under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1267 and 1373
11 December 2025, Skopje, North Macedonia – The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1267 established a global sanctions regime against individuals and entities linked to ISIL, Al-Qaida, and affiliated groups. UNSCR 1373 broadened these obligations, requiring States to criminalize terrorism financing, strengthen border controls, enhance international cooperation, and freeze assets of those involved in terrorist activities – even if not listed under the 1267 regime. Effective implementation of these measures is critical to disrupting terrorist networks and safeguarding financial systems. In December 2025, UNODC delivered a high-level awareness-raising event on UNSCRs 1267 and 1373, two cornerstone instruments in the global fight against terrorism and terrorist financing, as part of its ongoing support to national authorities in strengthening the implementation of targeted financial sanctions.
This was the first dedicated event in North Macedonia focused exclusively on implementing UN targeted financial sanctions. 38 participants from a wide range of institutions, including banks, money transfer operators, insurance companies, supervisory bodies, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Central Bank, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Agency for National Security, and other competent authorities gained practical knowledge on sanctions compliance.
The event improved understanding of international obligations to impose asset freezes pursuant to UNSCR 1267 and 1373 and their integration into AML/CFT standards. It also increased awareness among AML/CFT competent authorities on how the two resolutions can be used as a disruption tool against terrorists and terrorist networks and provided reporting entities and Designated Non-Financial Businesses or Professions (DNFBPs) with the knowledge and skills to freeze funds or other assets without delay, strengthening the country’s ability to act swiftly against designated individuals and entities.
Participants also explored practical communication strategies for timely updates on designations pursuant to UNSCR 1267 or 1373 and identified priority areas for technical assistance to reinforce compliance. The initiative also laid the ground for an asset-freezing drill, with the objective of testing readiness and effectiveness of asset-freezing measures under UNSCR 1267 and 1373, and to verify whether reporting entities can promptly freeze funds or other assets belonging to designated individuals and entities, ensuring that national systems are fully prepared to implement these critical obligations.The event was made possible through financial contribution from Norway, whose contribution was instrumental in delivering this impactful activity. This concrete initiative underscores UNODC Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe’s commitment to supporting Member States in safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system and strengthening collective security.
This concrete initiative underscores UNODC’s commitment to supporting Member States in safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system and strengthening collective security.