The Role of the United Nations in Counter-Terrorism and in Drug Control - Essay Example

Student Name: Instructor Name: Unit Name: Date: How significant is the UN role in counter terrorism? How does this compare with its role in drug control? Should the UN adopt a more radical stance on these issues? 1. INTRODUCTION The United Nations is a global organization established by 51 different countries after the Second World War in 1945. Its mandate is to preserve international human rights, peace and security; promote friendly relations between all and advance social progress and better living standards for all. Because of its distinctive international nature and the authority that is vested in it, the United Nation has the power to act on a variety of global matters (United Nations, 2010). The United Nations has a far- reaching mandate based on such basic issues as disaster relief, the promotion of democracy, refugee protection, sustainable development, the environment, international health, disarmament and non-proliferation, governance, human rights, economic development, clearing landmines, increasing food production among others so as to attain its objectives and synchronize efforts for a more secure world (United Nations, 2010). As part of its mandate to preserve international security and promote social progress, the United Nations is actively involved in two crucial areas- countering terrorism and drug control. The following discussion will provide a comparative evaluation of the role of the U N in relation to these two areas. A critique as to whether or not the organization has been effective enough with regards to these two areas shall then be provided with recommendations summarily provided so as to ensure that the work of the U N is effective in as far as anti terrorism efforts and drug control are concerned. 2. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE UN ROLE IN COUNTERING TERRORISM As the most powerful and far- reaching global body with a mandate of promoting international security, the United Nations has a very significant role in countering terrorism. The UN uses a multilateral approach to fighting terrorism therefore all key international partners are heavily involved in the counter- terrorism efforts. One of the main bodies involved in this fight is the Counter- Terrorism Committee (CTC) which is mandated by the Security Council to strengthen the capacity of the U N Member States to prevent terrorist acts in and across their, borders. Through the Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), policy decisions of the Committee are carried out, expert assessments of all Member States are conducted and technical assistance in counter- terrorism is provided to other countries. In 2006, 192 member states passed the resolution on the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy with its annexed Plan of Action. This is clear evidence of the UN’s commitment in fighting terrorism. As part of the U N’s anti- terrorism framework, sixteen universal instruments against international terrorism have been passed. In addition, the Security Council is very active in fighting terrorism through the passing of several resolutions and by setting up several auxiliary bodies. Further to that, several offices, programmes and agencies of the U N’s system are involved in specific anti- terrorism activities. To strengthen these anti- terrorism activities, in 2006 Member States began a new phase against terrorism through agreeing on a common global strategy to counter terrorism. The Strategy acts as the foundation upon which a solid action plan is established. Through it, the role of the UN in anti- terrorism is strengthened; the conditions that help spread terrorism are addressed; state capacity to combat terrorism is boosted for individual member states; and generally, measures are put in place for the prevention of terrorism. In all of this, care is taken to ensure that the respect of human rights is maintained. This Strategy builds upon the rare consensus that was attained by global leaders at their 2005 September Summit that was aimed at denouncing terrorism. According to the Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation (2008), there are four main areas within the UN system that is geared towards counter- terrorism as acknowledged in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (UN Strategy). This strategy recognizes the strong connection that exists between strengthening the rule of law and good governance since the lack of both contributes to the spread of terrorism (Krueger, 2007). As Kerchove and Dortland (2008, p. 152) aptly explain, there are structural factors that contribute to the recruitment and radicalization of terrorists such as political repression, real or perceived injustices, poor governance, a lack of education and the lack of economic and/ or political opportunities. This opinion is in tandem with the views expressed by Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, the late UN High Commissioner for Human Rights during his address of the Security Councils Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) in 2002 in which he reiterated the assertion that the best and only strategy for fighting terrorism is through nurturing social justice, respecting human rights, upholding democracy and promotion of the rule of law (The Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation, 2008). That said, as much as the premise that these underlying factors play a major role in the development of terrorism, the major challenge for the UN system has been with regards to translating this understanding into action. In addition, there are several other parts within the UN system, even if only indirectly, that are significant in counter-terrorism through the implementation of various elements of the Strategy. Examples of such bodies are the World Bank through its development efforts, creating stability within the financial sector and poverty reduction; the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which provides professionals with training to fight terrorism; and the UNDP whose assistance is in relation to development and creating strategic links