UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy discussions and “new resolution”
The UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy (GCTS), is currently undergoing its 7th review after being first adopted by the UNGA in 2006. In principle the GCTS is reviewed bi-annually and should reflect member States’ counterterrorism priorities. The Second Counter-Terrorism Week comprises two high-level events and 34 side events from 24 to 30 June 2021, with the objective of “identifying new and emerging issues, deepen understanding of existing problems, and explore more effective counter-terrorism responses.” With negotiations ongoing since the beginning of the year, it is encouraging to see the growing space that has been given to civil society as observed by Just Security. Just Security, based at the Reiss Center on Law and Security at New York University School of Law is holding its own symposium to facilitate discussions and promote a human rights approach on this sensitive topic with a series of key issues to be considered. One of the ongoing debates is the need to protect the rights of the child in countering terrorism in line with international standards, including the question of repatriation. Child Identity Protection hopes that final GCTS provide an opportunity to uphold vital safeguards afforded by the CRC including articles such as 7, 8, 9, 10 and 20, which emphasise the importance for the child to maintain relationships with their family and culture, essential to their overall well-being and their identity.
Source: https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/un-global-counter-terrorism-strategy ; https://www.un.org/counterterrorism/2021-counter-terrorism-week; https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Terrorism/Pages/Research-papers-and-Inputs.aspx ; https://undocs.org/en/A/HRC/40/28 and https://www.justsecurity.org/76906/introducing-a-symposium-on-the-un-global-counterterrorism-strategy/
