terrorism

Launch of the Knowledge-Sharing Platform (KSP)

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Launch of KSP

November 29th of this year marked the official launch of the Knowledge-Sharing Platform (KSP). The KSP is a website which was developed by the Republic of Korea, CTED and the ICT4Peace Foundation in an effort against counter-terrorism online. The website includes a collection of tools and resources to support efforts of startups and small technology companies to strengthen their response to terrorist exploitation on the Internet. Through the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT), major technological companies including Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and YouTube develop technological counter-terrorism solutions, promote research and share knowledge. These solutions will then be implemented in the KSP’s Techn Against Terrorism (TaT) initiative.

Michèle Coninsx, the Executive Director of the CTED announced how through partnerships with GIFCT, startup tech companies, civil society organizations and academia will create efficiency and strengthen counter-terrorist efforts. Coninsx further stated that while the complete removal of terrorist content is not achievable, the KSA will protect the right to privacy online and offline as well as promoting a comprehensive approach to the problem.

However, many of the speakers also mentioned how the threat of terrorism is evolving online. There is a possibility that ISIL will create their own social media platform, and to counter this, specialists need to further strengthen efforts.

Subsequently, there was a presentation from Weibo representative Gu Haiyan, where cybercrime and cyber security efforts in the US were compared with those from China. Haiyan commented on how the Internet was the new bedfield of terrorism, and how social media and technology were frequently used to recruit troops, organize and direct people. Haiyan suggested a stronger implementation of anti-terrorism law, and added prohibitions on internet accounts to combat online threats.

Meeting: Launch of the Knowledge-Sharing Platform (KSP)

Date/Location: Wednesday, November 29th, 2017; 10:00-13:00; Conference Room 1, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY

Speakers: Mr. Weixiong Chen, Deputy Executive Director of CTED, Mr. Cho Tae-yul, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, Michéle Coninsx, Executive Director of CTED, Susan Molinari, Vice-President of Public Policy and Government Relations at Google, Mr. Roman Oyarzun Marchesi, Permanent Representative of Spain to the United Nations, Mr. Oliver Marc Zehnder, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations, Mr. Daniel Stauffacher, President of ICT4Peace Foundation, Mr. Adam Hadley, Project Director of the ICT4Peace Foundation, Mr. Marc Porret, ICT Coordinator of CTED, Mr. Miguel Sánchez SV, Global Chief Security Officer of Telefonica, Ms. Gu Haiyan, General Legal Counsel of Weibo, Dr. Erin Marie Saltman, Policy Manager of Facebook, Dr. David Scharia, Director of CTED, Mr. Jeff Collins, Vice President of After School, Ms. Kate Hotten, EMEA Compliance Officer, Ms. Jessica Kallberg, Policy Manager at Etsy

Written By: WIT Representative June Hong

 

Addressing ISIS’ threat to international peace and security

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Security Council

United Nations Security Council

The 7962nd Security Council meeting was held to discuss the threat that ISIS (Da’esh) poses to international peace and security, and to report the efforts that the United Nations has made to support Member States against this threat.

Reports made by various members of the Security Council all confirmed that ISIL is indeed succumbing to military pressures across Iraq and Syria. However, in spite of this pressure, all members of the Security Council acknowledge the need for persistent vigilance, as ISIL is constantly evolving its tactics to gain both funds and supporters.

Japan, in particular, raised concerns over ISIL’s increasing interest in South East Asia. As such, Japan has urged other Member States to join in with funding South East Asian countries’ implementation of resolutions that will buttress them against the threat of ISIL. Thus far, Japan has provided 30 million USD to countries in South East Asia to facilitate the development of resources including advanced passenger information and counter-propaganda plans.

In his closing remarks, the representative from Egypt called for a reconsideration of anti-terrorism vocabulary, in particular the phrase “Islamic extremism”. He asserts that Islam is a religion that does not know extremism; rather, individuals use Islam as a pretext to create violence.

MEETING: Security Council 7962nd Meeting
DATE/LOCATION: Thursday, 8th June, 2017; 10:00 – 12:00; Security Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York, NY
SPEAKERS: Members of Security Council
WRITTEN BY: WIT Representative Sophie Pu

Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights

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Session 5 of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate on “Preventing the Exploitation of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for Terrorist purposes, while Respecting Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms” addressed civil society’s role in using ICTs for counter-terrorism messaging purposes. Ms. Humera Khan, moderator for the technical meeting and Executive Director of Muflehun, introduced four panelists whose organizations actively take part in global counterterrorist messaging. A member of Al-Azhar Observer, . Mahmoud Nagah Ahmed Farag Khalaf, remarked, “The internet and social media are arenas for terrorist organizations.” As the use of social media increases, the goal of terrorist organizations has transitioned from gaining attention to gaining members. They promote extremist ideologies on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube by manipulating social, political, and religious views in their favor. Online advertisements have become extremely desirable for terrorist organizations, allowing them to easily recruit vulnerable people.