with among others the private sector and civil society. And, while the UNDP has been reluctant to associate itself with fighting terrorism, UNDP is probably the best suited to serve as the center for in-country Strategy implementation measures (The Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation, 2008). One area in which the UN is very strong in with regards to counter- terrorism is education and dialogue. Indeed. One of the key achievements of the Strategy is the emphasis on the necessity of closing the gap between diverse cultures and deepen understanding across various religions, cultures and communities recognizing the role of education in promoting understanding and empathy concerning cultural and religious diversity. In the 17-18 May 2007 Symposium on Advancing the Implementation of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in Vienna, it was agreed and stated that due to the growing division between different religions and cultures, the UN had to begin applying more effort in advancing inter- religious and inter- cultural dialogue (The Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation, 2008). The main aim here being to enhance and encourage understanding between societies which is crucial since terrorist groups build their campaign around misrepresentations, misconceptions and stereotypes about others. 3. UN’s COMPARATIVE ROLE IN DRUG CONTROL Evidently, whereas the UN’s role is quite significant, it is yet to attain a level of major importance if compared with the counter- terrorism role of the United States for instance. The truth is that while the UN has a Strategy and different bodies to fight terrorism, the fight against terrorism is often synonymous with the United States and the UN does not immediately come to mind in that regard. In comparison, however, the UN’s role in drug control is one that is more high profile and recognizable. The UN has been in the fight against drug smuggling for several years unlike in relation to its relatively recent counter- terrorism measures. Whereas the UN does not have a single body dedicated to counter- terrorism, it interestingly has two major bodies dedicated to drug control- the UN International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The UNDCP as a body has aggressively worked to fight drug trafficking, reduce demand for drugs and assisted farmers in lessening their economic dependence on growing narcotic crops by helping them shift their agricultural production to other types of reliable sources of income (Trivedi, 2005, p. 125). This is part of its resolve to tackle the drug problem at its root as opposed to merely waiting for a disaster to happen. The UN recognizes that poverty is a major contributing factor to drug trafficking and abuse and thus the best method of drug control is dealing with the root causes. On its part, as Trivedi (2005, p. 83) expounds, the UNODC is the international leader in the war against illicit drugs. It was formed in 1997 and comprises of the Drug Programme as well as the Crime Programme. Years after it was formed, it continues to execute its operational mandate through an integrated approach to counter drugs. UNODC is exclusively mandated to coordinate and provide efficient leadership with regards to the UN’s drug control responsibilities. According to UNAIDS (2009), the general duties of the UNODC are: demand reduction which involves prevention, rehabilitation, treatment as well as averting the negative social and health effects of drug addiction; supply reduction which involves alternative development and law enforcement; as well as institutional and legislative advisory services to improve the capacity of governments around the world to enforce international drug control conventions. A more specific and major role of the UNODC in its fight against drugs is through its routine provision of policy and trend analyses; publicizing and distributing information and data; as well as increasing the awareness of governments about their role and function in relation to global drug control (Trivedi, 2005, p. 83). Trivedi (2005, p. 84) further explains that the UNODC works in conjunction with UNICRI (United Nations Interrogational Crime and Justice Research Institute) to collect and analyze data on the operations of criminal justice systems and crime trends. In addition, UNICRI is involved in promoting crime research, surveys and studies on emerging crime forms. Another body, UNODC's Scientific Support Section establishes and develops the international standards that are needed during drug testing and it also monitors the enforcement of standards and their effect on national drug measures and helps national laboratories and law enforcement services in poorer countries. The UNODC has a crop monitoring programme an under this programme, the Scientific Support Section is involved in assessing the yield of coca leaf and opium poppy as well as in developing methods to profile and characterize major drugs and as a resource for the national drug testing labs as part of their support of law enforcement measures. Yet another body, the UNODC Illicit Crop monitoring Programme (ICMP) helps Member States to produce internationally comparable data on the illegal growing of narcotic crops within the context of the elimination strategy that was adopted in June 1998 at the General Assembly Special Session on Drugs (Trivedi, 2005, p. 84). In terms of the approach, UNODC (2004, p. 1) explains that UNODC employs a balanced approach to drug control that stresses the importance of prevention, education and treatment for the addicted in addition to an emphasis on the reduction of drug trafficking and production. This is similar to the UN’s counter- terrorism approach which likewise stresses on the need for prevention and education. The UNODC emphasizes the public policy implications of the drug problem and urges governments to deal with the root causes of drug abuse during the formulation of social and economic policies. The UNODC also works had at preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS through drug abuse and also provides treatment opportunities and social reintegration to users. The UN also employs a