Director General/Executive Director
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon, and my thanks to the organizers for their initiative in holding this highly topical discussion on the margins of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review and the high-level conference.
We face a clear threat to international peace and security from terrorists using the Internet and social media, as well as encryption methods and other tech, to motivate and encourage attacks; exchange operational data; disseminate instructional materials; carry out financial transactions; spread violent extremist ideology; and recruit new fighters.
The availability of cybercrime tools and services offer a dangerous avenue for terrorists to threaten essential services and critical infrastructure.
Yet another challenge is the unregulated online sale of dual-use devices such as drones.
Countries must also deal with the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters who are returning from Syria and Iraq.
Some of these returnees may be highly engaged, and can skillfully exploit social media, encryption technology and the dark web to communicate with each other and facilitate attacks.
In response, UNODC is providing comprehensive support to address the multiple challenges posed by terrorist use of the Internet and cybercrime.
Our assistance draws on the synergies between our terrorism and crime mandates, and is in line with the global strategy and General Assembly resolutions calling on UNODC to continue developing its support to Member States in these areas.
UNODC's targeted training covers both legal and practical aspects of investigating and prosecuting cases, use of digital forensic equipment, preservation and recovery of digital evidence, and more.
Projects include training on special investigative techniques in Egypt and Jordan, workshops on open-source criminal intelligence-related Internet investigations for Iraq and Jordan, regional capacity building for the Middle East and North Africa and an initiative to strengthen cooperation between practitioners from the Sahel and North Africa.
Obtaining digital evidence is a particular challenge. UNODC, together with CTED and the International Association of Prosecutors, has launched a project bringing together national focal points on prosecution, mutual legal assistance and extradition, as well as communication service providers, to prepare guidelines and procedures.
These will encompass collection, preservation, request and provision of digital evidence for investigations and prosecutions in terrorism-related cases.
In the context of the new General Data Protection Regulation, the need for this project has never been stronger.
We are reinforcing these efforts with our broader support to implement international counter-terrorism instruments through criminal justice responses founded on core principles of the rule of law, due process and human rights.
UNODC has also taken the lead in providing law enforcement capacity building to countries to combat cybercrime, with a special focus on developing countries.
Our training covers online overt and covert investigation, prosecution and adjudication, and cryptocurrency tracing, including to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing.
We are also helping to strengthen international cooperation and partnerships with civil society and business.
I particularly welcome the fact that this event has a panel on the role of the private sector.
UNODC recognizes and actively promotes cooperation with business as an indispensable partner in effectively responding to cybercrime and terrorist use of the Internet.
We must keep in mind that while advanced technologies can be exploited for nefarious purposes, tech is also an essential part of any solution.
This event is a timely opportunity to advance our efforts, explore opportunities and further network our strengths to counter terrorist threats in the digital age.
I look forward to the results of this discussion. Thank you.