On 16 and 19 September, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) organized technical sessions on the “Threats posed by misuse of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) by terrorists”.
The technical sessions addressed the evolving threat by the global misuse of UAS, in particular by terrorists, the developments in UAS deployment and use for law enforcement and border security purposes, and the developing multidimensional responses to threats posed by misuse of UAS and enhancing States capabilities to reliably and sustainably prevent terrorists and other nefarious actors from acquiring and use of UAS and its components.
These technical sessions aimed to identify challenges and good practices to address the threat that the terrorist use of UAS represents and the opportunities and next steps that UAS technology offers to Member States and the international community.
During the technical sessions, expert presentations were delivered by Member States, international organizations, research institutes, civil society and private sector actors. The discussions held during these technical meetings will inform the relevant session of the special meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee on countering the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, to be held in India, from 28 to 30 October.
Global concern at the risks and threats posed by the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for terrorist purposes has grown rapidly in recent years. Events such as the disruptions of flights due to UAS activity clearly demonstrate the potential threat that terrorist use of weaponized UAS could pose, as well as the need to adopt legislation to regulate their use, keep pace with technological developments in this area, and develop detection mechanisms. UAS also offer new opportunities for law enforcement and border management (e.g., as part of rapid-response operations or to secure an area during major public events). Consideration must be given to ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights in this context and implementing gender sensitive approaches.
In its resolution 2370 (2017), the Security Council strongly condemns the continued flow of weapons, including small arms and light weapons (SALW), military equipment, UAS and their components, and improvised explosive device (IED) components to and between ISIL, Al-Qaida, their affiliates, and associated groups, illegal armed groups and criminals, and encourages States to prevent and disrupt their procurement networks for such weapons, systems and components.
Most recently, in its resolution 2617 (2021), the Council notes with concern the increasing global misuse of UAS by terrorists to conduct attacks against, and incursions into, restricted commercial and government infrastructure and public places, acknowledging the need to balance fostering innovation and preventing misuse of UAS as its applications expand.
The Council also encourages CTED to raise awareness of the threats by posed by terrorist use of UAS to launch attacks or to traffic drugs and arms, and the need for Member States to address these threats. The threat of terrorist use of UAS also requires States to enhance measures to counter terrorist targeting of critical infrastructures and vulnerable and “soft targets”.
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