For information only - not an official document
UNIS/CP/647
2 May 2011
"Still Much Work to be Done in Countering Terrorism": United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Executive Director
VIENNA, 2 May (UN Information Service) - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Yury Fedotov today reconfirmed his Office's commitment in assisting Member States in their counter-terrorism efforts.
Speaking after the 1 May death of Osama Bin Laden, Mr. Fedotov noted that despite this important development there remains significant work in addressing terrorism including tackling conditions that lead to or facilitate terrorism and building the legal basis needed to work against this threat to human security in a humane and effective manner.
Echoing the words of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who referred to the Al Qaeda leader's death as a "watershed moment" and noted that "the crimes of Al Qaeda touched most continents, bringing tragedy and loss of life to thousands of men, women and children", Mr. Fedotov spoke of the unnecessary and regrettable loss of lives around the world caused by the crimes of the terrorist group.
"Terrorism has affected thousands of people globally, causing pain and suffering to the families of victims worldwide. Terrorist attacks and other acts of terrorism have no justification and are unacceptable," said Mr. Fedotov.
As an integral pillar in the fight against terrorism, UNODC works around the globe in strengthening national legal systems and facilitating capacity-building to fight terrorism. Working with Member States to ratify and implement the international legal instruments against terrorism, UNODC aims to assist in strengthening the capacity of the national criminal justice systems to apply the provisions of these instruments in compliance with the principles of rule of law.
"The struggle against terrorism is an ongoing one," said Mr. Fedotov, "and it is something which requires us to step-up our efforts in combating this crime. With this latest news, I call on the international community to use this opportunity to enhance partnerships and work together at an accelerated pace."
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For more information please contact:
Advocacy Section, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-5575
