In a Security Council meeting chaired by President Obama of the United States of America on 24 September 2014, with many speakers represented at the exceptional level of Heads of State and Government, the 缅北禁地body adopted a resolution to address the growing issue of foreign terrorist fighters. Executive Director of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, Assistant Secretary-General Jean-Paul Laborde, welcomed the resolution.
“I am pleased with the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2178 today. The fact that the resolution was not only adopted by all 15 Members of the Council, but co-sponsored by 104 Member States, is a testimony to the resolve of the international community to combat terrorism and address the threat of foreign terrorist fighters.”
The resolution decided that Member States shall “prevent and suppress the recruiting, organizing, transporting or equipping of individuals who travel to a State other than their State of residence or nationality for the purpose of the perpetration, planning or preparation of, or participation in, terrorist acts or the providing or receiving of terrorist training, and the financing of their travel and of their activities.”
It underscored “the particular and urgent need to implement this resolution with respect to those foreign terrorist fighters who are associated with ISIL [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant], ANF [Al-Nusrah Front] and other cells, affiliates, splinter groups or derivatives of Al-Qaida.”
Among other provisions in the resolution, the text urged Member States to intensify and accelerate the exchange of operational information regarding actions or movements of terrorists or terrorist networks, including foreign terrorist fighters. The resolution was adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, which means that it is legally binding for all 193 Member States.
“First of all, the resolution reaffirms the United Nations’ role in setting international norms. Second, it triggers international cooperation in this area. And third, the resolution should help to foster the exchange of best practices in countering the threat of foreign terrorist fighters,” Executive Director Laborde summarized the importance of the resolution.