UN Terrorism and drugs - 3850 Words

UN Terrorism and drugs (Research Paper Sample) Content: TOPIC: How significant is the UN role in counter terrorism? How does this compare with its role in drug control? Should the UN adopt a more radical stance on these issues Summary: Number of pages:14Academic level:University, Master'sReferencing style:MLAClient country:United Kingdom (UK English)Assignment extract: 1. How significant is the UN role in counter terrorism? How does this compare with its role in drug control? Should the UN adopt a more radical stance on these issues?- essay of app. 3,500 words- context Intl Crime and TerrorismDhanapala, Jayantha (2005) ‘The United Nations' Response to 9/11’, Terrorism and Political Violence, Vol. 17, Nos. 1-2, Winter 2005, pp. 17-23. Note: available as online journal [see week 1 for access advice]. Sheptycki, James (2003) ‘Global law enforcement as a protection racket. Some sceptical notes on transnational organised crime as an object of global governance’, Ch. 3 of Edwards and Gill (eds) (2003) Transnational Organised Crime. Note: available via NetLibrary as an electronic book through the Library catalogue. General readings:Anderson and Boer (eds) (1994) Policing Across National Boundaries. Anderson, Malcolm (2000) ‘Counterterrorism as an objective of European Police Cooperation’ in Reinares (ed.). Beare (ed.) (2003): see ‘Introduction’ by Margaret Beare. Bunyan, T. (1995) The Europol Convention (London: Statewatch). Gerspacher, Nadia (2008) ‘The history of international police cooperation: a 150-year evolution in trends and approaches’, Global Crime, Vol. 9, Nos. 1 promote friendly relations between all and advance social progress and better living standards for all. Because of its distinctive international nature and the authority that is vested in it, the United Nation has the power to act on a variety of global matters (United Nations, 2010). The United Nations has a far- reaching mandate ba sed on such basic issues as disaster relief, the promotion of democracy, refugee protection, sustainable development, the environment, international health, disarmament and non-proliferation, governance, human rights, economic development, clearing landmines, increasing food production among others so as to attain its objectives and synchronize efforts for a more secure world (United Nations, 2010). As part of its mandate to preserve international security and promote social progress, the United Nations is actively involved in two crucial areas- countering terrorism and drug control. The following discussion will provide a comparative evaluation of the role of the U N in relation to these two areas. A critique as to whether or not the organization has been effective enough with regards to these two areas shall then be provided with recommendations summarily provided so as to ensure that the work of the U N is effective in as far as anti terrorism efforts and drug control are concern ed. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE UN ROLE IN COUNTERING TERRORISM As the most powerful and far- reaching global body with a mandate of promoting international security, the United Nations has a very significant role in countering terrorism. The UN uses a multilateral approach to fighting terrorism therefore all key international partners are heavily involved in the counter- terrorism efforts. One of the main bodies involved in this fight is the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) which is mandated by the Security Council to strengthen the capacity of the U N Member States to prevent terrorist acts in and across their, borders. Through the Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), policy decisions of the Committee are carried out, expert assessments of all Member States are conducted and technical assistance in counter- terrorism is provided to other countries. In 2006, 192 member states passed the resolution on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy with its annexed P lan of Action. This is clear evidence of the UN’s commitment in fighting terrorism. As part of the U N’s anti- terrorism framework, sixteen universal instruments against international terrorism have been passed. In addition, the Security Council is very active in fighting terrorism through the passing of several resolutions and by setting up several auxiliary bodies. Further to that, several offices, programmes and agencies of the U N’s system are involved in specific anti- terrorism activities. To strengthen these anti- terrorism activities, in 2006 Member States began a new phase against terrorism through agreeing on a common global strategy to counter terrorism. The Strategy acts as the foundation upon which a solid action plan is established. Through it, the role of the UN in anti- terrorism is strengthened; the conditions that help spread terrorism are addressed; state capacity to combat terrorism is boosted for individual member states; and generally, me asures are put in place for the prevention of terrorism. In all of this, care is taken to ensure that the respect of human rights is maintained. This Strategy builds upon the rare consensus that was attained by global leaders at their 2005 September Summit that was aimed at denouncing terrorism. According to the Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation (2008), there are four main areas within the UN system that is geared towards counter- terrorism as acknowledged in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (UN Strategy). This strategy recognizes the strong connection that exists between strengthening the rule of law and good governance since the lack of both contributes to the spread of terrorism (Krueger, 2007). As Kerchove and Dortland (2008, p. 152) aptly explain, there are structural factors that contribute to the recruitment and radicalization of terrorists such as political repression, real or perceived injustices, poor governance, a lack of education and the lack of ec onomic and/ or political opportunities. This opinion is in tandem with the views expressed by Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, the late UN High Commissioner for Human Rights during his address of the Security Councils Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) in 2002 in which he reiterated the assertion that the best and only strategy for fighting terrorism is through nurturing social justice, respecting human rights, upholding democracy and promotion of the rule of law (The Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation, 2008). That said, as much as the premise that these underlying factors play a major role in the development of terrorism, the major challenge for the UN system has been with regards to translating this understanding into action. In addition, there are several other parts within the UN system, even if only indirectly, that are significant in counter-terrorism through the implementation of various elements of the Strategy. Examples of such bodies are the World Bank through its d evelopment efforts, creating stability within the financial sector and poverty reduction; the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which provides professionals with training to fight terrorism; and the UNDP whose assistance is in relation to development and creating strategic links with among others the private sector and civil society. And, while the UNDP has been reluctant to associate itself with fighting terrorism, UNDP is probably the best suited to serve as the center for in-country Strategy implementation measures (The Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation, 2008). One area in which the UN is very strong in with regards to counter- terrorism is education and dialogue. Indeed. One of the key achievements of the Strategy is the emphasis on the necessity of closing the gap between diverse cultures and deepen understanding across various religions, cultures and communities recognizing the role of education in promoting understanding and empathy concerning cultural and re ligious diversity. In the 17-18 May 2007 Symposium on Advancing the Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Vienna, it was agreed and stated that due to the growing division between different religions and cultures, the UN had to begin applying more effort in advancing inter- religious and inter- cultural dialogue (The Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation, 2008). The main aim here being to enhance and encourage understanding between societies which is crucial since terrorist groups build their campaign around misrepresentations, ...