UN Involvement Against Terrorism
2004
UN Report Slams Use of Torture to Beat Terror (November 11, 2004)
The UN report "Torture, and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment" strongly denounces torture under any circumstances. The US recently nominated a new attorney general, Alberto Gonzales, who condones torture against "terrorists" and "terror suspects," showing that the US has no intention of adjusting its policies in this area. This appointment is a "slap in the face of the international community," which has repeatedly expressed its dismay at US violations of human rights. (Inter Press Service)
UN Urges Nations to Submit Terror Reports (October 20, 2004)
The United Nations Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) expresses its concern at the low number of countries that have submitted reports on their efforts to combat terrorism. New measures adopted by the Council intensify and broaden the CTC's activities, such as deploying specialized teams to assist countries in fighting terrorism. (Associated Press)
New Head of UN Anti-Terrorism Office Outlines Comprehensive Battle Plan (October 19, 2004)
The UN Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) pledges to focus on uniting governments and international organizations against terror, and to address failures to comply with Security Council Resolution 1373 on counter-terrorism. Javier Ruperez, Executive Director of the CTC Secretariat, strongly believes the UN should assume a position of leadership in the "global war on terrorism." (UN News)
Unease at UN Over Russian Terror Blacklist Plan (September 28, 2004)
Russia's new draft resolution in the UN Security Council broadens the definition of terrorism and expands the Council's terrorist blacklist to include suspected Chechen rebels. Several member states including the US and Britain have objected to the initiative as they would be required to extradite terror suspects to Russia. (Russia Journal)
Russia Asks UN for New Terror List (September 27, 2004)
Russia calls for the full support of the United Nations Security Council members in its "war on terror." In a draft resolution to members of the Council, it calls on the Council to add Chechen rebels to its new list of "individuals, groups and entities involved in or associated with terrorist activities." In addition, Russia requests the extradition of suspected terrorists from countries that have given them asylum. (Associated Press)
Al-Qaeda Sanctions 'Ineffective' (August 27, 2004)
A UN committee says sanctions on Al-Qaeda, including asset freezing and arms control, have been ineffective. Al-Qaeda has been flexible in circumventing Security Council actions and often operates cheaply and with arms not covered by sanctions. The committee recommends reforming Security Council methods for dealing with terrorism. (BBC)
War on Terror-HRW Accuses UN of Disregarding Abuses (August 11, 2004)
In its recent report the United Nations points a finger at countries violating human rights in the fight against terrorism. In turn, Human Rights Watch accuses the UN of turning its back on human rights violations by failing to appoint an expert on human rights to its newly formed Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate. (Agence France-Presse)
Hear No Evil, See No Evil (August 10, 2004)
Human Rights Watchreports on human rights violations committed by governments in the name of the "war on terrorism." The organization suggests that the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee fails to scrutinize these violations.
Security Council Approves Resolution to Deny Terrorists WMDs (April 29, 2004)
The Security Council has passed Resolution 1540 requiring states to "adopt and enforce appropriate effective laws" to deny WMDs to any "non-state actors," as a way of ensuring global security. However, some delegates expressed concern that the resolution did not explicitly address disarmament issues. (UN Wire)
New Expert to Help Protect Rights in War on Terror (April 21, 2004)
The UN Commission on Human Rights has appointed an independent expert on counterterrorism and human rights. This expert will assist in making recommendations on states' obligations to comply with international human rights and humanitarian law in combating terrorism. (Human Rights Watch)
UN Security Council Revamps Counterterrorism Committee (March 29, 2004)
Two and a half years after the Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) was first set up, the Security Council has adopted Resolution 1535 to endorse a reform plan presented by the Spanish Ambassador to revitalize the committee and creat a permanent secretariat. (UN Wire)
UN: Counterterrorism Body Should Monitor Rights Abuses (March 3, 2004)
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watchinsist the proposed UN Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate "must include human rights experts to advise governments on how to protect human rights while tackling terrorism."
