Mr. President, Excellencies,
I thank Algeria for convening this meeting and congratulate you on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council. As I align myself with the Statement delivered by the European Union, I would like to add some further remarks in my national capacity.
In recent years, we have witnessed what has been called an “Africanization of terrorism”, with a sharp increase in violent acts perpetrated by terrorist and armed groups in various sub-regions of the Continent.
Even if the frequency of terrorist attacks has gradually decreased, the brutality of these attacks and the capacity of terrorist groups to inflict damage and sufferance have only grown.
Violent extremism is spreading beyond national borders, creating networks of terror that mutually connect and reinforce different groups.
We therefore urge this Council to answer the call of African countries and intensify the multilateral response in the fight against terrorism.
In Italy’s view, three actions remain particularly important and could benefit from a renewed effort of the Member States.
Firstly, promoting African-led strategies that can guarantee full ownership of counter-terrorism efforts. This means prioritizing African Union’s initiatives and supporting regional processes, that can consolidate national capacities.
Secondly, addressing the drivers of terrorism, as pointed out in the Pact for the Future. If we do not consider the social and economic issues that fuel radicalization, we will not be able to tackle the deep causes of terrorism. Our aim should be to pursue a comprehensive and inclusive approach that puts dialogue, rule of law and sustainable development at the center, also in the framework of national prevention strategies and with full support by the United Nations.
Thirdly, analyzing the stronger links between forms of transnational organized crime and terrorism, because countering both is a common and shared responsibility, as highlighted in the biannual General Assembly resolution on Strengthening the United Nations crime prevention and criminal justice program.
These three actions have guided Italy’s longstanding cooperation with the United Nations, African Countries and regional organizations in the fight against terrorism and in the contrast to transnational organized crime.
We are forging joint approaches with our African partners, through framework initiatives such as the Africa Focus Group of the Anti-Daesh Coalition.
We are supporting the development of national capacities in the field of border security management in West Africa, together with the United Nations Office of Counter-terrorism.
We are investing in preventive actions to counter radicalization and violent extremism, together with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, based in Turin.
We are also working with IDLO, UNITAR and Italian Universities to encourage the development of effective criminal justice systems in Countries affected by terrorism.
Italy will continue to remain at the side of African countries in the fight against terrorism and stands ready to continue to work with the UN System for an effective multilateral response in the field of Counter-terrorism.
Thank you.
