UN Counter-Terrorism Committee in Sri Lanka

Jean-Paul Laborde the Executive Directorate of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee  is scheduled to arrive in the country today for a 3 day official visit. The delegation is to meet several government officials. 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 UN office on drugs and crime and Interpol.

The visit by the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), has three main objectives.

Assessing Sri Lanka’s implementation of the provisions of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) – adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter , it  addresses threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts-  including the ratification and implementation of international instruments against terrorism as well as international cooperation in these matters

– Recommending areas in which Sri Lanka would eventually benefit from receiving technical assistance;

– Addressing measures put in place by Sri Lanka to implement Security Council resolution 1624 (2005) that calls upon States to enhance dialogue and take all necessary measures to counter incitement of terrorist acts motivated by extremism and intolerance.

The official mission to Sri Lanka, which will stress the importance of 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, will be undertaken through engagement with the Government and include a visit to Jaffna.

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.