Most UN Members Lag on Drive Against Al Qaeda (January 13, 2004)
Only 93 out the 191 UN members have filed their reports as required by the Security Council, complains the sanctions Committee on Al Qaeda/Talibans. While the Council prepares to vote on a new resolution to pressure non-complying members, France wants to renew the sanctions regime annually, whereas Washington wants the Al Qaeda sanctions to remain in place until the Council decides otherwise. (Reuters)
2003
UN's Focus Diminishes Efforts on Africa's Troubles (May 25, 2003)
Colum Lynch criticizes the Security Council for devoting excessive time to global terrorism while neglecting a looming humanitarian crisis in Africa. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees challenges the Security Council to commit itself to democracy in Africa. (Washington Post)
2002
Can UN Play Tough Cop Against Terrorism? (November 5, 2002)
Some UN officials suggest the world needs a permanent UN counter-terrorism agency to promote and monitor multilateral efforts. The agency could even reprimand countries that fail to uphold international counter terrorism standards. (Christian Science Monitor)
Bid to Stop Funds for Qaeda Hits Obstacles (August 29, 2002)
"Al Qaeda is by all accounts 'fit and well' and poised to strike again at its leisure," states the UN Panel responsible for monitoring sanctions against Al Qaeda. The report outlines the obstacles obstructing the task of blocking Al-Qaeda's funding. (Washington Post)
President Khatami Expounds on Islam and Terrorism (July 24, 2002)
The Tehran Timesreports that "President Khatami accused the US of […] steering the world into the frightening path of war." The Iranian President calls on the UN to lead the anti-terror war and "remove the roots of terrorism."
What Future for the UN? (June 9, 2003)
Former UK Cabinet Minister Clare Short assesses US-UN relations in the wake of the Iraq conflict and September 11, arguing that global security can only be achieved through the UN. Furthermore, the contemptuous US attitude toward the world body will only feed terrorism. (BBC)
Position on the Travel and Financial Sanctions Against Alleged Al Qaida Supporters (March 1, 2002)
In a letter to Security Council members, Human Rights Watchoutlines the organization's position on sanctions and comments on some ambiguities in recent resolutions regarding the application of targeted financial and travel sanctions to individuals.
Terrorism's Slippery Definition Eludes UN Diplomats (February 3, 2002)
As the war against terrorism continues, UN diplomats are unable to agree on a single definition of terrorism. A definition is necessary to draft a comprehensive treaty against terrorism and compel all 189 UN member-states to crack down on perpetrators. (Christian Science Monitor)
UN Terror Draft to Outlaw Israeli Strikes (January 30, 2002)
The US and Israel block attempts by India and the Organization of Islamic States to make state terrorism an offence in the current draft of the UN Convention on International Terrorism. The US and Israel also contest the draft because it does not outlaw attacks by the PLO and Hamas. (Times News Network)
Annan Hopes UN Will OK Terror Treaty (January 24, 2002)
The UN General Assembly discusses the terms of a comprehensive treaty against terrorism. However, defining who is a terrorist is a major obstacle. The US, EU and other countries agree to an Australian compromise but the Organization of the Islamic Conference reject it on the grounds that it does not exempt liberation movements fighting foreign occupation. (Associated Press)
Nations Propose to Fight Terror (January 11, 2002)
Most member countries have complied with a Security Council request for reports on their plans to combat terrorism. However, the council's work on the issue continues to be hampered by disputes over the definition of "terrorism," and which groups should be included in a comprehensive list of terrorist organizations. (Los Angeles Times)
US Bombs Killed Afghan Civilians, UN Says (January 4, 2002)
The United Nations criticize US bombings and killing of civilians in Afghanistan. UN special envoy for Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, plans to discuss the bombing with US military officials. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
UN to Clear Coalition Cluster Bombs (January 2, 2002)
The UN has begun the task of dismantling 25,000 unexploded cluster bombs dropped on Afghanistan by US warplanes. These cluster bombs were responsible for a high rate of civilian casualties in Kosovo, and pose a threat to the safety of returning civilian populations in Afghanistan. (UN Integrated Regional Information Network)
