S/PV.9784 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. At this meeting, the Security Council will hear briefings by the Chairs of the following subsidiary bodies of the Security Council: Ambassador Vanessa Frazier, Permanent Representative of Malta and Chair of the Committee established 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; Ambassador Amar Bendjama, Permanent Representative of Algeria and Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and Ambassador Andrés Efren Montalvo Sosa, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of Ecuador and Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). I now give the floor to Ambassador Frazier. Mrs. Frazier: On behalf of the Committee established 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, I am pleased to provide an overview of the Committee’s work over the past year. In addition, I will outline the evolving threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates, as well as the Committee’s response to those challenges with the assistance of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. In July 2024, the Monitoring Team presented its thirty-fourth biannual report in line with paragraph (a) of annex I to resolution 2734 (2024). I will rely on the Monitoring Team’s assessment of the threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida in my briefing today, which also fulfils the requirement in paragraph 52 of resolution 2734 (2024) to report annually to the Security Council on the Committee’s overall activities. As reported by the Monitoring Team, the threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida continues to develop. ISIL/Da’esh continues to maintain capacity to carry out serious terrorist threats, including in Moscow. Despite considerable leadership attrition, counter- terrorism pressure in key theatres and questions around leadership and the identity of the so-called “caliphate”, ISIL/Da’esh has stimulated media coverage, which has amplified a perception of heightened threat. The threat posed by the external operations of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K) has become manifest, with significant terrorist attacks outside Afghanistan, including in Kerman, and the capacity to project threats into the region and further afield. ISIL/ Da’esh has expanded its operations, particularly in Africa, where coordination between affiliates in West Africa and the Sahel has led to significant territorial gains. The group uses propaganda from African attacks to attract recruits and enhance its public image. Islamic State West Africa Province is continuing its operations in West Africa, supporting activities in the Sahel and facilitating the movement of weapons and fighters. The importance of revenue generated by affiliates in Africa, which are considered less susceptible to disruption, in part, because they rely on informal channels and illicit sources, was also highlighted. Al-Qaida remains strictly hierarchical, with Sayf Al-Adl the de facto leader. Its affiliates, such as Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin in West Africa, have expanded their influence, destabilizing the region and pushing into northern coastal areas to secure resources and logistical routes. In southern, central and east Africa, groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces have intensified their attacks, while Ahl al-Sunna wal-Jama’a remains active despite its weakened state. In Somalia, Al-Shabaab has demonstrated resilience to the counter-terrorist operations of the Federal Government of Somalia and continues to operate actively while recruiting individuals with technical expertise. In Syria, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham is the predominant terrorist group in north-western Syria, with no discernible change in strength, while Hurras Al-Din continues to operate mainly in south-eastern Idlib and northern Latakia. The terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan is causing heightened concern in many Member States. In addition to the external operations of ISIL-K, the scale and ambition of attacks in Pakistan by Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan have significantly increased. Member States have noted inward travel of well-established Arab Al-Qaida figures, notably in connection with training activities. Continued reorganization and training are judged to be indicative of the group’s longer-term intent. Terrorist groups are increasingly utilizing advanced technologies, such as cryptocurrencies and drones, to enhance their operations and evade sanctions. In particular, the expansion of use of digital platforms by ISIL/Da’esh is a growing concern and anonymity- enhanced cryptocurrencies, such as Monero, have been used by ISIL-K to raise and move funds. The expansion of ISIL’s use of cryptocurrencies and digital platforms as a means of financing is a growing concern for Member States and represents a serious challenge in terms of disruption, tracing funds and sanctions implementation. In addition, concerns remain about foreign terrorist fighters in camps and prisons in Syria where ISIL/Da’esh is facilitating prison escapes and repatriation efforts are difficult to monitor. Overall, ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida have proven resilient in the face of counter-terrorism efforts, adapting by utilizing modern technology to improve their weaponry, communications and ability to circumvent global counter-terrorism measures. While the previously well- developed external operations capability of both ISIL/ Da’esh and Al-Qaida core groups remains diminished and largely constrained, the ambition and intent of both groups to recover and project a threat beyond conflict zones is clear. Those developments demand ongoing attention from Member States. For a more detailed analysis, I encourage Member States to consult the Monitoring Team’s periodic reports, available on the Committee’s website. Regarding the Committee’s work during the reporting period, I am pleased to report that the Committee worked diligently to implement its mandated activities. In 2024, the Committee held eight meetings, including a joint briefing for interested Member States with the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011). In May, in my capacity as Chair of the Committee, I visited Vienna to attend the twenty- first regional meeting of heads of intelligence and security services from Middle Eastern and North African countries, organized by the Monitoring Team. During the visits, I took the opportunity to exchange information on the ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida threat in the region and explore how the sanctions regime could support countries in addressing the threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates. In June 2024, the Council adopted resolution 2734 (2024) to reaffirm the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo affecting individuals and entities on the ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida sanctions list. In the same resolution, the Council extended the mandate of the Monitoring Team and that of the Office of the Ombudsperson for 36 months. In line with resolution 2734 (2024), the Committee approved revisions to the Committee’s guidelines for the conduct of its work. The Committee also approved updates to standard forms for listings. The Committee continues to maintain and update its sanctions list to facilitate the implementation of the 1267 sanctions regime. The sanctions list now includes 255 individuals and 89 entities and was last updated on 23 August 2024. No new names were added to the ISIL, Da’esh and Al-Qaida sanctions list during the reporting period. Three individuals were proposed for designation, all of them currently being on hold. Two entities and two individuals proposed for listing in 2023 and carried over to 2024 were blocked. The list entries and narrative summaries of three individuals and one entity were amended. One individual was removed from the sanctions list, following the recommendation from the Ombudsperson. The Office of the Ombudsperson is currently reviewing three delisting requests. The Committee approved six requests from Member States for exemptions to the assets freeze for basic expenses under paragraph 87 (a) of resolution 2734 (2024) and one request for an exemption to cover extraordinary expenses under paragraph 87 (b). In that context, I would like to recall that resolution 2664 (2022) introduced a two-year humanitarian exemption under the 1267 sanctions regime, in line with paragraph 5 of the resolution. On 6 November, the Committee received a briefing from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, on behalf of the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and the Emergency Relief Coordinator, regarding the implementation of resolution 2664 (2022). The 2023 annual review in accordance with paragraphs 93 and 94 of resolution 2734 (2024), is progressing well. That review focused on list entries that lack sufficient identifiers on individuals reportedly deceased and entities reportedly defunct and on designations that have not been reviewed in three or more years. I would like to thank the Member States for their contributions. As highlighted by the Monitoring Team in its written briefing to the Committee, many Member States provided valuable updates on individuals and entities under review. The Monitoring Team plans to propose amendments to the list entries and narrative summaries based on information received from the designating and relevant States and on data gathered during the review. Given the ongoing global terrorist threat posed by ISIL, Da’esh and Al-Qaida and their affiliates, it is crucial to maintain the 1267 sanctions regime as a high priority on the global counter-terrorism agenda. I strongly encourage Member States to engage actively by proposing designations to the ISIL, Da’esh and Al-Qaida sanctions list and by submitting updated and additional information without delay, in accordance with their national legislation and in support of the annual review and data validation process. I urge Member States to continue their active engagement with the Committee and the Monitoring Team. Such collaboration is essential in maintaining the accuracy of the sanctions list and ensuring the effectiveness of the sanctions regime. In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude to all Member States for their cooperation with the Committee, the Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson.