prohibitionist approach as a deterrent measure to drug traffickers. Further to that, another programme under the UNODC, the Global Assessment Programme, provides current and accurate statistics on global illicit drug abuse which is very important in developing the most effective drug prevention strategies. Yet another body, the Global Youth Network, works to increase the involvement of the youth in developing drug abuse prevention programmes and policies. In relation to that, UNODC helps with law enforcement by directly liaising with governments to improve the effectiveness of their interdiction against illegal drugs and also by developing their ability to investigate, weaken and prosecute drug trafficking cartels. This form of help is given through UN’s technical experts, proper training in the most effective and current techniques and by providing technical equipment to assist front-line operations (UNODC, 2004, p. 1). Clearly, with all these bodies involved in drug control, it is evident that drug control is a major duty and concern of the UN. It has dedicated a lot of effort and resources to various drug polices and programmes to curtail drug abuse which is highly commendable. With its emphasis on prevention and education, the UN is a step closer to creating a drug control mechanism that will nip the drug menace in the bud. 4. CRITIQUE OF THE UN’S COUNTER- TERRORISM AND DRUG CONTROL MEASURES Evidently, the United Nations is heavily involved in both counter- terrorism and drug control efforts. It has been quite successful in both areas but to varying degrees, with its drug control efforts being the most prominent and noticeable over the years. That said, the UN has by no means been successful in curbing these international crimes and most critics will agree that the UN has a long way to go before being described as successful in preventing and controlling both terrorism and drug trafficking/ abuse. Terrorism acts are being carried out with scary regularity as has been witnessed in recent years in countries such as Pakistan and India among others while drug trafficking continues unabated with an increase in drug trafficking numbers. With this abysmal record, the UN has a long way to go in creating a terrorism and drug free world and as such should adopt a radical stance with regards to this if it is to see any significant success in the near future. One major shortcoming of the UN’s counter- terrorism efforts is it is a relatively recent role. Despite the fact that terrorism has existed for several decades, the UN has in the past employed a very laidback and non- committal approach to fighting terrorism and in fact only gave terrorism the importance it deserves after 9/ 11. The question that begs to be asked is that if the US had not been a victim of terrorism, would the UN really have beefed up its counter- terrorism efforts? The answer to that is probably in the negative. The UN’s role in counter- terrorism only picked up after 9/ 11 and even then, the UN is a often just a mere bystander while the United States takes the lead in fighting terrorism. Many critics of the UN’s counter- terrorism role point to the fact that it has been impeded by institutional and political limitations. These impediments include the consensus decision-making process that makes it challenging for action to be taken fast enough; the lack of both human and financial resources for the anti- terrorism fight; the Security Council’s political nature that makes it unsuitable for supervising the mostly technical capacity-building work; and the large number of Security Council’s counter- terrorism initiatives and programs that have been developed ever since 9/11 (The Century Foundation and the International Peace Academy, 2006). Indeed, the Security Council is structurally unsuitable to play a management role in international counter-terrorism measures. Other challenges in the UN counter- terrorism role include the restricted membership on the CTC as well as other Security Council counter-terrorism bodies in addition to the tendency to unnecessarily politicize terrorism matters. A possibly radical solution to these challenges is the establishment of an entirely new global counter- terrorism body that is outside the UN framework but that works in affiliation with the UN to strengthen the counter- terrorism efforts and capacity without duplication of duties. This body should be exclusively dedicated to counterterrorism to ensure full focus is put on the curtailing of terrorism. Another shortcoming of the UN counter- terrorism measures so far is that so much time, effort as well as human and financial resources have been used on fighting terrorism as opposed to first trying to understand terrorists. It’s a kneejerk type of approach espoused by the United States where the emphasis is reactionary and militant. An effective and radical counter-terrorism strategy needs to incorporate the dismantling of extremist rhetoric while at the same time not seeming to be a Western program against Muslims. In addition, counter- terrorism must be an inclusive process therefore all relevant national and regional organizations have to be engaged so that the preventive measures are successful. Radical measures need to be put in place even if it means a total overhaul of existing policies, strategies and programmes. Creativity in dealing with the Middle East/ Arab is necessary in that regard whereby suggestions from their end should be incorporated in the Strategy sine they are better paced to understand the mind of radical extremists. The Arab world must be consulted extensively and during every major policy making decision to ensure that the measures are not counter- productive (The Century Foundation and the International Peace Academy, 2006). With regards to the UN’s drug control efforts, Bewley- Taylor (2005, p. 424) strongly argues that is has failed abysmally. Campbell (2009) reveals that a European commission report surmised that the prohibitionist approach that the UN has adopted over the past decade have not in any way reduced the international drug problem. In addition, the report revealed that trafficking and production controls simply redistributed