8180th Security Council Meeting: Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts

Global cooperation in protecting critical infrastructure vital, speakers say at Security Council briefing on terrorist threats to international peace, at 8180th meeting.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 01:28:42
• Production Date: 13 February 2018
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Personal Subject: GUSTAVO MEZA-CUADRA
• Corporate Name: COUNTER-TERRORISM COMMITTEE - CTC
• Subject Topical: COUNTER-TERRORISM; INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION; INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY; TERRORISM
• MAMS Id: 2092419
• Parent Id: 2092419

Description

Speaking today on the protection of critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks, Security Council members noted the need to strengthen international cooperation and information sharing between countries, while also highlighting the importance of regional and national initiatives and counter-terrorism strategies.

Briefing the 15-nation organ, Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism, highlighted the importance of resolution 2341 (2017). That text called on Member States to develop their own strategies to reduce the risks posed to critical infrastructure by terrorist attacks. He also emphasized that international cooperation was particularly relevant to address security concerns related to cross-border interdependencies of critical infrastructures.

In addition, he commended the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate for its proactive engagement since the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017), as well as its work in developing an initiative aimed at raising awareness of the requirements of that text.

The representative of France underscored the importance of international collaboration, emphasizing that the protection of critical infrastructure in Europe required cooperation between the members of the European Union. Furthermore, her country had put in place several policies related to the security of critical infrastructure, including national policies that covered transportation, health and communications systems, and other areas.

Equatorial Guinea’s delegate said that he was encouraged by the regional initiatives that were being put forward by the Counter-Terrorism Committee, although he noted the lack of African initiatives. The mechanisms for implementing resolution 2341 (2017) should be included in regional and national counter-terrorism strategies, he said.

Several delegates, including the representative of Ethiopia, spoke on the protection of the airline infrastructure from terrorist attacks. That industry had often been the primary target of terrorists, he said, underscoring that a series of measures had already been put in place to enhance aviation security. He cautioned that it remained vulnerable to such attacks, and there was a need for greater international cooperation in closing any loopholes that might be exploited by terrorists. While there were many international treaties and conventions on civil aviation matters, there had not been a text dedicated to that issue, and the adoption of resolution 2341 (2017) was an important step.

The representative of the United States said that terrorists were targeting “soft” targets, and the international community needed to do more to raise awareness of those risks, not only between Governments but also with the private sector. In addition, the United Nations and regional organizations must share good practices and take all measures to manage the risk of attacks against critical infrastructure and soft targets.

The Netherlands’ delegate said that recent attacks on locales such as concert halls, markets and hotels had shocked the world. “We cannot, and will not, change our way of life or give in on our freedoms,” she stressed, cautioning States that they should enhance their resilience through appropriate risk assessments.

Also speaking today were the representatives of China, United Kingdom, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Peru (in his national capacity), Poland, Bolivia, Sweden, Côte d’Ivoire and Kuwait.

The meeting began at 3:09 p.m. and ended at 4:40 p.m.