|
The UN serves as a platform for combating international terrorism by bringing nations together to share resources and information, coordinate counter-terrorism activities, and to create frameworks for countries that are critical to the disruption and weakening of global terrorism. The UN’s tools for countering terrorism include a global strategy, international treaties, monitoring terrorist activities, and imposing sanctions on known terrorists. The UN also works to secure and destroy stockpiles of nuclear and chemical weapons so that they do not end up in the hands of terrorists.
A Global Counter-Terrorism-Strategy
On September 8, 2006, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution creating a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, signifying the first time that all 192 UN Member States have agreed to a common strategic and operational approach to fight terrorism. The strategy includes practical steps to be taken at the local, national, and international levels to prevent and combat terrorism, build state capacity to fight terrorism, strengthen the UN’s role in fighting terrorism, ensure coordination with regional organizations, and safeguard human rights and the rule of law in the fight against terrorism.
Counter-Terror Treaties
As part of the effort to spread the rule of law across the globe, 13 counter-terrorism treaties have been adopted at the UN. They provide the basis for international cooperation to prevent terrorist financing and carry out joint law enforcement and intelligence efforts against terrorist attacks. They also establish the legal foundation for states to harmonize criminal justice standards and provide a legal framework for multilateral action against terrorism. UN Member States continue to ratify these conventions at a rapid rate. Additionally, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime has assisted 112 countries synchronize their national legislation with these international conventions, providing states with the tools required to prevent, suppress, and prosecute terrorism.
UN Security Council Committees Fight Terrorism:
Counter-Terrorism Committee
Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, the Security Council created the Counter Terrorism Committee that coordinates a multinational initiative to diminish the financial and logistical capability of terrorist organizations. This committee has taken unprecedented action to crack down on international terrorism by requiring that every country:
- Freeze the financial assets of terrorists and their supporters;
- Deny travel and safe haven for terrorists;
- Prevent terrorist recruitment and weapons supply; and
- Cooperate with other countries by sharing information and prosecuting criminals.
The Counter Terrorism Committee has assessed the relevant legislation of all 192 UN member states, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime is providing substantive expertise to help countries revise their laws and enhance their enforcement capacities.
Non-Proliferation Committee
In April 2004, the Security Council passed Resolution 1540 creating a committee to monitor state-supported development, manufacture, possession, and transportation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons by individuals (non-state actors). It is composed of Security Council members and regularly reports to the Security Council.
The Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee
This Committee was created by the Security Council in 1999 to maintain a list of over 500 individual members of Al-Qaida, the Taliban, and associated individuals to monitor member state compliance with the international sanctions regime on these individuals, including an arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze. These sanctions have made it harder for terrorists to acquire weapons, move freely around the world, and finance their plots.
The IAEA Nuclear Security Plan 2006-2009
The IAEA is a core actor in countering nuclear terrorism and provides member states with information and a technical reach that is beyond their individual capacities. The IAEA helps prevent nuclear terrorism through a three-point plan designed to prevent, detect, and respond to any illicit or non-peaceful use of nuclear material.
Prevention
The IAEA helps member states secure radioactive sources that might otherwise be used by terrorists. In partnership with the U.S. and Russia, the agency has been invaluable in helping former Soviet states secure vulnerable material. The IAEA also helps states develop national strategies for regaining control over radioactive materials. As a result, over 100 radioactive sources have been identified and secured.
Detection
This second line of defense involves assisting states and regions detect and interdict illegal trafficking of nuclear materials through border controls, training customs officials, providing technical assistance for the physical protection of materials, and conducting IAEA inspections.
Response
The IAEA trains states and regions to respond to illegal trafficking of nuclear materials, incidents of theft and sabotage, and radiological emergencies.
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Established by the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1997, the OPCW works toward the eradication of chemical weapons. Through their work, 100 percent of declared weapons production facilities have been deactivated and are subject to stringent verification in countries equaling 95 percent of the world’s population.
|