I thank Ambassador Frazier for her briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Bendjama. Mr. Bendjama: As Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, I have the honour to brief the Council on key aspects of the work of the Committee, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). The past year has seen continued evolution in global terrorism threats and challenges. The rise of decentralized, lone terrorists radicalized to violence continues to pose a considerable challenge for many Member States, as those individuals often operate without clear organizational ties. Terrorist groups increasingly leverage advanced technologies, including encrypted communications, machine learning and cryptocurrencies, to evade detection and enhance their operational capabilities. Despite sustained efforts by Member States, in line with the relevant Security Council resolutions, we see terrorist groups continuously adapting to our counter- terrorism measures and efforts. With the support of CTED, the Committee has continued to engage with Member States, United Nations entities, international and regional organizations, academia and civil society organizations to assist Member States in addressing those threats and challenges in accordance with the relevant Council resolutions on terrorism. In doing so, the Committee has focused on three key areas of work. The first is the assessment of Member States’ implementation efforts. The Committee has conducted nine visits to date since its most recent report to the Council. From November 2023 until now, CTED, on behalf of the Committee, visited Kazakhstan, Malawi, Mauritania, Montenegro, the United Republic of Tanzania and Thailand, with the budgetary crisis accounting for the Committee’s ability to organize far fewer than the regular number of assessment visits. As we speak, and in the light of the evolving threat in the Gulf of Guinea, CTED, on behalf of the Committee, is conducting regional follow-up visits to Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo. The visits have continued to provide an effective vehicle for direct and constructive engagement and dialogue between the Committee and Member States and remain a critical component of the Committee’s assessment process. And Member States continue to indicate that they benefit from the visits, which enable them to keep the Committee informed about their implementation progress and challenges. In addition, four Member States  — namely, Belgium, Ghana, Maldives and Nigeria — took the opportunity during this reporting cycle to brief the Committee directly with updates on their progress in implementing the Committee’s recommendations, pursuant to its assessment process. Those briefings are proving to be a popular and effective tool in the Committee’s dialogue with Member States. The Committee also takes note of CTED’s robust and sustained dialogue with United Nations Resident Coordinators and country teams in the field, as well as with the relevant Special Representatives of the Secretary-General. And, pursuant to Security Council resolution 2617 (2021), the Committee recently approved a set of actions to further strengthen that assessment work in terms of effectiveness, inclusivity and transparency. The Committee also continued its stocktaking work with the enhanced assessment and stocktaking tool, the electronic detailed implementation survey, as well as the revised overview of implementation assessment. Those tools are designed to ensure continued thoroughness, consistency, transparency and even-handedness in desk review and stocktaking and to help to produce quantitative and qualitative analysis in order to inform the relevant policy decisions of the Committee and the Council. The second key area has been facilitating the delivery of technical assistance to States in need. In that regard, the Committee and CTED have notably maintained their close partnership and dialogue with the Office of Counter-Terrorism and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), together with a wide range of other implementing partners, including regional and bilateral donors and providers. The Committee receives briefings from the Office of Counter-Terrorism twice a year, and observers from the Office attend CTED’s briefings to the Committee on Member State assessment visits, while UNODC participates in most of CTED’s visits to Member States. Last November and December, the Committee was briefed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)- style regional body for Latin America, the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America, and the Asia/ Pacific Group on Money Laundering about progress on terrorism financing in the two regions. In May this year, Committee members also received a comprehensive briefing from the President of the Financial Action Task Force on efforts and challenges in implementation of the international standards against the financing of terrorism, as well as global progress achieved towards compliance with those standards. Bilateral partners have been increasingly active in taking up the Committee’s recommendations and offering support to other Member States for their implementation. Good practices identified during a Committee visit led to active collaboration in 2024 between two Member States on recommendations by the Committee. The Committee continues to encourage CTED to work closely with the Office of Counter- Terrorism in order to ensure that implementing partners have access to the Committee’s recommendations on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact portal database. Serving as Chair, co-Chair ash Vice-Chair of several working groups of the Global Compact, CTED has continued to collaborate with the Office of Counter-Terrorism, UNODC and other partners in order to ensure targeted impact on the ground. The impact of efforts to counter the financing of terrorism on the ground is ensured on the basis of CTED’s annual assessment of gaps in implementation of obligations to counter the financing of terrorism in Security Council resolutions, which I, as Chair of the Committee, transmit to the Office of Counter- Terrorism pursuant to resolution 2462 (2019). That is done in collaboration with the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. CTED also works with the Monitoring Team on training for Member States on the effective implementation of the Committee’s recommendations and all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1373 (2001). In 2023, the two Groups of Experts led training efforts in Nigeria. The third key area has been the continued promotion of Member States’ implementation efforts. Following up on the Delhi Declaration on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, the Committee adopted the non-binding guiding principles on threats posed by the use of uncrewed aircraft systems for terrorist purposes, also known as the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles, issued as S/2023/1035. The Committee was supported by the FATF, the Office of Counter-Terrorism, UNODC and the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team. Since the Committee’s previous annual briefing, in 2023 (see S/PV.9508), the Committee has held three open briefings on regional and thematic topics in order to address the interests and concerns of Member States on counter-terrorism efforts in Southeast Europe; strategies for building community resilience against terrorist radicalization; and the criminalization of terrorist offences and strengthening of international cooperation in bringing terrorists to justice. The Committee has also continued to address the human rights and gender aspects of counter-terrorism and to remind Member States of the need to ensure that any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. In that regard, the Committee highlights the importance of Member States’ implementation of the Committee’s recommendations from its assessments, including those related to human rights. The Committee has continued to strengthen its engagement with parliamentarians, civil society organizations, the private sector and academia within the framework of its various activities and events. In conclusion, I would like to express my thanks to the CTED Executive Director, Assistant Secretary- General Natalia Gherman, for her leadership, as well as to her team and the Committee secretariat for the support provided to the Chair and the Committee during this reporting cycle. I also want to convey my deep appreciation to the members of the Committee for their constructive engagement, which enabled me to efficiently lead the work of the Committee in full unity. I would also like to thank my team members for their constant efforts to manage the day-to-day work of the Chair’s Office over the past years.

I thank Ambassador Bendjama for his briefing. I now give the floor to Ambassador Montalvo Sosa.

