Counter-Terrorism Week side event on the nexus between organized crime and terrorism in the Americas.
The growing connections between terrorism and organized crime pose a serious threat to international security and development. During this year’s Counter-Terrorism Week at the United Nations in New York, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) co-organized a side event on 21 June 2023 on “The Nexus between organized crime and terrorism in the Americas,” together with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the Organization of American States (OAS), and with the support of the Permanent Mission of Chile. The event served to share the findings of a joint OAS-UNICRI study on the , as well as insights and key takeaways pertaining to the intersection of these types of crime.
Mr. René Alfonso Ruidíaz Pérez, Deputy Permanent Representative for the Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations, in his opening remarks pointed out that although the issue had gained traction across the globe, in some parts of the Americas the nexus between the two had become more closely related and adept, also with regards to criminal activities such as drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and money laundering as means to pursue ideological goals.
In terms of ways to address this serious issue, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of CTED Ms. Natalia Gherman suggested key measures included strengthening legal and operational frameworks, enhancing broader matters of good governance, and boosting efforts against corruption and financial crimes.
The linkages between transnational organized crime and terrorism remain a concern of the Security Council, with the latter having recognized this threat in several of its resolutions. Additionally, the General Assembly has encouraged Member States and international and regional organizations to enhance knowledge of and support developmental actions to combat this nexus, including in the design and implementation of global, regional, and national counter-terrorism strategies.
A webcast recording of the event is accessible .