2001
UN Orders Sanctions On Pak Group, Three individuals (December 27, 2001)
The Security Council Committee monitoring sanctions against Afghanistan orders a global freeze on the assets of a Pakistani organization, two former nuclear scientists and a Pakistani industrialist suspected of links to Osama Bin Laden. (Times of India)
United Nations to Get a US Antiterror Guide (December 19, 2001)
The US will present a detailed report to the UN, outlining the steps it has taken to combat international terrorism. The report also seems intended as a signal to the UN that the US will remain fully committed to the antiterror agenda, even when the battle in Afghanistan ends. (New York Times)
US Questions Its Share of Reconstruction Costs (December 18, 2001)
Since the US spends billions of dollars on the war in Afghanistan, the Bush administration now questions its contribution to the reconstruction of the tattered country. (New York Times)
Empowered United Nations: Terrorism's Greatest Foe (December 17, 2001)
As an alternative to war, the UN should have more power to exercise its authority against international terrorism, to counter-balance US unilateral policy. (Chicago Tribune)
Pakistan Will Send Report to UN: Anti-Terrorism Steps (December 12, 2001)
In compliance with the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee's "mandatory anti-terrorism measures", Pakistan will report to the UN on the concrete steps the country has taken in dismantling the terrorist financial network. (Dawn)
UN Council Sees Quick Endorsement of Afghan Accord (December 5, 2001)
Members of the Security Council are drafting resolutions endorsing the accord reached among Afghan factions in Bonn. However, a resolution authorizing a multinational force will be put on hold until the US takes out the Taliban and captures Osama bin Laden. (Reuters)
US Says 'Not Yet' To Patrol By Allies (November 30, 2001)
The US Central Command halted the deployment of thousands of international peacekeepers because "the best intentions in the world, if provided in an uncoordinated way, makes things worse instead of better."
(Washington Post)
(Washington Post)
UN Finds 'More Misses Than Hits' by US Bombs in Kabul (November 24, 2001)
While the Pentagon has acknowledged that a few individual bombing errors has killed some civilians, UN ordnance specialists say they find evidence of a broad pattern of erroneous bombing that killed 30 civilians over the 37 days of air raids on this city. (Guardian)
The Kosovo Formula (November 23, 2001)
As delegates negotiate for the future of Afghanistan, the successful general election in Kosovo is evidence that the combination of UN-led, NATO-policed nation-building effort backed by multilateral aid and patience is workable. (Washington Post )
The battle That Will Follow The War (November 20, 2001)
The UN can mould Afghanistan's warring ethnic groups into a government provided substantial aid is delivered and broad cooperation from Afghanistan's neighboring states is formed. (Guardian)
UN Resolution to Provide Security (November 15, 2001)
Responding to the rapid developments in Afghanistan, the Security Council endorsed Lakhdar Brahimi's plan for a political and security solution to the situation in the country. (Associated Press)
UN: The End of Collective Action (November 2001)
This article criticizes the Security Council for allowing the US to continue its war against Afghanistan, in violation of the UN Charter. Article 51 recognizes a temporary right to self-defense until "the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security." (Le Monde Diplomatique)
UN Seeks Meeting of Afghans to Fill Vacuum in Kabul (November 14, 2001)
After the Taliban unexpectedly fled from Kabul, UN Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi proposed a plan to the Security Council, pushing for "urgent action" to prevent a political and security vacuum. (New York Times)
Security Council Calls for Urgent Steps to Thwart Terrorist Menace (November 13, 2001)
Declaring terrorism to be one of the most serious threats to peace and security in the 21st century, the Security Council adopted a resolution calling for a global effort "to fight the scourge of international terrorism," (Xinhua)
As UN Meets, bin Laden Tape Sets Off Alarms (November 9, 2001)
As leaders from around the world gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, Osama bin Laden's latest message has roused serious security concerns for the UN and international leaders. Mr. bin Laden considers the UN a tool for crime headed by a criminal, Secretary General Kofi Annan. (New York Times)