On behalf of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), I have the honour to report on the progress achieved in supporting States’ implementation of the resolution since our previous joint briefing on 15 November 2023 (see S/PV.9478). In addition, as mandated by paragraph 22 of resolution 2663 (2022), I will summarize the 1540 Committee’s cooperation with the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a vital component of the global non-proliferation architecture to prevent non-State actors from gaining access to weapons of mass destruction. The devastating and potentially catastrophic consequences that could arise from the use of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons by such actors remain a matter of serious concern to the international community. States have made significant progress towards the full implementation of the resolution, as the 1540 Committee has made clear through the 2022 comprehensive review process. Nevertheless, more work needs to be done, and the full and effective implementation of resolution 1540 remains a long-term task. While the mandate of the 1540 Committee differs from those of the other two Committees, the 1540 Committee has continued to carry out its mandate in the framework of paragraph 22 of resolution 2663 (2022), including enhanced information-sharing and exploring opportunities to coordinate on visits to Member States, within the three Committees’ respective mandates, and has briefed the Security Council jointly with the other two Committees accordingly every year, as we are doing today. Following the renewal of the Committee’s mandate for another 10 years, until 30 November 2032, under resolution 2663 (2022), the Committee has continued to conduct activities to promote the full and effective implementation of the resolution and assist Member States, upon request, in strengthening their national capacity. In June, the Committee reached out to non-reporting Member States to encourage them to submit, without delay, a first report on the implementation of the resolution to the 1540 Committee, as stipulated in paragraph 6 of resolution 2663 (2022). This year the Committee has participated in 32 outreach events organized by Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations and relevant civil society organizations. The Committee co-organized a regional training course for resolution 1540 points of contact in the Asia-Pacific region, held in Beijing, in June, in cooperation with the Government of China and with the support of the Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), and another regional training course for points of contact in Africa, held in Addis Ababa in November, in cooperation with Mozambique and with the support of UNODA. Since 2004, 185 countries have submitted reports to the Committee with information on the measures that they have taken, or plan to take, to implement resolution 1540 (2004). Overall, 155 Member States have designated their national points of contact to the Committee, with nine of them doing so for the first time this year. The effectiveness of the practical steps taken by Member States to implement the resolution is important, and one of the measures States can take into consideration in that regard is to develop voluntary national implementation action plans, as encouraged by resolution 2663 (2022). Such plans help to define Member States’ priorities and their plans for implementing the key provisions of resolution 1540 (2004), including by defining measures to be adopted on regulations and national control frameworks, fostering inter-agency cooperation and identifying areas where assistance may be required. Since 2007, 38 Member States have submitted a total of 47 such plans to the Committee. The Committee plays an important role in helping Member States fulfil their 1540 obligations by matching assistance requests from Member States with offers of assistance from other States, from international, regional and subregional organizations or from other entities. In October, the Committee corresponded with Member States, international, regional and subregional organizations and other entities, asking those that could help States seeking assistance, to do so, pursuant to paragraph 7 of resolution 1540 (2004), as well as to update the terms of their assistance, as needed. During the reporting period, two Member States provided feedback on the status of their assistance requests, and four Member States submitted new assistance requests or updated them. In addition to facilitating assistance requests, the Committee continued to engage with States, at their initiative, in order to discuss national reporting, voluntary national implementation action plans, the Committee’s matrices and assistance on implementation measures. The Committee also continues to use its website for outreach to the public. In order to support the implementation of its obligations under resolution 1540, the Committee is continuing its activities in accordance with the twenty- first programme of work. In 2024, it held eight formal meetings and two informal consultations. In addition, in accordance with paragraph 26 of resolution 2663 (2022), the Committee convened an open briefing for Member States and international, regional and subregional organizations in October. The briefing provided a summary of the activities of the Committee on all aspects of resolution 1540, including on assistance matters. Furthermore, the open briefing provided an opportunity for Member States and international and regional organizations to present their offers of assistance, and for Member States to voluntarily share their experiences, lessons learned and best practices concerning implementation. The national statements reflected a strong commitment to non-proliferation and the implementation of effective national legislation to prevent non-State actors from acquiring capabilities related to weapons of mass destruction. Many Member States emphasized the importance of international cooperation and the need for capacity-building and assistance to strengthen their capabilities. There was a common focus on establishing and maintaining robust controls over materials related to weapons of mass destruction so as to prevent their illicit trafficking. Overall, the statements highlighted a collective effort to strengthen global security through comprehensive and coordinated measures. Interventions by international and regional organizations emphasized their collective efforts to support resolution 1540 (2004) by promoting non-proliferation norms, providing technical assistance and enhancing Member States’ capacity to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The common themes included fostering cooperation on export controls, securing related materials and sharing best practices to strengthen national and regional measures. The statements reflected a shared commitment to strengthening global security through preventive measures and multilateral collaboration. The Committee will continue to work to further increase the effectiveness of those actions. Recognizing the importance of further developing and strengthening the 1540 Committee’s communications so as to increase transparency and better disseminate information in order to support Member States in their implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), the Committee completed an update of its website. The update provides streamlined navigation and its structure reflects the Committee’s programme of work. I would like to underscore that a cooperative approach and dialogue with Member States and the relevant international, regional and subregional organizations and other arrangements continue to be the cornerstones of the 1540 Committee’s activities. In that context, in April, the Committee sent correspondence to international, regional and subregional organizations and other arrangements, in accordance with paragraph 23 of resolution 2663 (2022), in order to provide an update on its point of contact or coordinator for resolution 1540 (2004) and to encourage them to enhance cooperation and information-sharing on assistance with the 1540 Committee and the other Member States. I thank the Council for the opportunity to provide this briefing.

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

I thank the Chairs of the Committees for their comprehensive briefings and for their leadership. While each of the Committees has a distinct mandate, their common purpose is to address the threats to international peace and security posed by terrorist groups and non-State actors. First, the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities continues to play an important role in countering terrorism. Japan thanks the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and Ombudsperson for their work and welcomes the extension of their mandates this June. Resolution 2734 (2024) clearly recognized that sexual and gender-based violence may be eligible for designation on the 1267 sanctions list when such acts are being used by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant or Al-Qaida as a tactic of terrorism. This resolution is an important milestone for taking concrete actions against sexual and gender-based violence, and Japan encourages the active usage of the 1267 sanctions regime. Ensuring the swift and robust implementation of sanctions measures by Member States is always our priority. Japan stresses the importance of continuous improvement in the ways in which notifications of updates to the list are transmitted. We thank the secretariat for its efforts, and we continue our engagement on this issue. Secondly, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) also plays a vital role in assisting the efforts of Member States in combating terrorism. Japan emphasizes the importance of the CTC’s continued focus on new and emerging technologies. We are pleased to note that the CTC was able to reach consensus last year on the non-binding guiding principles on threats posed by the use of uncrewed aircraft systems for terrorist purposes. Japan remains committed to engaging constructively in discussions on developing non-binding guiding principles, as expressed in the Delhi Declaration. Japan also appreciates the efforts by the Chair of the CTC, as well as the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. An inclusive and consultative approach with partners, including civil society and academia, is the key to successful counter-terrorism efforts. The CTC can enhance its working methods. Thirdly, resolution 1540 (2004) continues to play a significant role in the global non-proliferation regime. Japan highly appreciates the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) and its Group of Experts, including during the open briefing last month, in engaging with other Member States and stakeholders to facilitate the full implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). To support that goal, Japan provides strong assistance, including voluntary contributions, to the Office for Disarmament Affairs. Let me draw the Council’s attention to the ongoing process to fill one current and two upcoming vacant positions in the Group of Experts. Since last year, the Committee has been unable to appoint a new expert for the current vacant position. Moreover, we continue to see the Group’s failure to participate in some outreach events. Those issues, often caused by a lack of consensus, inhibit the Committee’s ability to carry out important functions in order to fulfil its mandates. In that regard, Japan highly appreciates Ecuador’s chairmanship in seeking a solution in a transparent and inclusive manner. Japan stresses the need for responsible action and consideration on the part of Committee members, while refraining from obstructionism, to resolve the situation. In particular, it is our sincere hope that the Committee can fill the remaining vacancy of the Group of Experts with our strong candidates. We will continue to contribute constructively to the Committee’s discussions and efforts to enhance the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Japan will spare no effort to prevent and counter terrorism, a task that is integral to the realization of a peaceful and stable international community, in which all human beings can live without fear of terrorism.

First, I want to express Malta’s gratitude to the Ambassadors of Algeria and Ecuador, Chairs of the Committees established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter- terrorism; and resolution 1540 (2004), respectively, for their excellent stewardship during 2024. The threat posed by terrorist groups to international peace and security continues to rise across conflict zones. In Africa, Da’esh and Al-Qaida affiliates are expanding their activities throughout many parts of the continent. From Afghanistan, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan poses an increasingly serious threat, both within the country and the wider region, as does Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan. The resilience of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Al-Qaida to counter-terrorism efforts means that as the terrorist threat evolves, so too must the Council’s response. We need greater attention to addressing the root causes of violent extremism when countering terrorism. In that regard, Malta supports the inclusion of civil society voices in counter-terrorism assessments and decision-making processes, ensuring that those we seek to protect remain at the heart of our efforts. As terrorist groups increasingly target women and youth, both as victims and as recruits, integrating gender and youth perspectives into counter-terrorism strategies is essential. Empowering women and engaging youth in communities vulnerable to radicalization are key to preventing the spread of violent extremism. In addition, the fight against terrorism requires a unified global response underpinned by strong regional cooperation. Terrorist threats often transcend borders, exploiting governance gaps and security vulnerabilities. Malta underscores the importance of robust partnerships between Member States, regional organizations and the United Nations. In that regard, Malta commends the collaborative efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in providing technical assistance and capacity-building to States in need. Those partnerships are crucial for enhancing border security, disrupting financial flows to terrorist groups and fostering intelligence-sharing to combat transnational threats effectively. Malta also believes that United Nations sanctions remain an indispensable tool in the global counter- terrorism arsenal. The Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, plays a pivotal role in disrupting the operational and financial networks of Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates. Malta strongly supports the Committee’s continued efforts to strengthen the sanctions regime and urges all Member States to engage actively in updating and implementing sanctions lists. Proactive engagement and the provision of timely and accurate information are crucial for maintaining the efficacy of those measures. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the unanimous adoption of resolution 1540 (2004). That landmark achievement strengthened our collective efforts for the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and preventing their acquisition by non-State actors, particularly for terrorist purposes. Since then, the 1540 Committee has played a pivotal role in monitoring its implementation, facilitating the provision of assistance to Member States and supporting cooperation with international and regional organizations. As we approach the end of our term on the Security Council, I also take a moment to reflect on the past two years. As Vice-Chair of the 1540 Committee, Malta has consistently supported the Chair’s efforts and engaged in good faith with all members towards the fulfilment of the Committee’s mandate. We are grateful to the Chair and his team for their brilliant stewardship of the work of the Committee amid particularly challenging times. We are encouraged by the progress made by the Committee over the past years. Now more than ever, we must work together towards our common goal of preventing non-State actors, particularly terrorist groups, from acquiring weapons of mass destruction. To that end, Malta will continue to be a bridge-builder and looks forward to engaging with the incoming members on this file.

