Today, the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) begins a three-day focused country visit to Sri Lanka. As requested by the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), the visit has three main objectives: To assess Sri Lanka’s implementation of the provisions of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), including the ratification and implementation of international instruments against terrorism as well as international cooperation in these matters, and to make relevant recommendations concerning steps that Sri Lanka should take in this regard; to recommend areas in which Sri Lanka would eventually benefit from receiving technical assistance;and to address measures put in place by Sri Lanka to implement Security Council resolution 1624 (2005). Adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and therefore binding on all Member States, resolution 1373 (2001) addresses threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, whereas resolution 1624 (2005) calls on States to enhance dialogue and take all necessary measures to counter incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance.
The official mission to Sri Lanka, which will stress the importance of a comprehensive approach to countering terrorism in accordance with the principles of the rule of law including human rights, as requested by the Security Council, will be undertaken through engagement with the Government and include a visit to Jaffna. The delegation will emphasize that terrorism will be defeated not only by military and law enforcement measures or judiciary decisions, but will also require constructive dialogue with communities.
Head of the delegation is Assistant Secretary-General Mr. Jean-Paul Laborde, Executive Director of CTED. Members of the delegation include counter-terrorism experts from CTED focusing on legislation, law enforcement, and countering violent extremism, as well as representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL.