and inputs on the threat posed by terrorism should be carefully studied and considered by the Security Council in its future work. Terrorism is the common enemy of humankind. Our fight against terrorism is a long-term one that requires comprehensive strategies and united action. To that end, I should like to make the following points. First, every effort must be made to curb the new wave of terrorism. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) is still active in regions such as Iraq, Syria and Libya and is expanding at a fast pace in many parts of Africa. In Afghanistan, the rapid withdrawal of foreign troops has created a vacuum in the security situation, providing an opportunity for terrorist forces to grow by taking advantage of the chaos. We hope that the Taliban will fulfil the relevant counter-terrorism commitments to prevent Afghanistan from falling into the hands of terrorists once again. We should note that the threat of terrorism remains grave; we cannot let our guard down. China supports the international community in its efforts to continue coordinating its actions to combat terrorism in all its forms. Any slacking off in the fight against terrorism; any appeasement of or connivance with terrorism; and any act of politicizing or instrumentalizing counter-terrorism or using terrorist forces to pursue geopolitical interests are acts of betrayal of the victims of terrorism, acts that have serious consequences and will eventually backfire. Secondly, every effort must be made to prevent ISIS from colluding with other terrorist organizations. The report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/63) points out that ISIS continues to recruit from the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). China is deeply concerned about that issue. ETIM is a terrorist organization designated by the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated individuals and entities. It has carried out many inhumane terrorist attacks in Xinjiang, China, resulting in mass casualties among innocent people. In recent years, that organization has expanded in Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and other regions. The report released by the Monitoring Team of the 1267 Committee earlier this month further points out that there are 1,000 to 3,000 ETIM fighters in Syria. They not only launch attacks on the ground but also recruit, train and send terrorists to attack Central Asian countries and China. ETIM fighters in Afghanistan even clamour to “return to Xinjiang for jihad”. We call on the Security Council and the international community to pay close attention to the continued active and developing terrorist threat posed by ETIM so as to cut off its connection with the Islamic State and eliminate its breeding grounds. Thirdly, counter-terrorism operations must abide by international law and uphold the principle of protecting civilians. The lesson of the twentieth anniversary of 9/11 is that we cannot rely solely on military means to fight terrorism. The abuse of force will not help to eradicate terrorist threats. On the contrary, it may weaken the legitimacy and effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts and result in the dilemma of the more counter- terrorism, the more terrorism. Military intervention in the name of counter-terrorism is a blatant violation of national sovereignty and territorial integrity that will lead to major disasters and civilian casualties and create a breeding ground for terrorists. We call on the countries concerned to prudently use military means in counter-terrorism operations and to give priority to the protection of civilians. The retaliation for the Kabul airport bombing last August killed 10 Afghan civilians, including seven children. We look forward to credible findings from the relevant authorities. Last week’s military raid against the Islamic State leader also caused 13 civilian deaths, including those of six children. Such incidents reoccur, which is unacceptable and must be investigated. Fourthly, we should work vigorously to help African countries strengthen their counter-terrorism capacity-building. Terrorism and violent extremism are spreading in many places in Africa, posing a severe challenge to national security. In the Sahel region, terrorist activities have led to instability, mass casualties and displacement. The Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) established a Joint Force to carry out counter-terrorism operations, which is an effort worthy of recognition. The G-5 Sahel counter- terrorism operation should be supported with sufficient and predictable funding. That issue can be discussed in depth within the framework of the United Nations so as to devise concrete and feasible arrangements. Meanwhile, military operations by external forces in the Sahel should strengthen their coordination with the G-5 Sahel Joint Force in order to create synergy. China has always been committed to supporting capacity-building on the part of African countries, which are at the forefront of terrorism, as this is a key funding area of the China-United Nations Peace and Development Fund. China has funded the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate in the implementation of a number of projects and provided counter-terrorism training, textbooks and special equipment to the relevant African countries. It has also held seminars on cross-border counter-terrorism cooperation. We stand ready to continue our practical support for African countries in their pursuit of peace and security.

Norway thanks Under- Secretary-General Voronkov and Acting Executive Director Chen for their informative briefings today and for their coordinated efforts. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/63) and recent events in north-east Syria serve as a stark reminder of the resilience of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Nearly three years after its territorial collapse, the group retains the ability to conduct sophisticated, high-impact attacks. That is the case not only in the group’s core area of activity in Syria and Iraq, but also increasingly in Afghanistan and across Africa. The international community must sustain its collective efforts against that threat. It remains a fact that the countries and regions most vulnerable to terrorism are those also characterized by armed conflict, political instability, poverty, climate change and weak governance. The threat that ISIL and its affiliates pose, including in numerous country situations on the Security Council’s agenda, cannot be effectively addressed without recognizing that context. As such, we need to employ a comprehensive, whole-of- society approach to counter-terrorism that forms part of a broader political strategy, addresses the underlying drivers of radicalization and is firmly anchored in human rights and the rule of law. Let me highlight three points that Norway considers crucial in such efforts. First, regarding prevention, the most effective counter-terrorism strategy is a preventive one. We must build resilience to radicalization by ensuring social, political and economic inclusion, providing access to justice and security and empowering women and young people. Such investment in the social contract pays dividends, saving both lives and resources. Secondly, on protection, recent ISIL attacks, including in Al-Hasakah, underscore the need to place the protection of civilians at the centre of counter- terrorism. Norway condemns the prison attack, and we reiterate our deep concern that children were caught in the crossfire. The attack also further draws attention to the dire humanitarian consequences of urban warfare, which Norway highlighted in the Council last month (see S/PV.8953). Thirdly, concerning prosecution, we must continue the fight against impunity and hold perpetrators of terrorism accountable. In that regard, Norway welcomes the efforts in national jurisdictions, including recently in Germany, to investigate and prosecute ISIL members in line with international law. We also commend the work of international investigative mechanisms, such as the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism. Ensuring accountability is a prerequisite for justice. The elimination of the leader of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham last week represents another significant blow to the group. However, while ISIL remains diminished, it is not defeated. To eradicate the group once and for all, we must be clear-eyed about the vulnerabilities that it exploits and the contexts in which it embeds itself. We must recognize that counter- terrorism is not only a technical but also a political exercise — that it is not only intelligence, air strikes and arrests, but also good governance, human rights and the rule of law.

I first thank Mr. Vladimir Voronkov and Mr. Weixiong Chen for their briefings. At the outset, I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to all the victims of terrorism. The negation of humanity that terrorist acts represent and the suffering endured by victims call for determined collective action. That is why the fight against Da’esh will continue until the group is defeated. France condemned in the strongest terms the attack carried out by Da’esh on 20 January against the Al-Hasakah detention centre in north-eastern Syria. On that occasion, we welcomed the action of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Global Coalition against Da’esh, which put an end to the attack. Blows are being dealt to Da’esh. I am thinking in particular of the neutralization of Abu Ibrahim Al-Hashimi Al-Quraishi, also known as Hajji Abdallah, as well as the capture by the Iraqi authorities of Hajji Hamid. That arrest, we hope, will allow us to shed light on the group’s finances, thereby enabling us to better fight against it in the long term. Such funds play a major role for Da’esh, as well as for its affiliates. They enable it to increase its recruitment, with a view to an anticipated resurgence, against which we are fighting with unfailing determination. To eradicate terrorism in the region, a solution to the Syrian crisis is essential. That solution can only be political. We know the road map  — resolution 2254 (2015). In Iraq, we continue to support the Iraqi authorities in their fight against Da’esh, alongside our partners in the Global Coalition. France is also committed to countering terrorism in Afghanistan. Indeed, together with the challenges posed by humanitarian and human rights issues, the security threat in Afghanistan is one of our main concerns. On the one hand, since August we have seen an increase in the number of attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan, the local Afghan branch of Da’esh, and its deployment in more provinces. At the same time, the Taliban has not severed its links with Al-Qaida. On the contrary, it has included several Al-Qaida leaders in its interim Government. The Taliban has therefore failed to keep its promise to provide no further support, direct or indirect, to terrorists and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary for such groups. In line with resolution 2593 (2021), we will continue to demand that the Taliban honour its commitment. Beyond Afghanistan, that terrorist risk could have significant repercussions for the region and the world. In the Sahel, France is militarily involved and, in that regard, has dealt severe blows to the local branch of Da’esh, neutralizing its leaders, such as Adnan Abu Walid Al-Sahraoui. Terrorism has socioeconomic roots there. We will therefore continue to carry out military actions, together with the necessary development programmes, in line with the comprehensive approach and the objectives of the Coalition for the Sahel. To that end, we are working closely with the international community, including our African and European partners, several of which are also deployed in the Sahel. The expansion of Da’esh into Nigeria, Central Africa and Southern Africa is a major concern. I am thinking in particular of the situation in northern Mozambique, which has spread from Cabo Delgado province to neighbouring provinces of Mozambique and may also have repercussions for the entire region. A coordinated approach by regional and international actors is essential. At the request of the Mozambican authorities, the European Union has therefore established a peace and security mission to train and equip the Mozambican armed forces to protect the civilian population and restore safety and security in northern Mozambique. In this global fight, in addition to our commitment to a comprehensive approach, we identify three areas of action. First, the fight against terrorism must remain ambitious, but it must never be used as a pretext for the oppression of individuals belonging to minorities or for the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Secondly, on countering the financing of terrorism, the action that we have taking since 2019, with the adoption of resolution 2462 (2019), must continue. In that regard, we are ready to work with a key partner, India, in preparing the third No Money for Terror conference, which we hope will be held in New Delhi in 2022 once the health situation allows. We also expect the full implementation of resolution 2462 (2019) and the strengthening of our collective capacity to deal with the emergence of new financing technologies, which represent new challenges to countering terrorism financing. Finally, the third priority is the fight against the misuse of the Internet for terrorist purposes. On the Internet, like everywhere else, we must tirelessly fight terrorists. To be effective, our fight must be collective. I would like to recall the key role of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate in assessing our collective response and in ensuring that there are adequate resources in every case and that they always respect human rights and international law. In conclusion, I reaffirm our steadfast commitment to fight terrorism, in particular Da’esh, wherever it is to be encountered. We owe it to the people who are unjustly its first victims.