I would like to thank the representatives of Malta, Algeria and Ecuador for their briefings and, above all, for their engagement, respectively, as Chair of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter- terrorism; and resolution 1540 (2004). The work of the three Committees is complementary, which is why we are calling for their strengthened cooperation to enable an effective and coherent fight against terrorism in all its forms. The 1267 Committee plays a central role in the international system for combating terrorism. Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates remain the most acute terrorist threat. Those organizations continue to pose a major threat in Iraq and Syria and to extend their networks to every continent. Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin and Da’esh are stepping up their operations in Africa. Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan is affecting regional security in Central Asia and beyond, as far as Europe. It is the responsibility of the Council to make full use of the means provided by its resolutions to ensure that terrorists are sanctioned and that those sanctions are respected. We welcome the adoption of resolution 2734 (2024), which allows sexual and gender-based violence to be taken into account in requests for inclusion on the sanctions list. France reiterates its support for the 1267 Committee’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson, whose mandates were renewed this year. The Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) must continue to fulfil its essential functions so as to ensure that our efforts are targeted and progressive. We welcome the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate in assisting the CTC to ensure that Council resolutions are properly implemented. We support the Executive Director’s commitment to strengthen the effectiveness of its working methods and assessments. The CTC also enables us to adapt our frameworks for action to contemporary challenges. I refer here to the use of the Internet and social networks for terrorist purposes, or the use of new financing technologies. We support the work of implementing the Delhi Declaration, for example, through the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles on threats posed by the use of uncrewed aircraft systems for terrorist purposes, adopted in 2023 (see S/2023/1035). It is essential to mobilize civil society, research and academic circles, as well as the private sector, to gain a better understanding of those constantly evolving threats. Finally, 20 years after the adoption of the resolution that created it, the 1540 Committee continues to play an essential role in our non-proliferation architecture. We must remain mobilized in the face of the risk of non-State actors, including terrorist groups, acquiring weapons of mass destruction. The fourth report of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Investigation and Identification Team, which attributes responsibility to Da’esh for chemical attacks in Syria, bears witness to the reality of that threat. With the valuable support of its Group of Experts, the Committee must continue to support States in their efforts to implement resolution 1540 (2004). France supports the work aimed at improving assistance mechanisms and developing voluntary technical guides for the implementation of the resolution. We also advocate stepping up dialogue with international and regional organizations, as well as with the relevant actors in the private sector and civil society.

At the outset, I would like to thank my colleagues from Malta and Ecuador for their presentation of the reports, respectively, of the Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; and resolution 1540 (2004), and for their briefings. I also wish to thank my colleagues and fellow members of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism. Terrorism is evolving far quicker than our response, and weapons of mass destruction are casting longer shadows than ever before. Worst of all, the advancement of technology is amplifying both our capacities and our vulnerabilities. I heard and listened attentively to the briefings delivered by my colleagues. Their words highlight uncomfortable facts, because we face unprecedented challenges. Yet our mechanisms and cooperation for addressing them remain outdated. Let me be clear: the threat of terrorism is anything but theoretical. My country, Algeria, knows that first- hand. In the 1990s, we suffered from it on our own. We were isolated and we fought it on our own. Fortunately, we overcame it on our own. That experience  — that bitter experience — taught us two fundamental realities. First, we, as an international community, cannot continue on this unsustainable course. When terrorist groups master artificial intelligence well before some States grasp the basics of counter-terrorism, we have a problem. Secondly, that challenge can be tackled only if we face three hard facts. The first is fragmentation: we have three committees working in silos while terrorist groups and terrorist organizations are networked across borders. The second challenge is inequality: while some countries have the resources to fight terrorism, others are struggling to meet their basic security needs. The third is technological progress: tomorrow’s threats are being shaped by today’s innovations. These challenges are not separate; they are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Counter-terrorism cannot succeed without rooting out its causes. There is no alternative to ensuring development and justice; there is no option other than good governance and fairness and, as far as the rule of law is concerned, there can be no compromise whatsoever. When we look at our continent, Africa, day in and day out, we see how extreme poverty and despair are being exploited to fuel extremism. We see weak institutions being infiltrated. We see how a lack of opportunity becomes a breeding ground for radicalization. What are our committees and our Council doing in the face of that landscape? We have established committees, we are meeting and we are discussing, but the three committees are not working with each other. We have plans and expectations, but not the corresponding resources. That approach must change. My country proposes the following. First, equilibrium is key — between security and development, between prevention and response, and between using new technologies as a peaceful means and protecting against their misuse. Secondly, support for the poorest countries must be real: instead of promises, only resources; instead of conditions, only cooperation; and, please, instead of lectures, only partnership in fighting against terrorism. Thirdly, regional approaches must be consolidated. In that regard, Africa has no time to waste in the fight against terrorism because the threat is outpacing our response today. The way forward is clear. First, the legislative framework must be reinforced in our resolute fight against terrorism while upholding the rule of law. Secondly, border controls must be strengthened while allowing the legitimate movement of people and the flow of trade. Thirdly, we must build capacity while respecting sovereignty. Fourthly, technologies must be shared at the lowest cost possible while safeguarding their peaceful use. Fifthly, the countries to be visited must be chosen from among the most vulnerable and the most affected by terrorism. In that regard, we look forward to the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate’s visiting the Sahel and Lake Chad, rather than countries that do not experience terrorism. In conclusion, nothing justifies terrorism and there is no substitute for genuine international cooperation. My country, Algeria, which has a bitter experience of the fight against terrorism, stands ready to share its experience, to harness its expertise and to work with all partners who share our vision of a world free from terrorism. But we must act now. The future is not something that happens to us. It is something that we can shape together.

