In recent news, China’s blockage of a United Nations (UN) proposal to designate a Pakistan-based terrorist as a global threat has sparked widespread debate and concern. This move, carried out in September 2022, threatens the concerted efforts of various countries to uphold international security against acts of terrorism.
Understanding the Proposal and Concerns
This proposal was brought forth by India and the United states, with the aim of blacklisting an individual identified as a key player in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. This was intended to be executed under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council.
This instance isn’t the first of its kind. China has repeatedly blocked similar attempts to blacklist terrorists based in Pakistan via the UN Security Council’s sanctions committee. Cases in point include occurrences in 2009, 2016, and 2017. These actions by China have raised eyebrows among nations intent on fighting terrorism on a global scale. It raises doubts about China’s commitment to international security, as it seems to prioritize its ties with Pakistan over cooperation with the international community on security matters. This situation further underscores the difficulty in achieving consensus within the UN Security Council on matters relating to terrorism.
What is the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee?
The 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee is a sub-division of the UN Security Council tasked with implementing international sanctions against identified terrorists. Two other committees with similar responsibilities include the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Security Council Committee.
Initially, the committee was set up as the Al-Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee on October 15, 1999, post the resolution 1267 by the Security Council that declared Al-Qaeda and the Taliban as recognized terrorist bodies. However, in 2011 a separate committee was established specifically for the Taliban.
Under the committee’s jurisdiction, any member state of the UN can propose a name, individual, or group to be listed as a terrorist. Decisions in this regard are taken through consensus within the 1267 Sanctions Committee, which comprises all members of the UNSC. A member can block blacklisting proposals by raising objections or placing a “technical hold” on a proposal.
Those individuals or entities that end up being listed as terrorists are subjected to an asset freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo.
Quick Insight: UPSC Civil Services Examination (Previous Year Question)
In the 2009 Civil Services Examination, a question about the UN Security Council appeared in the prelims: “The Security Council of UN consists of 5 permanent members, and the remaining 10 members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of ______” The correct answer is (b) 2 years.
This article draws information from a source linked to the Hindu newspaper.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024