UN Counter-Terrorism head calls for decisive multilateral action, ‘force alone not the answer’

Anjali Sharma

GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 16th Feb. Under-Secretary-General for the Office of Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov on Thursday told the members of the UNSC that iInternational cooperation is vital to confront the multi-faceted challenges resulted from terrorism, as he called for decisive multilateral action.

Vladimir Voronkov said that “Force alone is not the answer.”

“Comprehensive responses, firmly grounded in political strategies, anchored in international law, and based on all-of-government and all-of-society approaches, are indispensable.”

He referred to the Secretary-General’s report on the ongoing threat posed by Da’esh –ISIL – Mr. Voronkov emphasized the group remains a menace, particularly in conflict zones, despite recent progress made.

Mr. Voronkov noted that there has been a substantial reduction in Da’esh’s operational capacities.

He said that the prolonged delay in announcing a new leader after the killing of predecessor was indicative of internal challenges within the group.

Mr. Voronkov added that Member States’ efforts to counter terrorist financing have bring tangible results, with Da’esh’s current financial reserves estimated between $10 million and $25 million, significantly less than previous years.

He highlighted important progress in countering Da’esh affiliates in Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, and Mozambique.

Mr. Voronkov stressed the risk of Da’esh resurgence remains, as evidenced by increased attacks in Iraq and Syria since November, showcasing the group’s resilience.

Da’esh and affiliates remain a force in West Africa and the Sahel with the vast region experienced a deteriorating and increasingly complex security environment due to local disputes coupled with the agenda and operations of these extremist groups, he noted.

Mr. Voronkov reiterated the UN commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.

He urged Member States to consider unintended consequences that result from some measures.

Mr. Voronkov stressed the importance of grounding counter-terrorism efforts in international law, including human rights and humanitarian law, and cited the importance of prevention.

“Addressing the conflict itself remains our best hope to mitigate the threat posed by Da’esh and other terrorist groups,” he concluded.