Following the terror attack in Paris and threats to bomb the US, World leaders have unanimously agreed to fight ISIS which is now being described as ‘a global & unprecedented threat to international peace and security’. The UN Security Council met yesterday and called on countries to take ‘all necessary measures’ to fight ISIS in Syria and Iraq, in the wake of the attacks in France, Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon and the downing of a Russian passenger plane over Egypt.
The resolution, drafted by France, states that the UN is determined ‘to combat by all means this unprecedented threat’, citing ISIS’ ‘systematic and widespread attacks’ on civilians as reasons for action.
It also cites religious and ethnic persecution by ISIS, destruction of cultural heritage sites and recruiting foreign fighters. The measure is the 14th terrorism-related resolution adopted by the UN’s most powerful body since 1999.
Agreements are often hard to find in the Security Council, where permanent members the United States, Russia, China, the UK and France can all veto resolutions.