Summary and Conclusions Workshop on the Regional Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in South Asia

Transcription

1 Summary and Conclusions Workshop on the Regional Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in South Asia May 2012 Dhaka, Bangladesh Organized by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Bangladesh

2 Contents Preface 03 Background and Executive Summary 04 Opening Session: Welcome Remarks and Keynote Speech 05 Plenary Session I: The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy 07 and its significance for South Asia Plenary Session II: Reflections on Conditions Conducive to the Spread of Terrorism 09 Plenary Session III: The way forward on regional counter-terrorism 10 cooperation in South Asia Plenary Session IV: Strengthening criminal justice systems, human rights 12 and the rule of law in regional counter terrorism efforts Workshop Conclusions 13 Annex I: Agenda of the Workshop 2

3 Preface The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (hereafter referred to as the Strategy ) adopted by the General Assembly on 8 September 2006 represents an important milestone in our collective pursuit towards strengthening the global response to terrorism, based on a common strategic and operational framework. Four pillars of action underpin the Strategy, namely: Measures to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; Measures to prevent and combat terrorism; Measures to build States capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the United Nations system in this regard; and Measures to ensure respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism. The Strategy calls on Member States to ensure its implementation at the national, regional and international levels, and for enhanced coordination and coherence within the United Nations system in promoting international cooperation in countering terrorism. However, despite this expression of political commitment and important institutional progress, widespread and integrated implementation of the Strategy remains elusive in many regions of the world. In addition to the general capacity challenges confronting a wide range of Member States, a contributing factor to this is the lack of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Strategy in several capitals and the role that different stakeholders, including the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF), can play in supporting national, regional, and sub-regional implementation. Widespread implementation of the Strategy by Member States depends on their officials having the knowledge and understanding in national capitals about its utility, legitimacy, and potential benefits for their country. For example, the Strategy has the potential to be a useful tool in promoting whole-of-system responses to terrorism. However, for that to happen, the Strategy s utility as a policy framework for an integrated Government response to the threat of terrorism needs to be publicized and understood by all relevant Government ministries and other stakeholders, including civil society. With this in mind, the CTITF Office, in partnership with the Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh, organized a Regional Workshop for Member States of the South Asian region and relevant international partners that was aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the Strategy and thereby attaining broader political support from officials of ministries and agencies in capitals and the wider sections of civil society. Similar regional events for the Southeast Asian region (Bali, Indonesia); Eastern Africa (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) and Southern Africa (Windhoek, Namibia). The discussions at the Workshop provided positive indications towards enhanced regional efforts to implement the Strategy in all its dimensions, with the support of the United Nations system through the CTITF framework. The following summary and conclusions of the Workshop, which do not constitute a binding document, are intended to serve as useful reference material for similar efforts in the future in other regions of the world. 3

4 Background and Executive Summary Terrorism and violent extremism have posed a serious threat to the security and stability of South Asian countries for decades. The threat from terrorism has further exacerbated in the aftermath of the attacks on 11 September There is scarcely any country in the region which has not witnessed terrorist attacks. The human suffering caused due to terrorist incidents and the instability created from them has affected the overall economic growth, social welfare and political dynamics in South Asian countries. In summary, terrorism has inflicted enormous costs on the South Asian region in terms of both human lives, financial resources and other indirect means. The South Asian region is also plagued with broader socioeconomic challenges and issues related to governance that have been a hindrance in implementing effective counterterrorism measures. Moreover, porous borders contribute to the ability of terrorists to operate beyond their physical locations. Extremists and their narratives is easily transmitted across border through advanced technology. Therefore, a concerted regional approach is an imperative in tackling the challenge emanating from terrorism and extremism in the South Asian context. In order to address both the gaps in terms of knowledge and information and to foster greater regional cooperation, the CTITF, in partnership with the Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh, organized the Regional Workshop for Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter Terrorism Strategy in South Asia in Dhaka on May The workshop was attended by all eight members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and participants included government officials as well as members of civil society. Relevant stakeholders from various United Nations departments and other regional organisations also participated in the workshop. The workshop served as a forum to compare assessments on the threat of terrorism facing the region, identifying ways and means of strengthening cooperation among states and exploring ways to forge a coordinated regional counter-terrorism strategy for the South Asian region. The main conclusions reached at the end of the workshop reflected participants improved understanding and acknowledgement of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy as a comprehensive policy framework which allows Member States, including those in South Asia, with the appropriate strategic measures against terrorism. The discussions centered on the implementation of Pillar I of the Global Strategy, which was noted for its particular relevance in the South Asian context. Remedies to the growing problem of terrorism rested on enhanced capacity-building efforts, particularly on deradicalization, education, rehabilitation of victims and on promoting dialogue and understanding between communities. More broadly, participants voiced support for a South Asian regional action plan or strategy for the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in the region, in consultation with the SAARC Secretariat, and further called upon the United Nations to facilitate the process with the inclusion of regional States and relevant regional stakeholders. They also stated the importance of maintaining and improving good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights in all national and regional counter-terrorism efforts. 4

