23 December 2014
UNSC resolution stresses importance of strengthening trans-regional and international cooperation on a basis of ‘a common and shared responsibility to counter the world drug problem and related criminal activities’
Amid a proliferation of well-funded and well-organised transnational criminal activities in Africa, the Middle East and beyond, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution spotlighting its concern over the ties between cross-border crime and terrorism and called on UN member states to ramp up efforts in combatting the two activities.
In the resolution, the Council said it is ‘gravely concerned’ by the financing obtained by terrorist groups through illicit activities – such as the trafficking of drugs, people, arms and artefacts – and reaffirmed the international community’s need to supress the monetary lifeline which keeps the terrorist threats active.
Recognising the nexus of criminal and terrorist activities, the new resolution stressed the need for member states ‘to work collectively to prevent and combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations’ and called upon the international community to strengthen border management.
The text also stressed the importance of strengthening trans-regional and international cooperation on a basis of ‘a common and shared responsibility to counter the world drug problem and related criminal activities’, adding its encouragement for member states to block and prevent terrorist groups from benefitting from transnational organised crime.