drug trafficking activities as opposed to preventing it. The drug situation has only improved slightly in the richer countries yet it has worsened in less developed nations. The prohibitionist policy the UN has employed over the years has simply geographically transferred the problem whereby drug production and trafficking have been merely redistributed activities. Indeed, the current hard-line prohibitionist strategy which the US has incidentally been at the forefront of has been gravely damaging. This current UN drug control framework together with the international legislation is to a large extent ineffective and actually limits the development of suitable drug control policies at the national level while at the same time giving credence to Washington’s ill-executed and spiraling war on drugs in Latin America (Bewley- Taylor, 2001, p. 7). The UN has also been criticized for failing in prevention and treatment measures, particularly in its inability to prevent HIV infections among needle users. The total number of injecting drug users globally has amounted to 15 million users and this number contributed to the 10 % of worldwide HIV infections. This is especially serious in Russia where rigorous street-level policing has actually worsened the situation instead of helping it (Campbell, 2009). These types of policing outfits needs to be radically overhauled if they are to serve the purpose they are meant for. Other weaknesses of the UN drug control regime is that the drug laws’ enforcement has failed in most nations around the world. That is why drug trafficking and production is rampant in countries such as Mexico, Columbia and Afghanistan. The radical solution to this would be to develop a unified and synchronized international drugs policy for the next decade and coming years. As part of this policy, all countries need to be consulted and a type of anti- drug unit should be established in each region around the world that deals specifically with drugs. In addition, for the next ten years, the approach should be a more balanced one that rehabilitates drug addicts instead of criminalizing them in addition to lessening the global demand for drugs. 5. CONCLUSION The UN’s role in advancing good governance, democracy, peace and development among others cannot be gainsaid. These are all functions that help to a large extent the development of other crimes. Nevertheless, there are certain crimes that need a concerted effort to fight against and these include terrorism and drug control. The UN is mandated to fight both of these international crimes and as such has bodies dedicated to this such as the CTC among others for counter- terrorism and the UNODC among others for drug control. Policies and legislation have been passed and implemented for both crimes and this has seen substantial success particularly in relation to drug control. However, the success rate for counter- terrorism and drug control is minimal and this has seen the cases of terrorist attacks continue at an alarming rate and so have the cases of drug production, trafficking and subsequent abuse especially in the developing. These are worrying trends and show that, despite the massive framework and financial muscle the UN possesses, it has failed to develop a comprehensive system that can prevent the terrorism and drug problem from occurring. As such, a radical solution/ approach is badly needed. This should include, among other measures, developing an entirely new body to exclusively deal with terrorism and consulting extensively with the Muslim world as to the effective measures that need to be put in place. It is only through such radical measures that the menaces of terrorism and drugs can be eradicated from society for the betterment of society, both now and for future generations to come. REFERENCES Bewley-Taylor, David. 2001. The United States and international drug control, 1909-1997. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group. Bewley-Taylor, 2005. Emerging policy contradictions between the United Nations drug control System and the core values of the United Nations. International Journal of Drug Policy, Vol 16 (6): 423-431 Campbell, Duncan. 2009. Ten wasted years: UN drug strategy a failure reveals damning report. The Guardian. Retrieved 11th February, 2010 from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/11/un-drug-strategy Flynn, E.J. 2007. The Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Committee and Human Rights. Human Rights Law Review Vol 7(2): 371-384 International Narcotics Control Board. 2005. Mandate and Functions. Retrieved 11th February, 2010 from http://www.incb.org/incb/en/mandate.html Krueger, Alan. 2007. What Makes a Terrorist: Economics and the Roots of Terrorism? New Jersey: Princeton University Press. The Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation. 2008. The Role of the UN in Strengthening and Promoting Good Governance and the Rule of Law in the Context of Implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Retrieved 9th February, 2010 from http://www.globalct.org/images/content/pdf/discussion/antalya_process_paper.pdf United Nations. 2010. UN at A Glance. Retrieved 9th February, 2010 from http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/index.shtml UNAIDS. 2009. UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved 9th February, 2010 from http://www.unaids.org/en/Cosponsors/UNODC/default.asp UNODC. 2004. Campaigning Against Illicit Drugs, Crime and Terrorism. Retrieved 10th February, 2010 from http://www.unis.unvienna.org/documents/unis/25vic/25years_vic_unodc.pdf Kerchove, Gilles de and Dortland, Ran van Reedt. 2008. The EU Response to Radicalization and Recruitment to Terrorism. In Jihadi Terrorism and the Radicalization Challenge in Europe, Ric Coolsaet (ed.). Burlington, VT: Ashgate. The Century Foundation and the International Peace Academy. 2006. The Global Fight Against Terrorism: How Relevant Is The UN? Retrieved 11th February, 2010 from http://www.tcf.org/publications/homelandsecurity/counter-terrorism.pdf Trivedi, Sonu. 2005. A handbook of International Organizations. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers and Distributors. Read More