OEA - CICTE - Resolución CICTE RP doc 6

FIRST PREPARATORY MEETING FOR THE OEA/Ser.L/X.2.26

TWENTY-SIXTH REGULAR SESSION CICTE/RP/doc.6/26

March 13, 2026 6 March 2026 Washington, D.C. Original: Spanish

CONCEPT NOTE

TWENTY-SIXTH REGULAR SESSION OF CICTE

(Presented by the Chair) Theme: Preventing the Financing of Terrorism and the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorist financing is an essential enabling element for terrorists to operate. Without funds, they would be unable to acquire weapons, equipment, supplies, or services. Such funds can come from both licit and illicit sources and are often raised through multiple small donations rather than large sums of money. This particular characteristic of terrorist financing makes the detection of such operations difficult. Terrorist groups use various methods to raise and move resources. These include the misuse of legitimate businesses, exploitation of natural resources, abuse of non-profit organizations and crowdfunding campaigns. In some cases, they also maintain links with organized crime networks and are involved in activities such as drug or arms trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, or kidnapping for ransom. In addition, the use of the Internet and emerging financial technologies, including virtual assets, has expanded the ways in which these groups can raise and transfer funds. The financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is addressed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004). That resolution establishes the obligation for member states to adopt measures to prevent non-state actors from financing, acquiring, or using WMD. It also urges states to establish and maintain appropriate controls over the provision of funds and services related to the export and transshipment of materials that could contribute to the proliferation of such weapons, including controls on dual-use goods. The financing of terrorism and of proliferation constitutes a global threat that affects the security of states and the stability of financial systems. For that reason, stopping the flow of funds to actors linked to these activities remains a priority for the international community. In response to these challenges, the international community has adopted, within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force

security of states and the stability of financial systems. For that reason, stopping the flow of funds to actors linked to these activities remains a priority for the international community. In response to these challenges, the international community has adopted, within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), relevant legal instruments, including Security Council resolutions, that address different aspects of these phenomena. However, the effective implementation of those legal tools and compliance with international standards continue to represent a challenge for states globally,- 2particularly as the methods employed for the financing of terrorism and proliferation are constantly evolving with the development of new technologies and financial opportunities. In the region, phenomena such as transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, smuggling, and other transnational crimes can generate fertile conditions for the financing of terrorism and of proliferation. Similarly, the use of new technologies, including virtual assets and digital payment systems, poses additional challenges with respect to identifying the true identity of the individuals behind these transactions and their traceability. In the face of these threats, states must strengthen their legal and operational frameworks to prevent and combat the financing of terrorism and of proliferation. Cooperation among national authorities, financial intelligence units, and other international agencies is key, as is the timely exchange of information. Likewise, measures such as freezing the assets of individuals or entities linked to terrorism, its financing, and proliferation can be effective tools for interrupting these financial flows. Guiding questions for member state delegations What are the main vulnerabilities and threats identified in the National Risk Assessments on terrorist financing (TF) and proliferation financing (PF)? What are the main challenges your country faces in the effective implementation of United Nations treaties, conventions, and Security Council resolutions related to TF and PF? What challenges does your country face in implementing the FATF standards, particularly Recommendations 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8? How could CICTE better support member states in preventing the financing of terrorism and of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction? What coordination or cooperation mechanisms, whether operational or judicial, could be strengthened or created with the support of CICTE?