5 Workshop on the Regional Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy in South Asia Dhaka, Bangladesh May, 2012 Summary and Conclusion Opening Session 1 : Welcome Remarks and Keynote Speech The regional workshop was formally opened by the Honourable Minister for Home Affairs, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh, Advocate Sahara Khatun. In her speech, Minister Khatun noted that Bangladesh remains committed to countering terrorism as a responsible member of the international community. The honourable Minister highlighted the important steps undertaken by the present government of Bangladesh in countering terrorism and extremism. The Minister also reiterated the steadfast commitment of the government towards forging a regional approach towards countering terrorism in the South Asian region. She expressed optimism that the regional workshop organised jointly by the Government of Bangladesh and the CTITF will pave the way for greater regional cooperation and the implementation of the Global Strategy in South Asia. The keynote speech by the Minister was followed by Opening Remarks made by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Mr. Neil Walker. Mr. Walker stated that terrorism is a significant challenge to nation states in South Asia. He further noted that in addition to the tremendous human toll, terrorism also has a substantial impact on the development trajectory of States in the region. Mr. Walker further highlighted the importance of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy as an important strategic and operational framework to comprehend and effectively counter the challenge of terrorism. He also highlighted how the Strategy is based on four pillars and each of the pillars contributing towards fashioning a comprehensive and coordinated response to terrorism. The Resident Coordinator in his remarks also highlighted the importance of selecting Dhaka as a venue for the regional workshop. He outlined the challenge that Bangladesh has faced and continues to encounter from the threat of terrorism and extremism, but expressed his appreciation for the major steps taken by the Government of Bangladesh to counter the threat. He added that Bangladeshi society as a whole is highly tolerant and therefore serves as an example for others on taking adroit steps to address the issue. Mr. Walker also highlighted the role of individual agencies within the United Nations system on implementing the Global Strategy and also the significance of implementing the strategy at the national level. He then expressed his optimism that the regional workshop will play an important role in enhancing cooperation and contacts between key stakeholders in South Asian countries. Furthermore, he noted that the workshop will also play a key role in finding ways to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. 1 The opening session of the workshop was open to the media and all opening statements are attributed to the respective speakers. All other sessions were closed-door sessions conducted under the Chatham House Rule. 5

6 Mr. Muhammad Rafiuddin Shah, Office-in-Charge of the CTITF, explained the key objectives of the workshop. He said that the meeting was intended for participants to discuss key provisions of the Global Strategy and develop a policy framework for national counter terrorism strategies. Mr. Shah also stated that the workshop was also aimed at identifying areas where capacity building was required and how the United Nations could assist in those efforts. Mr. Shah raised two important questions which he urged participants to consider in the course of the workshop. First, he asked participants to explore the possibility of developing a regional counter terrorism implementation plan for the South Asian region. In this regard he gave the example of a similar exercise in Central Asia, where CTITF had facilitated the development of an implementation plan in partnership with the European Union, the United Nations Regional Centre on Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia (UNRCCA) and other regional stakeholders. He also requested participants views on how the United Nations can effectively work with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in implementing the strategy in the regional context. Subsequently, the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dan Mozena, noted that terrorism was a global problem which requires a coordinated global approach to find a lasting solution. As the United States was one of the co-sponsors of the workshop, he expressed his optimism that the meeting would pave the way for a common regional approach towards countering terrorism in South Asia. 6

