UN and Interpol join forces to combat transnational crime and terrorism

United Nations (UN) member states recently adopted a resolution by consensus to further strengthen collaboration between the UN and Interpol against transnational crime and terrorism.

Member states discussed issues related to counterterrorism during the 71st session of the UN General Assembly, including preventing foreign fighter terrorist travel and thwarting  transnational crime.

“The resolution marks an important step forward in our journeys,” Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock said. We move closer to supporting Interpol’s vision of a safer world – for the member countries of Interpol, and for the member states of the UN. Cooperation between the UN and Interpol in these crime areas is key to help bring about global peace and stability and achieve our common goals.”

Stock said that cooperation between the UN’s 190 member states would be critical in combating terrorism, and that dangerous gaps still remain in global screening efforts of foreign terrorist fighters. Information sharing remains too fragmented at a time when the UN needs to empower police on the front lines.

“The concern is what these fighters will do with the skills they acquired in battle and the networks which facilitated their recruitment when they leave conflict zones and return home,” Stock said.