On behalf of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, its Executive Directorate (CTED) conducted a comprehensive visit to Germany, from 20 to 24 November 2017, to discuss Germany’s progress in implementing Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), and 2178 (2014), the latter on stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters.
Discussions with Government officials and other relevant stakeholders focused on legislation and judicial practice, counter-financing of terrorism, law enforcement, border control, international cooperation, countering violent extremism that leads to terrorism, the role of women in countering terrorism and violent extremism, information and communications technologies (ICT) in the context of counter-terrorism, and the importance for rule-of-law-based responses to terrorism.
“The German Federal System involves many players in the fight against terrorism, thus making the endeavour more complex. However, it ensures a high degree of ownership of this fight not only in the Federal Government but on the level of the 16 Federal States as well. This might be the secret why there is such a broad understanding in Germany on all levels of how essential this fight is,” said Bernd Henize, Head of Division International Cooperation against Terrorism, Federal Foreign Office.
The delegation noted Germany’s innovative and comprehensive approaches to counter-terrorism, which aim at keeping pace with the evolving terrorist threat. Germany has also taken multiple steps to address the challenges of national and international co-operation and information sharing. The delegation was briefed on the wide array of measures put in place on border management and law enforcement-related issues. The delegation acknowledged Germany’s advanced efforts to promote dialogue and engage with different communities to enhance inter-cultural understanding and counter incitement and violent extremism, and met with several non-governmental organizations actively involved in building societal resilience against all types of extremism.
“Germany employs a multidisciplinary approach to counter-terrorism, and the delegation is thankful to the authorities for facilitating meetings with multiple Governmental officials through different onsite visits, as well as with non-governmental and academic institutions,” said Seif El-Dawla, CTED’s Chief of Section.
Germany reaffirmed its strong commitment to countering terrorism in all its aspects, including foreign terrorist fighters and returnees. The delegation also welcomed Germany’s commitment to continue its provision of counter-terrorism assistance to a wide range of Member States.
In addition to CTED experts, the delegation included representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the World Customs Organization.