Security Council - Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) - Technical Assistance

Counter-Terrorism Committee holds informal meeting on priority technical assistance needs of Afghanistan

BMUSONI — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 17:03:00 +0000

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As a follow-up to a visit earlier in the year to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee on 28 November 2017 held an informal meeting on the country’s priority technical assistance needs. With support of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), the aim of the meeting was to mobilize support for the Committee’s efforts to facilitate counter-terrorism related capacity-building activities for Afghanistan.

It was on 31 January and 1 February 2017 that CTED, on behalf of the Committee, conducted a country visit to Afghanistan to monitor the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), and 2178 (2014). The visit resulted in a report that details information CTED gathered on the progress of the implementation and good practices of the Afghan government. The report, which was approved by the Counter-Terrorism Committee in October 2017, provides recommendations on ways to strengthen the implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, and identifies priority areas for related technical assistance needs. The agreement of the Government of Afghanistan to make the report available to donors and potential implementing partners paved the way for the meeting, which enabled an open dialogue between donors, UN entities, and potential implementing partners around current challenges Afghanistan faces in countering terrorism, including foreign terrorist fighters and returnees.

As Mr. Arian Sharifi, Director of Strategic threat assessments, National Security Council of Afghanistan, stated in his presentation, terrorism is not a national issue, but rather a regional and global threat that requires cooperation at all levels and across generations. H.E. Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal, Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United Nations, underscored the importance of cooperation, and called for regional cooperation and awareness of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) to ensure effective implementation of the resolution and other relevant resolutions. Member States applauded the Government of Afghanistan for sharing the report, expressed their support for the work of CTED, and commended the cooperation between CTED and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (OCT).

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CTED hosts 12th Regional counter-terrorism workshop for judges, prosecutors, and police in South Asia

BMUSONI — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 09:18:00 +0000

The 12^th Regional workshop for judges, prosecutors, and police in South Asia on effectively countering terrorism took place in Colombo from 5 to 7 June 2017. Over the past eight years, these regional workshops have involved over 300 senior judges, prosecutors, and police officials representing all eight member States of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Organized by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), in cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka and the Global Center on Cooperative Security, the workshop allows participants to identify a number of counter-terrorism-related gaps and potential solutions.

CTED and its partners continue to take their findings into account in facilitating the delivery of technical assistance aimed at strengthening Member States’ capacities in these areas.

Some of the participants in the workshop.

Representatives of numerous regional and international organizations have been engaged in the project, which provides law enforcement officials from across the region the opportunity to interact and share experiences with their counterparts on sensitive counter-terrorism-related issues.

The project has also fostered the creation of a regional online network of expert practitioners who are able to share information and good practices in a number of sensitive areas, including domestic and international cooperation in criminal matters, interview and interrogation, use of sensitive evidence, advanced investigative techniques, and gender.

Project donors include Australia, Canada, Denmark, India, Sweden, and the United States of America.

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Interactive donors’ meeting aims to help Sri Lanka counter terrorism

BMUSONI — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 10:18:00 +0000

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On 28 February 2017, the current Chairmanship of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee, Egypt, supported by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), organized a donors’ meeting for Sri Lanka. The interactive briefing, held in New York, was aimed at helping Sri Lanka develop a comprehensive technical assistance programme to counter terrorism while protecting and promoting the rule of law, including human rights.

Findings from a number of visits to Sri Lanka by CTED, on behalf of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee, suggest that the Government of Sri Lanka will require technical assistance to consolidate and build upon the progress made so far. Not only would this help Sri Lanka’s transition to achieving lasting peace, but also prevent the resurgence of terrorism.

Divided into two parts, the donors’ meeting focused on (session I) Sri Lanka’s progress in the area, including recommendations for technical assistance; and (session II) developing a comprehensive technical assistance programme for Sri Lanka. The meeting was opened by H.E. Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations and Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, followed by remarks by H.E. Rohan Perera, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the United Nations. Also Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of CTED, spoke at the meeting.

CTED will continue to liaise with the Government of Sri Lanka, other UN entities, as well as interested Member States, to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to fully implement the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s recommendations.