While terrorist organizations using the Internet for manipulation is a threat, there are benefits to their online activity. Mr. Ross Fernett, co-founder of Moonshot CVE, highlighted that the Internet has allowed people to track these organizations, obtain more information about them, and prevent some large scale potential disasters. This form of violence prevention was nearly impossible a generation ago. NGOs, such as The Foundation for the Study of Democracies, collect information like logos and specific language frequently used in terrorist media and spread them to the general public to counter-message their ideologies. Other NGOs create peer to peer relationships in which trained individuals correspond with those who show interest in terrorist organizations. However, this tactic becomes a legal issue for other nations, as interest is legally seen as either a free expression of thought, or as a serious threat to society.

Meeting: Technical Meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate on “Preventing the Exploitation of Information and Communications Technologies for Terrorist Purposes, while Respecting Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”

Date/Time/Location: Thursday, 1 December 2016; 10:00 to 12:00; United Nations Headquarters, Conference Room 4

Speakers: Ms. Humera Khan, Executive Director of Muflehun; Mr. Nash Borges, Chief Technology Officer of U.S. Global Engagement Center; Dr. Mahmoud Nagah Ahmed Farag Khalaf, member of Al-Azhar Observer; Mr. Maxim Grigoryev, Director of The Foundation for the Study of Democracies; Mr. Ross Fernett, Co-founder of Moonshot CVE

Written By: Leticia Murillo, WIT Representative

 

We Didn’t Start the Ceasefire: Finger-pointing in Gaza

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The Secretary-General began by saying that Palestinian frustration is growing after half a century of occupation. Changing Israeli policies and relinquishing the West Bank settlements is essential to achieving long-term peace in the region. Conditions have not significantly improved 18 months after a ceasefire. The people of Gaza face dire water and unemployment needs. Israeli and Palestinian governments now have an opportunity to bring stability to the region, but the parties must act right now to prevent the two-state solution, living peacefully side by side, from disappearing forever.

Palestine agreed and added that every day that passes means the death of more innocent civilians and more destruction of property. Since 2009, the council has failed to take any action to address this occupation. All peoples are entitled to security, not only Israelis. The situation cannot be reversed unless the UN acts in creating and enforcing a security resolution to protect the Palestinian people.

Israel shifted blame to the terrorist organizations in the region. The greatest opponent of the people of Gaza is Hamas, which turned Gaza into a staging ground for terror. Hezbollah has transformed towns into war zones, e.g. the town of Muhabib, which has 25 military sites in a town with 90 houses. Hezbollah must be disarmed and Lebanon must abide by Security Council resolution 1701. The link between Hezbollah and Hamas is Iran. Sitting down and talking is the first step to peace but Palestinians will not come to the table. Numerous terrorists have admitted to committing heinous acts to gain a lifetime stipend up to $3,500 from the Palestinian government. Resolution 229, which is an absolute ban on terrorism, does not seem to recognize the Israeli lives taken by terrorists. It is time to call on Palestinians to condemn these acts of violence.

Meeting: Security Council, 7610th Meeting

Date/Location: Thursday, January 26, 2016; 10:00-13:00; Security Council Chamber

Speakers: Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations; Permanent Observer to the Nation of Palestine; Permanent Observer to Israel

Written By: WIT Representative Alex Margolick

Photo Credit:  Abed Allah Alostaz

States Take Initiative to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons

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Today marked the beginning of a five day event organized to generate conversation about a potential programme of action aimed at controlling and ultimately preventing the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons. H.E. Mr. Tanin, chair of this meeting, opened the dialogue by discussing our need for more innovative methods in improving our collective control over the proliferation of these weapons. He then outlined the three topics that need to be tackled over the upcoming days, including discussions on stock pile management, international cooperation and assistance, and an agreed upon outcome document. H.E. Mr. Tanin truly highlighted the importance of this event by claiming that the success of the post-2015 sustainable development agenda is contingent on the prevention and reduction of armed violence. Only effective action against illicit trade of weapons at national, regional, and global levels can provide an environment conducive to success for the sustainable development goals.Image

Mr. Prins continued the opening remarks with an overview of the 2014 national reports, with a focus on those countries that requested international assistance. Following these remarks, the debate on stock pile management ensued. The Permanent Representative of the EU sparked the dialogue by stating the need to devote attention to countries where ill managed stock piles could potentially have devastating effects, particularly those emerging from recent conflict.