Secretary-General Repeats Call for Global Response to Terrorism, Urging Moral Struggle Against "an Evil That Is Anathema to All Faiths" (November 6, 2001)
Secretary-General Kofi Annan believes that the global response to terrorism must be universal and not divisive. (UN Documents)
UN Hits Back Over Afghan Aid (November 6, 2001)
The UN aid agency accuses the Taleban of hindering humanitarian efforts and aggravating the crisis, following Taleban requests for greater UN humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. (BBC News)
Bin Laden Blames UN For Suffering (November 4, 2001)
Osama Bin Laden has called the UN an "instrument of crime" responsible for the Palestinian crisis. Bin Laden also accused Arab leaders of being infidels because of their membership to the UN. This criticism follows the deployment of Turkish troops to Afghanistan. (Ottawa Citizen)
The United Nations Faces an Afghan Nightmare (October 26, 2001)
US and British governments strongly support a UN role in Afghanistan. UN officials, however, have declared the problem of Afghanistan as being on the scale "between incredibly difficult and totally impossible." (Guardian)
UN Arranges For Post-Taliban Talks (October 25, 2001)
Lakdhar Brahimi, the UN envoy for Afghanistan, is organizing support for a broad-based government to replace the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. (South Nexus)
Do's and Don'ts for the UN In Afghanistan (October 24, 2001)
The India Timesreports the "limited" nation-building role that the UN wishes to play in Afghanistan.
Bin Laden 'Received UN Cash' (October 21, 2001)
The UN donated more than $1.4 million to a consortium of charities working in the Sudan in 1997, one of which was a charity believed to be a front organization for Bin Laden. (BBC)
UN Set to Appeal for Halt in the Bombing (October 21, 2001)
Concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is prompting the UN to issue an unprecedented appeal to the US: "halt the war on Afghanistan and allow time for a huge relief operation." (Guardian)
Afghanistan: As Humanitarian Crisis Builds UN Declines To Be A Part of The Political Solution (October 19, 2001)
The UN has made it clear at the highest level that it does not want to become embroiled in any Afghan peacekeeping operation or transitional administration. In deciding between the roles of humanitarian actor and a political actor, it has opted for the former. Nation building is not on the UN agenda. (EuropaWorld)
UN Rejects US Postwar Plan (October 18, 2001)
The pressure of US government for an "instant settlement to the decades old war" in Afghanistan is provoking frustration amongst UN officials who claim that a hastily prepared nation-building and peacekeeping initiative would solve nothing. (News Day)
Envoy Urges UN Not to Send Peacekeepers (October 17, 2001)
In contrast to the previous article, Brahimi, the N special envoy for Afghanistan, warned that the UN should not "rush" into Afghanistan and set unrealistic goals. (Washington Post)
The UN and Nation-Building (October 14, 2001)
The rebuilding effort of Afghanistan will likely fall on UN's shoulders. William Shawcross analyzes the UN's past track record in nation-building missions, and foresees the difficult tasks ahead. (The Scotsman )
Endgame Afghanistan; Only a Muslim UN Force can Secure Peace (October 14, 2001)
Because "no Western force would be either useful or acceptable to a majority of Afghans", peacekeepers should be recruited from Muslim countries and operate under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Conference and the UN. (Independent)
US Vision for Kabul Includes Vital UN Role (October 11, 2001)
The Bush administration has denied that toppling the Taliban and installing a new regime in Afghanistan is a main objective. However, Secretary of State Colin Powell announced today that the US will be involved in rebuilding the war torn country as part of a broad multinational effort in which the UN "might well have to play a very, very important role…" (Washington Times)
UN Head 'Disturbed' by US Statement on Broader Attacks (October 10, 2001)
In a letter addressed to the Security Council, US Ambassador John Negroponte has implied the legitimate right to extend military attacks to other, unnamed "terrorist states" on the basis of self-defense. (Inter Press Service)
UN Security Council Backs Attacks (October 9, 2001)
