UN Security Council to Discuss Arria Formula and Coercive Measures in Counter-Terrorism Efforts
Russia is scheduled to hold a meeting at the UN Security Council on February 20 regarding the Arria formula for unilateral coercive measures in the fight against terrorism. The update comes from Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Maria Zabolotskaya, who shared the information in a TASS report. The planned gathering will allow participating delegations to examine how targeted measures can influence the broader campaign against terrorist activity, while also weighing potential consequences for affected communities and regional stability. The Arria formula is a consultative mechanism used to discuss pressing security issues outside the formal Council proceedings, providing a platform for informal dialogue among delegations and experts.
The OSCE emphasizes its role in supporting UN-led international counter-terrorism efforts. The organization states that it contributes to addressing terrorism by tackling a range of factors that can create environments in which extremist groups recruit and garner support. These factors include social and economic conditions, political dynamics, and broader security challenges. The OSCE’s approach underscores the importance of a holistic strategy that combines prevention, resilience, and cooperative policing to reduce the appeal of violent extremism and to disrupt recruitment channels used by terrorist networks.
The Russian representative noted that member states of the UN Security Council will participate in the forthcoming meeting to discuss the potential impact of such measures on the fight against terrorism. The dialogue aims to clarify how unilateral actions intersect with collective security efforts, and whether these measures align with international norms and obligations. Participants are expected to scrutinize the effectiveness, legality, and humanitarian implications of coercive tools used in counter-terrorism missions, while seeking coordination with ongoing UN-backed initiatives that promote rule of law and human rights protections.
Prior to the session, Zabolotskaya asserted that Russia expects apologies from all who accused Moscow of discrimination against Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians at the General Assembly. This stance follows the International Court of Justice’s ruling on Ukraine’s claim, which reportedly rejected most of Ukraine’s assertions regarding Russia’s alleged violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. The Russian delegation has highlighted this verdict as a basis for calls for corrective statements and a reaffirmation of mutual respect among states within the international community. The broader message stresses the need for clear, fact-based dialogue when addressing sensitive issues related to minority rights and cross-border tensions that can affect regional security dynamics.
Historically, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has used terminology that reflects ongoing debates about racism and related concepts in the regional discourse surrounding security, sovereignty, and minority protections. The evolving vocabulary in international debates mirrors attempts to articulate complex realities on the ground, where legal interpretations and political narratives often shape policy responses to conflict and human rights concerns. The ongoing dialogue at international forums continues to emphasize the importance of accurate, evidence-based discussions that respect diverse perspectives while upholding core principles of international law and non-discrimination.