We thank Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov and the Acting Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, Mr. Weixiong Chen, for their presentation of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2022/63) on the threat posed by international terrorism, in particular ISIL (Da’esh), to international peace and security, as well as the range of United Nations efforts to support Member States in countering the threat. As we mentioned last month at the meeting (see S/PV.8958) on the situation in Syria, the attack against the prison in Al-Hasakah is a vivid reminder of the operational capabilities of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and confirms the threats it poses. The incident also highlighted the overcrowded conditions of approximately 700 minors and confirms the urgent need for States to develop effective plans for the repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign fighters and their families and to include mental health care in reparations for the harm suffered by the victims of terrorism. Let me underscore three points that I believe to be important with regard to countering ISIL. First, in order to limit ISIL’s operational capacity, we must begin by preventing its access to weapons, especially small arms and light weapons. That can be achieved by ramping up the fight against the illicit trafficking and diversion of such weapons, mainly in Africa, the Middle East and Afghanistan, in accordance with resolution 2616 (2021), adopted by the Security Council in December 2021 at the initiative of Mexico. Secondly, efforts to combat terrorism must prioritize the protection of civilians and the promotion of human rights. Resorting to military strategies only reinforces the spiral of violence, while related military operations have a serious impact on the civilian population. In that regard, we reiterate that the collective security system must not be violated under the pretext of the need to address terrorism. Violations of Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations are inadmissible. Lastly, it is imperative to tackle the root causes of terrorism through a development agenda that includes a cross-cutting gender strategy. In that regard, let me recall that in August 2021 (see S/PV.8839), we requested the Secretary-General to include the concept of masculinities in his report on the root causes of and strategies to prevent terrorism. We regret that the report once again omitted that dimension. We therefore repeat our request to the briefers to kindly include such information in the next report of the Secretary-General.

Terrorism not only represents an attack against the life and dignity of the human person; it also, and above all, negates the principles of civilization, and therefore cannot be justified. No cause, ideology or religion can be used as a pretext for the atrocities perpetrated throughout the world  — in Benin, Mali, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Syria, to list only the most recent examples. Terrorism has become the major security problem of the century, and its goal is always the same — to spread fear. In that regard, I thank Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov and Mr. Weixiong Chen, Acting Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, for their respective briefings, which highlighted the synergies among the various United Nations entities responsible for combating terrorism, resulting in the report of the Secretary- General (S/2022/63). Despite the setbacks experienced by the Islamic State since 2017 leading up to the total loss of its territory in Iraq and Syria, the global threat posed by Islamist terrorism remains very strong. The Islamic State’s transition underground and the actions of many other groups that have gained a foothold in the Middle East, Africa and South-East Asia make the fight against terrorism a major issue for international cooperation. The information provided by the Secretary-General’s report provides several insights into the state of the global terrorist threat. First, the Islamic State has suffered significant territorial and financial losses but continues to maintain a large number of affiliated groups and small cells scattered throughout the world. Paradoxically, the move underground is likely to make the threat more difficult to define and disrupt. Secondly, the global Da’esh network continues to demonstrate resilience. The threat it poses must be assessed in terms of its ability to spread by considering the number of attacks, the persistence of its operational networks and their motivation to commit terrorist acts. The Islamic State therefore remains capable of posing a sustained threat and undermining stabilization operations in many parts of the world, including the Arabian peninsula, North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, South Asia, and South-East Asia. Africa has become one of the main fronts in the fight against terrorism. In its propaganda, the Islamic State increasingly vaunts its operations in Africa. The terrorist front in the so-called three-border zone in the Sahel is currently the epicentre of a war whose end no one can predict. The disturbing developments of recent months, with the activities of groups such as Boko Haram, the Allied Democratic Forces and Al-Shabaab, which claim affiliation with Da’esh, give reason to fear a contagion effect for the entire African continent. Obviously, the resulting security threat erodes the democratic foundation of the continent and imperils its people, who at the same time feel the impact of the coronavirus disease pandemic. The issue of the return and resettlement of foreign fighters has emerged as a new terrorist threat and proven to be a real concern in Africa. The new threat is fuelled by the ability of groups to launch remote attacks outside their established sphere of influence. The Islamic State’s capability is based on considerable financial resources. The group’s move underground has been supported by the use of new modes of financing that rely on criminal practices, such as extortion, illegal trafficking of all kinds and smuggling. Given the changing faces of terrorism, the international community must adapt its means of combating the phenomenon by demonstrating zero tolerance for terrorist acts and their perpetrators. We must continue to work for a stronger and more effective international response through the broad and effective application of existing international tools and compliance with the numerous counter-terrorism norms, which must be regularly adapted as the threat evolves. It is imperative to strengthen international support for the most vulnerable States and be aware that, in the fight against terrorism, it only takes one weak link to undermine the international response as a whole. While the lack of action may be due to insufficient political will, it also depends to a large extent on the financial, human and technical resources available to States. We once again call for strong support for initiatives such as the Group of Five for the Sahel, with predictable funding. Today the connection between development and terrorism remains clear, especially in fragile States that often face political or security crises, poverty and a lack of prospects for young people, which create fertile breeding ground for the emergence of terrorist networks. The fight against terrorism also requires economic development, social justice and improved living conditions for the population. Increased development aid from the international community to countries afflicted by terrorism can also contribute to fending off that scourge. We must also strengthen the fight against cross- border trafficking, which is often used to finance terrorism. Given the clear link between terrorist financing and organized criminal activity, whereby various forms of trafficking are exploited by terrorist organizations, the international community must maintain and step up its efforts to curb such forms of trafficking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime appears to be a particularly appropriate agency for monitoring the proper implementation of existing frameworks, such as the 2000 Palermo Convention, and for supporting capacity-building in the most fragile States. Above all, we must consolidate international cooperation with countries affected by armed conflict and jihadism. The international community in its entirety is affected by Islamist terrorism; therefore, we must place particular focus on cooperating with countries directly affected by terrorist organizations, either on their territory or close to crisis zones. In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm my country’s support for the mandates of the various bodies responsible for counter-terrorism activities, including the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee. We wish to commend the unity that the Council has shown in the fight against terrorism, thanks to which we have observed significant progress. Attacks have been foiled around the world, and hundreds of terrorists have been brought to justice. Nevertheless, the threat persists and continues to diversify. The Islamic State continues to take advantage of social grievances and sexist stereotypes to inspire isolated actors and co-opt other groups. Their advances in Africa are particularly alarming. Supporting African countries in preventing and countering the threats posed by those groups should be a priority for the international community.

