Open briefing of the Counter-Terrorism Committee on its October 2022 Special Meeting on “Countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes”

[Friday, 2 December 2021, at 11 a.m.]

Statement of 

H.E. Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism

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Excellencies, distinguished participants,

I wish to thank the members of the Committee and wider UN membership, our United Nations colleagues, CTED, and our distinguished participants for joining us today and for their active interest and participation. 

Today’s briefing has given us the opportunity to reflect collectively on the key highlights and take aways from the Committee’s Special Meeting held last month in Mumbai and New Delhi on 28 to 29 October 2022.

We have highlighted the panel sessions held on the increasing threat of the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes in the areas of the Internet and social media; new payment technologies and fundraising methods; and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including drones. 

We have also reflected on the views expressed on lawful and effective responses to address these threats, while also recognizing the need to consider the impact of counter-terrorism responses on human rights, fundamental freedoms, and civic space, as well as the associated gender dimensions.

Distinguished participants,

Building on the Special Meeting and the Delhi Declaration, the Committee remains committed to continue to both prioritize and emphasize its work on the issues related to countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes. I am fully confident that under the leadership of UAE, the incoming Chair of CTC, the Committee will continue to work on this increasingly important issue.

As such, we can only anticipate and respond effectively to emerging threats and challenges through continuous dialogue and active involvement of all stakeholders and partners. 

In doing so, it is essential that we take a comprehensive and holistic approach. 

The Committee, with the support of CTED, is determined to continue to assist all Member States to achieve the full implementation of all relevant Security Council resolutions that pertain to countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, while respecting their obligations under international law, including international human rights law.

And, as I noted in my earlier statement, the Committee will be working with CTED to develop a set of non-binding guiding principles to further assist Member States, as well as recommendations on the three themes of the Special Meeting.

I wish to end by conveying my deep thanks and great appreciation to the Members of the Committee, the staff of CTED and the Committee’s Secretariat, and my team for their commitment and dedicated support which allowed the Committee to successfully hold this unique and timely Special Meeting. 

Thank you!