The UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy: A Test for Global Cooperation
Amy Hartford
The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (UN GCTS) is a unique global instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism. Adopted by consensus in 2006, the Strategy consists of four pillars: addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, preventing and combating terrorism, building states' capacity to prevent and combat terrorism, and ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The Strategy is reviewed every two years by the General Assembly, making it a living document attuned to member states' counter-terrorism priorities. The eighth review of the Strategy will take place on 22-23 June 2023, as part of the Third Counter-Terrorism Week at the UN headquarters in New York.
The review comes at a critical time, as the world faces new and evolving terrorist threats, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, geopolitical rivalries, and humanitarian crises. The review also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, which triggered a global war on terror that has had profound implications for human rights, international law, and global security.
The review will be an opportunity for member states to renew their commitment to multilateral efforts to counter terrorism, take stock of progress and challenges in implementing the Strategy, and identify further areas for action and cooperation. However, it will also be a test for global cooperation, as major powers have diverging interests and agendas on counter-terrorism.
Russia and China, in particular, have been using counter-terrorism as a pretext to advance their strategic interests and suppress dissent at home and abroad. They have also been blocking or undermining UN initiatives that aim to promote a human rights-based approach to counter-terrorism, such as the work of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
Russia and China have also been accused of supporting or sponsoring terrorist groups or activities in various regions, such as Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Africa. Some countries, especially those aligned with the US and its allies, have called for declaring Russia and China as state sponsors of terrorism, or imposing sanctions or other measures against them for their role in fueling terrorism.
However, such moves are unlikely to gain consensus at the UN, as Russia and China have veto power at the Security Council, and many other countries are reluctant to antagonize them or jeopardize their economic ties with them. Moreover, some countries share Russia's and China's views on counter-terrorism, or have their own concerns about human rights issues related to counter-terrorism.
Therefore, the review of the Strategy will require a delicate balance between addressing the legitimate concerns of all member states, while upholding the principles and values of the UN Charter and international law. The review will also require a constructive dialogue among member states, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders, to ensure that the Strategy reflects the realities and needs of those most affected by terrorism.
The review of the Strategy will be an important moment for reaffirming the global commitment to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, while respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. It will also be a chance for enhancing cooperation and coordination among member states and UN entities on counter-terrorism, based on mutual trust and respect.
The success of the review will depend largely on the leadership and vision of the co-facilitators appointed by the President of the General Assembly: the Permanent Representatives of Canada and Tunisia. They will have to navigate a complex and contentious process, while ensuring that the outcome reflects the views and interests of all member states and stakeholders.
The review of the Strategy will not be an easy task, but it will be a necessary one, as the world faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the field of counter-terrorism. The review will be a test for global cooperation, but also an opportunity for global solidarity.
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