I also want to thank Under- Secretary-General Voronkov and Acting Executive Director Weixiong Chen for their informative if sobering briefings. The Secretary-General’s report (S/2022/63) is clear that the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) to international peace and security remains potent and indeed is growing in some regions. We echo his concerns regarding the expansion of ISIL affiliates in Africa, as well as the growing influence of ISIL-Khorasan Province in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. Despite the ongoing degradation of ISIL’s leadership, the recent attacks in Iraq and Syria also serve as a stark reminder of the enduring threat posed by the group in the core conflict zone. The prison attack in Al-Hasakah, reminiscent of the campaign in Iraq that first catapulted ISIL to global attention almost a decade ago, is particularly troubling. We must heed the warnings of the past. Ireland shares the deep concern about the situation of children expressed by UNICEF and others. That attack, which saw hundreds of boys caught in the crossfire, also highlights the responsibility for us — the international community — to treat children primarily as victims of conflict and provide them with support appropriate to that status. As the Secretary-General has pointed out, counter- terrorism measures must comply with international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Too often, counter- terrorism measures are misused to silence human rights defenders, political opponents and civil society. As Member States, if we are serious about countering the threat of ISIL, we should be serious about protecting human rights too. We welcome the UN-Women initiatives to strengthen gender-responsive counter-terrorism policies that were detailed in the Secretary General’s report. The full, equal and meaningful participation of women in counter-terrorism processes and mechanisms is essential for sustainable progress and reform. However, comprehensive counter-terrorism policy should include a mainstreamed gender-responsive approach that also considers the impacts of terrorism and counter-terrorism on men, boys and persons identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others, as well as the impacts of gender inequalities and stereotypes. Effective counter-terrorism requires a whole-of- society approach, including meaningful engagement with civil society and affected communities. The Secretary-General’s report draws attention to a range of capacity-building initiatives undertaken by United Nations entities. Those entities should consider the most recent report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Fionnuala Ní Aoláin (see A/76/261), which highlights how human rights-compliant capacity-building plays a valuable role in strengthening whole-of-society approaches and underscores the importance of a One-UN approach. Thanks to collective efforts to tackle terrorist financing, we have seen an important reduction in ISIL’s core finances, but more international cooperation is required. Ireland therefore welcomes the recent action taken by the European Banking Authority to enhance cooperation in the European Union through the creation of a central database on countering the financing of terrorism. It is essential that those responsible for committing crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, be held accountable. While the pursuit of accountability for crimes committed by ISIL remains challenging, it is not completely elusive. The Secretary- General’s report offers hope, including progress in investigations by the United Nations Investigative Team for Accountability of Da’esh/ISIL and an update from Germany on the first conviction of an ISIL member for genocide against the Yazidi community. We must build on that momentum to secure justice for all victims and survivors of ISIL atrocities. That includes closing the accountability gap for sexual and gender-based violence, such as rape, sexual slavery and human trafficking. The year 2021 marked an important year of commemoration, in which the Council reflected on two decades of counter-terrorism action. While much progress has been achieved, we must also acknowledge that shortcomings remain. As we look ahead, we hope that the Council can recommit to a United Nations counter-terrorism framework that is effective, comprehensive and grounded in international law.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Russian Federation for convening this briefing on the threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. Ghana welcomes the Secretary-General’s report on the subject (S/2022/63) and thanks Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary- General of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, and Mr. Weixiong Chen, Acting Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), for their additional perspectives. Without a doubt, terrorism is a major threat to international peace and security. From Afghanistan in Asia to Yemen in the Middle East, from Syria to Iraq and from Somalia to the countries of the Sahel, we are living witnesses to the destabilizing influence of terrorism. From 1970 to date, more than 170,000 incidents of acts of terrorism have been recorded, with many killed, maimed or having their livelihoods destroyed. The financial cost of terrorism has also been heavy, with some estimates a few years ago putting its annual economic impact, at that time, at approximately $26.4 billion. As we see surges in the incidence of terrorism, particularly in countries engaged in armed conflict, it is important to once again recall the landmark decision of the Security Council in resolution 1373 (2001), which signalled the commitment to a global approach to addressing the menace of terrorism. Through the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, as well as binding obligations to enhance legal, operational, and institutional responses to counter the threat of terrorism, significant progress has been made. More effort is nonetheless required as incidents of terrorism have proliferated and networks of terrorist organizations have become more agile and global, with adapted disparate leadership and operational structures. In response to the increasing number of incidents of terrorism on the continent of Africa, several measures have been taken over the years by the African Union, including the adoption of the African Union Plan of Action on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism of 2002 and the establishment of the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism, which is based in Algiers and undertakes a range of research, analysis, knowledge management and capacity- building activities. Notwithstanding those measures, we continue to experience, in varying degrees of intensity, terrorism and violent extremism, including the influx of foreign terrorist fighters, as well as growing linkages among terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organized crime. The attendant social, economic and humanitarian impacts are indeed disturbing. Besides the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic- related economic hardships, manifested by rising unemployment, as well as growing poverty and