More than 400 participants from over 70 countries attended the opening of a two-day, high-level regional conference on challenges posed by foreign terrorist fighters. The conference, which is being held on 11 and 12 February in Vienna, is jointly organized by the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the OSCE, and Switzerland, in co-operation with Albania’s OSCE Chairmanship.
The expected return of foreign terrorist fighters from Iraq and Syria is an area of increasing concern for the international community. Some of these returnees may move to commit violent acts, incite others to engage in terrorist activities, or take part in recruitment and fundraising efforts for terrorist organizations. The repatriation, in accordance with Member States international obligations, of women and children associated with those fighters presents additional challenges.
Access the full UNOCT press release 'Regional Conference on addressing challenges posed by foreign terrorist fighters begins in Vienna' ahead of the opening of the conference.
UNOCT issued a second conference press release 'Regional Conference in Vienna calls on countries to address challenges posed by foreign terrorist fighters in respect of international law' after the closing of the conference.
