Security Council Press Statement on terrorist attack in Somalia

5 May 2014

Security Council Press Statement on terrorist attack in Somalia

New York - The members of the Security Council condemn in the strongest terms yesterday’s terrorist attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, for which Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility and has caused numerous deaths and injuries. The members of the Security Council expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. The members of the Security Council wished a swift recovery to those injured. The members of the Security Council also extended their condolences to the people and Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

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, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever and whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to combat all forms of terrorism, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Charter of the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Somali authorities in this regard.

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 emphasized that this or any other terrorist attack would not undermine their support to the people of Somalia. In that context, the members of the Security Council underlined their enduring support for the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.