December 16, 2015
The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2253, aimed at cutting off funding to ISIL and other terrorist groups.
New York City, United States | United Nations
On December 16, 2015, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution 2253, a significant measure aimed at disrupting the financial networks of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and other terrorist organizations. This resolution marked a pivotal step in the international community’s efforts to combat terrorism by targeting its financial underpinnings.
The rise of ISIL had become a major global security concern by 2015. The group had seized large territories in Iraq and Syria, establishing a self-declared caliphate. ISIL’s operations were heavily funded through various means, including oil smuggling, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and external donations. The international community recognized that cutting off these financial streams was crucial to weakening ISIL’s operational capabilities.
Resolution 2253 expanded upon previous measures targeting Al-Qaeda and its affiliates by specifically addressing ISIL. Key elements of the resolution included:
Asset Freezing: Member states were required to freeze without delay the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of individuals and entities associated with ISIL, Al-Qaeda, and other related groups.
Travel Bans and Arms Embargoes: The resolution reinforced travel bans and arms embargoes against individuals and entities linked to these terrorist organizations.
Enhanced International Cooperation: It called for increased international cooperation and information sharing among member states to identify and disrupt financial networks supporting ISIL and similar groups.
Monitoring and Reporting: The resolution established a monitoring team to assist the UNSC in overseeing the implementation of these measures and to report on their effectiveness.
Resolution 2253 was a critical component of the global strategy to combat terrorism by focusing on financial disruption. It underscored the importance of international collaboration in addressing the complex and transnational nature of terrorist financing. The resolution also highlighted the evolving tactics of terrorist organizations and the need for adaptive and comprehensive responses.
The adoption of Resolution 2253 demonstrated the UNSC’s unified stance against terrorism and its commitment to cutting off the financial lifelines of terrorist groups. While challenges remained in fully implementing and enforcing these measures, the resolution laid the groundwork for subsequent international efforts to combat terrorist financing.
Overall, Resolution 2253 was a testament to the international community’s resolve to address the threat posed by ISIL and similar entities, emphasizing the critical role of financial measures in the broader counter-terrorism strategy.
Source: www.un.org