To examine the 21st Semester Strategic Report by the Secretary -General for the threat of the Islamic State in Iraq and Levante (ISIL/DA’SH) he met the UN Security Council.

The SAEE member states were informed by Anapl. Secretary -General for Counter -Terrorism (UNOCT), Vladimir Voronkov, the Executive Director of the Counter -Terrorism Committee (CTED), Natalia German, and the President of the Financial Action Team (FATF), Elisa Antra.

Greece’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Mr. Stamatekos, in his position, emphasized Greece’s strong support for the continued development of the United Nations architecture to combat terrorism and expressed concern about Da’esh’s continued threat to the international and region.

He reiterated Greece’s support for UN Security Council decisions 2254 and emphasized the urgent need for a credible political map to tackle instability and prevent Da’esh’s return to Syria.

Mr Stamatekos again declared Greece’s support for the initiatives of the development of know -how and opportunities that enhance national and regional durability, including in the maritime sector.

He also condemned the illegal distribution of cultural heritage by Da’esh and others, as it destroys history and feeds extremism, and prompted the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 2199 and 2347 and resolution 79/133 of the General Assembly.

Appeal to the UN for repatriation and enhanced international cooperation

The twenty -first report by the Secretary -General of the Threat raised by the Islamic State (DA’SH) emphasizes that “during the period under consideration, the threat from Da’esh and its” subsidiaries “for international peace and security remained high”. Despite intense anti -terrorist pressure, the organization “continues to demonstrate durability and adaptability”, moving its center of gravity mainly to Africa.

In the Middle East, Da’esh maintained up to 3,000 fighters in Iraq and Syria, launching more than 90 attacks. The June 22 attack on a church in Damascus had more than 80 victims. In Africa, the “Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) has emerged as a” more productive part of propaganda “, with up to 12,000 fighters. In East Africa, attacks have taken place in Somalia, while in Central Asia, Isil-Khorasan with about 2,000 fighters is described as “the most serious threat both regional and internationally”.

The report states that Da’esh “attempts to take advantage of social media and use artificial intelligence for recruitment and propaganda”. At the same time, HOL and Rods camps in northeast Syria are still hosting 34,800 people, “60% of whom are children” without substantial access to legal protection. The Secretary -General warns that “the continuation of the incarceration of thousands of people, especially children, in miserable conditions is an insult of human rights and a long -term risk of security”.

At a positive level – according to the report – repatriation increased. “Five Member States repaired more than 5,970 people,” while only Iraq reinstated 6,890 nationals. The UN and International Organization for Migration supported “Return, Restoration and Reintegration” with legal assistance, psychosocial support and training. At the same time, actions were developed for the prosecution and fair trial of suspects, while UNAMI and High Commissioner for Human Rights watched tens of defendants and trials.

The report also records progress in international cooperation. In West Africa, a regional team of experts were created to protect vulnerable targets, while promoting the exchange of practices to tackle terrorism. The UN office against terrorism technically reinforced the countries of Central Asia to tackle illegal weapons trafficking, while unmanned surveillance systems in Senegal were delivered.

Particular emphasis was placed on the victims of terrorism. On April 28, a “network of victims of terrorism” was created with 120 victims and survivors, while Iraq continues the implementation of the law for survivors Yazidi, providing monthly compensation to over 2,350 survivors.

The Secretary -General stresses that the threat “remains undiminished, with adaptability, cross -border scope and an expanding operational footprint”. The strategic shift to Africa, the exploitation of technologies and perseverance in volatility areas necessary “coordinated and peripherally established, based on international law and human rights”.

In closing, it appeals to the Member States to “facilitate the safe, voluntary and decent repatriation” of their nationals and to enhance cooperation with the UN. As he points out, “only through the constant cooperation and approach of the entire society can we build the resilience needed to tackle the evolving threats and the promotion of peace.”

Voronkov warns of isil/da’esh’s durability and new tactics

Mr Vladimir Voronkov warned that the threat remains “fragile and complex”, with the organization maintaining operational capacity despite the loss of leaders.

He emphasized that Africa is now the focus of ISIL’s activity, with a strong presence in Sahel and West Africa, while funding networks were revealed to Libya. In Somalia, security forces killed 200 fighters in a recent operation, but the organization remains a threat. In the Middle East, it continues to act in Iraq and Syria, exploiting security gaps, while in Afghanistan Isil-Khorasan’s offshore is considered one of the most serious threats to Central Asia.

The official stressed that ISIL is taking advantage of new technologies, such as encrypted messages platforms, crowdfunding and even artificial intelligence for propaganda, while allegedly pursuing cyberspace recruitment.

Voronkov called on the states to emphasize prevention and compliance with international law, warning of miserable conditions in detention camps in northeast Syria, where thousands of women and children live under “dangerous and inhumane conditions”. Emphasized the need for their safe and decent repatriation.

German warnings for Africa, Syria and new technological tools

UN Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Anti -Terrorism Committee, Natalia German, warned at a Security Council meeting that “despite international efforts, Da’esh remains a persistent threat to international peace and security”. He pointed out that the organization continues to “adapt and exploit volatility”, with particular emphasis on Africa, “which carries over half of the world victims of terrorist attacks”.

In Syria, Da’esh “attempts to exploit the unstable environment”, while in the northeast camps the humanitarian situation remains “directed, with tens of thousands of people – mainly women and children – to face extreme insecurity”. At the same time, da’esh-Khorasan continues to constitute a “significant threat to Afghanistan, but also in Europe and Central Asia”, with recruitment and internet propaganda.

German noted that terrorism funding is becoming more and more complex, as terrorist organizations “combine digital innovations with traditional networks”, while referring to a joint work with FATF and other UN bodies to tackle new dangers.

CTED visited Cameroon, Chad, Hungary, Malta, Norway and Somalia, identifying technical assistance needs and providing recommendations for the implementation of the Council’s relevant decisions. Particular emphasis was placed on the returns of former members of Boko Haram and Iswap in the Chad Basin, but also on the need for “accountability and sustainable reintegration”.

Finally, he stressed that the use of artificial intelligence and social networks by Da’esh “requires innovative answers”, stressing that the same technologies can be used by the States to detect and prevent terrorist activities. “We are at a crossroads of technological transformation and geopolitical uncertainty,” he said, committing that Cted will continue to work with the Member States “in the common pursuit of a world free from terrorism”.