Furthermore, Representatives from both Jamaica and Japan brought attention to the role women need to play in this fight. Through educating children and working to prevent the recruitment of child soldiers, women can play a vital role in containing this crisis. Finally, while the Representative from the Arab Group stressed their complete commitment to combat the illicit trade of weapons, they also stated their belief that the final document should not propose a cumbersome task for developing countries, and instead should be in accordance with the abilities and capacities of all countries.

 

Meeting Title: Fifth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects
Speakers: H.E. Mr. Zahir Tanin, Ambassador of Afghanistan to the UN; Mr. Daniel Prins, Conventional Arms Branch Chief of the UNODA; Permanent Representative of the European Union; Permanent Representative of Jamaica on behalf of CARICOM; Permanent Representative of Japan; Permanent Representative of the Arab Group; Permanent Representative of Pakistan; Permanent Representative of China; Permanent Representative of Iraq
Location: Conference Room 3, United Nations HQ, New York
Date: 16 June 2014
Written By WIT Representative: Zachary Halliday
Edited by WIT Representative: Marli Kasdan

Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate Illicit Arms Trade

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An open-ended informal consultations session was held today at the United Nations Headquarters to consider the implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA) to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects. This meeting focussed on compiling a draft based on the recommendations by the member states in preparation for the upcoming Fifth Biennial Meeting of states from 16th to 20th June 2014.

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In their recommendations, the speakers underscored the nature of present day conflicts as being mostly fought with small arms and therefore, stressed upon the importance of combating this illicit trade. Small arms have become major instruments of tactical and strategic use to terrorists in recent years, thereby, calling for an immediate and a proactive action by the international community.

The delegations of Member states endeavored to produce a collective document at the Fifth Biennial Meeting of states to reflect a collective consensus. The delegation of Cuba recommended that each state establish their own rules, standards, and indicators, conforming to and in consistency with their national priorities, which have to be agreed upon collectively.

Many delegations spotlighted the key role of the civil society in catalyzing international cooperation. Non-governmental organizations can contribute to this process by providing expertise and raising awareness about the devastating consequences of the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons.

The delegation of Mexico proposed to include targeted control measures for illicit brokering, special attention to countries affected by endemic violence and the promotion of synergies between PoA and other instruments, such as the Firearms Protocol and the ATT. The idea of promoting synergies between different instruments will be a stepping-stone towards providing a mutual reinforcement for achieving a control at global level. The cooperation and consensus, hence achieved, would foster a culture of peace, which is the ultimate objective of preventing, combating and eradicating illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.

Meeting Title: Informal consultation on the Programme of Action (PoA) to prevent, combat and eradicate illicit arms trade
Chair: H.E. Dr. Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United Nations
Date: 13 June, 2014
Location: CR 2, CB, United Nations HQ, New York
Written by WIT representative: Nusrat Laskar

Countering Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel

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Violent extremism is fueled by factors including transnational drug trade, arms trade and human trafficking. H.E. Dr. Jerome Bougouma insisted that communities and civil society as a whole are indispensable to preventative measures against violent extremism. H.E. Dr. Bougouma recommended societies engage with religious leaders and traditional chiefs, who have local influence, to reach larger groups of people with messages of resilience and human rights. Rather than reacting to violent extremism the international community must approach terrorism with preventative initiatives to ensure the safety and security of every citizen. H.E. Ambassador Peterson agreed that the struggle against terrorism cannot be met simply through military means; it also requires understanding and dialogue between peoples, state actors and stakeholders.

Mr. Khan encouraged a focus on those socially and politically excluded within a community, particularly the youth, as inclusive governance transforms societies and unites them. Reaching out to the marginalized promotes dialogue amongst differing cultures and this communication eliminates the fog of hate and misunderstanding that leads to violence. Mr. Bombande expressed the dire need to close the generational gap surrounding misconceptions of extremist ideology amongst the youth. Mr. Bombande discussed the European role as aid providers to engage the attention of the youth in West Africa and the Sahel through activities such as the sports and arts. Mr. Millar criticized the international community for waiting as situations completely deteriorate before intervention and action; evidenced through the terrorist abduction of hundreds of girls in Nigeria. The lack of effective response demonstrated in Nigeria makes the region vulnerable to emerging criminal groups who have witnessed this weak governance in West Africa. Dr. Loada suggested that divisions amongst societies are due to powerful leaders surpassing their constitutional term limits. Leaders were encouraged to resist the power temptation for constitutional term amendments, which create volatile political disputes and divides citizens.

