Security Council committee meets to discuss how to accelerate fight against terrorism

The Security Council committee tasked with spearheading efforts to tackle terrorism began a three-day meeting today with regional organizations that is aimed at accelerating and unifying international strategies to defeat the scourge.

Participants at the special meeting of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), hosted by the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France, are expected to focus on improving prevention policies, particularly those dealing with radicalization, incitement and terrorist recruitment.

The meeting – whose attendees include representatives of the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Council of Europe – will also discuss the role of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in preventing terrorism, including information-sharing between different law enforcement agencies and the prosecution of offences related to terrorism.

Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri of India, chairman of the CTC, told today’s opening session that terrorism represents the greatest threat to international peace and security.

“Just as terrorism is continuously evolving, so should our policies and strategies,” he said. “Prevention is one important piece of the puzzle.”

The CTC, formed in the wake of the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States, is tasked with ensuring the implementation of Security Council resolutions dealing with terrorism and with pressing Member States to take the necessary steps to prevent and combat terrorism.