inequality, these situations continue to serve as fodder for the radicalization and recruitment of vulnerable groups, including women and youth. Against this backdrop, Ghana would like to make a few points, grounded in the situation of our region. First, technical assistance for enhancing national capacities continues to be critical for many countries. We encourage the ongoing cooperation and capacity- building support of CTED and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, as well as regional groups and friendly countries, for Member States that have a need to strengthen their security and counter- terrorism strategies. Secondly, intraregional and cross-regional intelligence-sharing must be enhanced to address the reinforcing effects of cross-border collaboration by terrorist groups. There is a need to better understand these groups, their modus operandi, their networks and structures. We therefore encourage support for regional actions, such as the Accra Initiative, which has become the platform of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for intelligence- and information-sharing on questions of terrorism, transnational organized crime and violent extremism. Thirdly, while regional initiatives, including the ECOWAS counter-terrorism strategy, and the deployment of regional counter-insurgency forces are useful, they can benefit from an enhanced partnership from the United Nations in terms of financing support and greater burden-sharing. We therefore take this opportunity to reiterate the call for the mobilization of additional funding support from partners for these regional and continental arrangements to enable effective responses to be developed for the insecurity situation posed by terrorists. Fourthly, action to cut off terrorism financing must be sustained and enhanced, including in the digital economy, where cryptocurrencies have become a medium of choice for financing terrorist activities. We therefore welcome the call for greater attention to be paid to the growing concern of the link between terrorists on land and pirates at sea, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, to dry up sources of funding and check any expansion of their operations. Fifthly, dedicating greater attention and investment to addressing the root causes of terrorism, particularly governance and development deficits and the socioeconomic conditions of the people, is one of the sustainable ways of dealing with the canker. This area is important because violent extremist groups exploit those long-standing vulnerabilities, especially in areas where the State is either absent, resented or too weak to shoulder its responsibilities. Platforms for sharing knowledge and experience in this area should therefore be encouraged. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic has further degraded the capacity of many developing countries to address the growing demands of their populations as limited fiscal resources have had to be reallocated to respond to the pandemic and to recovery efforts. This situation, which several developing countries face, has worsened their security vulnerabilities. We therefore urge renewed responses to address the financial challenges, including through debt cancellation and the restructuring of debt repayment, to enable them build back better and adequately tackle the security challenges in their countries. While the points I have raised, may be more specific to the African context, most of them also resonate globally. We therefore look forward to deepening such discussions to help abate the incidence of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, wherever it occurs and by whomsoever.

I would like to join others in thanking Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Acting Executive Director of Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) Chen for their briefings on the fourteenth report of the Secretary- General (S/2022/63) on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Da’esh, to international peace and security. At the outset, I express my heartfelt condolences to all the families who lost loved ones in recent terror attacks in Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. As a country that has long borne the brunt of cross-border terrorism, including the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and the 2016 Pathankot terror attack, with victims of both those dastardly acts yet to get justice, India is acutely aware of the human cost of terrorism and remains fully committed to bringing the perpetrators of these attacks to justice. We reiterate our firm belief that terrorism in one part of the world is a threat to the peace and security of the entire world. Therefore, while condemning such attacks, our response should be unified and unequivocal. We should not forget the fact that, even 20 years after the 11 September attacks, we have leaders who, without any remorse, continue to defend Osama bin Laden as a martyr. The current report of the Secretary-General raises serious concerns of ISIL continued attempts to revive itself in its core zone, as well as expanding and strengthening its affiliates in several countries of Asia and Africa. This is a matter of grave concern. We have been consistently highlighting the threat of terrorism in our neighbourhood. These security fears have been further exacerbated by the changed political situation in Afghanistan. The report (see S/2022/83) of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team is concerning, as it highlights that Afghanistan has the potential to become a safe haven for Al-Qaida and a number of terrorist groups. The report of the Secretary- General also highlights a near doubling of strength of ISIL-Khorasan (ISIL-K), following the Taliban’s release of several thousand individuals from prison. In his twelfth report (S/2021/98), the Secretary- General highlighted that Shihab al-Muhajir, the leader of ISIL-K, as having maintained familial ties to the proscribed Haqqani Network as well. The report 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 recognizes the continuation of the links among the Taliban, especially through the Haqqani Network, and Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups in our neighbourhood. It is essential that we do not lose sight of the ease with which the proscribed Haqqani Network, with support from its patron State, has worked along with prominent terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaida, ISIL-K and so forth in South Asia. We have been reiterating the close links between proscribed terrorist entities under the resolution 1267 (1999) sanctions regime, such as Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and other terrorist groups, including Jaish-e-Mohammed. However, in spite of repeatedly flagging those concerns, the Secretary-General’s report has failed to take notice of those linkages. We hope that, in future iterations of such a report, inputs from all Member States will be treated on an equal footing and that an evidence-based and credible yardstick will be applied by its authors. The sign of the re-emergence of ISIL Da’esh in Syria and Iraq calls for urgent action by the international community. We reiterate that terrorists can neither