United Nations Security Council at UN world headquarters in New York. The Security Council held an open debate titled “Addressing the Issue of Linkages between Terrorism and Organised Crime” August 6, 2020.

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC TIMES

UNITED NATIONS  –  NEW YORK –  The head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) warned Security Council members Thursday that terrorists could exploit new vulnerabilities from COVID-19.  Under-Secretary-General Ghada Waly, said that the COVID-19 crisis poses a host of new challenges to national authorities.   The UN Security Council held an open debate titled “Addressing the Issue of Linkages between Terrorism and Organised Crime” under the agenda item “Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts”.  The meeting is one of Indonesia’s signature events as Council President in August and was  chaired by Retno L. P. Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia.  Waly said comprehensive and cooperative responses are needed more than ever, she said, as organized criminal groups and terrorists may seek to capitalize on and exploit new vulnerabilities.  Under-Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov, the head of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) also briefed Security Council members.  Voronkov  added that terrorists are exploiting the significant disruption and economic hardships caused by COVID-19 to spread fear, hate and division and radicalize and recruit new followers.  The increase in internet usage and cybercrime during the pandemic further compounds the problem, he said. Both speakers highlighted the support of the UN to assist Member States in implementing measures such as anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism, strengthening border security and more.  Under-Secretary-General Voronkov concluded with a call to continue the fight against terrorist groups and criminal networks to deny them the opportunity to exploit the COVID-19 crisis

Credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elias /     Dian Triansyah Djani, Permanent Representative of Indonesia to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of August 2020. 

In line with its priorities, Indonesia has also initiated negotiations with Council members on a draft resolution on the prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration of foreign terrorist fighters that might be adopted later this month. Indonesia, as stated in its concept note, hopes the open debate will provide UN member states and observers with the opportunity to address continuing challenges, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; share good practices and lessons learned; and identify areas where additional action is necessary, including with the assistance by UN entities. The concept note suggests further issues to be addressed during the meeting such as how the Council itself can support states, steps being taken to learn more about how terrorism and organised crime are linked in different regions, emerging trends that have to be watched, and how states can cooperate amongst themselves and with regional and international organisations.