2001: UN Security Council adopted resolution 1372 which obliges all states to criminalize assistance for terrorist activities and deny financial support
A 25 member COUNTER TERRORISM COMMITTEE (CTC) was established to monitor implementation of the resolution
2004: UN Security Council adopted resolution 1535, creating a Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) - provide CTC with expert advice - facilitate technical assistance to Member States
2005: World Summit adopted resolution 1624
2006: The Global Counter Terrorism Strategy was created
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
Terrorism Prevention Branch:
Assisting States in implementing and ratifying international conventions and protocols relating to terrorism
Strengthening international cooperation mechanisms related to terrorism
Provide Member States with technical assistance to strengthen international cooperation in preventing and combating terrorism
Organise expert workshops in counter terrorism issues
2005 WORLD SUMMIT
Five pillars:
aim at dissuading people from resorting to terrorism or supporting it
One of the United Nations’ significant activities is to counter terrorism on a global level. The UN is currently striving to cooperate constructively and effectively in the global struggle against terrorism in order to fulfil its mandate to maintain international peace and security. According to the Security Council, terrorism is one of the most serious threats to international peace. Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations states the right to take action when peace is threatened. In September 2001, the Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, adopted Resolution 1373 as a response to the September 11. terrorist attack in New York. This resolution obliges UN Member States to implement more effective counter-terrorism measures and to strengthen international cooperation in fighting terrorism. A Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) was established in order to monitor member States’ implementation of the UN resolution. Also, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has a Terrorism Prevention Branch which is assisting member States in implementing and ratifying international conventions to counter terrorism.
In the UN document ‘In Larger Freedom’ of 2005, Kofi A. Annan wrote about UN strategies to prevent transnational terrorism. This is linked to the principle of ‘Freedom from Fear’ as part of the ‘Larger Freedom’, and talks about people's right to security and development. ‘In Larger Freedom’ outlines a strategy to counter terrorism which builds on five principles: “dissuading people from resorting to terrorism or supporting it”, denying “terrorists access to funds and materials”, deterring “States from sponsoring terrorism”, developing “State capacity to defeat terrorism” and “defending human rights”. In September 2006 the UN General Assembly adopted a global counter terrorism strategy, which builds on these principles. The strategy also aims to strengthen the role of the UN in combating terrorism. ‘In Lager Freedom’ and the 2005 World Summit Outcome Resolution are stressing that counter terrorism efforts must always be compatible with International human rights Laws.
When countering terrorism the UN has strength in its international legitimacy. Another strength of the UN in countering terrorism is its expertise in promoting conditions that can discourage terrorism, such as democratization, development, human rights and political openness. It can also restrict resources used for terrorism, including controlling terrorist financing. The UN can also influence Governments defeating terrorism and control and ensure that International Law is being followed. The protection of human rights and strengthening of democracy might have a positive effect in terms of reducing terrorism. Currently the UN has a big challenge in supporting a peace process in the Middle East as well as the self- rule and reconstruction of Iraq.
However, some of the UN member States that have enacted counter- terrorism legislation are lacking in financial, technical and human resources needed in order to implement the laws. Some countries do not have the capacity to comply with UN treaties and resolutions. It is a challenge for the UN to help these countries with resources, technology and training in order to upgrade their counter terror efforts. Another challenge that the UN faces in fulfilling its mandate in relation to this activity is that global terrorists are non- state actors, and thus more difficult to target and to combat. Global terrorist networks spread across many States, and thus require close cooperation between the UN member States.
The UN’s efforts in promoting social progress and peaceful conflict resolutions, protecting human rights and developing respect for International Law, needs to address global terrorism which is a threat to these principles. Protecting human rights and basic civil liberties is crucial when countering terrorism. There is a threat that increased surveillance, law enforcement as well as stricter border control and regulations of finances will encroach individual and social rights and liberties. The fight against terrorism has potential negative consequences in terms of civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. It can also affect fundamental freedoms, such as freedom from discrimination, freedom of association and expression, freedom from arbitrary detention, and freedom from torture. (Universal Declaration of Human Rights) The UN has an important and challenging job in ensuring that these rights and freedoms are not violated. This is essential for the UN in fulfilling its mandate.
The UN is promoting tolerance and dialogue and encouraging open political participation. The UN agencies and international institutions are encouraged to promote these values to local communities. A focus on increased economic and political participation and on promoting principles of equality and justice is important. Also, seeking to understand the deep, underlying reasons behind terrorism, in order to find the best solutions to defeat it and prevent it in the future, is essential.