be defeated by forming alliances with non-sovereign entities, nor while pursuing national political agendas. We need to support regional Member States in the implementation of their measures against terrorists and United Nations-designated terrorist groups. In Africa, it is becoming increasingly evident that terrorist groups with linkages to ISIL and Al-Qaida are gaining in strength. They have targeted and killed civilians, especially women and children, security forces and United Nations peacekeepers. It is heartening to note that countries affected by those terrorist groups are taking measures, both on their own and collectively, to counter their threat. We commend all those efforts, including that of the Southern African Development Community in Mozambique, the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad basin and the Group of Five for the Sahel in the five Sahel countries. Those efforts should be supported by the international community and the United Nations without any caveats. Today the terrorist use of information and communications technologies, social media and emerging technologies, such as new digital payment methods, encrypted messaging services, cryptocurrencies, crowd-funding platforms, unmanned aircraft systems and so forth, pose a dynamic threat for which most Member States do not have adequate response capabilities. Global expert bodies, such as the Financial Action Task Force, have been raising serious concerns about terrorist financing. We recently witnessed terror attacks through the use of drones in our neighbourhood, and now in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, which have been strongly condemned by the Security Council. Recent resolution 2617 (2021) takes note of this threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems. We need to work together to develop appropriate solutions and evolve global standards to address those threats. Terrorism impacts everyone, regardless of place or origin. Unfortunately, it took us decades and the 11 September attacks for us to move from a flawed mindset of treating terrorism based on motivations behind terror attacks. I would like to mention that resolution 1566 (2004) notes, in paragraph 3, that terrorist acts are “under no circumstances justifiable by considerations of a political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic, religious or other similar nature”. The resolution further underlines, in its eighth preambular paragraph, that acts of terrorism “seriously impair the enjoyment of human rights and threaten the social and economic development of all States”. It is essential that we keep that in mind as we look to further strengthen our counter-terrorism architecture. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate here in the Chamber the eight-point action plan of India’s Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Jaishankar. First, summon political will. Do not justify terrorism. And do not glorify terrorists. Second, there can be no double standards. Terrorists are terrorists. There can be no distinguishing between good and bad terrorists. Third, do not place blocks and holds on listing requests without reason. Fourth, discourage exclusivist thinking against false priorities. Fifth, enlist and delist objectively, not based on political or religious considerations. Sixth, recognize the linkage to organized crime. Seventh, support and strengthen the Financial Action Task Force. Eighth, provide greater funding to United Nations counter-terrorism. As Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, India will work closely with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and CTED and continue to take up this issue with all stakeholders so that a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and its perpetrators becomes the norm of the international counter-terrorism discourse.

I would like to thank the Russian Federation for organizing this briefing, as well as Mr. Voronkov and Mr. Chen for their briefings on the fourteenth report of the Secretary- General (S/2022/63) on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh) to international peace and security. Brazil shares the Secretary-General’s concern about the threat posed by Da’esh and its affiliates to international peace and security, particularly its regional spillover and online terrorist radicalization. We also note the interplay between terrorism and armed conflict, as a reminder of the importance of pursuing comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of both armed conflict and terrorism, which frequently overlap. The Secretary-General’s report affirms that one of the most pressing issues is the situation of foreign terrorist fighters and their family members who are in detention camps in the core conflict zone in the Syrian Arab Republic. It highlights that this protracted humanitarian, human rights and security crisis risks exacerbating the global terrorist threat landscape. When counter-terrorism efforts disregard basic notions of humanity, they tend to reinforce rather than counter the narratives of terrorist groups. It is therefore imperative  — not only on moral and legal grounds but also as an effective strategy to address the terrorist threat — to ensure full respect for human rights, humanitarian law and refugee law in addressing the situation. We have the responsibility to treat children primarily as victims, and actions leading to statelessness should be avoided by all States. A second worrisome trend concerns the expansion of Da’esh to the African continent, with a large number of attacks and victims. We commend the efforts of Mr. Voronkov and Mr. Chen in support of the implementation of regional counter-terrorism strategies and stress the importance of integrated policies to tackle the conditions conducive to terrorism, while addressing social, humanitarian and security concerns. Brazil condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The repudiation of terrorism is enshrined in the Brazilian Constitution as a guiding principle of our foreign policy. We note that, during the reporting period, Da’esh continued to suffer leadership losses, including the most recent ones mentioned today. At the same time, it is concerning to receive reports on the resilience of its terrorist ideology, including among younger generations. It is high time to recognize that security measures alone might be able to kill terrorists, but not their ideas. For Brazil, prevention is instrumental in any sustainable counter-terrorism strategy. Terrorist groups have attracted recruits by offering them a sense of purpose and belonging that they probably failed to acquire elsewhere. Social exclusion and youth unemployment have increased the vulnerability of people to the recruitment tactics of terrorist groups. Expressions of xenophobia, discrimination and prejudice not only contribute to social exclusion but also fuel extremist narratives that are conducive to terrorism. We must react against measures that are inconsistent with respect for diversity, such those associating terrorism with specific cultures, religions or ethnic groups. Moreover, all counter-terrorism actions must abide by international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, as