Over the past year, we have seen a growing trend of terrorists targeting civil aviation. This has included attacks on airports in Brussels and Istanbul, the destruction of the Russian Metrojet aircraft over Sinai and the explosion on board a Daallo Airways flight from Mogadishu. These tragic attacks are a stark reminder of the urgent need to provide a secure aviation environment to protect the global community.
On Thursday 22 September, global leaders came together to tackle the challenge of aviation security at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The United Nations Security Council adopted its first ever resolution focused on the threat posed by terrorists to civil aviation., UNSCR 2309. The resolution demonstrates our clear and united resolve to protect all of our citizens from the escalating threat posed by terrorists to civil aviation. In its unanimous adoption of this resolution, the Security Council delivered five clear messages:
- Firstly, that the international community strongly condemns terrorist attacks against civil aviation. Such attacks pose a serious threat to international peace and security, as well as damage to economies and trading relationships.
- Secondly, that all states need to put in place effective security arrangements to safeguard aviation against terrorist attacks. This will require strong political commitment to ensure that sustainable measures are in place to deter terrorist attacks against civil aviation;.
- Thirdly, that all states need to work with and through the international regulatory body, International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to ensure that international standards keep pace with the threat.
- Fourthly, that provision for targeted capacity development, training and other technical assistance is also needed to enable all states to implement aviation security measures effectively.
- Finally, the international community needs enhanced collaboration to address the threat, risks and vulnerability including between ICAO and UN Counter Terrorism bodies.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the UK has been a leading force in the global effort to strengthen aviation security and encourages all nations to meet the international standards set out by ICAO.
More information on ICAO work on aviation security can be found at www.icao.int/Security/Pages/default.aspx