At the debate on the 20th anniversary of Resolution 1373 on counter-terrorism, chaired by the Foreign Minister of Tunisia, the UNSC adopted a presidential statement on combating international terrorism.
Speakers pointed out that over the last 20 years, terrorism risks around the globe have kept growing, international terrorist groups have ceaselessly sought new operating methods, stepped up using cyber space and information technology, and colluded with trans-national crimes.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov urged countries to reiterate their commitment to international solidarity against terrorism via international cooperation and capacity enhancement, deal with root causes of terrorism, strengthen the capacity of combating violent extremism, and engage the youth, women, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in common efforts. He affirmed that the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism pledges to reinforce cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), as well as other agencies and organisations, in this regard.
Addressing the debate, Minister Counsellor Nguyen Phuong Tra, deputy head of the Vietnamese mission to the UN, said since Resolution 1373 was issued in 2001, the UNSC has promoted an institutional framework for combating global terrorism in various areas, and the terrorism fight has reaped significant outcomes.
She pointed out the necessity to promote a comprehensive approach based on the UN Charter that should focus on preventing and eradicating conflict, eliminating conditions for terrorism, and boosting communities’ immunity from violent extremism and terrorism propaganda. Solidarity and vigilance against terrorism risks will create the international community’s common strength in the face of risks and new developments of terrorism, according to Tra.
Resolution 1373 was adopted unanimously by the UN in 2001, following the tragedy of September 11 in the US. It imposes legal obligations on UN member states to fight against global terrorism and criminalizes the financing of terrorists. It also features content about freezing terrorism-related accounts and funds, as well as about information sharing and international cooperation.