Meeting Title: Countering violent extremism and promoting community engagement in West Africa and the Sahel: Strengthening multilateral engagement
Speakers: H.E. Dr. Jerome Bougouma, H.E. Ambassador of Denmark Ib Petersen, Mr. Jehangir Khan, Mr. Alistair Millar, Mr. Emmanuel Bombande, Dr. Augustin Loada, Mr. Jesper Steen Pedersen
Location: United Nations HQ, Conference Room 5 NLB, New York
Date: 12 June 2014
Written by WIT representative: Sophia Griffiths-Mark

Security Council Committee: Protecting Tourism from Terrorism

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A joint open briefing was conducted to discuss the protection of critical tourism infrastructure. While natural disasters can be managed by implementing effective steps to restore the infrastructural damage, terrorism has a stronger and deeper impact on national security and hence, poses a greater challenge to national reputation, which cannot be easily restored. Chairperson Ambassador Raimonda Murmokaitė emphasised that terrorists are very well aware of these vulnerabilities and therefore, they continue to instill fear among people to the detriment of the country’s tourism.

Mr. Jean Paul Laborde, suggested four points towards enhancing the protection of tourism against terrorism. Firstly, there is a need for a well-integrated, sophisticated mechanism. Secondly, we should aim to turn perceived vulnerabilities into a source of strength in creative ways. Thirdly, enforcing security and catering to development needs are required since there is a close relation between development and security. Finally, respect for the rights of tourists needs to be integrated.

Mr. Jehangir Khan drew attention to the reasons as to why the CTITF should devote greater attention to the tourism sector with the UNWTO. The tourism industry employs millions of people and hence, it is closely tied to the development of economy. The member states have agreed to step up all their efforts to counter terrorism for which they may require assistance in the form of international cooperation. He also emphasised the value of public-private partnerships in promoting and securing the tourism sector. The collaboration between the states and various agencies will facilitate this process by bringing together collective wealth and expertise, thereby maximising the utility of national efforts.

Mr. Taleb Rifai, stated that the UNWTO is keen on strengthening its engagement with CTITF, in order to catalyse and mobilise counter-terrorism efforts of various UN system entities and to assist Member States in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. UNWTO aims to utilize its technical expertise to provide ongoing assistance to its members to assess and reduce risks related to tourism, particularly enhancing preparedness and mitigating the impact of terrorist attacks.

Meeting Title – Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism (Joint open briefing)
Speakers: Ambassador Raimonda Murmokaitė, Chair of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee; Mr. Jean Paul Laborde, the Director of CTED (Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate); Mr. Jehangir Khan, Director of Counter Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF); Mr. Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Date – June 11th, 2014
Location: United Nations HQ, Trusteeship Council, New York
Written by WIT representative– Nusrat Laskar

UN Addressing Conditions Conducive to Terrorism

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A meeting on the ways to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism was held in the Trusteeship Council. Beginning the meeting, H.E. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon gave a statement condemning Sunday’s recent terrorist attack in the Karachi airport, which killed 23 people. He urged the international community to be united in showing strong solidarity against terrorism, and called for support of the victims, families, and communities affected by terrorism.

Following this introduction, two UN civil servants, Mr. Jason Pronyk and Mr. Mohammad Younis, gave their personal testimony from the 2003 terrorist attacks in Baghdad. On August 19, 2003, both men were injured in the bombing of the Canal hotel in Baghdad. The Canal hotel was used as UN headquarters, and a total of 22 UN civil servants were killed. Both men suffered severe injuries to their head, neck, and upper bodies. Mr. Pronyk and Mr. Younis called for raising awareness of victims, and providing increased care to victims including medical, social, and psychological support.

Concluding the meeting, Mr. Feldman, Chairman of the Counter Terrorism Task Force, gave a statement focused on strategies to support victims of terrorism. The UN Victims of Terrorism Portal helps terrorism victims find support, including finding organizations that work on rehabilitation, psycho social support, and information on how to access criminal justice systems. Mr. Feldman said victims are often forgotten, and besides forming a global strategy to combat terrorism, supporting victims of terrorism is also necessary.

Meeting Title: Interactive Dialogue on “Addressing Conditions Conducive to the Spread of Terrorism”
Speakers: H.E. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon; Mr. Jason Pronyk; Mr. Mohhamad Younis; Mr. Jeffrey Feldman, Undersecretary General for the Department of Political Affairs and Chairman of the Counter Terrorism Task Force
Date: 11 June 2014
Location: United Nations HQ, Trusteeship Council, New York
Written by WIT Representative: Marli Kasdan