Security Council Press Statement on Terrorist Attacks by Boko Haram

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Rafael Darío Ramírez Carreño (Venezuela):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attacks on 30 January 2016 attributed to Boko Haram in Dalori village in north-eastern Nigeria, which resulted in a large number of deaths and casualties.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of those killed and injured by these heinous acts, as well as to the people and the Government of Nigeria.

The members of the Security Council commended the efforts of the region, including through the Multinational Joint Task Force, to effectively combat Boko Haram and encouraged further progress in this regard.

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.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice.  They stressed that those responsible for these terrorist attacks should be held accountable and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever, and by whomsoever committed.  They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.