February 10, 2025
I thank Mr. Voronkov and Mrs. Gherman for their interventions.
Mr President,
Terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
Daesh, Al-Qaeda and their affiliates represent the most acute terrorist threat. These groups continue to reconfigure and to expand their presence on several continents. In the Levant, in Africa, in Afghanistan and in Central Asia, they have demonstrated their ability to carry out cross-border attacks and to plan attacks far from their bases.
Daesh, in particular, is strengthening its foothold in the Sahel, the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa. The rise of Daesh-Khorasan, considered to be the most active branch of Daesh, is a major concern.
Daesh remains a significant threat in Iraq and, especially, in Syria. The organization is seeking to exploit the current transition to re-establish a haven in this country. We call on the Syrian transitional authorities to continue the fight against terrorism and to preserve the gains made in the years of fighting Daesh.
The modus operandi of these terrorist groups is evolving. They are misusing new technologies, such as drones, to carry out more targeted and deadly attacks. They continue to exploit the internet and social networks to increase the resonance of their attacks, to spread propaganda aimed at radicalizing audiences and inciting them to take action, and to attract new recruits.
These groups thrive on the breeding ground of violations of fundamental rights, the exclusion of women and gender inequalities. Their use of sexual violence as a means of spreading terror is well documented.
In the face of the evolving threat, our responses must be comprehensive and adapted to the realities on the ground.
France is keeping up its commitment, with its partners, within the framework of the International Coalition against Daesh. The strikes carried out in December 2024 as part of the Coalition demonstrate our determination in the fight against Daesh. The Coalition’s action must continue, both in its military and civilian components.
But our common fight against terrorism can only be effective if it simultaneously tackles the root causes of the radicalization leading to violence. Support for development, strengthening of governance, the rule of law and the fight against corruption are essential complements to the security approach. The so-called security offers proposed by certain private military companies run counter to this global approach and only fuel terrorism.
The fight against terrorism must be conducted within a partnership framework, including regional and international organizations.
We must make full use of the multilateral instruments put in place by this Council, including the 1267 Committee, which is central to the international system of counter-terrorism. The Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate plays an essential role in guiding States in the implementation of resolutions, through its targeted and context-specific recommendations. The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Office and the Global Compact coordination entities provide valuable technical assistance to strengthen the capacities of States affected by terrorism. The action of the International Coalition against Daesh is carried out in full compliance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the Council.
Our responses must adapt to changes in the terrorist threat. The fight against the financing of terrorism is therefore a priority. We must work together to combat all methods of financing, including crypto-assets and crowdfunding on the internet.
Finally, I would like to reiterate that no counter-terrorism strategy will be effective unless it is based on full respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Thank you.