Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attack in Bamako

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Matthew Rycroft (United Kingdom):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the horrifying terrorist attack at the Radisson hotel in Bamako, Mali, on 20 November 2015, during which at least 18 people were killed and many more injured.  The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of this attack and to the Government of Mali, as well as to all Governments whose citizens were targeted in this attack.

The members of the Security Council stressed that those responsible for the attack should be held accountable.  The members of the Security Council expressed their full support to the Malian authorities in their fight against terrorist groups and called on them to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.  The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, 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 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, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council strongly condemned any action that may undermine the peace process in Mali.