(Transcript from SBS World News Radio)
A binding resolution on stemming the flow of foreign fighters to Iraq and Syria has been unanimously approved in the United Nations Security Council.
The United States-drafted resolution requires all countries to adopt laws making it a serious crime for their nationals to join militant groups such as Islamic State.
Zara Zaher reports.
(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full report)
United States President Barack Obama has made a passionate plea to world leaders to unite in defeating the Islamic State.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Obama laid out his vision to destroy IS.
A US-drafted resolution binding all nations to an agreement to stop the flow of foreign fighters was adopted unanimously.
Mr Obama also appealed for more countries to join the fight against IS, labelling the group a "network of death, hate and evil."
He has emphasised that the US is not waging a war against religion.
"I have made it clear that America won't base it's entire foreign policy on reacting to terrorism. Instead we've waged a focused campaign against al-Qaeda and its associated forces - taking out their leaders, denying them the safe haven they rely on. At the same time we have reaffirmed again and again that the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. Islam teaches peace. And when it comes to America and Islam, there is no us and them, there is only us. Because millions of Muslim Americans are part of the fabric of our country."
Australia has joined a coalition of more than 50 countries, led by the US, working to combat IS.
In endorsing the US-led resolution, Prime Minister Tony Abbott told the Security Council Australia will be "unflinching" in the fight against IS at home and abroad.
Mr Abbott expressed regret that dozens of Australians have so far succumbed to the group's cause.
Mr Abbott told the Council the passports of more than 60 Australians have been suspended to stop them from joining militant groups in the Middle East.
He says security and intelligence agencies must be given the resources and legal authority to investigate, disrupt and punish those he calls terrorists, and to cut off their finances.
"A terrorist movement calling itself 'Islamic State' insults Islam and mocks the duties of a legitimate state towards its citizens. To use this term is to dignify a death cult; a death cult that, in declaring itself a caliphate, has declared war on the world. Countries do need to work together to defeat it because about 80 countries have citizens fighting with ISIL and every country is a potential target."
British Prime Minister David Cameron told the Security Council there needs to be action directed at the ideology that feeds the extremist movement.
Britain's parliament is yet to vote on joining the US-led air strikes against IS.
Prime Minister David Cameron is recalling parliament tomorrow to debate the issue.
He's told Sky News he's confident members of the House of Commons will authorise Britain to join the action against IS, also known as ISIL.
"I am convinced that ISIL is a direct threat to Britain. There is now a comprehensive strategy in place to defeat them. I have been asked by the Iraqi government for our help. And so I will be recalling the British parliament on Friday so that Britain can take part in international air strikes against ISIL in Iraq."
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has re-emphasised the importance of a unified approach to eliminating terrorism.
Addressing the Security Council, Mr Ban said international solidarity and a multifaceted approach is necessary to combat IS militants.
"Over the longer term, the biggest threat to terrorists is not the power of missiles, it is the politics of inclusion. It's peaceful societies and respect for human rights, it's education, jobs and real opportunity. It's leaders who listen to their people and uphold the rule of law. Missiles may kill terrorists, but good governance kills terrorism."
The UN meeting was held as reports emerged of the latest beheading by Islamic State-linked militants.
In a video posted online, the militants show the killing of French tourist Herve Gourdel who had been abducted in Algeria.
It follows France's rejection of the group's 24 hour ultimatum to halt air raids in Iraq - part of a United States led campaign against I S.
French President Francois Hollande has condemned the murder, saying it will only strengthen France's resolve to continue military action.
(Translated) "Our compatriot, Herve Gourdel, has been murdered by a terrorist group, cowardly, cruelly and shamefully. I think of him. He went to Algeria to pursue his passion: the mountains. He became a victim of a heinous crime whose perpetrators must be punished."
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