UNSC resolution on the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and Al-Nusrah Front

Australia was pleased to co-sponsor a United Nations Security Council resolution, which condemns all acts of terrorism committed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Al-Nusrah Front (ANF).

These groups are major and lethal threats to the people of Iraq and Syria, to stability and security in the Middle East region and beyond.

The unanimous adoption of the resolution on 16 August makes clear that the international community will not tolerate the brutal, savage acts of ISIL and ANF, which includes: the indiscriminate targeting of civilians; mass executions and extrajudicial killings; sexual violence; the killing and maiming of children; the violent persecution of ethnic and religious minorities; and the forced displacement of millions of civilians.

The resolution designates six additional individuals associated with ISIL and ANF under the UN Al-Qaida sanctions regime, who are now subject to targeted financial sanctions and travel bans. These designations have immediate effect under Australian law.

This resolution requires United Nations member states to take steps to prevent terrorist financing and recruitment, and to hold individual members of ISIL and ANF accountable for their terrorist acts. The resolution also demands that all foreign terrorist fighters associated with ISIL and other terrorist groups withdraw immediately and contemplates further targeted sanctions against those recruiting for or participating in their activities.

Australia, as Chair of the UNSC Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, will continue to highlight the critical importance of sanctions in the international fight against terrorist groups such as ISIL and ANF.

Australia will also continue to work with our international partners to address the appalling humanitarian consequences of the violence caused by ISIL and ANF.