I thank Ambassadors Frazier, Bendjama and Montalvo Sosa for their updates on the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), respectively. I also thank them for their stewardship of the Committees during the past year. The scourge of terrorism continues to cast a shadow over the collective pursuit of peace, security and global harmony. Its impact is measured not only in the lives lost, the physical devastation and the shattered communities, but also in the erosion of trust, the infringement upon human rights and the hindrance to socioeconomic development. The work of the three Committees and their expert bodies is therefore indispensable to addressing the persistent threats posed by terrorism to global peace and security. Despite the distinctive mandate of each Committee, they play important complementary roles in countering those threats. In that regard, we commend the collaborative activities of the three Committees and encourage further coordinated efforts in mutually reinforcing ways. I wish to highlight the following three points. First, the increasing threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe is alarming. Therefore, the continued analysis of evolving threats and the rigorous implementation and monitoring of the 1267 sanctions regime remains crucial. In that regard, we support the work of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and welcome its recommendations. We also underscore the importance of Member States engaging with and providing updated information to the Committee and the Monitoring Team on the evolving nature of the terrorist threat, listed individuals and entities and the status of the implementation of the sanctions measures at the national level. Secondly, the role of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, in collaboration with the relevant United Nations agencies and implementing partners, remains critical in meeting the multifaceted challenges associated with the growing terrorism threats. In particular, new and emerging technologies pose a significant challenge to the fight against terrorism. In that context, Guyana welcomes the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles on threats posed by the use of unmanned aircraft systems for terrorist purposes. Guyana believes that those principles, which build upon the Delhi Declaration on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, provide a framework for preventing and mitigating the exploitation by non-State actors of emerging technologies for malicious purposes. Disrupting the flow of funds to terrorist groups is also pivotal in cutting the source of their sustenance. In that regard, we welcomed the briefing by the Financial Action Task Force in May on the implementation of the international standards against the financing of terrorism. We urge Member States to bring their framework for combating the financing of terrorism and anti-money-laundering up to par with international standards. We also stress that, in addition to those efforts, there must be a continued focus on addressing the root causes of terrorism and on promoting preventive measures to that end. Thirdly, we continue to be concerned about the potential acquisition, development, trafficking or utilization of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons by non-State actors. In that regard, we recognize that resolution 1540 (2004) remains the only universal instrument dedicated to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to prevent those weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists. Guyana reiterates its commitment to the work of the 1540 Committee in intensifying its efforts aimed at the implementation of the resolution. Those efforts include the facilitation of technical assistance to Member States, outreach and awareness activities and cooperation with international and regional organisations, among others. We also support improving the Committee’s assistance mechanism and hope that the revised mechanism can be adopted as soon as possible. In conclusion, I reiterate Guyana’s support for continued cooperation and coordination between and among the Committees in their respective mandates. We believe that the fulfilment of the mandates is vital to combating terrorism and to maintaining international peace and security.

I shall now make a statement in my national capacity, and I begin by expressing my appreciation for the dedicated work of the Permanent Representatives of Malta, Mrs. Vanessa Frazier, and of Algeria, Mr. Amar Bendjama, and their teams, in fulfilling the respective mandates of the Committees that they chair. Ecuador condemns all acts of terrorism in all its forms or manifestations, regardless of their motivation and by whomsoever committed. It considers such acts to be one of the main threats to international peace and security and the rule of law. My country attaches great importance to the implementation of the mandate of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities. The Committee plays a key role in the fight against terrorism by ensuring compliance with the sanctions against Al-Qaida and Da’esh, and its integrity and effectiveness must be preserved. As the Analytical Support and Monitoring Team has stated in its reports, Al-Qaida, Da’esh and their associated groups continue to pose a serious threat to international peace and security, which continues to spread in Africa, specifically in the Sahel, as well as in Afghanistan, Europe and Southeast Asia. Likewise, my delegation is closely following the proposals for designations that have been submitted by the Member States and supports the impartial and independent work of the Ombudsperson. With regard to the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, we reaffirm its role as the key platform for dialogue on counter-terrorism matters. I underscore the ongoing collaboration among the Committee, the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate and other entities, which is critical to bolstering the Council’s efforts to weaken evolving terrorist groups. The Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate is currently preparing a report on its visit to Ecuador, which will be extremely useful for preventing and combating terrorism and for identifying the technical cooperation needs that the country undoubtedly has. I also reiterate that my country stands ready to participate constructively in the negotiations on draft non-binding guiding principles on the prevention, detection and disruption of the use of new and emerging financial technologies for terrorist purposes. For the past two years, Ecuador has had the honour of chairing the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004). My delegation assumed that responsibility following the adoption of resolution 2663 (2022), which established the road map for the Committee’s work for the next 10 years. Under the Ecuadorian chairpersonship, several actions have been taken to strengthen the work of the Committee, especially by promoting cooperation and dialogue with Member States and the implementation of the activities set forth in the adopted programmes of work. Among my country’s priorities, I would like to highlight the reactivation of training courses for the 1540 points of contact and discussions on a new model for the assistance mechanism to efficiently process requests and offers of assistance and maintain appropriate records of them in the Committee. I would also like to highlight the organization of the Committee’s first open briefing on 9 October and of an informal interactive dialogue with Member States and international and regional organizations on 10 October. In addition, within the Committee, we continue to discuss the first voluntary technical reference guides, which we hope will be adopted soon. After nearly a year of intense deliberations and discussions, on 13 February 2024, the Committee approved the appointment of five candidates to the Group of Experts to fill six seats that became vacant in 2023. Owing to the death of one of the candidates, a representative of the African region, a new process was organized in the middle of this year to fill the vacancy. In the coming weeks, progress will be made on a new expert selection process for three available vacancies within the Group of Experts and on deliberations on the internal guidelines on matters regarding the Group of Experts. Before concluding, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the Committee for their efforts in support of Ecuador’s work during its chairpersonship and to the Committee’s support structure, consisting of the Group of Experts and the staff of the Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. I conclude as Mr. José De La Gasca, who Chaired the Committee for much of this year, would have done: by expressing my profound gratitude to the Permanent Mission of Ecuador, in particular Counsellor Andrés Piedra Calderón, for his high level of professionalism and invaluable support over the almost two years that Ecuador has chaired this important Committee.

Mozambique thanks the Ambassadors of Malta, Algeria and Ecuador, the Chairs of the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), for their comprehensive briefings. We commend them for their leadership and dedication to the work of those Committees. We note that the challenges presented throughout the briefings include the expansion of Al-Qaida and Da’esh, particularly in African and Asian countries, coupled with their adaptation to, and use of, modern technology. Those challenges serve to underscore the urgent need for enhanced, effective and sustained coordination in the fight against terrorist groups and their affiliates. We reiterate our strong support for the full implementation of resolution 1267 (1999) by Member States. We highly value our continued collective cooperation with the Committee in providing relevant information, with the required regularity, on the implementation of evaluation measures at national levels. We welcome the valuable work and contribution of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and of the Office of the Ombudsman in providing independent evidence on global terrorist threats, reports and recommendations to the 1267 Committee. In the same vein, the Counter-Terrorism Committee is indispensable in advancing the full implementation of counter-terrorism resolutions and the Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy. Similarly, the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s national assessments are crucial to strengthening Member States’ capacity to prevent and combat terrorism worldwide. As part of efforts to build the capacity of African Member States to combat terrorism and violent extremism, we welcome the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting, held in Abuja from 22 to 23 April, under the theme: “Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Institution Building to Address the Evolving Threat of Terrorism in Africa”. That event served to highlight the importance of a united regional approach in combatting terrorism, as the Africanization of terror is a clear and present danger that we cannot ignore and we must combat collectively. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains central to the framework for global nuclear non-proliferation and biological and chemical weapons. Its full and effective implementation is essential to reduce the risks associated with the acquisition of those weapons by non-State actors. We therefore attach great importance to the work of the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts in assisting Member States to fully implement the resolution. We are happy to report that Mozambique, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the chairmanship of the 1540 Committee, recently co-organized the third Training Course for National Points of Contact on Implementation of the Resolution 1540 (2004) in Africa. The course took place from 5 to 7 November, in Addis Ababa. The training course was aimed at sharing knowledge and expertise among African Union member States on the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). That is especially relevant in the current context of renewed rivalries and the increasing influence of non-State actors, including terrorists, raising fears of the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Mozambique reiterates its strong and unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, in all its forms and manifestations, whoever commits it, wherever and for whatever purpose it is committed. Terrorism is a scourge and is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security today. Our commitment underscores the importance of a unified international front against terrorism, while reinforcing the need for cooperation and vigilance in the interest of safeguarding global peace and security.

