Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Peshawar, Pakistan
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Mahamat Zene Cherif (Chad):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the depraved and savage terrorist attack against children that occurred at a school in Peshawar, Pakistan, on 16 December 2014, causing the death of over 140 innocent civilians, including 132 children and countless injuries, for which Tehrik-e-Taliban has claimed responsibility. They expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous act of terrorism and to their families, and to the people and Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The members of the Security Council also wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms this targeting of schoolchildren and a school by terrorists. They reiterated their condemnation of violations and abuses committed against children by terrorists and welcomed the ongoing efforts of the people and officials of Pakistan to protect schools and schoolchildren.
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.
The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with relevant authorities in this regard.
The members of the Security Council recalled that Tehrik-e-Taliban is included on the Al-Qaida Sanctions List and is thus subject to the asset freeze and arms embargo in resolution 2161 (2014) and further recalls that any individual or entity that provides financial or material support to the group, including the provision of arms or recruits, is eligible to be added to the Al-Qaida Sanctions List and subject to sanctions measures.
The members of the Security Council commended the resolute efforts of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to counter the menace of terrorism. The members of the Security Council underscored that this or any other attack by the Tehrik-e-Taliban would only strengthen their resolve to support the people of Pakistan and fight terrorism. The Security Council will continue to support the efforts of the Pakistani authorities in their fight against terrorism and violent extremism.