On 19 November 2018, the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Global Center on Cooperative Security convened an interactive briefing for civil society organizations ahead of the review process of the Madrid Guiding Principles on foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs).
A review of these principles will be the focus of a Special meeting of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), to be held at the United Nations in New York on 13 December 2018. The interactive briefing provided an opportunity for current and incoming CTC Member States, United Nations entities, civil society organizations, and other non-governmental actors to exchange views on potential challenges and good practices in the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2396 (2017).
During his remarks, Edward J. Flynn, Senior Human Rights Officer at CTED, underlined the need for “comprehensive, tailored, and gender and age sensitive approaches to assessing and addressing the threat that returning or relocating FTFs and their associated family members may pose.”
Participants underscored the importance of ensuring compliance of all measures to address the FTF phenomenon with regards to international human rights law and the risks that failure to do so may be counterproductive.
The briefing explored challenges related to the detection, investigation, and prosecution of returnees and relocators, specifically in terms of international cooperation, information-sharing, and the gathering of evidence. Participants discussed the need for a whole-of-government approach when developing strategies for rehabilitation and reintegration with respect to FTFs, particularly with regards to the role that civil society organizations can play.
The event was attended by over 40 people from some 15 civil society organizations.
CTED’s Flickr album with photos from the event is available here.