75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Security Council briefing on Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts
Statement by the DPR, Mr Andre Lipand
August 19, New York
I thank Under Secretary Voronkov and Mrs. Coninx for their comprehensive briefings, introducing the fresh findings of the Secretary Genearal’s report on threats posed by ISIL and its affiliates. As one of the penholders of the Afghanistan file in the Security Council, we appreciate the insights provided by Mr. Davood Moradian.
Mr. President – Secretary General’s report notes that the pandemic has had a substantive impact on the threat of terrorism. The measures taken to tackle the spread of virus have complicated terrorist planning and operations. Transportation, recruitment, fund raising has become more difficult in many parts of the globe.
However, we must remain vigilant. UN reporting emohasizes that the threat has persisted and increased in conflict zones, such as Afghanistan and Sahel. We remain concerned about those and other areas, where ISIL and Al-Qaeda continue to undermine regional security.
The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan remains a substantial concern. The number of civilians killed and injured has reached the highest on record, half the population in Afghanistan is in need of humanitarian aid. Estonia calls for those in power to adhere to international law and respect for human rights.
Estonia further recognizes the threat posed by IS in Greater Sahara. The organization continues to mount attacks on international security forces, as well as local communities in the tri-border area of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
In these areas, terrorism is closely interlinked with other forms of communal violence. Therefore, in order to address extremism and terrorism, more attention must be given to lowering intercommunal tensions and nurturing political reconciliation.
We are facing new complex security challenges, like cyber and hybrid threats; and capabilities, like drones that increase the real-time threat from terrorists to civilian populations and our men and women on operations and peacekeeping missions across the world.
In light of the constantly evolving nature of the threat, we appreciate the role played by Eurojust and Europol in combating all forms of terrorism in European Union and beyond, and welcome the increased cooperation of these agencies with the United Nations.
Coordinated efforts must be taken to tackle the challenges posed by foreign terrorist fighters. Estonia commends UNOCT on the coordination of the Global Framework to provide “all-of-UN” support to Member States on the protection, voluntary repatriation, prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration of individuals with suspected links to terrorist groups, returning from Iraq and Syria.
Finally, States must ensure that all counter terrorism measures comply with their obligations under international law, in particular with international human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law. Ignoring these principles can undermine counter-terrorism activities and lead to increased radicalization fed by violence and a sense of impunity.
We condemn all attempts of misusing the counter terrorism agenda as a pretext for human rights violations, silencing of political opponents and members of religious or ethnic minorities.
