Statement by MP, Minister for Multilateral,
Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean, at the UN Security
Council meeting on counter-terrorism.
"Colleagues, the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach in
December shocked the world.
This was a deliberate assault on innocent people, fuelled by
hatred and designed to spread fear.
The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with Australia and with
the Jewish community.
Our thoughts remain with the victims, and with everyone around
the world who lives with the fear and pain caused by such
violence.
As long as terrorism and antisemitism remain global threats, we
have a shared responsibility to confront them with
determination.
Working with partners, we will continue to disrupt the activities
of Daesh's murderous networks, limit their reach, and counter
their warped propaganda.
That responsibility is clear in north-east Syria, where we are
deeply concerned by recent developments.
We call on all parties to uphold the ceasefire, protect
civilians, and ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian
access, including routes in for aid, and out for civilians who
wish to leave.
Daesh will seek to profit from these events, and we are concerned
by reports that fighters have escaped from detention
facilities.
We are closely monitoring the situation and working with
partners, including the Global Coalition Against Daesh, to
address shared security risks.
The spread of Daesh into parts of West Africa and the Sahel is
also of deep concern.
Addressing the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation
in the region will require collective action, and we will work
with regional organisations to support this.
We are also focused on the threat posed by Islamic State Khorasan
Province in Afghanistan and beyond.
This was discussed at our Focus Group in London last month,
co-hosted with Türkiye.
It is vital to harness the capabilities and understanding that
international partners bring to the table here at the UN, through
the Global Coalition, the Focus Group, and beyond.
As we look forward to this year's review of the Global
Counter-Terrorism Strategy, we will work with partners to ensure
the Strategy provides the most effective framework for our
collective efforts.
As ever, the protection of human rights and the rule of law will
be at the heart of our approach."
