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Global Fight Against Terrorism: Mandate and Challenges | Security Council | United Nations
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Global Fight Against Terrorism: Mandate and Challenges | Security Council | United Nations

Opening Remarks by Mr. Rafi Gregorian

Introduction to the Security Council's Role

  • Mr. Rafi Gregorian expresses gratitude for the opportunity to address the Security Council, emphasizing its responsibility in maintaining international peace and security.
  • He acknowledges the Council's historical consensus on terrorism issues, highlighting landmark resolutions related to Al Qaeda and counter-terrorism efforts established since 1998.

Achievements in Counter-Terrorism

  • Gregorian notes significant measures taken by the Council that have helped member states combat terrorism, including reducing foreign terrorist fighters' flow and diminishing Daesh's financial resources.
  • Despite these achievements, he points out a lack of consensus at the General Assembly regarding a comprehensive convention on international terrorism.

United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)

  • The establishment of UNOCT in 2017 aimed to assist member states in implementing global counter-terrorism strategies.
  • He outlines five main functions of UNOCT:
  • Provide leadership on counter-terrorism mandates from across the UN system.
  • Enhance coordination among global counter-terrorism entities.
  • Strengthen capacity-building assistance for member states.
  • Improve visibility and resource mobilization for UN counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Ensure priority is given to counter-terrorism within the UN framework.

Limitations of UNOCT

  • Gregorian clarifies that UNOCT does not have a mandate to investigate state conduct or define acts of terrorism, which limits its operational scope.

Importance of International Law

  • He emphasizes that compliance with international law, including human rights and humanitarian law, is fundamental in combating terrorism effectively.
  • Any actions violating these legal obligations undermine global anti-terrorism efforts, reinforcing the need for adherence to higher legal standards.
Video description

Security Council briefing by Mr. Raffi Gregorian, the Deputy to the Under-Secretary-General and Director at the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), on the threats to international peace and security. Gregorian underscored the Council's vital role in maintaining international peace and security. Mr. Gregorian expressed gratitude for the Council's historical consensus on countering terrorism, highlighting landmark resolutions targeting terrorist organizations such as Al Qaida and Da'esh. Acknowledging the instrumental efforts of Member States, Mr. Gregorian commended the series of resolutions against Da'esh, which effectively curtailed the flow of foreign terrorist fighters and reduced the group's financial resources. He also emphasized the Council's contribution to establishing the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its unwavering commitment to the fight against terrorism. During his briefing, Mr. Gregorian also touched upon the significance of the General Assembly's counter-terrorism mandates and the establishment of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in 2017. The Office was created to facilitate the implementation of the General Assembly's Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, further enhancing coordination and coherence across various entities. The General Assembly has not granted UNOCT the mandate to investigate or determine acts of terrorism by States, groups, or individuals. Mr. Gregorian expressed regret for not having additional substantive contributions to offer during the session. However, he emphasized the collective responsibility of both the Security Council and the General Assembly to uphold international law, including human rights and humanitarian law, as the foundation of the fight against terrorism. Compliance with these legal and moral imperatives is crucial to safeguarding global counter-terrorism efforts. What is UNOCT: Established in 2017 by the General Assembly, UNOCT's mandate includes providing leadership on counter-terrorism, facilitating coordination among various UN entities, and collaborating closely with Security Council subsidiary bodies. By working alongside committees like the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, and the 1540 Committee on non-proliferation, UNOCT enhances the capacity of Member States to prevent and respond to terrorist acts. Learn more: https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/about#:~:text=Countering%20terrorism%20and%20The%20Compact,underlying%20spread%20of%20violent%20extremism.