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United Nations:
Terror teams such because the Islamic State, al-Qaeda and their regional associates should not be allowed to use the rising “fissures and fragilities” as a result of psycho-social, financial and political stresses laid naked by the COVID-19 pandemic, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres mentioned on Monday.
“It is too early to fully assess the implications of COVID-19 on the terrorism landscape. But we know that ISIL, al-Qaeda, their regional affiliates – as well as neo-Nazis, white supremacists and other hate groups – seek to exploit divisions, local conflicts, governance failures and grievances to advance their objectives,” Mr Guterres mentioned.
Speaking on the opening of the digital Counter-Terrorism week, he mentioned the ISIL is constant its efforts to “reassert” itself in Iraq and Syria, whereas hundreds of overseas terrorist fighters battle within the area, search to interact in battle elsewhere, or linger in short-term detention whereas their relations stay stranded.
Mr Guterres voiced concern that the pandemic has additionally highlighted vulnerabilities to new and rising types of terrorism, resembling misuse of digital expertise, cyberattacks and bioterrorism.
“Like the virus, terrorism does not respect national borders. It affects all nations and can only be defeated collectively. So we must harness the power of multilateralism to find practical solutions,” he mentioned.
Outlining the important thing precedence areas required for motion in counter-terrorism, the UN chief mentioned there may be have to sort out the unfold of terrorist narratives by way of pandemic-sensitive, holistic approaches.
“Psycho-social, economic and political stresses associated with COVID-19 have risen dramatically. Terrorists must not be allowed to exploit those fissures and fragilities,” he mentioned.
The week-long discussions goal to supply a platform to debate the strategic and sensible challenges of countering terrorism in a world pandemic surroundings and can see participation from civil society representatives, non-public sector, girls and victims of terrorism.
Guterres mentioned the trade of views and concepts this week will feed into subsequent yr”s High-Level Counter-Terrorism Week, together with the seventh biennial overview of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, the 2nd Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism businesses of Member States, and the inaugural Congress of Victims of Terrorism.
The UN chief additionally careworn on the necessity for the worldwide group to maintain up the momentum within the struggle towards terrorism, saying this can embody persevering with to put money into nationwide, regional and world counter-terrorism capabilities, particularly for international locations most in want of help.
Nations should additionally intently monitor evolving terrorist threats and evolving traits and be modern of their responses. “That means ensuring we have the right technology, tools and concepts to stay ahead of terrorists,” he mentioned.
He additionally underscored the significance of making certain that counter-terrorism responses are at all times gender delicate – recognizing the violent misogyny on the coronary heart of so many teams – and defend and promote human rights.
“Counter-terrorism laws and security measures cannot be an excuse to shrink civic space, curtail freedom of association and deny other fundamental rights. Full compliance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law is essential,” he mentioned.
Mr Guterres mentioned nations even have a collective duty to facilitate the repatriation of overseas nationals, notably girls and youngsters, from camps in Syria and Iraq, the place the chance of COVID-19 is worsening the already dire safety and humanitarian circumstances.
UN Member States additionally have to strengthen info sharing to study from the experiences and good practices of others within the COVID-19 safety panorama, he mentioned, including that high quality capability constructing help to Member States will stay an essential pillar of the United Nations counter-terrorism work.
“We must commit to do more and better. As in every other area of our mission, our work will be assessed by the difference we make in people’s lives.”
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