No nation immune to ongoing and evolving global threat of terrorism: Ertugrul Apakan

UNITED NATIONS - The Chairman of a UN Security Council Committee has urged the member states to be vigilant and resilient in the wake of the “ongoing and evolving threat,” and act in full cooperation with each other to counter the menace of terrorism.

“As we have seen in many parts of the world in recent months, terrorists continue their activities unabated. There have been terrorist attacks that have killed innocent people. Fortunately, some of the attempts with the same heinous target could be prevented. In light of this ongoing and evolving threat, we must continue our common efforts and act in full cooperation with each other,” said Ertugrul Apakan, Chairman of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter terrorism, in a briefing to the Security Council on November 15.

“We should be as vigilant and resilient as ever and counter-terrorism should remain a priority for the international community. For, in today’s world, no country is immune to the threat of terrorism. It is a threat to all of us, irrespective of where we live and what our religion, nationality or ethnic origin is,” he added.

Apakan said that the Committee had played an important role in the fight against terrorism since its establishment, and it continues to work actively in advancing the global efforts with its more strategic and transparent approach.

“The Committee considers effective counter-terrorism measures and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law as complementary and mutually reinforcing. They are an essential part of a successful counter-terrorism effort. Therefore, the Committee has continued to remind Member States that any measures taken to combat terrorism must comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law,” he maintained.

“The Committee has taken up issues such as “crimes that fund terrorism”, “facilitating the provision of technical assistance to Member States”, “human rights in the context of resolution 1373 (2001″ and “helping Member States to implement the ’safe haven’ requirements of resolution 1373 (2001),” Apakan added. (ANI)