The United Nations has warned that the threat posed by the Islamic State jihadist group remains «high» and noted that it is, in fact, «increasing in conflict zones,» especially in Africa.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Vladimir Voronkov has presented the latest report of the body to the Security Council and stressed that «despite the loss of leaders and revenues, which diminish its cash reserve, the threat of the Islamic State to international peace and security remains high.»
Thus, he explained that this threat «has increased in conflict zones where the group and its branches are active», a trend «particularly worrying in Central and Southern Africa, as well as in the Sahel», before stressing that «it is important to remember the impact that this terrorist organization has on human life, livelihoods and peace».
«The reports of (UN Secretary-General António Guterres) have aptly recorded this unfortunate trend, which must lead us all to rethink and review our efforts to deal with the group, especially those that rely disproportionately on the use of force,» he said.
Voronkov emphasized that «previous reports showed concern about the increased risk of attacks in non-conflict areas by ‘lone wolves’ and small cells inspired by Islamic State during the relaxation of restrictions due to the (coronavirus) pandemic.»
«While this has not materialized during the reporting period, the level of terrorist activity remains a concern for member states,» he said, while stressing that the group «continues to use the internet, social media, video games and gaming platforms to extend the reach of its propaganda to radicalize and recruit new followers.»
In this sense, he stressed that «the Islamic State’s use of new and emerging technologies continues to be a major cause for concern» and added that the jihadists «continue to use drones for surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as virtual tools to obtain funds».
On the other hand, he has lamented the «harsh situation» of people residing in displacement camps and detention centers in northeastern Syria run by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and warned of «humanitarian, legal and security dangers» arising from the ‘status quo’ in these places.
«The pace of repatriations remains too slow and children continue to bear the burden of this catastrophe. At the same time, the challenge of foreign terrorists and their families is not limited to Iraq and Syria, as it is a global challenge,» Voronkov said.
«Not only do foreign terrorists move between different theaters of conflict, but there are problems arising from their return, ranging from accountability and judicial proceedings against them to the management of their families and rehabilitation and reintegration efforts,» he explained.
For all these reasons, he advocated «multidimensional measures that go beyond security-focused responses» and a «greater complementarity between security responses and preventive measures».
«The UN will continue to work with member states to ensure effective, integrated and balanced implementation,» said Voronkov, who also called for «multidimensional approaches to be gender-sensitive and firmly anchored in international law».
In this way, he emphasized that «no anti-terrorist measure can be successful if it does not adhere to the rule of law and respect international law», while recalling that it is also key to «avoid conflicts» to prevent them from being exploited by terrorists in the first place.
«While terrorists exploit conflict dynamics, peace efforts are often undermined and complicated by terrorism. Better understanding the complex relationship between conflict and terrorism is a necessary step in devising effective responses to these recurring challenges,» he said.
Finally, Voronkov reiterated that «the threat posed by the Islamic State is a symptom of the convergence of risks and threats» and maintained that «multilateral, collective and decisive efforts will be necessary to confront this threat».
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
