Terrorist Groups Remain Significant Threat in Conflict Zones, Neighbouring States, Senior Official Tells Security Council, Noting Force Alone Can Exacerbate Matters
Despite the threat level remaining low in non-conflict areas, Da’esh and its affiliates continue to constitute a serious threat in conflict zones and neighbouring countries, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today, underscoring that the use of force alone — with no backing of a clear strategy — can be counter-productive, creating conditions conducive for the proliferation of terrorist groups.
Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the Office of Counter-Terrorism, presenting the Secretary-General’s seventeenth report on the threat posed by Da’esh to international peace and security, warned that the Da’esh affiliate in the Sahel is becoming increasingly autonomous and intensifying attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger. Beyond Africa, the situation in Afghanistan is growing progressively complex, with fears of weapons and ammunition falling into the hands of terrorists now materializing.
He spotlighted progress in targeting Da’esh finances and leadership cadres, including the death of Da’esh’s leader earlier in 2023, noting the significant effect of these counter-terrorism measures on the group’s operations in Iraq and Syria. Moreover, counter-terrorism initiatives in Egypt, Mozambique and Yemen have also significantly limited the group’s ability to conduct operations. However, “force alone cannot lead to changes in the conditions conducive to terrorism”, he stressed, noting that it can fuel more violence and aggravate grievances exploited by terrorists.
Natalia Gherman, Executive Director, Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, said that, despite its diminished territorial control, Da’esh remains agile and ambitious. Outlining solutions, she said the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Executive Directorate continue to work with partners to explore how new technological tools and applications — such as generative artificial intelligence (AI) — can be used to enhance States’ counter-terrorism capabilities. “Our efforts must be evidence-based […] and human rights-compliant,” she said, noting that sufficient resources must be devoted towards prevention.
Painting a grim picture of the violence and depression that women around the world have suffered at the hands of Da’esh, Farida Khalaf, survivor, activist and President of Farida Global Organization, recalled that she was abducted by Da’esh in 2014 and suffered all forms of violence. Like thousands of other women, her dreams ended when she was enslaved by Da’esh. The genocide of the Yazidis continues, she said, adding that many women have not been liberated and 70 per cent of Yazidis remain displaced in camps. Noting that the violence will not end except through the rule of law and completion of justice, she stressed that Da’esh members must be held accountable.
In the ensuing debate, Council members cautioned that, despite UN-coordinated efforts in fighting terrorism, Da’esh is spreading its activity, particularly in Africa, where they are nurtured by existing conflicts and local grievances. Many also highlighted the need to take measures to alleviate the serious humanitarian conditions that persist in the detention centres in northern Syria, which create an ideal space for Da’esh to recruit new adherents......
https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15396.doc.htm
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