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U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund

11th May, 2024 International Relations

U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund

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Context:

  • India has contributed $500,000 to the U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, which shows India’s commitment to support multilateral efforts in the global fight against the terrorism.

Details:

  • It is aligned with the commitment of India to contribute to the trust fund during the special meeting of the counter-terrorism committee held in New Delhi in October 2022 under India’s presidency of the body.
  • India’s contribution would support UNOCT’s global programmes — mainly Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Countering Terrorist Travel Programme (CTTP).
  • They are aimed at building capacities of the member states of eastern and southern Africa to combat the critical issues of financing of terrorism and prevent the movement and travel of terrorists.
  • With its current contribution, India's total financial support to the trust fund now stands at $2.55 million.

United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT):

  • Establishment: The UNOCT was established in 2017 as a result of a merger between the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force Office (CTITF) and the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT).
  • Mandate: It serves as the focal point within the United Nations system for counter-terrorism efforts, providing leadership in strengthening the coordination and coherence of the global counter-terrorism response.
  • Functions: UNOCT coordinates the implementation of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, facilitates counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to member states, and promotes international cooperation and partnerships in countering terrorism.
  • Strategic Priorities: Its strategic priorities include addressing the evolving threat of terrorism, preventing violent extremism, strengthening international cooperation, and ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law in counter-terrorism efforts.

United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (UNCTF):

  • The UNCTF was established in 2005 to support the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, providing resources for projects and initiatives aimed at countering terrorism.
  • Funding: It relies on voluntary contributions from member states, international organizations, and private sector entities to finance counter-terrorism activities and capacity-building projects.
  • Focus Areas: The UNCTF focuses on areas such as preventing and countering violent extremism, enhancing border security and law enforcement capacities, supporting victims of terrorism, and strengthening legal frameworks to combat terrorism.

Source:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-contributes-500000-to-un-counter-terrorism-trust-fund/article68152922.ece

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (UNCTF):

1) It was established in 2005 to support the implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

2) It relies solely on funding from member states to finance counter-terrorism activities and capacity-building projects.

3) The UNCTF focuses on preventing and countering violent extremism, enhancing border security and law enforcement capacities, supporting victims of terrorism, and strengthening legal frameworks to combat terrorism.

4) The UNCTF accepts voluntary contributions from international organizations and private sector entities to finance its initiatives.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.Only three

D All four

Answer: A