Director General/Executive Director
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Secretary-General's initiative to convene this first-ever UN Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies comes at a critical time.
Significant results have been achieved in the fight against terrorism, not least the military setback of ISIL in Syria and Iraq.
But shifting and evolving threats demand a rigorous assessment and a renewed strategic vision of how we can best work together to address shared challenges.
With this in mind, this session is geared towards further strengthening the role and operational capacity of the UN to support Member States in effectively implementing the UN Global Counter-terrorism Strategy.
I strongly support the UN Global Counter-terrorism Coordination Compact, and UNODC very much welcomes the efforts of UNOCT to improve coordination and coherence of efforts among the many UN entities and international and regional organizations engaged in this area.
UNODC, with its terrorism, crime and corruption mandates and network of field experts, plays a leading role in the UN system in providing technical assistance to reinforce the universal legal framework against terrorism.
From our perspective a major challenge to global counter-terrorism action remains a lack of criminal justice capacity in several countries and regions.
Outdated counter-terrorism legislation, policies, institutional frameworks and cooperation agreements, as well as shortfalls in skills and expertise, limit the ability of Member States to respond effectively to pursue effective action.
The increasing number and cross-border nature of investigations present further challenges, and requires more efficient and swifter cooperation between Member States.
Any capacity gaps risk terrorists and criminals shifting their activities to countries less able to respond.
We need to do more to support all countries to undertake rule of law-based investigations and prosecutions, and ensure that national counter-terrorism measures are in line with international human rights norms and standards.
More research and analysis to identify trends and dynamics is also sorely needed, including into the nexus of terrorism and transnational organized crime.
UNODC, which produces flagship global research on drugs, human trafficking, homicide and other crimes, stands ready to contribute its experience and expertise in this regard.
I will stop here, and conclude by saying that I look forward to your guidance.
UNODC is always striving to provide requesting States with tailored and effective support, and do all that we can protect our societies from terrorism threats. Thank you.