UN: threats to global security increasing

Threats to international peace and security from illicit cross-border trafficking in drugs, weapons, terrorists and people have increased as the world has become more interconnected, the UN Security Council said. The council said last night that in today's globalized society, "organized criminal groups and networks, better equipped with new information and communications technologies, are becoming diversified and connected in their illicit operations." In some cases, it said, this may aggravate threats to international security, including armed conflicts, terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and small arms, organized crime, piracy, the drug trade and human trafficking. The presidential statement, approved by all 15 council members, was read at an open council meeting by US Ambassador Susan Rice, the current council president. "In our interconnected world, our system of collective security is only as strong as the weakest links in the chain," Rice said. "One of those weak links today is the poorly secured borders that are exploited for the illicit transfer of arms and drugs; of materials for nuclear, chemical and biological weapons; of terrorists and their funds; of conflict minerals; and even of human beings _ a modern day form of slavery." The Security Council asked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to submit a report in six months with a comprehensive survey and assessment of the UN's work in countering illicit trafficking across borders. The UN Chief said stressed the need for effective strategies to help States monitor, control and secure their borders against the illicit flows of materials and goods, as well as people, highlighting how the United Nations is playing a crucial role in this area. "Preventing illicit flows is beneficial to countries, communities and individuals. It is important for security, development and human rights," Ban told the Security Council as it met to discuss improving UN capacity to assist States to counter illicit flows. He noted that, across the globe, insecure borders enable the trafficking of drugs, weapons, contraband, terrorist funding, materials related to weapons of mass destruction, conflict minerals, wildlife and people. "Countering them means action on many fronts," said Ban. "Strengthening border security is crucial." Member States are obliged under international law to secure their borders against illicit flows, he noted. However, "fragile and vulnerable" countries – some of them devastated by war, others struggling to transform themselves – often lack the capacity to overcome the conditions that allow these crimes to flourish. "The United Nations is thus hard at work helping many States to build that capacity," he stated. In Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Project AIRCOP is designed to strengthen controls at international airports. The sea equivalent is the Global Container Control Program. "We also need to give priority to establishing public institutions that deliver a sustained level of security and justice for citizens," he noted. "Border security can never come at the expense of migrants’ rights. Nor can it be used to legitimize inhumane treatment." The Secretary General also highlighted the need for regional cooperation to address both illicit flows and human trafficking, as well as ratifying and implementing relevant legal tools such as the UN treaties dealing with transnational organized crime and with corruption. Counter-terrorism strategies are also crucial since illicit flows are directly linked to terrorism, he added.