UN Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week Discussed Measures to Combat Terrorism During Pandemic
11 July 2020
On 10 July, the UN Virtual Counter-Terrorism Week organized by the IPA CIS partner – the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism – concluded its work. The event was held under the overall theme “Strategic and Practical Challenges of Countering Terrorism in a Global Pandemic Environment”.
President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Gabriela Cuevas Barron, Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator for Counterterrorism of the U.S. Department of State Nathan Sales, Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Thomas Greminger and Director of the Department for New Challenges and Threats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Vladimir Tarabrin presented reports at the closing session.
Secretary of the Joint Commission at the IPA CIS for the Harmonization of National Laws Related to Security, Countering Emerging Threats and Challenges Stanislav Korostelyov and Secretary of the IPA CIS Permanent Commission on Political Issues and International Cooperation Maksimillian Selyutin represented the IPA CIS Council Secretariat as observers at this event.
Under Secretary General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov moderated the closing session.
High representatives stressed that the terrorists stepped up their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to disseminate their ideology, spread fear and hatred, inspire and recruit new followers, present themselves as an alternative source of knowledge in order to obtain support among the local people. In some cases, extremists started new attacks and intensified operations.
The participants highlighted that the international community should be vigilant under the permanent threat of terrorism, reaffirming commitment to the unity of purpose and solidarity in combating it.
The final session also provided an opportunity to learn the regional views and information how the UN Member States deal with effects of the COVID-19 crisis, the measures taken to counter terrorism and extremisn in the pandemic environment.
The session identified key needs and priorities, possible synergies and essential ways to strengthen international efforts to counter terrorism and its threat worldwide after the pandemic.