We would like to thank the heads of the three Security Council Committees for their reports on their work as Chairs of the subsidiary bodies. We welcome the cooperation among the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; as well as the Security Council Committees established pursuant to resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), as part of their mandates and in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. We consider their work to be extremely important in terms of addressing the challenges facing the Security Council in the areas of counter-terrorism and non-proliferation. The level of terrorist threat in the world has not decreased. For some regions, effectively countering the threat has basically become the most important existential goal they face. Terrorist organizations are expanding the territories under their control; they are rapidly adapting to law enforcement strategies and tactics; and they are harnessing social tensions or conflicts for their purposes, as well as swiftly operationalizing new and emerging technologies. It is crucial to focus the efforts of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) on monitoring the implementation by States of the relevant Security Council resolutions. Non-compliance by States with their obligations under Security Council resolutions often has a catastrophic impact on national security. The members of the Committee saw that during a recent assessment visit. We would urge States that hosted CTC visits and received follow-up reports to send them to the Committee without delay. Such reports help focus on, and increase the effectiveness of, national efforts to comply with national obligations and address gaps in legislation and law-enforcement practices. While developing relevant programmes, it is important for the United Nations structures responsible for assisting countries with counter-terrorism capacity-building to take into consideration primarily the wishes of the recipient State, as well as the Committee’s expert assessments and recommendations. With regard to the key element of the mandate of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), namely, assessing States’ efforts to combat terrorism, we would like to thank Ms. Gherman for taking into account our suggestions that we should prioritize visits to the most vulnerable countries, particularly in the African region. The assessment tools must focus on States’ ability to counter financial and ideological support for terrorists, as well as to ensure the eventual prosecution of crimes, without getting sidetracked by issues of a secondary nature. We are pleased that the CTC succeeded on agreeing on recommendations to ensure the effectiveness, timeliness and efficiency of CTED country visits and assessments, as well as on means to bolster the assessment process. We trust that those proposals, which are in line with the CTED mandate under resolution 2617 (2021), will help in receiving information from States being assessed on how they are fulfilling their obligations, based on CTC recommendations. We call on the CTED to continue to closely monitor the draft country reports so that they avoid the use of terminology differing from that agreed upon by the Security Council. And neither should such documents contain deliberately politicized assessments and provisions. There are four briefings scheduled for the remainder of this year. Momentum was lost during the pandemic, and we continue to need to catch up. There are problems even with holding CTC plenary meetings. We understand that the Security Council faces a busy schedule, but it is also important that the Council devote the time and attention warranted by pressing issues pertaining to counter-terrorism. It is also important to ensure adequate regional representation among the experts invited to engage with the Committee and its Executive Directorate. We highly value the skills and tireless efforts of our Ecuadorian colleagues in chairing the 1540 Committee. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. José de La Gasca, former Permanent Representative of Ecuador, for his contribution to its work, as well as to wish Mr. Andrés Montalvo Sosa every success for the remaining month and a half of the Ecuadorian chairmanship of the Committee. Resolution 1540 (2004) remains a unique universal document dealing with such issues as cooperation among States and providing them with assistance in establishing effective barriers to prevent weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials from falling into the hands of non-State actors. In that regard, the 1540 Committee plays an extremely important role in terms of implementing the resolution fully by all United Nations Member States. We are convinced that the key areas of the work of the subsidiary body should remain monitoring compliance with the provisions of resolution 1540 (2004) and coordinating global efforts to provide appropriate technical assistance to those in need. Furthermore, we must not forget that the Committee can  — and should  — carry out such work solely upon the request of States. Any kind of imposition of so-called services is unacceptable, and any efforts to provide assistance must be considerate and balanced in nature. With regard to the duplication of the responsibilities of the three Committees, the work of which we are discussing today, we would like to emphasize that their duties are clearly delineated. The 1540 Committee is responsible for preventive and monitoring tasks. It has neither the mandate nor the tools to identify or respond to terrorist threats, which the relevant specialized Security Council Committees are responsible for. Its work is exclusively related to non-proliferation, and any attempt to change the scope of its work would run counter to the letter and spirit of resolution 1540 (2004). Against that backdrop, it would be artificial and counterproductive to seek some kind of synergy between the work of the 1540 Committee, on the one hand, and the 1267, 1989, 2253 and 1373 Committees, on the other hand. The framework of interaction among those subsidiary bodies is clearly outlined in the relevant Security Council resolutions and boils down to exchanging information and coordinating efforts, while planning and conducting country visits. Russia is open to dialogue with all Member States on any issues related to the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004) and will continue to help ensure that it is fully implemented by all countries. My country remains unfailingly open to constructive cooperation aimed at the prompt and effective resolution of both substantive and organizational issues facing the 1540 Committee. We express our gratitude to the Maltese chairmanship of the 1267, 1989, 2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee for their capable leadership and willingness to address various issues in a constructive manner. We commend the effective work of the Council’s mechanisms in the area of counter- terrorism. We prioritize the proper implementation of the Security Council resolutions on the ISIL-Al-Qaida counter-terrorism sanctions regime. We are pleased that the key provisions of those resolutions have been reflected in the guiding principles of the work of the 1267 Committee. We are closely monitoring the dynamics of modern terrorist threats around the world emanating from ISIL, Al-Qaida and affiliated terrorist groups in various regions, including Syria, Iraq, South and South-East Asia and Africa. The ongoing terrorist activity of ISIL-Khorasan in Afghanistan is a salient example. We see that, despite the efforts made by the de facto authorities, ISIL is still seeking to destabilize the country by carrying out new attacks and acts of terrorism. Their deep-rooted presence in Afghanistan, in turn, also poses a threat to the bordering States of Central Asia, as well as to countries beyond the region. The terrorists’ spread of ideological, propaganda and recruitment activities, with their deft use of information and communications technologies, also pose a danger. Another area of particular focus for us concerns terrorist activity in a number of African countries, which is largely a result of the socioeconomic legacy of the colonial and neocolonial policies of Western countries — and we also closely follow the consistent efforts of regional players to overcome those challenges. We emphasize the need to continue to focus on the issue of foreign terrorist fighters — individuals on the counter-terrorist sanction lists  — in order to prevent and curb their criminal activity, as well as issues related to their future repatriation. We support the effective work of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, the reports of which provide important support for the Committee’s work. We call on all Member states to closely cooperate with the Group of Experts. In that connection, we trust that the reports of the Monitoring Team will be as objective as possible and based only on credible information. We believe the country visits of the Monitoring Team to be an important element in its work. We have consistently advocated for the need to pay particular attention to visits by its Experts to countries that are in an armed standoff with international terrorism, as well as States directly confronted by various forms of terrorism.

Sierra Leone remains committed to international peace and security and supports the critical work of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities; the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism; and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) in countering global terrorism and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). We thank Ambassadors Vanessa Frazier, Amar Bendjama and Andrés Montalvo Sosa for their insightful briefings and dedicated efforts in those areas. The Committees play vital roles in combating terrorism, with the 1267 Committee targeting terrorist financing, travel and arms flow; the 1373 Committee supporting counter-terrorism capacity and the 1540 Committee preventing weapons of mass destruction acquisition by non-State actors. Sierra Leone therefore supports the mandates of those Committees, including sanctions, as essential tools, and welcomes resolution 2734 (2024), which extends monitoring support and the Ombudsperson’s Office. We commend the focus on sexual and gender- based violence, human trafficking and enhanced information-sharing among Member States to combat those issues. We are deeply concerned about the expanding influence of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant in the Sahel, which has become a major global terrorism hotspot. We stress the need for strengthened regional cooperation, as demonstrated by our recent Mano River Union initiative, aligned with the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States, to counter emerging threats to peace and security. We remain committed to justice, security and humanitarian assistance and to working with international partners on effective sanctions implementation, while upholding humanitarian considerations under resolution 2264 (2022). Sierra Leone acknowledges the importance of resolution 1540 (2004) in preventing the proliferation WMD. As terrorists increasingly access advanced technologies, we support ongoing monitoring and risk mitigation through sanctions. While safeguarding against WMD proliferation, we believe in fostering peaceful technological cooperation with strong preventive measures, such as export and border controls. Sierra Leone has made progress on 1540 implementation through technical advisory support, training and capacity-building from other Member States. Terrorist financing remains a significant challenge. We emphasize financial sector legislation to counter diverse funding sources, including criminal activities and blockchain misuse. We commend the 1373 Committee’s State assessment visits and the development of guiding principles, alongside the Financial Action Task Force, the Office of Counter-Terrorism and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and others that assist in global counter-terrorism efforts. CTED’s assessments of Member State counter-terrorism efforts are invaluable, as are the contributions from the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities. In conclusion, we reaffirm our zero tolerance for terrorism. All Member States must fulfil their obligations to criminalize, prevent financing and deny safe havens for terrorism. Stronger coordination among Committees and departments is critical to a unified, transparent and accountable Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.

