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Statement on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts

Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UN Security Council briefing on Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts: Eighteenth report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh) to international peace and security and the range of United Nations efforts in support of Member States in countering the threat

I wish to join others in thanking USG Voronkov, CTED Executive Director Gherman, and INTERPOL Secretary-General Stock for their valuable briefings. I also express our gratitude to the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team for their contribution to the report.

Madam President,

Reports about Da’esh’s activities in West Africa, the Sahel, and Afghanistan, despite its reduced leadership and financial resources, are a reason for serious concern. This adaptability underscores that the group is a persistent threat. The Islamic State in the Middle East showed how easily Da’esh expanded by filling the void left in the absence of state governance.

At the same time, we observe how Da’esh is exploiting the situation in Gaza with public communications aimed at exacerbating religious intolerance and mobilizing lone actors to commit attacks globally. This is extremely dangerous.

It is also worth noting the relatively easy access to weapons. The possibility of terrorist groups obtaining modern weapons, such as armed UAVs, is particularly worrisome. Financing of terrorism, as well as the nexus between terrorism and organized crime, requires our continued attention and cooperation.

I wish to highlight however, that we are particularly concerned about the widespread use of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as a strategy and tactic in terrorist contexts. SGBV needs to be addressed with the same sense of priority as conventional forms of terrorism. This includes accountability, as well as support for survivors in their recovery. We commend the efforts by CTED to focus on this issue in the recommendations.

In considering counter- terrorism approaches, I wish to share the following:

One – All counter-terrorism efforts must be in accordance with the obligations of states under international law, especially international human rights law and IHL in armed conflict zones. The same principles apply to prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration processes. They must be undertaken through comprehensive, human rights-compliant, and gender-sensitive programs. 

Two – This necessitates a whole-of-society approach with significant participation from civil society. To make the results sustainable, conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and drivers of radicalization must be addressed. This includes the dire situation, especially for children, youth, and women in camps in north-eastern Syria to name just one.

Three – Preventing impunity and ensuring accountability are essential and national jurisdictions must develop appropriate frameworks and judiciously process available evidence, including from the battlefield. At this point, we express our support for the work and mandate of the UN Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL. At this point we also call for strict implementation of sanctions adopted.

Madam President,

Slovenia condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations no matter what pretext or justification. The terrorist threat is evolving, and terrorist groups and their narratives are adjusting to new realities swiftly. Therefore, the international community must act likewise fast to prevent it.

In conclusion, Madam President,

We recognize the need for a proactive and multifaceted international response. This includes the protection of human rights and the implementation of inclusive socio-economic strategies to build community resilience. International cooperation is key and Slovenia will continue to contribute in the regional and global context.

I thank you.

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