Security Council Press Statement on Al-Shabaab Attack in Garissa, Kenya

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Dina Kawar (Jordan):

The members of the Security Council are outraged by the terrorist attack perpetrated by Al-Shabaab in Garissa, Kenya.  They condemned the attack in the strongest terms.  The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and Government of the Republic of Kenya.  They also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack.

The members of the Security Council paid tribute to Kenya’s role in the fight against terrorism.  They paid particular tribute to Kenya’s role in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in the struggle against Al-Shabaab.

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 and whenever, and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with their 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 the Kenyan authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law.

The members of the Security Council underscored their solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Kenya at this difficult time.