UN Extends Sanctions on ISIL and Al-Qaeda, US Emphasizes Need for SGBV Accountability

The UN Security Council voted on June 10 on a draft resolution regarding the Islamic State in Iraq and Al-Qaeda sanctions regime. The resolution passed with 14 votes in favor and none against, though Russia abstained. The resolution extends the mandates of the Sanctions Monitoring Team and the Office of the Ombudsperson, both set to expire in June, for an additional 36 months. US Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, thanked Council members and highlighted the extension's importance. She emphasized that terrorist groups use sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) as a tactic to control and fund their activities. Promoting accountability for such violence is a priority for the United States.