About UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force | UPSC – IAS
Recently, UN launched a new framework “UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact”.
It is an agreement between the UN chief, 36 organizational entities, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and,
The World Customs Organisation, to better serve the needs of Member States when it comes to tackling the scourge of international terrorism.
Objective of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact | UPSC – IAS
To ensure that the United Nations system provides coordinated capacity-building support to Member States, at their request, in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and other relevant resolutions.
To foster close collaboration between the Security Council mandated bodies and the rest of the United Nations system.
The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Compact Coordination Committee will oversee and monitor the implementation of the Compact which will be chaired by UN Under-Secretary-General for counter-terrorism. o It will replace the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which was established in 2005 to strengthen UN system-wide coordination and coherence of counter-terrorism efforts.
Why there is a need for global compact for counter terrorism ? | UPSC – IAS |PCS
Coordination: Given the number of players involved, the enormity of the task for Counter terrorism, and the limited resources available, effective coordination is crucial.
Porous borders: In recent years, terrorist networks have evolved, moving away from a dependency on state sponsorship and many of the most dangerous groups and individuals now operate as non state actors.
Taking advantage of porous borders and interconnected international systems—finance, communications, and transit—terrorist groups can operate from every corner of the globe.
Incapacity of countries to control terrorist threats: Multilateral initiatives bolster state capacity to build institutions and programs that strengthen a range of activities, from policing to counter radicalization programs.
Emerging challenges: Vigilance against misuse of emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, drones and 3D (three-dimensional) printing, as well as against the use of hate-speech and distortion of religious beliefs by extremist and terrorist groups.
Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy | UPSC – IAS | PCS
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted it in 2006 and it is a unique global instrument to enhance national, regional and international efforts to counter terrorism.
UNGA reviews the Strategy every two years, making it a living document attuned to Member States’ counter-terrorism priorities.
The four pillars of the Global Strategy include:
Measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism.
Measures to prevent and combat terrorism.
Measures to build state’s’ capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the United Nations system in that regard.
Measures to ensure respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis for the fight against terrorism.
Counter-terrorism – India’s involvement at UN | UPSC – IAS | PCS
India has prioritised the adoption of an intergovernmental framework to combat terrorism.
India introduced the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in 1996 that defined terrorism and enhanced “normative processes for the prosecution and extradition of terrorists.”
Active participation in several counter-terrorism discussions, such as drafting a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in the General Assembly in 2006, serving as a founding members of the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum (GCTF), and supporting counterterrorism mechanisms established by UN Security Council Resolutions, such as Resolutions 1267, 1988, and 1989 related to sanctions against Al-Qaeda/Taliban, Resolution 1373 establishing the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and Resolution 1540 addressing the non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction to terrorist organisations.
