UN launches new framework to strengthen fight against terrorism

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has launched a new framework to combat the scourge of international terrorism and coordinate efforts across the peace and security, humanitarian, human rights and sustainable development sectors.

Termed the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, the framework is an agreement between the UN chief, 36 organizational entities, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and the World Customs Organisation, to better serve the needs of Member States when it comes to tackling the scourge of international terrorism.

Speaking at the first meeting of the Compact's Coordination Committee here Thursday, Guterres highlighted the need to ensure full respect for international human rights standards and rule of law in countering terrorism.

"Policies that limit human rights only end up alienating the very communities they aim to protect and which normally have every interest in fighting extremism," he said .. adding that as a result "such policies can effectively drive people into the hands of terrorists and undermine our efforts on prevention."

Guterres said that despite recent successes against the ISIS and its affiliates, the threat posed by returning and relocating fighters, as well as from individuals inspired by them, remains high and has a global reach.

He cited this year's Global Terrorism Index released by the Institute for Economic and Peace, which indicates that despite a 27 pr cent fall in the number of deaths from acts of terrorism worldwide, the impact of terrorism remains widespread, with 67 experiencing countries deadly attacks.