I thank the Ambassadors for their briefings and leadership in the respective Committees, which play important and complementary roles in assessing and countering terrorist threats and support for terrorism. Let me just briefly say that I agree fully with the statement that was made by the Permanent Representative of Algeria in his role as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, that we need to strengthen cooperation among the three Committees to better equip the international community in the fight against terrorism. Regarding the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, we see that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) and Al-Qaida branches and affiliates continue to expand their influence across the globe, including in South and Central Asia and Africa. The United States will continue to work within the Committee to use 1267 sanctions to full effect to counter terrorists’ ability to threaten international peace and security. Designations are critical to ensuring the sanctions list is up-to-date and targeted to address current threats. Unfortunately, the 1267 Committee has not designated any individuals or entities since last year, due in large part to political obstacles. The important work of the Committee must remain free from politicization. ISIS attacks have shown increased coordination and diversity, and Al-Qaida has adapted quickly to capitalize on global conflicts. Particularly heinous is the ongoing use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tactic of terrorism and a tool to raise terrorist financing and power. The Council, earlier this year, with the adoption of resolution 2734 (2024), renewed the mandate of the 1267 Sanctions Committee Al-Qaida Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, while recognizing that planning, directing or committing acts of sexual and gender-based violence may be eligible for designation under the regime’s criteria. We urge more collaboration among stakeholders to share information and raise awareness about those horrific crimes and to promote accountability for the perpetrators. It is imperative that the Security Council use all the tools at its disposal to address threats from ISIS and Al-Qaida. Turning to the 1373 Committee, the Counter- Terrorism Committee’s assessments, with the support of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), provide invaluable information on Member States’ implementation of their counter- terrorism obligations. We urge Member States and United Nations Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to use those assessments to identify capacity gaps and enhance global counter-terrorism efforts by highlighting good practices. We thank CTED for its thorough 2019 assessment of United States compliance with its counter-terrorism obligations, and we look forward to next steps and our continued robust engagement with the Committee. Finally, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) remains a cornerstone of international efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by and to non-State actors, including terrorist groups. The Committee and its Group of Experts play a key role in monitoring national obligations to prevent non-State actors from benefiting from the transfer, manufacture, possession or use of weapons of mass destruction or related goods and know-how. The Council has explicitly encouraged cooperation among the three Committees to advance broad counter- terrorism initiatives. That cooperation has included information-sharing, coordination on visits to countries within their respective mandates and technical assistance. Still, Russia has consistently obstructed the work of the 1540 Committee’s Group of Experts due to unfounded claims. Despite claiming to be a champion of non-proliferation, Russia has blocked the Chair’s efforts to fill the gaps in the Group of Experts for nearly a year. Russia has also blocked the work of the existing experts in support of the Committee’s mandate. That obstructionism undermines the global non-proliferation regime. Greater cooperation, including through more regular meetings, structured 1540 Committee participation in joint visits, and increased sharing of information regarding current and emerging non-State proliferation threat trends will help all three Committees fulfil their mandates.

I wish to thank the Committees’ Chairs for their comprehensive briefings. Their able leadership of the Committees is deeply appreciated. Slovenia remains concerned about the escalating threat posed by terrorist groups, particularly the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Al-Qaida and their affiliates. Those groups pose a danger not only in the areas of their direct presence; they also project their threat into broader regions. Their attacks have also been increasingly lethal. We remain particularly concerned about the continuous spreading of terrorism in parts of Africa, notably in the Sahel region, where the presence, increasing activity and consolidation of terrorist groups’ territorial control in already fragile regions contributes to additional instability and suffering. However, solely security-focused approaches to terrorism are insufficient. For counter-terrorism efforts to be effective and sustainable, they need to be comprehensive and inclusive and must address the underlying socioeconomic drivers of terrorism and violent extremism. They must also build community resilience to prevent recruitment, especially of youth, into terrorist groups. In that regard, access to education is the best deterrent to recruitment. Comprehensive whole-of-society, whole-of- government and gender-responsive approaches that comply with international law  — particularly international humanitarian, refugee and human rights law  — should be implemented. At the national level, that begins with respect for the rule of law and human rights, while also providing economic opportunities. The sanctions regime under the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, is a critical tool for the Security Council and the international community to support counter-terrorism and effectively implement the Council’s decisions. We believe it is currently under-utilized, partly due to a lack of awareness on the side of Member States regarding the option and process of proposing listings. We are pleased that resolution 2734 (2024), while extending the mandates of the Ombudsperson and the Monitoring Team for the next three years, also clarifies that sexual and gender-based violence can be used as a method of terrorism and should be considered as a basis for future listings. In December, two years after the adoption of resolution 2664 (2022), which established a horizontal humanitarian exemption, the Security Council is due to take a decision on its extension for the 1267 sanctions regime. The positive effects of the resolution on humanitarian operations have been clear. Therefore, we strongly support the extension of the exemption. Terrorist groups are showing resilience and adaptability. Therefore, the work of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, in assisting States to implement counter-terrorism measures is imperative. New and emerging technologies present both new opportunities and challenges, including for counter- terrorism, as they are more and more often effectively used by terrorist groups, including for recruitment and financing. Following the adoption of the non-binding Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles, the Committee’s work in the remaining areas identified in the Delhi Declaration should help States address those challenges, while safeguarding the legitimate uses of new technologies. As a committed member of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), we reaffirm our unwavering dedication to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ensuring that such weapons do not fall into the hands of non-State actors. We recognize the progress made in filling five out of nine positions within the 1540 Group of Experts. That has strengthened the Group’s capacity to provide tailored support to the Committee and to Member States. We encourage the timely completion of the remaining appointments in order to advance the Committee’s effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate. We also emphasize the importance of open engagement and continued outreach to ensure that all stakeholders remain informed and actively involved. The open briefing held on 9 and 10 October underscored the Committee’s commitment to transparency, dialogue and cooperation. Among other things, the briefing provided valuable insights into both national and international efforts, highlighting our collective progress as well as the challenges we continue to face in implementing resolution 1540 (2004). In conclusion, no State can counter terrorism alone. Its transnational nature requires a high level of effective international cooperation. In that regard, we are also strongly in favour of breaking the silos by cross-integrating experts from the three Committees whenever possible.