well as human rights, humanitarian law and refugee law. If counter-terrorism takes place at the expense of international law, it will have defeated its purpose and perhaps led to additional extremism conducive to terrorism. Despite all Security Council resolutions with binding obligations on counter-terrorism, we have to recall that there is no agreement on the exact parameters of what constitutes terrorism, which is currently one of the major threats to international peace and security. We should not let the lack of clarity on issues with criminal repercussions be the norm in our work. And neither should we circumvent due process when designating new terrorist individuals or entities. Last year, the General Assembly adopted the seventh review of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. The Strategy is a consensual text that reflects the common views of the entire United Nations membership on how to tackle the terrorist threat. We encourage the United Nations Office of Counter- Terrorism and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate to fully take into account the guidance provided in the Strategy  — a document negotiated and adopted by the most representative organ of the Organization. In conclusion, being one of the last speakers today, I can easily affirm that all members of this organ continue to consider terrorism a major threat to international peace and security. It is on the way to combat it that might elicit divergent views. Brazil is committed to contribute to our discussions on how to combat terrorism and honour its victims, always acting within the parameters of international law and in a manner consistent with the division of labour among United Nations organs, as established in the Charter.

I thank Under-Secretary- General Voronkov and Acting Executive Director Chen for their briefings on the Secretary-General’s fourteenth strategic-level report (S/2022/63) on the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh). In his report Our Common Agenda (A/75/982), the Secretary-General emphasizes that terrorism is a strategic security risk that requires continued multilateral cooperation as part of a new agenda for peace. In that connection, we commend the concerted efforts of the Security Council, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the Counter- Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and other international, regional and national stakeholders in the fight against the scourge of terrorism. Despite some successful intense international and regional counter-terrorism efforts, we are experiencing a dangerous surge in terrorism in other regions, particularly parts of Africa, where Da’esh has continued to expand its foothold after the loss of territory in the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) core. In addition, following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, Al-Qaida, Da’esh and other terrorist and violent extremist groups and their affiliates have drawn inspiration and are enhancing their capabilities and increasing their attacks, with devastating implications. In the Sahel and parts of West Africa, terrorist groups including Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates are exploiting local grievances and weak governance infrastructure to recruit, radicalize and deploy. Consequently, they are increasingly gaining control of expansive swaths of territory and thereby exacerbating State fragilities. In the Horn of Africa, we have witnessed many acts of terrorism, including cross-border attacks by Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaida affiliate. Indeed, slightly more than a week ago, seven innocent people travelling in a public-service vehicle in northern Kenya were killed following an improvised-explosive-device ambush by this terrorist group. In other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, in particular the Central, Eastern and Southern regions, ISIL and Al-Qaida affiliates are increasingly exploiting ethnic dynamics and social and economic challenges to engage in destructive and potentially destabilizing activities. Against that backdrop, we wish to underscore five points we consider imperative if we are to stop the surge of terrorism across the world. First, there is an urgent need to deploy an all-systems multilateral approach to address the inadequacies and vulnerabilities that range from weak governance and security infrastructure to extremely challenging social and economic situations that allow terrorism to thrive. Secondly, the Security Council must apply its tools on all terrorist groups of a transnational character with equal force. Applying double-standards will only be counterproductive. That is why Kenya will formally be proposing the listing of Al-Shabaab and its leadership under the resolution 1267 (1999) sanctions regime. We hope to receive the support of the entire membership of the Security Council in this regard. Thirdly, the Security Council and the relevant stakeholders must distinguish between political stabilization and counter-terrorism. It is notable that such terrorist groups as Al-Qaida, ISIL and their affiliates seek to destroy the State and replace it with structures that are completely alien to the political and cultural life of the countries they attack. It is imperative that, for a terrorist group to become party to national political stabilization, it must, as a prerequisite, disavow its core ideological aims and renounce the use of terrorism to pursue political or other ideological ends. Fourthly, there is a need to do more to disrupt and dismantle the economic means and revenue streams available to terrorist groups. Many terrorist groups rely on illegal taxation, extortion and trade in contraband. In fact, even humanitarian assistance and access have fallen victim to these schemes. The Council should therefore carefully design humanitarian carve-outs to avoid the unintended consequence of supporting terrorism. Fifthly, robust partnerships between regional and subregional organizations with the United Nations is critical. We therefore welcome the establishment of regional offices and programmes by the UNOCT, to which Under-Secretary-General Voronkov referred in his briefing. We look forward to the launch and full operationalization of the UNOCT regional office in Nairobi in early March 2022 as a milestone in this regard. In conclusion, I reaffirm that Kenya condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and we remain fully committed to all counter-terrorism efforts.