On Tuesday, 3 December 2024, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) held a hybrid technical session at United Nations Headquarters in New York to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Security Council Resolution 2178 (2014). The session brought together UN experts, civil society and Member State representatives to discuss progress made in addressing Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs), persistent challenges, and strategies for future collaboration.
The technical session began with an overview on the financing of FTF activities. CTED’s Coordinator for Countering the Financing of Terrorism, Svetlana Martynova, presented insights from the newly released report, Evolving Trends in the Financing of Foreign Terrorist Fighters’ Activity: 2014 – 2024. Ms. Martynova highlighted the increased reliance on cryptocurrencies and encrypted payment platforms to obscure financial flows, as well as the use of crowdfunding methods to generate funds under seemingly legitimate campaigns. Ms. Martynova also emphasized the critical need for a detailed and granular understanding of the evolving dimensions of the threat to effectively disrupt financing networks.
The presentation also focused on progress in harmonizing global standards to criminalize terrorist financing, such as the expanded adoption of Financial Action Task Force recommendations by Member States and the establishment of financial intelligence units to strengthen detection and reporting mechanisms. Michael Fowler, Head of the Financial Action Task Force’s Risk and Data Unit, noted, however, that the cross-border nature of financial flows and legislative inconsistencies across regions remain significant barriers to effective enforcement. Mr. Fowler called for timely and consistent international cooperation to address these challenges.
Panelists also spoke about issues, trends, and developments in FTF movements. Nina Marais from the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team detailed how recruitment patterns have adapted to shifting geopolitical realities, with Africa and Asia emerging as critical hotspots. Ms. Marais also highlighted the increasing operational roles played by women in logistical and financial support, underscoring the need for comprehensive approaches to counter these evolving threats.
The discussions also addressed the challenges of managing returning FTFs and their families. Jelena Jolic, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe’s Counter-Terrorism Division, emphasized that stigma, particularly toward women and children, poses significant barriers to reintegration and risks perpetuating cycles of radicalization.
Additionally, the session outlined how terrorist organizations have leveraged new technologies, including generative artificial intelligence, to amplify their reach. Adam Hadley, Executive Director of Tech Against Terrorism, explained how autonomous platforms have been exploited to spread propaganda and facilitate coordination, calling for enhanced collaboration between governments and technology companies to adapt to these evolving contexts.
During the second segment, panelists spoke about Member State responses in prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts, Iman Sayed Taha, Policy Specialist at UN Women, stressed the importance of gender-sensitive approaches that account for the unique vulnerabilities of women and children associated with FTFs. Ms. Taha provided examples of successful reintegration programs that balance accountability with psychological and social support, such as the one undertaken in Iraq that combines vocational training with counseling for women returnees to aid their reintegration into communities, or an initiative in Central Asia offering educational support to children of returnees to prevent intergenerational radicalization.
Furthermore, panelists shared insights into regional initiatives designed to address stigma and foster community acceptance of returnees. Maya Ragab, Program Coordinator for Preventing Radicalization and Extremism Leading to Terrorism at the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, highlighted efforts in North Africa to engage local leaders in fostering dialogue and trust, as well as programs that involve returnees in community service projects to rebuild relationships and promote inclusion. Ms. Ragab’s reflections reinforced the need for holistic strategies that integrate local perspectives with international support.
Panelists also emphasized that the convergence of diverse financing methods requires comprehensive counter-financing of terrorism responses, highlighting the need for greater effectiveness in disrupting and prosecuting FTF financing networks. The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism highlighted the importance of effective evidence collection and cross-border collaboration, stressing that regional cooperation is indispensable in addressing the transnational nature of FTF-related challenges.
The exchanges demonstrated the critical importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in tackling complex issues such as reintegration, digital radicalization, and regional security. CTED reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Member States in addressing the evolving dimensions of the FTF threat and promoting innovative, rights-based strategies to enhance global security.
https://www.un.org