Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UN Security Council Briefing on the threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts

Thank you Mr. President.

I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Voronkov and Executive Director Gherman for report and the teams and entities that contributed to its preparation. I also thank Ms. De Anda Madrazo for her remarks.

Mr. President,

This is the last briefing on this topic during Slovenia’s Security Council tenure, throughout which the threat of ISIL (Da’esh) and its affiliates has remained consistent. It has been re-emerging in some parts of the world, such as the Middle East, and intensifying in Africa, especially West Africa and the Sahel.

In this regard, let me highlight the following points:

First, according to the report, even the removal of a key figure of Da’esh’s leadership has set back the group’s global network for only about six months. This demonstrates its resilience and adaptability. It underscores the need to complement kinetic responses with comprehensive, inclusive and gender-responsive strategies that address the underlying drivers of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Such measures must be implemented in accordance with international law, human rights and the rule of law.

These efforts should adopt whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, particularly focusing on youth – prioritizing their education, socio-economic opportunities and community engagement to stem the flow of new recruits. It is equally important to meaningfully include and recognize the role women and women-led organizations in prevention and de-radicalization activities.

Special attention must be paid to new technologies and digital tools, which play a pivotal role in modern society, but are increasingly exploited for terrorist purposes, such as online propaganda, recruitment, financing and operations.

Second, during the latest reporting period, the most significant developments for the group occurred in Syria, where the situation remains fragile. Da’esh has been working toward rebuilding its networks and operational capacity, while also aiming to undermine stabilization efforts of the interim authorities.

Particularly concerning are the group’s efforts to replenish its ranks also by calling on foreign terrorist fighters to travel to Syria. We welcome the transitional authority’s stated commitment to combatting terrorism and extremism. It is imperative that they keep up the efforts and that no space is left for the resurgence of Da’esh or other terrorist groups within Syrian territory.

We are especially alarmed by the security, human rights and humanitarian conditions in camps in the north-east of the country, where majority of the population are minors. They are particularly vulnerable to radicalization and many are being recruited to join Da’esh. Now more than ever, it is essential to retain and strengthen security and administration of the camps, including the provision of basic services. All states should work towards the safe and dignified repatriation of their nationals, while ensuring accountability for crimes committed in line with international norms and standards.

Third, we thank the UNOCT for providing an overview of the technical assistance and capacity building efforts in support of Member States. Since the Secretary-General’s report on the threat of Da’esh is a strategic-level document, we believe it would be relevant to include the results of these efforts in line with results-framework mandated by the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. This could also enable an assessment of their impact on the threat posed by Da’esh.

Mr. President,

To conclude, international community has set up several tools to fight terrorism – from 1267 ISIL (Da’esh) & Al Qaida sanctions regime to capacity building support under coordination of the UNOCT. They are most effective when utilized fully, and both in the regional and global cooperation frameworks. However, the fight starts on the ground, by giving people, communities and society means and opportunities for building resilience.

I thank you.

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