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New framework for enhanced cooperation between CSTO and UN CTED

BMUSONI — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 18:01:00 +0000

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On 21 September 2016, the Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, and the Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Mr. Nikolai Bordyuzha, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Establishing a strategic framework of cooperation between the two entities, this agreement provides, in particular, for enhanced information exchange on counter-terrorism and refers to the CSTO as a potential implementing partner for technical assistance recommended by the Counter-Terrorism Committee to CSTO Member States.

The Secretary General took the opportunity to brief the Executive Director about the latest trends with regard to the terrorist threat in CSTO Member States, as well as in terms of tools developed by CSTO to address these trends, including for example a unified CSTO list of terrorist and extremist organizations, a harmonized counter-terrorism legislative framework, and special training exercises for military and special forces. Mr. Bordyuzha noted that the flow of foreign terrorist fighters originating in CSTO Member States has been on the decrease and while some of those fighters are returning from conflict zones, adequate monitoring and detecting procedures are in place in order to have the phenomenon under control.

Mr Laborde expressed his willingness to rely on CSTO expertise in the region, especially with regards to supporting the counter-terrorism capacities of Member States in Central Asia, including those related to border security.

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CTED Executive Director meets with Member States on the margins of the General Assembly

BMUSONI — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 06:16:00 +0000

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On the margins of the 71^st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), Jean-Paul Laborde, engaged with representatives of a number of Member States.

On 20 September 2016, Executive Director Laborde met with Ambassador Levent Murat Burhan, Deputy Undersecretary with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey. In their bilateral meeting, which took place prior to the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s (GCTF) Ministerial meeting, the Ambassador and the Executive Director exchanged views on the latest developments in terms of emerging threats and developments in the field of terrorism, as well as ways to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation on technical assistance related matters.

Later the same day, Mr. Laborde encountered Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Director in charge of UN Affairs, international organizations, human rights, and la francophonie with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France. Their discussion focused on France’s new anti-radicalisation strategy (PACT), a multi-disciplinary initiative, and the opening of a new reintegration and citizenship centre. Their interaction also touched upon ways in which France could support the work of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate, particularly with respect to facilitating technical assistance to West Africa.

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Europol and CTED affirm closer partnership to address the foreign terrorist fighter threat

BMUSONI — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 21:29:00 +0000

CTED and Europol delegations meeting in New York.

On 11 June 2015, experts from the European Police Office (Europol) and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) met in New York to discuss the next phase of cooperation. In light of emerging terrorist threats and challenges, both teams affirmed their eagerness and readiness to bring their cooperation closer in order to increase deliverables, in particular in the areas of addressing the foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon, preventing the use of the Internet for terrorist purposes, effective border control, and enhancing capacity-building of Member States.

Deputy Executive Director of CTED, Mr. Weixiong Chen, and the newly appointed Assistant Director for Counter-Terrorism with Europol, Mr. Manuel Navarrete Paniagua, agreed to build on existing areas of cooperation and seek better synergies in designing and programming counter-terrorism projects and activities, in order to effectively meet requirements of Security Council resolutions on counter-terrorism.

Already a reliable partner in numerous country assessments undertaken by CTED, Europol’s visit was part of an effort to further enhance its close cooperation with CTED, including in terms of operational aspects and the promotion of international cooperation. Europol could also be an important provider of technical assistance in line with technical assistance needs identified by CTED.

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CTED stresses need to protect critical infrastructures

BMUSONI — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 21:29:00 +0000

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Opening session of CICTE 15th Regular Session

Addressing a gathering of senior counter-terrorism officials from OAS member States, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) recalled the urgent need for Member States to protect critical infrastructures.

“The importance of such protection cannot be overemphasized”, Mr. Weixiong Chen, CTED Deputy Executive Director, told a meeting of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE).

“By maintaining a high degree of protection of critical infrastructures and increasing our resilience against threats and hazards, we can minimize the loss of human life and of services to society as a whole”, he said.

CTED was addressing the 15th Regular Session of CICTE, held on 19 and 20 March 2015 at the Headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Washington, D.C.

