Statement by H.E. Ambassador Yasuhisa Kawamura
Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations
At the Security Council Briefing on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts

8 June 2017

 

 

Mr. President,

 

          I would like to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Jeffrey Feltman for his detailed briefing on the threat posed by ISIL (Da’esh) and other terrorist groups. Japan takes note of and pays particular attention to three points included in the briefing: (i) ISIL is struggling financially, (ii) the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) to Iraq and Syria has slowed, and (iii) the number of ISIL fighters has significantly decreased.

 

          However, since the last report in February, we have witnessed a number of terrorist attacks all over the world, including in the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, France, Sweden, Russia, Syria, Iraq and now in Iran. I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to those victims. The threat posed by ISIL is evolving globally. While ISIL is experiencing military setbacks, FTFs are returning to their countries of origin or relocating to other regions. As the report notes, the threat level has intensified in Southeast Asia. Returnees to this region continue to pose a significant concern, as they could increase the military capabilities of local terrorist networks. Re-locators from Iraq and Syria, who are not nationals of Southeast Asian states, are another source of concern, as they are most likely unknown to the local authorities. We are alarmed by ISIL’s evolving tactics, which include diversifying financial sources, disseminating propaganda through social media, exploiting encrypted applications, and using broken travel. We have even heard reports of the use of bitcoin and drones.

 

          In response to ISIL’s evolving tactics, we must implement counter-terrorism resolutions and enhance our capacities. The Council has recently adopted resolutions on aviation security (2309), international judicial cooperation (2322), protection of critical infrastructure (2341) and counter-narratives (2354). The adoption of these resolutions is important, but their implementation is equally vital. Japan has implemented these resolutions and developed new measures in response to the evolving tactics. For example, we recently enacted laws to prevent terrorists from using bitcoin and virtual currencies, and to prohibit drones from flying over critical facilities, embassies, and nuclear plants.

 

          The terrorist threat is global, and we must extend assistance to those in need as part of our collective response. Japan, for example, provided 35 million USD this March, mainly to Southeast Asia, in light of the increasing threat in this region. This will be used to facilitate implementation of relevant resolutions through concrete projects, including on Advance Passenger Information, international judicial cooperation, INTERPOL databases and counter-propaganda.

 

          Last week, a briefing was held by the CTITF on the FTF Capacity Building Implementation Plan, which was established by PRST/2015/11. While the plan was proposed two years ago, only 8 Member States and 2 organizations have contributed thus far, and only 41 percent of budgetary demands have been met. Japan has contributed 12.6 million USD, or 12 percent of the total budget. Japan invites all Member States to positively consider contributing to this plan as well, given the importance of implementation and impact.

 

          The new office of counter-terrorism is expected to better coordinate our contributions, and consequently to enhance counter-terrorism measures in all Member States. We should not lose this momentum. We must unite to fight against ISIL and other terrorist groups by implementing our resolutions and developing our counter-terrorism measures.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.