US Ambassador to the UN John Negroponte informed the Security Council that America's self-defense may require "further actions with respect to other organizations and other states." Negroponte's warnings of a broader military campaign came as UN Secretary General Kofi Anan commented on the legitimacy of the military strikes under the UN Charter. (BBC)
OIC Chief Stresses Need To Distinguish Between Terrorism, National Resistance (October 2, 2001)
The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is not supporting the UN resolution obliging member states to crack down on terrorist groups. The OIC has called for the Palestinian situation to be resolved before the issue of terrorism in the Arab world can be properly addressed. (Arab News)
Angola: UNITA Views UN Resolution As 'Encouraging' Government To Pursue War (October 2, 2001)
Following the terrorist attacks on the US, UNITA accuses the Security Council of violating the most elementary principles of law: "the right of an accused Party to defend itself". If the US is granted this basic principle of law, why not UNITA? (Kwacha)
World Should Aim At Root Cause of Terrorism: Shamshad (October 2, 2001)
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Shamshad Ahmad, Pakistan's ambassador to the UN, called on the members to build global stability through "mutual tolerance and shared prosperity." Failure to relieve poverty and ignorance will only help breed more hatred and disillusionment. (Dawn)
General Assembly Opens Weeklong Debate on Fighting International Terrorism (October 2, 2001)
UN antiterrorism treaties, as well as the recently adopted Security Council resolution, gained support at the opening of the weeklong debate in the General Assembly. In addition, several participants put forward new proposals on combating terrorism. (UN News)
Statement by Amnesty International on the Implementation of Security Council Resolution 1373 (October 1, 2001)
In this statement, Amnesty Internationalwelcomes the Council's determination to take action, but also expresses its concern that vague terms like "terrorists" and "terrorist acts" may lead to widespread human rights violations by governments.
Statement by Cuban UN Permanent Representative, before the UN General Assembly (October 1, 2001)
Ambassador Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla outlines Cuban measures to eliminate international terrorism while criticizing the American military campaign. (Havana Radio)
Annan Cautions Against Rash Action: Global Legitimacy Can be Given by UN Alone (September 25, 2001)
Kofi Annan stresses the importance of a vigorous but peaceful response to terrorism. The process should be clear and transparent, understood and accepted by all. According to Annan, only the UN is in a position to give global legitimacy to this process. (Dawn)
UK Liberal Democrats Will Call for Measured Military Response, UN Involvement (September 24, 2001)
Sharply critical of the inflammatory language used by Tony Blair and George Bush after the terrorist attacks, Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy is calling for "the early involvement of the United Nations and 'robust' but 'proportionate' military action." (The Independent)
Fighting Terrorism On a Global Front (September 21, 2001)
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan writes in the New York Times that as the terrorist attacks have "wounded the world," the UN stands in a unique position to have all nations address the "ills of conflict, ignorance, poverty and disease." (New York Times)
UN Seeks Bigger Role in Anti-Terrorism (September 21, 2001)
World leaders want the UN to play a larger role in the fight against terrorism. This should include the Security Council's involvement in any military action and the General Assembly's forthcoming discussion on a new convention against terrorism. (Washington Times)
Working with UN could Avert Disaster (September 20, 2001)
Simon Tisdall of the Guardian argues that the US would benefit from engaging the UN in its quest for justice. (Guardian)
UN Security Council Urges Taliban To Comply With Resolutions (September 19, 2001)
Security Council President Levitte of France sent a clear message to the Taliban: "implement the resolutions of the Security Council, in particular resolution 1333, immediately and unconditionally." (Xinhua News Agency)
Security Council 'Unequivocally' Condemns Terrorist Strikes Against US (September 12, 2001)
The Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the terrorist attacks against the US. By qualifying the attack as a threat to international peace and security, the Council expressed its "readiness to take all necessary steps to respond to the attacks". (UN News)
