Concept note for the Open Debate of the Security Council on the theme “Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts" (April 14, 2016).

During the open debate, Member States are encouraged to focus on the following topics:

• Avoiding double standards in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any particular nationality, religion or civilization. All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable whenever, wherever and by whomsoever they are committed. Terrorism poses a global threat, from which no Member State is exempt. It can only be defeated through joint actions. The United Nations is the most representative and authoritative intergovernmental organization. As such, what can be done to enable the United Nations and its Security Council to continue to play their coordinating and leading roles in international counter-terrorism cooperation?

• Cutting off the sources of terrorist financing. The disruption of financing channels is a vital and effective way to degrade and defeat ISIL and other terrorist organizations. Security Council resolutions 2199 (2015) and 2253 (2015) have listed concrete measures to stop ISIL from gaining funds through such means as oil and cultural relic smuggling and kidnapping for ransom. While a decrease in ISIL’s oil income is foreseen in 2016, this will not be enough to affect its normal functioning. The international community needs more in-depth consideration of how to destroy the financing mechanisms of ISIL and other terrorist organizations; how to disrupt their financial channels; and how to crack down more effectively on their financing activities.

• Stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. The flow of foreign terrorist fighters has exacerbated regional conflicts and strengthened terrorist groups. These fighters may return home, thus increasing the threat of terrorism and the risk of terrorist attacks in their countries of origin. Member States are encouraged to consider how to formulate legal frameworks to criminalize foreign terrorist fighters; how to properly manage the security threat posed by the return of foreign terrorist fighters through more effective border controls, intelligence sharing and other measures; and how to help the countries impacted build the necessary capacity.

• Preventing terrorists from using the Internet and social media to commit terrorist acts. The Internet and social media have become frequently used platforms for terrorists to commit terrorist acts. In its resolutions 2178 (2014) and 2253 (2015), the Security Council expressed concern over terrorists using information and communication technologies such as the Internet to incite, recruit for, fund and plan terrorist acts, and underlined the need for Member States to act cooperatively to prevent such use. We would like to invite Member States to share their views on how to more effectively prevent terrorists from using the Internet and social media (including audio and video recordings) to commit terrorist acts, such as by enacting relevant laws, strengthening industry regulations and promoting counter-narratives against terrorism. Moreover, in resolution 1624 (2005), the Security Council called upon all States to adopt measures to prohibit by law incitement to commit terrorist acts and to prevent such conduct. Member States are therefore invite d to share their experiences related to national practice in combating violent and extremist ideology and to address the challenges in implementing the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and resolution 1624 (2005), including how to protect young people and women from the threat of extremism.

• Adopting a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy. Member States are encouraged to consider ways to formulate a comprehensive strategy to eliminate the breeding grounds of terrorism by promoting social and economic development, strengthening inter-civilization dialogue and by other means.