7 Plenary Session I: The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its significance for South Asia During the first plenary session of the workshop, participants discussed the significance of the Global Strategy in the South Asian context and they discussed the various pillars of the Strategy and how they applied to the region. Discussions during this session focused on issues such as prolonged conflicts, difficult histories and the need for confidence building measures between regional states. Participants also acknowledged that there was a critical need for regional cooperation to effectively address the issue in South Asia. In this context, participants recognised the importance of the Global Strategy and underscored that through its comprehensive and universal approach, the Strategy can be an effective pathway for individual States to work together towards developing a regional strategy against terrorism. Participants also underscored that the lack of State capacity was a major hindrance in countering terrorism and therefore the various United Nations agencies could play a useful role in providing capacity-building assistance. Participants discussed the various issues that hinder the implementation of the Global Strategy in South Asia. They outlined ongoing conflicts between States and the preoccupation of individual states with socioeconomic concerns as important reasons for the lack of dedicated focus against terrorism. Furthermore, participants also acknowledged that the lack of mutual trust and confidence between regional actors precludes them from working together with a common approach against terrorism. Participants also recognised that the first and third pillars of the Global Strategy are highly pertinent in the South Asian context. Solving protracted conflicts and strengthening the capacity of States to deal with the challenge of terrorism are important requirements in the regional context. As a starter, participants identified the need for comprehensive threat mapping on a regional scale. They noted that regional States needed to be equipped with abilities to deal with new and emerging threats and opportunities emanating from the cyber domain and social media. In this respect, participants also identified the need for enhanced efforts to counter the financing of terrorism in the region. Participants noted that lack of inter-state cooperation ultimately benefits terrorist organisations. Issues of social margnilisation, both under political and economic guises, dehumanisation of victims of terrorism and other forms of intolerance were also identified as important drivers that lead to terrorism. Some participants said that while major operational successes had been achieved in countering terrorism in the region, more efforts were needed on strategic measures against the rapidly evolving threat. While terrorism is a significant security challenge, extremism and radicalisation remain equally significant problems which require a coordinated and comprehensive mechanism. Participants also highlighted the need to ensure respect for the rule of law and human rights in the fight against terrorism. Participants stressed that the lack of regional cooperation was a key obstacle towards achieving lasting success. While there was broad-based recognition that terrorism is a problem which afflicts the entire region, a coordinated regional approach towards finding a common solution was missing. In this regard, participants also noted that SAARC is unable 7

8 to play an effective role in this regard due to its inability to discuss security issues. Participants stressed on the need for finding new ways to enhance cooperation, initiate joint training and work effectively towards formulating a regional counter terrorism approach and a regional strategy. While there have been some steps towards the establishment of a Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism, it has yet to be fully implemented. Participants also noted some steps that SAARC had initiated for improved regional coordination. Some participants also observed that there was need to share common experiences to develop a regional approach. Finally, participants highlighted that in addition to the Governments of the various South Asian states, civil society could also play a crucial role in implementing the Global Strategy. Specifically, the reach of non-governmental organisations and other civil society actors at the grassroots level was highlighted in this context. Participants also noted the need for greater public-private cooperation, especially through stronger engagements with the media, in order to create awareness against terrorism. Some participants also suggested that the United Nations may undertake a study to address key regional counter-terrorism challenges. 8

