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  1. CEPOL-UNOCT ‘Air Travel Cycle’ online module launched today

CEPOL-UNOCT ‘Air Travel Cycle’ online module launched today

Preview of UNOCT/CEPOL Joint Online Training Module "Air Travel Cycle"

18 December 2020 – The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre of the Office of Counter Terrorism (UNOCT/UNCCT) held an online event officially launching their first joint online training module “Air Travel Cycle”, funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.
 
Keynote speakers from the United Nations and the European Union underlined the importance of this CEPOL-UNOCT/UNCCT joint initiative, which constitutes an excellent example of the added value the partnership between the EU and the UN has to offer in the coordination of efforts, especially during these challenging times of the global pandemic outbreak:

 

In her keynote speech, Ms. Hilde Hardeman, Director and Head of Service Foreign Policy Instruments, European Commission, noted:

We must take decision action against the evolving threat of terrorism at international level. This is why we are supporting the first online training module between the EU Law Enforcement Agency CEPOL and the UN Counter Terrorism Centre. Based on the common EU-UN values and rules, and combining our expertise, this training will be an example of our joint response to this global threat. I am hoping that this model of cooperation will mark the start of further joint work, providing common standards for law enforcement, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law, together with the UN

Dr.h.c. Detlef Schröder, CEPOL Executive Director underlined: 

Today we celebrate the launch of the ‘Air travel cycle’ online module developed by CEPOL and UNOCT/UNCCT, an excellent example of the added value the partnership between the EU and the UN has to offer. The fight against terrorism needs a very close cooperation between law enforcement agencies, international organisations and stakeholders. I am looking forward to the continuation of this fruitful collaboration in the future.

Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and Executive Director of UNCCT, noted that:

The wave of terrorist attacks that recently hit Europe highlights the urgent need to intensify national and regional efforts to strengthen security and controls in land, air and sea ports of entry and border crossing points, in accordance with human rights and international standards. The programmatic cooperation between CEPOL and UNCCT reflects our deep commitment to promote multilateral and regional counter-terrorism cooperation to stay ahead of the curve and effectively address the everchanging terrorist threat.

Background information 

About the online module:

The ‘Air Travel Cycle’ online module was developed in the context of the CEPOL CT2 project funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments – FPI. It is unique in its kind, designed to support first line officers in MENA countries in the prevention of the flow of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) and to counter terrorism in the Air Travel Cycle. 
 
It can be used as a relevant technical tool for law enforcement, border control, and customs agencies to effectively implement international instruments, national laws and regulations to counter terrorism and prevent and disrupt terrorist travel. 
 

The “Air Travel Cycle” aims to help participants:

  • Understand the applicable international legal framework and policy framework

  • Increase awareness on the effectiveness of using Advance Passengers Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) as operational tools to prevent and disrupt the cross-border movement of terrorists and stem the flow of FTFs.

  • Address the different phases that travelers experience in their journeys and the main challenges that immigration and border officers face.

  • Stress the effective use and responsible exchange of biometric data to investigate transnational crime.

  • Underline the importance of respecting international human rights law and commitments while implementing national security legislation and counterterrorism measures.

 
The ‘Air Travel Cycle’ online module consists of five chapters and will be available on CEPOL’s online learning platform LEEd as of 19 December 2020. Users of the platform will have the opportunity to study and learn at their own pace (approx. 2 hours are required to complete the training).

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