Statement delivered by Ms. Neishanta Benn, Minister Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Guyana to the UN, during the Joint Briefing to the Security Council by the Chairs of the 1267/1989/2253, 1373 and 1540 Committees

Thank you, Mr. President, 
 
I thank Ambassadors Frazier, Bendjama and Montalvo Sosa for their updates on the work of the 1267/1989/2253 (ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaida Sanctions) Committee, the 1373 (Counter-Terrorism) Committee and the 1540 (Nonproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction) Committee. 
 
The scourge of terrorism continues to cast a shadow over our collective pursuit of peace, security, and global harmony. Its impact is not only measured in the lives lost, the physical devastation, and the shattered communities, but also in the erosion of trust, the infringement upon human rights, and the hindrance to socioeconomic development.  
 
The work of the three Committees and their expert bodies is therefore indispensable to addressing the persistent threats posed by terrorism to global peace and security. Despite the distinctive mandates of each Committee, they play important complementary roles in countering these threats. In this regard, we commend the collaborative activities of the three Committees and encourage further coordinated efforts in mutually reinforcing ways. 
 
Mr. President, 

I wish to highlight the following three points. 

First, the increasing threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe is alarming. Therefore, the continued analysis of evolving threats and the rigorous implementation and monitoring of the 1267 sanctions regime remains crucial. In this regard, we support the work of the 1267 Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team and welcome its recommendations. We also underscore the importance of Member States engaging with and providing updated information to the Committee and the Monitoring Team on the evolving nature of the terrorist threat, listed individuals and entities, and the status of the implementation of the sanctions measures at the national level. 

Second, the role of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and CTED in collaboration with the relevant UN agencies and implementing partners remains critical in meeting the multi-faceted challenges associated with the growing terrorism threats. In particular, new and emerging technologies pose a significant challenge in the fight against terrorism. In this context, Guyana welcomes the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Guiding Principles on the threats posed by the use of unmanned aircraft systems for terrorist purposes.

Guyana believes that these principles, which build upon the Delhi Declaration, provide a framework for preventing and mitigating the exploitation of emerging technologies for malicious purposes by non-State actors. Disrupting the flow of funds to terrorist groups is also pivotal in cutting the source of their sustenance. In this regard, we welcomed the briefing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in May on the implementation of the international standards against the financing of terrorism.

We urge Member States to bring their framework for combatting the financing of terrorism and for anti-money laundering on par with international standards. We also stress that in addition to these efforts, there must be continued focus on addressing the root causes of terrorism and on promoting preventive measures to this end.  

Third, we continue to be concerned about the potential acquisition, development, trafficking, or utilization of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons by nonstate actors. In this regard, we recognise that resolution 1540 remains the only universal instrument dedicated to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and to prevent these weapons from getting into the hands of terrorists.

Guyana reiterates its commitment to the work of the 1540 Committee in intensifying its efforts toward the implementation of the resolution. These efforts include the facilitation of technical assistance to Member States, outreach and awareness activities, and cooperation with international and regional organisations, among others. We also support improving the Committee’s assistance mechanism and hope that the revised mechanism can be adopted soonest.  
 
In conclusion, Mr. President, I reiterate Guyana’s support for the continued cooperation and coordination between and among the Committees in their respective mandates. We believe that the fulfilment of the mandates is vital in combatting terrorism and in maintaining international peace and security. 
 
I thank you.