Counter-Terrorism Committee holds second informal meeting on counter-terrorism technical assistance needs for Iraq

BMUSONI — Wed, 31 May 2017 16:13:00 +0000

On 31 May 2017, the Counter-Terrorism Committee held a second informal meeting on the counter-terrorism-related technical assistance needs of the Republic of Iraq. The aim of the meeting was to follow-up with implementing partners and Iraqi officials on progress achieved since the first informal, held in March 2016, which focused on the 16 priority technical assistance needs identified during the Executive Directorate’s (CTED) visit to Iraq on behalf of the Committee.

The meeting gathered Members of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, representatives of Iraq and over a dozen other Member States, as well as UN entities and international and regional organizations, including the 1267 Committee Monitoring Team, ICAO, UNMAS, UNODC, UN Women, the IMF, the World Bank, the European Union, NATO, and the Global Center on Cooperative Security.

Chairman of the Committee, H.E. Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, highlighted the importance of cooperation in order to achieve tangible results and to counter terrorism in all its forms. “The presence of Da’esh, Al-Qaida, and other terrorist groups continues to test the limits of Iraq’s resources, as the authorities struggle to prevent acts of terrorism; to investigate attacks and prosecute alleged perpetrators; and cooperate with regional and international partners, particularly on matters relating to foreign terrorist fighters. The support of the international community thus remains crucial,” Ambassador Aboulatta said.

In the meeting, all implementing partners voiced their endorsement of the Counter-Terrorism Committee assessment on priority counter-terrorism related technical assistance needs for Iraq, and outlined how they are putting these to good use in the planning and implementation of their assistance.

“I wish to command Iraq for all their efforts in countering the threat posed by Dae’sh and being amongst those in the forefront in fighting this terrorist group. Indeed, Iraq has introduced a number of measures to enhance its legislative and law enforcement framework in line with the international best codes and standards on counter-terrorism. Still, much work remains to be done and Iraq needs our support, stressed the Executive Director of CTED, Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, in his closing remarks. He further noted that Da’esh has been increasingly resorting to the use of civilians as human shields: “Here, I wish once again to pay my deepest respects to Iraqi citizens who have sacrificed their lives in fighting for a free, united Iraq. Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.”

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The European Union, UNODC, and CTED partner to support Nigeria to manage individuals associated with Boko Haram

BMUSONI — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 21:58:00 +0000

nigeria_workshop2_december_2016.jpg

How can a country effectively prosecute, rehabilitate, and reintegrate former terrorists? This is a challenge for several Member States of the United Nations. In the case of Nigeria, it is most pressing with respect to persons associated with Boko Haram – be they suspects, offenders, or individuals who have surrendered. In response to a request from the Nigerian Office of the National Security Advisor, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), with funding from the European Union, held high-level and technical consultations on this theme in Abuja from 13 to 15 December 2016.

Bringing together experts from Member States that have faced similar challenges, the consultations included representatives of Algeria, Kenya, Sri Lanka, and South Africa who shared good practices and lessons learned. Also experts from international organizations participated. Nigerian officials, representing 31 entities including from the six most affected states, highlighted progress achieved and challenges remaining in implementing a criminal justice-based approach to the prosecution, rehabilitation, and reintegration of former members of Boko Haram.

As a result of these consultations, Nigeria identified the need to further clarify its goals for a successful criminal justice framework, including developing an effective prosecution strategy and robust criteria for pursuing alternative rehabilitation and reintegration approaches.

The consultations were part of an ongoing EU-Nigeria-UNODC-CTED partnership project funded by the European Union. Applying human rights-compliant criminal justice measures, the project aims to support Nigeria to bring terrorists to justice and to prevent further acts of terrorism. It focuses on strengthening the capacity of Nigerian criminal justice officials to effectively investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate terrorism cases, in accordance with the rule of law.

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Security Council - Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) - european union

Counter-Terrorism Committee holds second informal meeting on counter-terrorism technical assistance needs for Iraq

The European Union, UNODC, and CTED partner to support Nigeria to manage individuals associated with Boko Haram

nigeria_workshop2_december_2016.jpg