I thank Ambassadors Frazier, Bendjama and Montalvo Sosa for their insightful briefings and for their dedicated leadership of their respective committees. Recent escalations in attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria and the growing threat of terrorism in West Africa demonstrate how terrorism exploits regional instability. Those developments underscore the urgent need for unity, making collaboration among the three Committees essential for strengthening our collective response. In that regard, I would like to make some remarks on the work of each Committee. The sanctions regime of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015), concerning the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, remains a pivotal instrument in curbing terrorism by targeting entities and individuals associated with groups like ISIL and Al-Qaida. While sanctions are indispensable in that effort, it is equally important to minimize any unintended humanitarian impact. The adoption of resolution 2664 (2022) introduced a standing humanitarian exemption to assets-freeze measures, ensuring that essential aid and activities to address basic human needs remain unhindered. Considering the positive impact of resolution 2664 (2022), we support establishing a standing exemption, rather than the current temporary exemption, under the resolution in the upcoming session. That would provide legal clarity and operational stability for humanitarian actors, allowing them to assist vulnerable populations without the administrative burden and delays associated with periodic renewals. The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001), concerning counter-terrorism, has also been pivotal in enhancing global cooperation on counter-terrorism, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED). CTED’s in-depth assessments have proven essential, allowing targeted technical assistance that aligns counter- terrorism strategies with specific needs. In that regard, the Republic of Korea will contribute financially to CTED’s efforts this year to strengthen oversight and accountability mechanisms in Asia, while building upon its vital State counter-terrorism mandate assessments. That initiative is aimed at bolstering national counter- terrorism practices in alignment with international standards, fostering a regional network among oversight bodies to share best practices and enhance capacities. This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the landmark resolution 1540 (2004). Despite past achievements, we now face a new set of challenges in an increasingly complex operational environment. Rapid advances in science and technology present one of those key challenges. Resolution 1540 (2004) and its implementation mechanism should continue to adapt to the constantly evolving proliferation challenges and security environment, including the potential threats from non-State actors posed by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber. Furthermore, technologies related to nuclear weapons and missiles can be stolen through malicious cyberactivities, and the cyber domain itself can be used as a conduit for illicitly financing weapons of mass destruction programmes, as evidenced by North Korea’s continued unlawful development of ballistic missile programmes. In response, both the public and private sectors should elevate partnerships and cooperation to effectively safeguard and monitor the mechanism. For its part, the Republic of Korea continues to support the 1540 Committee with financial contributions. Korea has also been advancing global efforts to counter proliferation threats by hosting important events such as the high-level political meeting in commemoration of the twentieth anniversary of the Proliferation Security Initiative last year, and a counter-proliferation financing workshop with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in June. In conclusion, my delegation reaffirms that collaborative efforts among the three Committees and coordinated actions across all Member States in the implementation of the Committees’ mandates are essential in advancing both security and humanitarian goals.

I would like to thank the Chairs of the Committees for their leadership. Their briefings demonstrate the scale of the challenges and the urgent need to strengthen our collective response. Allow me to make a few comments on the work of the Committees. Targeted sanctions against Da’esh, Al-Qaida and their affiliates are a key instrument in limiting the ability of those groups to commit their heinous crimes. Sexual and gender-based violence is often used as a deliberate strategy to achieve their objectives. We commend the Council for recognizing that persons who, or entities that, commit such acts can be designated. That marks a pivotal step in fighting impunity and supporting victims in their quest for justice and strengthens the deterrent effect of sanctions. The Office of the Ombudsperson plays an invaluable part in ensuring the rule of law and protecting human rights, thereby boosting the credibility and the effectiveness of sanctions. I would also like to convey my gratitude to the Monitoring Team, which has laid a sound factual basis for our work. Resolution 2664 (2022) is another indispensable tool for ensuring that humanitarian actors can accomplish their vital work, unhindered by sanctions. The humanitarian exemption helps the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to people in need that international humanitarian law requires. It is therefore paramount that the exemption continue to apply to the 1267 sanctions regime. As to the Counter-Terrorism Committee, we are grateful to the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate for its efforts. Country assessments are important to building the capacity of Member States to prevent and combat violent extremism and terrorism in full compliance with international law, in particular international human rights law. We call for further efforts to make assessments more effective through recommendations that are more goal-oriented and the incorporation of online components, such as hybrid visits. The participation of civil society is crucial to those efforts, and we remain committed to ensuring that civil society voices are heard. In that regard, we continue to underscore the importance of transparency and call for the implementation of resolution 2617 (2017), which requires the country visit schedule to be made available in advance of the visits. Furthermore, gender-sensitive approaches in the assessments are vital, and we cannot waver in addressing the issue of sexual and gender- based violence used by terrorist groups to terrorize and destroy communities and social structures. Whereas the improvements to the listing criteria under resolution 1267 (1999) are a step in the right direction, our efforts must not end there. The Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) continues to be an integral part of the non-proliferation architecture. The reinforcement of measures aimed at preventing non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction — one of the undertakings made with the adoption of the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1) — must inform our efforts. We are delighted that the Group of Experts finally received reinforcements this summer after much prevarication within the Committee. With its ranks bolstered, we feel that the Committee’s work is gaining momentum. That holds true of the review of the assistance mechanism, the implementation of paragraph 12 to resolution 2663 (2022) and the development of the optional technical reference guidelines. We call on Committee members to be equal to the importance of the Group of Experts and promptly fill the three positions that will become vacant in late 2024, with due regard for the candidates’ skills. In conclusion, today’s meeting reaffirms our collective determination to fight terrorism and prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The challenges that lie ahead demand a coordinated, joint response grounded in the idea that security is inseparable from the protection of human rights and adherence to international law.

China thanks the Chairs of the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) and the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) for their briefings. Over the past year, Malta, as Chair of the 1267 Committee, has facilitated the Committee’s timely response to listing, delisting and exemption requests, updated its guidelines for the conduct of its work and the listing request forms and moved ahead with the review of its sanctions list. Algeria, as Chair of the CTC, has actively promoted country visits and exchanges for the purpose of taking stock of the counter-terrorism situation and has facilitated technical assistance and supported Member States in improving their counter- terrorism capacities. Ecuador, as Chair of the 1540 Committee, has promoted the holding of training for national points of contact, improved the assistance mechanism and strengthened outreach and international cooperation. The experts of the three Committees and their subsidiary bodies have exchanged views and collaborated, creating synergies. China commends that. At present, the global counter-terrorism landscape remains complex and grave, and non-proliferation efforts still have a long way to go. We call on the 1267 Committee to continue dealing with listing and delisting issues responsibly, objectively, impartially and professionally and to maintain the authority and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. The CTC should focus on its core mandate and key issues and channel its resources into supporting developing countries in building their counter-terrorism capacity. The 1540 Committee should seize the opportunity of its twentieth anniversary to stake stock, while forging ahead and promoting the comprehensive, balanced and sustainable implementation of the relevant Council resolutions, and support the international community in building a fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory non-proliferation export control regime. China stands ready to work with other Council members to strengthen unity and cooperation and encourages the three Committees to better perform their duties so as to make a positive contribution to the elimination of terrorism and improve the international non-proliferation regime.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of the United Kingdom. First, I thank the Committee Chairs for briefing us today and for their leadership. Earlier this year, the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons released its report on the devastating chemical weapons attack in Marea, Syria, in 2015, for which it held Da’esh responsible. That is just one demonstration of why coordination between the three committees remains so important. The threat from terrorists and non-State actors continues to adapt. Terrorist groups, including Al-Qaida and Da’esh affiliates, operate around the world. It is vital that we choose to work together in these committees to protect our citizens, to prevent the spread of terrorism and to ensure the safe and secure development of chemical, nuclear and life-sciences industries globally. We thank the Chairs for the notable achievements this year, which include the following. First, the analysis of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) of the evolving threat and effectiveness of sanctions remains a crucial resource for Member States, and the Office of the Ombudsperson continues to offer a robust and independent process for challenging designations. We welcome the renewal of its mandate earlier this year and applaud the fact that the Council now recognizes sexual and gender-based violence as tactics of terrorism and grounds for listing under the regime. Secondly, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) has secured progress on monitoring implementation and the development of technical reference guides. Its twentieth anniversary in April was an important milestone. Thirdly, the participation of technical experts, civil society and the private sector has made invaluable contributions to the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s work. Those Committees share a common goal, namely, to tackle the persistent and significant threat to international peace and security posed by terrorist groups and non-State actors. Through the continued effective and coordinated implementation of their mandates, together, we can tackle those threats. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. The representative of the Russian Federation has asked for the floor to make a further statement.

In view of the unfounded accusations made by the representative of the United States regarding the so- called obstruction of the work of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004), we should like to recall that the problematic situation regarding the filling of vacancies in its Group of Experts was not Russia’s fault. Moreover, it was resolved on the basis of a compromise proposal put forward by our country. With regard to the so-called blocking of the participation of the Group of Experts in external activities, my country has always explained the reasons for its objections, which are motivated solely by the need to adhere to the mandate of the 1540 Committee. If our colleagues still have doubts about that, we would advise them to study the relevant Security Council resolutions.