TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: India’s commitment to combating terrorism on a global scale is underscored by its recent contribution of $500,000 to the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (CTTF).
EXPLANATION:
- This contribution reflects India’s unwavering dedication to supporting multilateral efforts led by the United Nations in the fight against terrorism.
- India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations officially handed over the voluntary financial contribution to Under Secretary General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on May 7.
- This gesture signifies India’s recognition of the vital role played by the UNOCT in enhancing the capacity of member states to effectively address the threat of terrorism.
- India’s contribution reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation in countering terrorism, as articulated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a special meeting of the counter-terrorism committee in October 2022.
- This commitment extends to the continued implementation of initiatives aimed at strengthening the global counter-terrorism framework.
Utilization of Funds
- The funds provided by India will support UNOCT’s global programmes, with a primary focus on Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and the Countering Terrorist Travel Programme (CTTP).
- These programmes aim to enhance the capacities of member states in Eastern and Southern Africa to combat terrorism financing and prevent the movement of terrorists across borders.
- India has identified addressing the growing threat of terrorism in Africa as a key counter-terrorism priority.
- Over the past few years, India has actively supported programmes aimed at combating terrorism in the region.
- By contributing to the CTTF, India demonstrates its commitment to assisting African nations in their efforts to counter terrorism and promote regional stability.
Cumulative Support to the Trust Fund
- With this recent contribution, India’s cumulative financial support to the UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund now stands at $2.55 million.
- This significant financial commitment underscores India’s steadfast dedication to partnering with the international community in the fight against terrorism and promoting global peace and security.
United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT):
- The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) was established on 15 June 2017 through the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution.
- Vladimir Voronkov was appointed as its first Under-Secretary-General.
- The creation of the Office is considered as the first major institutional reform undertaken by the UN Secretary-General.
The Office of Counter-Terrorism has five main functions:
- Provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the Secretary-General from across the United Nations system
- Enhance coordination and coherence across the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
- Strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States
- Improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts
- Ensure that due priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy
United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (CTTF):
- The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (CTTF) is a fund established to support global efforts in countering terrorism by providing financial resources to initiatives aimed at preventing and combating terrorism.
- The CTTF focuses on key areas such as countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) and addressing terrorist travel, particularly in regions like Eastern and Southern Africa.
