On 7 November 2016, the United Nations Security Council held an open debate on “peace operations facing asymmetrical threats,” which attracted some 60 participants including representatives of Member States, United Nations entities, and international and regional organizations.
Jean-Paul Laborde, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, emphasized that the close relationship linking local and regional terrorism with violent extremism and organized crime threatened international peace and security.
Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of CTED Jean-Paul Laborde.
An estimated two thirds of peacekeepers were operating in areas where terrorism and violent extremism were present, Mr. Laborde said, adding that asymmetrical threats posed risks for both peacekeepers and civilians.
Executive Director Laborde described the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and United Nations peace operations as partners within the Council, with distinct but mutually reinforcing mandates.
CTED’s mandate is to undertake independent evaluations of the counter-terrorism capacity of Member States, he explained, highlighting the close interaction between the Executive Directorate and other relevant actors. Stressing that the mandates of CTED and peace operations must be expanded into a “one UN” approach, Mr. Laborde also underscored the importance of enhancing institutional cooperation.
Executive Director Laborde called for increased coordination between United Nations entities, international and regional organizations, and bilateral assistance in order to implement recommendations and technical assistance priorities identified by the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate on the ground.