The UN warns that the threat of the Islamic State is “high” and that it “increases in conflict zones”

The agency highlights that the trend “is particularly worrying in central and southern Africa, as well as in the Sahel”

10 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The United Nations has warned that the threat posed by the Islamic State jihadist group remains “high” and has pointed out that, in fact, “it is increasing in conflict zones”, especially in Africa.

The Deputy Secretary General of the UN Vladimir Voronkov has presented the last report of the organization before the Security Council and has stressed that “despite the loss of leaders and income, which decreases its cash reserve, the threat of the Islamic State to peace and international security remains high.”

Thus, he explained that this threat “has increased in conflict zones where the group and its branches are active”, a trend “particularly worrying in central and southern Africa, as well as in the Sahel”, before stressing that “It is important to remember the impact that this terrorist organization has on human life, livelihoods and peace.”

“The reports of the Secretary General (of the UN, António Guterres) have adequately recorded this unfortunate trend, which should lead us all to rethink and review our efforts to deal with the group, especially those that are disproportionately dependent on the use of force,” he said.

Voronkov stressed that “previous reports showed concern about the increased risk of attacks in non-conflict areas by ‘lone wolves’ and small Islamic State-inspired cells during the easing of restrictions due to the (coronavirus) pandemic. )”.

“Although this has not materialized during the reporting period, the level of terrorist activity continues to be a matter of concern for member states,” he said, while stressing that the group “continues to use the Internet, social networks, video games and gaming platforms to extend the reach of their propaganda to radicalize and recruit new followers.

In this sense, he stressed that “the use by the Islamic State of new and emerging technologies continues to be a great cause for concern” and added that the jihadists “continue to use drones for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, as well as tools virtual to get funds.

On the other hand, he has lamented the “harsh situation” of people residing in camps for displaced persons and detention centers in northeastern Syria, managed by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and has warned of “the humanitarian, legal and of security” derived from the ‘status quo’ in these places.

“The pace of repatriations remains too slow and children continue to shoulder the burden of this catastrophe. At the same time, the challenge from foreign terrorists and their families is not limited to Iraq and Syria, as it is a global challenge,” Voronkov has stated.

“Not only do foreign terrorists move between different conflict scenarios, but there are problems arising from their return, ranging from accountability and legal proceedings against them to managing their families and rehabilitation and reintegration efforts. “, has explained.

For all these reasons, he has advocated “multidimensional measures that go beyond security-focused responses” and “greater complementarity between security responses and preventive measures.”

“The UN will continue to work with member states to ensure effective, integrated and balanced application,” said Voronkov, who also called for “multidimensional positions to be gender-sensitive and firmly anchored in International Law.”

In this way, he has emphasized that “no anti-terrorist measure can be successful if it does not adhere to the Rule of Law and respects International Law”, while recalling that it is equally key to “avoid conflicts” to prevent them from entering be exploited by terrorists.

“While terrorists exploit conflict dynamics, peace efforts are often undermined and complicated by terrorism. Better understanding the complex relationship between conflict and terrorism is a necessary step in crafting effective responses to these recurring challenges,” he said. .

Finally, Voronkov has reiterated that “the threat posed by the Islamic State is a symptom of the convergence of risks and threats” and has argued that “in order to face this threat, multilateral, collective and decisive efforts will be necessary”.