Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the UN
Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and
security caused by terrorist acts.
"The UK remains fully focused on tackling the continued threat
from Daesh and its affiliates.
Whilst steady progress has been made by the international
community to suppress Daesh, we cannot become complacent.
Daesh continues to exploit regional instability, drive division
and seek new ways to finance its operations through emerging
technology and this remains a global threat which we need to
address collectively.
In the Middle East, after decades of atrocities committed by the
Assad regime, the United Kingdom stands with the people of Syria
and their desire to build a more stable, free and prosperous
future.
We welcome continued efforts, including by the Global Coalition,
to suppress Daesh and reduce the risk they pose as Syria embarks
on this historic political transition.
Iraq also remains a critical partner – the reduction in Daesh's
influence and impact in Iraq is a credit to Iraqi determination
and sustained military efforts, alongside Coalition
partners.
The UK remains committed to achieving justice for survivors of
Daesh crimes.
We will continue working with the Government of Iraq as they
build on UNITAD's legacy and deliver accountability through their
National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC).
In Asia, ISKP continue to pose a threat despite work to combat
them, including by Pakistan, and other countries in the
region.
The UK continues to coordinate action against the group through
the ISKP Diplomatic Grouping, targeting their propaganda and
seeking to restrict their access to financial
resources.
In Africa, Daesh continues to spread across large parts of the
continent, threatening regional stability and inspiring
individuals to conduct attacks.
The African Union plays a central role in coordinating the
international response, and the UK welcomes, for example. the
renewed mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force and the
recent deployment of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission to
Somalia.
Finally, we cannot fight terrorism with force alone.
A whole of society approach with the meaningful participation of
women is needed to address the long-term drivers of
terrorism.
The protection of human rights and rule of law should be at the
heart of all of our efforts."
