India recently hosted a pivotal meeting of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (UNSC-CTC) to confront the rising challenge of terrorism. This included discussions on terrorism-financing through cryptocurrencies and the use of drones in modern-day acts of terror. The Permanent Representative of India, Ruchira Kamboj, served as Chair of the CTC for 2022. This marked the first UNSC-CTC meeting in India since the committee’s inception in 2001.
Understanding UNSC-CTC and Its Role in Counter-Terrorism
Established by Security Council resolution 1373, the UNSC-CTC was founded in response to the 9/11 terror attacks. The committee comprises all 15 Security Council members, including five permanent countries – China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States – and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. The Committee’s mandate involves monitoring the implementation of resolution 1373, which required countries to improve their legal and institutional abilities to counter terrorism both domestically and worldwide.
Key Points From the Meeting
The meeting highlighted five points for consideration by the CTC, among them were sustained efforts to counter terror financing, increasing international cooperation against terrorists, and strengthening multilateral efforts to fight against terrorism. It also emphasized the need for Security Council’s sanctions to remain effective and not be jeopardized due to political reasons.
Emerging Challenges Facing India
The use of emerging technologies for spreading terror is a mounting concern globally. Terrorist groups have diversified their funding portfolio and started exploiting the anonymity offered by new technologies such as virtual currencies. Concerns over China’s rejection of UNSC sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorists have also been raised.
Defining Terrorism
Terrorism encompasses any act intended to intimidate a population, compel a government or an international organization to act (or refrain from acting), and cause serious harm to people, public or private property, or results in substantial economic loss.
Indian Initiatives Against Terrorism
Following past terror attacks, India has taken significant steps to bolster its security system. These include establishing the National Investigation Agency and the National Intelligence Grid, the formation of new operational hubs for the National Security Guard, and reinforcement of the Multi-Agency Centre.
Global Efforts to Counter Terrorism
Multiple global entities, including the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), have joined hands to counteract terrorism. They aim to prevent terrorism, promote international cooperation, and implement the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
The Path Forward
Combating terrorism requires stringent measures to curb terror financing. The international community must work together and rise above political differences to tackle the issue of terrorism effectively. Technical solutions, like enhanced surveillance and detection capabilities, can improve border security. Specialization of military to handle cross-border terrorism is also a way forward. Society’s full, unwavering support is crucial in this low intensity, localized war against terrorism.