On 3 September 2021, the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) held its third Open Meeting with CTED’s Global Research Network (GRN) entitled “Emerging Threats, Trends and Developments in terrorism and counter-terrorism: Reflecting on 20 years of the terrorist threat.”
Featuring the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), Michèle Coninsx and expert speakers from CTED and CTED’s Global Research Network, the event also provided Member States with an opportunity to share their own reflections on key trends and challenges. ““As we continue to address these existing and emerging challenges, we must of course also continue to identify lessons learned in order to assist Member States to adapt and strengthen their responses,” said ASG Coninsx.
In their remarks, both the CTC Chair and ASG Coninsx emphasized the importance of counter-terrorism responses having a strong evidence base, and being human rights compliant and gender sensitive. In this context, they praised CTED’s work with the GRN, and recognized its unique role in ensuring that the Committee and CTED were kept abreast of the latest trends and challenges. “Analytical products by CTED through its work with the GRN have enabled the Committee to keep abreast of the new trends, threats and challenges in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism,” said H.E. Mr. Tarek Ladeb, Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee.
In his introductory remarks, CTED’s Research and Analysis Coordinator David Wells shared some of CTED’s own analysis of past, current and future trends, reinforcing that despite significant progress in Member State responses, systemic challenges remained, including in relation to human rights abuses connected to counter-terrorism.
Following a presentation from Dr. Michael Oppenheimer of New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, sharing insights from a recent survey of the GRN, four researchers shared different regional perspectives.
- Mr. Idriss Mounir Lallali from the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism warned about the rise in the terrorist threat in Africa, their use of technology, and the intersection with the impacts of climate change, transnational crime and corruption.
- Ms. Maya Mirchandani of the Observer Research Foundation provided an update on developments in Afghanistan and their likely impact on the wider region, particularly in the context of “competing fundamentalisms” that were impacting the rights of minorities.
- Dr. Juan Félix Marteau from the Universidad de Buenos Aires presented his analysis of key challenges relating to countering the financing of terrorism in Latin America, including the importance of coordination and information sharing.
- Ms. Tanya Mehra of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism shared insights relating to the prosecution of terrorists for international crimes, including recent prosecutions in several European Member States.
The final session focused on key thematic challenges. Dr. Akinola Olojo from the Institute for Security Studies emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration programming – particularly in the West African context – and the need for the involvement of local communities. Dr. Mary Beth Altier of New York University presented her research on disengagement from terrorism and the issue of recidivism, outlining key factors that impacted the success of these efforts.
Following questions and statements from Member State representatives, the meeting concluded with a statement from the Chair of the Committee re-emphasizing the need to reflect on these challenges and ensure that counter-terrorism responses adapted to the current reality.
To watch a recording of the event, please click .
A summary of the meeting is available here.