Linkage of Counter terrorism and COVID-19.
“Our fight against the pandemic should not hinder our fight against terrorism, we should not let the pandemic create conducive terrorism to regain power to regroup and to grow” The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno L.P. Marsudi.
Linkages between terrorism and organized crime are a growing threat facing the international community. There are increasing concerns that terrorists can benefit from organized crime, whether domestic or transnational, through, among other activities, trafficking in arms, persons, drugs, artifacts and cultural property; illicit trade in natural resources and wildlife; the abuse of legitimate commercial enterprises, non-profit organizations, donations and crowdfunding; and proceeds from criminal activity, including, but not limited to, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and bank robbery, as well as transnational organized crime at sea.
While the degree of the threat varies by region, the transnational nature and complex interlinkages between terrorism and organized crime underpin the importance of international cooperation and coordinated responses at multiple levels.
Furthermore, as national authorities have diverted attention and resources towards addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, new challenges have emerged. These include limitations of the law enforcement apparatus to conduct operations, as well as implications for border security, as transit patterns shift towards irregular routes owing to air travel restrictions.
The open debate provided an opportunity for Member States and observer States to discuss continued challenges, especially in the light of the shifting dynamics as a result of COVID-19; highlighted lessons learned and good practices for addressing the linkages between terrorism and organized crime; and identified areas for further joint action, including through the support of the United Nations system entities working on these issues.
