On 5 and 6 May 2025, the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) in collaboration with the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law’s (IIJ) Counter-Terrorism Platform for Human Rights Engagement (CT PHARE) held a regional event on strengthening oversight and accountability of national security agencies in South and South-East Asia, in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event was hosted by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and generously supported by the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Korea.
The event focused on raising awareness about the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s “Brussels memorandum on good practices for oversight and accountability mechanisms in counterterrorism” among national security agencies in South and South-East Asian Member States to strengthen their oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Government officials from South and South-East Asian Member States, as well as a diverse group of international experts and participants from various governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations gathered for this event.
Over two days, the participants compared models of accountability and exchanged experiences, good practices and gaps in review and oversight methodology. In addition, they identified areas in which support is needed in the development or enhancement of intelligence and law enforcement oversight mechanisms in the counter-terrorism context, drawing on the experience of countries with existing structures. Participants also exchanged views on the technical opportunities and challenges of intelligence oversight in the digital age. The event helped enhance international intelligence oversight cooperation and provided an opportunity for participants to broaden and deepen their partnerships and networks.
National security agencies play a critical role in protecting their populations against terrorism threats. They also support States in their efforts to fulfil their obligation to safeguard the human rights of all individuals under their jurisdiction. The Security Council has encouraged States to develop effective oversight mechanisms and other safeguards, including through the Technical Guide to the Implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant resolutions, the Madrid Guiding Principles, and its addendum. CTED, on behalf of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, has made recommendations to Member States on areas where they can improve their implementation of Council resolutions, including with regard to oversight.
CTED extends its sincere thanks to IIJ for its partnership, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its hospitality, and to the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Korea for their generous support, as well as to all practitioners from South and South-East Asia and beyond.