“CTED welcomes the renewed commitment of CICTE member States in this area and encourages CICTE to share with other States and other regions of the world the good practices identified and developed”, added Mr. Chen.

Representatives of the 34 OAS member States explored ways and means to prevent terrorist and other criminal attacks on physical infrastructure, including tourism and recreational facilities, as well as critical digital communications infrastructure.

Through its development and implementation of capacity-building projects and programmes, CICTE is a key partner of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and CTED in their work to ensure full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005).

CTED is required by the Security Council to monitor Member States’ counter-terrorism efforts, facilitate delivery of required technical assistance, advise Member States on the development of comprehensive and integrated counter-terrorism strategies, and promote the sharing of good counter-terrorism practices.

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Joint Counter-Terrorism Committee/Executive Directorate visit to the Sahel reaffirms continued support for counter-terrorism efforts

BMUSONI — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 19:11:00 +0000

In order to reaffirm the Counter-Terrorism Committee’s continued support for counter-terrorism efforts of States of the Sahel region and to promote regional cooperation, the Chair of the Committee, H.E. Ambassador Raimonda Murmokaité, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations, and the Executive Director of its Executive Directorate (CTED), Jean-Paul Laborde, led a high-level political mission to Mali and Niger 2-6 February 2015.

During the mission, which was conducted in partnership with the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Sahel and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union for Counter-Terrorism Cooperation, the delegation was briefed on the current terrorism threat and recent terrorism trends in the region, and raised awareness of the role of the Committee and CTED to identify shortcomings in counter-terrorism legal, institutional, and operational frameworks, recommend solutions, gather good practices, and facilitate the provision of technical assistance.

As the visit was taking place, Boko Haram launched,for the first time,coordinated attacks against military forces in the south of Niger, ahead of the Government’s planned deployment as part of a multinational force to fight the terrorist organisation.

The delegation held meetings with the President of Niger; the Prime Ministers and Ministers of the Interior, Justice, and Defence of Mali and Niger; the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mali; the Minister of Religious Affairs of Mali; as well as representatives of specialised counter-terrorism units, intelligence agencies, and Prosecutor’s Offices of the two countries. The delegation also met with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Mali; senior officials of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA); the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Niger; representatives of United Nations agencies operating in Niger; and a number of European Union entities, including EUCAP Sahel, and the Sahel College of Security, which promotes regional cooperation in combating terrorism and organised crime.

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In East Africa, CTED and IGAD reaffirm cooperation in fight against terrorism

BMUSONI — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:07:00 +0000

During a visit by a delegation from the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) to the new headquarters of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 26 January 2015, both parties reaffirmed their commitment and cooperation to fight against terrorism through facilitation of technical assistance to Eastern African States in need.

“Terrorism poses grave threats to peace and security in Africa and CTED and IGAD should continue to work together to meet those new challenges,” said Deputy Executive Director Weixiong Chen during the visit.

Radicalization and violent extremism that lead to terrorism, foreign terrorism fighters including young returnees from Al-Shabaab in Somalia, as well as use of the Internet for terrorist activities are some of the challenges faced by IGAD countries.

IGAD and CTED exchanged views on further cooperation in terms of information sharing, participation in each other’s counter-terrorism activities, and reaching out to the donor community and recipient States for capacity-building programmes. Empowering women through counter-terrorism endeavours was also emphasised, including the role of women in the prevention of terrorism.

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Special meeting of the CTC + CTED side-event on kidnapping for ransom and hostage-taking committed by terrorist groups

BMUSONI — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 19:11:00 +0000

Security Council resolution 2133 (2014) encourages the Counter-Terrorism Committee and its Executive Directorate (CTED) to hold, with the assistance of appropriate expertise, a special meeting with the participation of Member States and relevant international and regional organizations to discuss measures to prevent incidents of kidnapping and hostage-taking committed by terrorist groups to raise funds or gain political concessions.

Side-event of CTED on facilitating technical assistance to Member States on kidnapping for ransom and hostage-taking committed by terrorist groups

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