9 Plenary Session 2: Reflections on Conditions Conducive to the Spread of Terrorism (Pillar I of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy) During the second plenary session, participants reflected on conditions that are conducive to the spread of terrorism in South Asia. Participants observed that that the situation in Afghanistan was crucial to understanding the challenge of terrorism posed to the region. Although the security situation in Afghanistan had seen some marked improvement over the years, the conditions remain volatile and safeguarding Afghanistan s internal security beyond 2014 will remain a critical challenge. Participants noted the need for greater international assistance to Afghanistan in terms of meeting its security as well as socioeconomic needs. Participants noted that a worsening security situation in Afghanistan could destabilize the security of the entire region. Participants observed that irrespective of any motivating factors that may exist, nothing justifies resorting to acts of terrorism. All forms of terrorism are therefore criminal and unlawful, whatever their motivations may be. However, in order to reach a lasting solution to the problem of terrorism, conditions that are conducive to the spread of terrorism need to be identified and addressed. Participants also drew attention to the importance of countering the financing of terrorism. They discussed the role of non profit organisations (NPOs) in the financing of terrorism and how NPOs could be better protected. During the session, participants noted the important work done by the various United Nations agencies and the World Bank in this respect. They noted that the Global Strategy acknowledges the importance of countering the financing of terrorism as an important step in the overall combating of terrorism. They pointed out that while maintaining vigilance was required, it was important to ensure that the legitimate activities of NPOs were not affected in the process. Participants also acknowledged the need for strengthening the regulatory regimes to effectively ensure that the NPO sector was not manipulated or abused by terrorist organisations for raising or moving financial resources. Participants acknowledged that the lack of education and a sense of deprivation among the populace was a key factor that helps create an atmosphere conducive to the spread of terrorism in the region. Participants also noted that a general sense of injustice among the population, coupled with lack of opportunities, creates an atmosphere conducive for radicalisation. Some participants also suggested that the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) could assist states in the region to modernise the Madrasa education system. Overall, participants noted that education is an area which requires significant attention across the region. Finally, participants again noted the need for a common regional approach and the importance of regional institutions working together towards creating an atmosphere where conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism could be alleviated. Some participants also noted the important work done by various organs of the United Nations in this context and observed the need for South Asian states to work closely with the United Nations in this regard. 9

10 Plenary Session 3: The way forward on regional counter-terrorism cooperation in South Asia As part of the third session, participants at the workshop deliberated on finding a way forward on regional counter-terrorism cooperation in South Asia. Participants discussed in detail the role of SAARC from the standpoint of individual States and also through a regional lens. They noted that, despite its limitations, SAARC had achieved some degree of success in forging regional cooperation on issues related to Pillar One of the Global Strategy. They further underscored the importance of creating the SAARC Police or SAARCPOL, as well as broader efforts on information and intelligence sharing among SAARC member States against terrorism. The creation of a common database and the recording of terrorist incidents to be subsequently shared among the SAARC member States have been important steps initiated by SAARC in recent times. The importance of the SAARC conventions on counter terrorism was also recognised. Furthermore, periodic meetings between home/interior secretaries of SAARC member countries had played a positive role in building greater confidence among the regional States. In this regard, participants observed that the United Nations, through the CTITF and the Counter Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), could assist the South Asian states towards building their capacity in forging greater regional cooperation. The possibility of United Nations assistance for the terrorism database was also considered in this context. Participants also observed that there was a need to align various counter terrorism policies pursued by South Asian States towards forging a common approach. In addition to Afghanistan, participants also noted the significant challenges faced by Pakistan from terrorist groups and how the overall development of the country has been affected by terrorism. Participants reflected on the experiences of other regional countries such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives and India in countering terrorism. In this context, participants noted that each regional country faced unique challenges. While best practices and experiences can be shared, the solutions to the menace of terrorism will also have to be country-specific in order to achieve the effective results. The importance of regional cooperation was again highlighted in this regard. Lack of State capacity and the lack of harmonisation of counter-terrorism legislation in the region were also identified as obstacles. Participants noted the importance of Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) mechanisms as an important step in forging regional cooperation. Some observed that the criminal justice systems across South Asian states needed to be better integrated to deal with terrorism. In this regard, participants noted that SAARCPOL could play an important role. The need for engaging and involving development partners was also recognised. The importance of community engagement as an effective counter-terrorism measure was also highlighted by some participants. In this context, participants also deliberated on the need for formulating a regional strategy. While some participants offered a suggestion that the United Nations could take the lead, other participants also noted that existing mechanisms for regional cooperation could be utilised further to achieve the desired results. The CTITF s Central Asian experience was 10

11 considered and lessons drawn. The need for greater cooperation between United Nations bodies and SAARC was stressed at this point. It was further highlighted that the United Nations would be willing to provide all necessary assistance to the South Asian States in formulating a regional strategy, but that the overall effort will have to be driven by the States themselves. Finally, participants noted that while States in the region had faced the problem of terrorism in varying magnitudes, the entire region had suffered due to the effects of terrorism. A common regional approach taking into account the needs, limitations and sensitivities of the different regional countries was recognised as an important need. 11

