UN Counter-Terrorism Committee delegation to arrive in Sri Lanka

A UN Counter Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) delegation headed by its Executive Director Jean-Paul Laborde, is due to arrive in Sri Lanka today on a three-day visit.

The team is expected to lay stress on the importance of having a comprehensive approach to countering terrorism in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, including human rights, as requested by the Security Council.

The delegation will also visit Jaffna, reports the Colombo Page web site.

During their visit, the team, on the request of the Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC), is tasked with meeting three main objectives, namely (1) To assess Sri Lanka's implementation of the provisions of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) , including the ratification and implementation of international instruments against terrorism as well as international cooperation in these matters (2) To make relevant recommendations concerning steps that Sri Lanka should take in this regard; to recommend areas in which Sri Lanka would eventually benefit from receiving technical assistance and (3) To address measures put in place by Sri Lanka to implement Security Council resolution 1624 (2005).

Adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, and therefore, binding on all member states, resolution 1373 (2001) addresses threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, whereas resolution 1624 (2005) calls on States to enhance dialogue and take all necessary measures to counter incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance.

The delegation will emphasize that terrorism will be defeated not only by military and law enforcement measures or judiciary decisions, but will also require constructive dialogue with communities.

Members of the delegation include counter-terrorism experts from CTED focusing on legislation, law enforcement, and countering violent extremism, as well as representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and INTERPOL.