UNSC adopts Egyptian resolution to counter-terrorism

CAIRO – 25 May 2017: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted an Egyptian resolution to counter-terrorist discourse under UNSCR 2354, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Prior to this step, the UNSC unanimously adopted this resolution in the form of a UNSC official document.

The UNSC adoption of the Egyptian resolution and the comprehensive international framework to counter-terrorist discourse affirms that Egypt has successfully managed to put counter-terrorist discourse and ideologies on the agenda of the UNSC and thus the international community.

Through this resolution, the UNSC affirms that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes the gravest threat to international peace and security. In addition, the resolution explains that the only way to defeat terrorism is through a comprehensive approach that includes states and international and regional organizations to abolish terrorist groups.

The resolution demands that the “Counter-Terrorism Committee” of the Security Council chaired by Egypt, to put in place a set of measures to combat terror discourse including strengthening international cooperation in this regard. In addition, the resolution suggests developing models to counter cyber-terrorism as well as terror-discourse, and to continue developing initiatives to strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Also it urged, engaging experts in the development of counter-terror discourse interventions including religious bodies and civil society organizations and private sector. The resolution also suggests organizing at least one open meeting annually to review developments on the global level the field of combating terrorist discourse.

The UNSCR confirms the vital role religious leaders and religious associations play to increase the effectiveness of counter-terrorist discourse. Their role includes effective interaction with young people, families and women with counter-discourse to the terrorist discourse used by terrorists and their supporters.

The resolution also affirms that financing, planning and incitement of terrorist groups and the support of terrorist organizations are contrary to the UN principles, and urges all countries to respect the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States while implementing the framework.

This resolution comes in conjunction with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi statements and strategy to counter terrorism presented during the Arab Islamic American summit on May 22. Sisi said that terrorism must be confronted collectively and financial, ideological and media supporters of terrorists must be identified and prevented.