12 Plenary Session 4: Strengthening criminal justice systems, human rights and the rule of law in regional counter terrorism efforts Credible criminal justice systems are the bedrock of States and societies; the expectation and true delivery of justice is the surest way to prevent resentment amongst peoples or deviation from cherished principles. Terrorism itself violates the most basic human rights, but counter-terrorism policies that trample upon rights and the rule of law are ultimately self-defeating. Participants noted the various efforts undertaken by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The problem of the spread of drugs in the South Asian region was also discussed, including the nexus between narcotics smuggling and terrorism in the South Asian context. Participants noted that the Global Strategy reaffirms the significance of criminal justice systems, which constitute the core of the common global fight against terrorism. To provide an effective criminal justice response to terrorism, States need adequately functioning counter-terrorism legal regimes, which criminalise terrorist acts as serious criminal offences, and criminal justice systems that bring perpetrators to justice with due respect for human rights. Participants also observed that inadequacies which exist in the criminal justice system need to be addressed. For instance, while a large number of people are apprehended on charges of terrorism, the number of convictions was abysmal and significantly lower in many regional States. Hence, there was a need to find gaps in the criminal justice procedures and find ways to effectively address those gaps. In some cases, criminal codes need to be updated. The importance of regional cooperation in the areas of joint investigations, joint prosecution and counter radicalisation measures were considered in this context. Participants acknowledged that while bilateral problems might not vanish overnight, there was space for delinking terrorism from bilateral relations. Democratic institutions and other means to embed inclusiveness in the political discourse were noted as critically important. South Asians carry multiple identities ethnically, religiously, economically, linguistically and culturally. It was therefore important that Governments emphasize inclusiveness and integration in their approaches in order to increase opportunities for the people of South Asia to redress their grievances through democratic and peaceful means. Finally, participants emphasised on the need to preserve, protect and uphold human rights at all times. They reiterated the points made in the Global Strategy in this regard. While sharing their individual experiences, various South Asian States also stressed the need for the preservation of a democratic environment as a crucial factor in ensuring the protection of human rights. 12

13 Workshop Conclusions All participants at the regional workshop recognised that the South Asian region continued to face a critical security challenge from terrorism. While efforts taken by individual states were important, a coordinated regional approach was critical in reaching a lasting solution to the problem. Participants acknowledged that organising the workshop in Dhaka from May 2012 was an important step undertaken by the United Nations in assisting in the implementation of the Global Strategy in the South Asian context. During the Closing Session, the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh, Ms. Dipu Moni, addressed the participants. She thanked participants for their active participation and recalled the positive efforts that Bangladesh has made at the international level to promote counter-terrorism cooperation. She also took stock of the regional efforts that have grown over the years and how Bangladesh has engaged with regional partners to counter the menace of terrorism. She noted that the holistic and universal nature of the Global Strategy gives it a unique status as a customary instrument, but it is only through the effective and integrated implementation of the Strategy that we could defeat terrorism. Five main conclusions were reached at the end of the workshop: First, participants acknowledged the value of the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy as a comprehensive policy framework which allows Member States, including those in South Asia, with the appropriate strategic measures against terrorism. The Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy s adoption through consensus by all Member States is an asset that provides opportunities to South Asian States for collaboration with each other and with other international partners, including the United Nations. Participants also welcomed the role of the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) in the support it provides to Member States on the implementation of the Strategy. Second, participants placed a special emphasis on the need to focus on Pillar I of the Strategy, namely measures to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, which was noted for its particular relevance in the South Asian context. Participants underscored that terrorism, committed in whatever form, wherever and for whatever reason, has no justification. At the same time, participants noted that growing extremism and radicalization, economic or political marginalization, dehumanization of victims of terrorism and other forms of violence and intolerance between different communities were elements that, among other problems, enable terrorists to spread their violent practices. Third, some participants also highlighted the need for enhanced capacity-building efforts, particularly on de-radicalization, education, rehabilitation of victims and on promoting dialogue and understanding between communities. Participants also underscored the need for stronger focus, including through capacity-building, for improved border control measures in South Asian States, interception of counterfeit currency, prevention of drug trafficking and the protection of the internet from 13