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the Russian Federation. We thank Mr. Vladimir Voronkov and Mr. Weixiong Chen for their detailed analysis of the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Da’esh. We are grateful for the efforts of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Executive Directorate of the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee in this important area. The report of the Secretary General (S/2022/63) draws the correct conclusion that Da’esh and other terrorist organizations have not ultimately been defeated. They continue their criminal activity in various regions around the world. Of late, the centre of their force has become Africa. It is therefore absolutely essential that we do not allow Africa to become a Caliphate 2.0. There is also the very serious problem of terrorist threats in the north-east of Syria. The illegal United States military personnel stationed there have not been able to restore order, or they do not want to. The atmosphere of powerlessness and permissiveness around the area occupied by the American troops has become a fertile breeding ground for all kinds of terrorists. Local fighters have become so strong and daring that they have been able to openly attack the places where their brothers-in-arms have been imprisoned. Ultimately, then, even those terrorists who it was previously possible to put into prison have been liberated. The attempts of the United States to show that they nonetheless have control of the situation on the ground have at times led to the deaths of many civilians. It is therefore difficult to call the recent operation by American special forces to eliminate the leader of the terrorists a successful one. One of the most serious humanitarian challenges has also arisen in the territory illegally occupied by the United States, namely, the Al-Hol and the Al-Roj camps, where tens of thousands of women and children are being kept in appalling conditions. The withdrawal of the occupying United States forces from Syria would allow the Syrians themselves to clear up these terrorist pustules on their territory and guarantee the security of civilians. As practice has shown, the Syrian Government would be significantly better placed to achieve these objectives. The Russian Federation supports the efforts of States that are ready to cooperate in the fight against terrorism on the basis of international law. There are more than enough legal instruments to do this, including those developed by the Security Council. The question is always one of will and of genuine intention. We are paying close attention to the issue of the return of foreign terrorist fighters and members of their families. We think that terrorist attacks must be punished and that we must join the efforts of the global community to this end. We are convinced that the range of issues connected to foreign terrorist fighters and members of their families can only be resolved in cooperation with the legal authorities of the countries where they are found. Since 2017, Russia has carried out systemic work with the authorities in Iraq and Syria to return children from conflict zones. During this time, effective cooperation has been set up, allowing us to follow the norms of international law in carrying out work to identify and repatriate the children of Russian citizens. To date, we have been able to return around 350 minors from Iraq and Syria. One of the priorities in this area has been guaranteeing the social adaptation of these children, which is carried out, inter alia, through providing support to their relatives who have taken them on and are raising them. We also must pay attention to the worrying situation in Afghanistan. There is a local cell of ISIL/ Da’esh, the Khorasan Province, which, according to our assessments, now has more than 6,000 fighters. There is information that in the northern provinces of Afghanistan some former Government forces — coming from the army and the special forces  — are moving towards joining ISIL. This picture is similar to the one we saw previously in Iraq. There is particular concern about the substantial number of terrorists in Afghanistan who nationals of States of Central Asia. That significantly increases the risk of the spillover of terrorist activity into neighbouring countries. The Secretary-General’s report underlines the problem of a glut of weapons in the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan, which could fall into the hands of ISIL and other terrorist groups. The panicked flight of the United States and its allies from Afghanistan, leaving behind huge volumes of modern weapons and equipment, allowed terrorist groups to significantly increase their capacities. The Afghan people have had to pay for the irresponsibility of American and NATO military forces and the many self-appointed experts on the building of democracy, the rule of law and so-called Western values. They spent more than 10 years trying to build that artificial construction, which began to fall apart like a house of cards even before American troops had been completely withdraw. It could not have been otherwise: the imposition by force of cookie-cutter democratic values in the strictly Western sense could not have brought any good to those States that were being experimented on. The lives of civilians in those geopolitical games are cheap. Day by day they are written off as collateral damage. It might be worth counting how many people have fallen into that category in the course of the so- called highly precise attacks by the Americans and their allies in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia and other countries  — countries that have been unlucky enough to fall under the American steamroller of democratization. Today our Western colleagues once again called for compliance with human rights law and humanitarian law when carrying out counter-terrorist measures. In that connection, we would like to encourage them to begin with themselves, because for the time being there is a clear gap between their words and their deeds. In conclusion, we call for the broader international community to consolidate its efforts to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, without hidden agendas or double standards. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of the United States has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

I made reference in my intervention to the operation by United States forces in Syria against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) last week. Two Council members, among other points, expressed concern about reported civilian casualties, so, for the record, let me say the following. Unfortunately, ISIS once again revealed its barbarity in a final act of cowardice in displaying never- ending disregard for innocent lives. Hajji Abdullah detonated an explosive device shortly after United States forces arrived on site, killing himself, a woman and three children. There were additional women and children at the site, a possibility for which our forces were well prepared. An associate of Hajji Abdullah, an ISIS lieutenant, barricaded himself and members of his own family on the second floor. He and his wife engaged the assault force. They were also killed in the course of the operation. In the early stages of the operation, the family on the first floor, one woman, one man and a number of children, were safely removed from the site. After the second ISIS terrorist had been eliminated, additional children came out of the second- floor dwelling and were safely removed from the site. The important thing here is that ISIS has made clear over and over again its utter and complete disregard for human life, and that was clearly on display last week, just as it was when Hajji Abdullah’s predecessor detonated a suicide vest, killing himself and his family during a 2019 operation. I would ask Council members to keep that in mind.