CTED joins ICCT online conference on trends in terrorism and radicalization to violence

BMUSONI — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 17:03:00 +0000

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On 8 December 2021, Assistant Secretary-General Michèle Coninsx, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), took part in a high-level panel on “Trends in radicalization to violence: what policy concerns and priorities?” held within the framework of the annual conference of the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT).

The other panellists included Mr. Pieter-Jaap Aalbersberg, National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security of the Netherlands, and Ms. Christiane Hoehn, Principal Advisor to the European Union Counter-Terrorism Coordinator.

During the panel discussions, Assistant Secretary-General Coninsx addressed trends in terrorism and radicalization to violence, as well as the related policy concerns and priorities of the United Nations. The COVID-19 pandemic was the most pressing current challenge, as it had exacerbated many existing trends and would likely continue to have profound social, economic, and political consequences, perpetuating inequality, polarization and unrest for many years to come. Further concerns were the increased risk of radicalization to violence online, threats posed by “lone actor” terrorists, the current situation in Afghanistan, the continued increase in terrorist attacks in Africa, and evidence that new affiliates of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Daesh, were attracting recruits and financing across borders.

Participants raised concerns about terrorism perpetrated on the basis of xenophobia, racism and other forms of intolerance, or in the name of religion or belief, as well as about attacks carried out by lone actors or small groups. It was essential to remain vigilant about the use of new technologies for terrorist purposes.

The panellists agreed that the development of evidence-based research and perspectives was critical to further understanding the evolution of radicalization to violence through the Internet, whether at the national, regional or international levels.

The ICCT is a longstanding partner of CTED and a member of its Global Research Network. The conference provided a useful forum for collaboration, analysis, and the exchange of experiences and expertise, with the aim of identifying innovative and comprehensive approaches to preventing and countering terrorism.

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CTED holds event exploring post-COVID landscape and implications for terrorism, counter-terrorism, and countering violent extremism

BMUSONI — Thu, 21 Dec 2017 22:29:00 +0000

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On 17 December 2021, CTED held a virtual meeting to explore the post-COVID landscape and the implications for terrorism, counter-terrorism, and countering violent extremism (CVE).

The event also served to launch the fourth and final paper in CTED’s analytical series on the impact of the pandemic, which was developed in accordance with CTED’s mandate to identify emerging issues, trends, and developments.

CTED’s analytical series (which included reports published in June and December 2020 and June and December 2021) has provided the Counter-Terrorism Committee and policymakers with an analysis of the key short, medium, and long-term impacts of the pandemic.

During the event, four panellists from CTED’s Global Research Network (GRN) explored the topic from different geographical perspectives. The event was attended by more than 25 participants from various regions, enabling researchers and other civil society actors to share their insights and experience with policymakers and practitioners.

Assistant Secretary-General Michèle Coninsx, Executive Director of CTED, delivered opening remarks, noting the critical need to focus on the development of evidence-based policies that could ensure both counter-terrorism progress and an inclusive recovery from the pandemic that left no one behind. Assistant Secretary-General Coninsx also presented a short video, showcasing highlights from previous CTED events and the views of CTED partners, including GRN members.

The panellists highlighted key developments in States affected by terrorism, including with respect to the direct or indirect effects of COVID-19 and the implications for future counter-terrorism and CVE programming and practice.

Participants discussed the humanitarian cost of the pandemic for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), noting, for example, that in the case of ISIL-associated individuals detained in the Syrian Arab Republic, repatriations had slowed in the wake of the pandemic. In Mozambique, COVID-19-related visa restrictions on foreigners had limited humanitarian access to IDPs.

Participants also referred to expressions of dissatisfaction at certain COVID-19-related actions taken by Governments (including reports of excessive use of force by security forces to enforce pandemic-related restrictions), noting how those actions had united violent extremists across the ideological spectrum and directly or indirectly helped fuel violent extremist narratives.

Panellists also stressed the need for enhanced measures to counter violent extremism and violent extremist narratives at the community level, including by strengthening support for frontline workers and developing tailored and comprehensive policies that are gender-sensitive and human rights compliant.

Participants noted the need to give careful consideration to the long-term effects of COVID-19 on terrorism, counter terrorism and CVE as practitioners seek to develop strategies for future action in those areas.

You can watch the full event here.

Front Page Article:

Security Council - Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) - COVID-19

CTED joins ICCT online conference on trends in terrorism and radicalization to violence

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CTED holds event exploring post-COVID landscape and implications for terrorism, counter-terrorism, and countering violent extremism

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