14 terrorist abuse. The possibility of the establishment of a regional center for training and capacity-building was also discussed in detail by participants, and the need for such a center s collaboration with other regional training centers was highlighted. Fourth, some participants also underscored the need for a South Asian regional action plan or strategy for the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in the region, in consultation with the SAARC Secretariat, and further called upon the United Nations to facilitate the process with the inclusion of regional States and relevant regional stakeholders. There was general support for the proposal; however, additional consultations will be required before this project could be initiated. Participants welcomed the active role of SAARC in promoting regional cooperation on countering terrorism, particularly the SAARC Convention for the Suppression of Terrorism (1987) and the Additional Protocol. As a follow up to the Workshop, the United Nations CTITF, in collaboration with relevant CTITF entities, will partner with the regional States, SAARC Secretariat and other relevant regional partners on the development of a South Asian regional action plan for the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in the region. Finally, participants also stated the importance of maintaining and improving good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights in all national and regional counter-terrorism efforts. The role of effective and credible criminal justice systems was particularly noted for its significance, and national legal regimes were discussed. Training and capacity building of criminal justice and law enforcement officials was also raised, and the sharing of best practices and technological expertise, such as in forensics and investigative techniques, were cited. The Workshop summary & conclusions do not constitute a binding document and should be considered an informal summary. 14

15 Annex I Regional Workshop on the Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in South Asia Organized by the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh Programme May 2012 Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel Dhaka, Bangladesh Day 1: 16 May Registration of participants Welcome Remarks and Keynote Speech Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh Mr. Neal Walker, UNDP Resident Coordinator, UNDP Bangladesh Mr. Muhammad Rafiuddin Shah, Officer-in-Charge, Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) H.E. Mr. Dan W. Mozena, Ambassador of the United States to Bangladesh Keynote Speech: H.E. Advocate Shahara Khatun, Minister of Home Affairs, People s Republic of Bangladesh Plenary Session: The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its significance for South Asia Moderator: Zeeshan Amin, Political Affairs Officer, CTITF Mr. Iqbal Ahmed, Director (United Nations), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh Mr. Khalid Rehman, Director-General, Institute for Policy Studies, Islamabad Mr. Farooq Sobhan, President, Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, Dhaka Mr. Muniruzzaman, President, Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, Dhaka Tea and Coffee Break Discussion 15

16 Lunch Plenary Session: Reflections on Conditions Conducive to the Spread of Terrorism (Pillar I of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy) Moderators: Mr. Kiichi Oyasu, Officer-in-Charge, UNESCO, Bangladesh Ms. Latifa Rahimi, Deputy Director General, United Nations & International Conferences, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Afghanistan Ambassador Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, President, Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad Mr. Hitoki Den, Department of Political Affairs, United Nations Ms. Priyani Malik, Barrister-at-Law, Financial Sector Specialist, World Bank, Bangladesh Tea and Coffee Break Discussion 1930 Formal Dinner Banquet hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh. Surma Room, Pan Pacific Hotel Day 2: 17 May Plenary Session: The way forward on regional counter-terrorism cooperation in South Asia Moderator: Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh Ms. Renuka Damayanthi Rajapakse, Director, Human Resource Development, Security Aspects and Culture, SAARC Secretariat Ms. Madhu Sethi, Under-Secretary, SAARC, Ministry of External Affairs, India Mr. Mahfuzur Rahman, Assistant Inspector General, Bangladesh Police Mr. Khawaja Khalid Farooq, National Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Pakistan Mr. Abdulla Phairoosch, Asst. Commissioner of Police, Head of Intelligence & Covert Policing, SAARC Terrorist Offences Monitoring Desk, Maldives Mr. Kuruppuge Jaggath Alwis, Director General, Sri Lanka Army Tea and Coffee Break Discussion Lunch 16

17 Plenary Session: Strengthening criminal justice systems, human rights protection and the rule of law in regional counter-terrorism efforts Moderator: Ms. Dolgor Solongo, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, Terrorism Prevention Branch, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Mr. Ramesh Kumar Suman, Director, Internal Security, Ministry of Home Affairs, India Mr. Manbahadur Aryal, Under-Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, Nepal Ms. Mallika Joseph, Executive Director, Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, Colombo Tea and Coffee Break Discussion Summary of conclusions and closing session Keynote Speech: H.E. Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs, People s Republic of Bangladesh Mr. Neal Walker, UNDP Resident Coordinator, UNDP Bangladesh Mr. Muhammad Rafiuddin Shah, Officer-in-Charge, Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) Office, presenting the Summary of Conclusions Concluding remarks: Ms. Saida Muna Tasneem, Director-General (United Nations), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People s Republic of Bangladesh 17