States must do more to combat terrorism, says Security Council

Reaffirming its strong stance against terrorism, the United Nations Security Council today called for States to combat the scourge and welcomed measures to boost and monitor their efforts.

In a formal statement read by Council President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser of Qatar, the 15-member body reaffirmed the importance of resolution 1373, a landmark text adopted in the wake of the September 11th 2001 attacks on the United States.

That resolution set up a Counter-Terrorism Committee, and by today’s statement the Council welcomed its proactive efforts to promote and monitor how States are meeting their requirements to prevent and criminalize terrorist attacks.

The Council noted the enhanced cooperation among three committees it set up to deal with specific aspects of terrorism, including Al-Qaida and the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction.

The Council also reminded all States that they must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism should comply with all their obligations under international law, especially international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

“The Security Council reiterates its call on States to become parties to all relevant international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism, and to make full use of the sources of assistance and guidance, which are available,” Ambassador Al-Nasser said.