GCTF and UNOCT partner for second workshop on effective border security and management
Members of terrorist and transnational organized crime groups, as well as foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) continue to exploit porous and uncontrolled borders, undermining Member States efforts to counter terrorism. A multilateral and coordinated approach to BSM is key in addressing the myriad of threats and challenges.
The GCTF Border Security and Management (BSM) Initiative Leads Jordan, the United States and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), convened the second BSM Initiative workshop on 16 and 17 April in Rome, Italy, to continue to develop an Addendum to the 2016 GCTF Good Practices in the Area of Border Security and Management in the Context of Counterterrorism and Stemming the Flow of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs). The Initiative aims to promote an inclusive and collaborative approach towards border security, grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Through panel discussions and interactive tabletop exercises, the in-person, interactive workshop enabled further progress to be made on the Addendum. The aim is to present the Addendum at the 24th GCTF Coordinating Committee Meeting in September 2024 and also update a comprehensive Training-of-Trainers (ToT) Manual to help governments and UN entities in their work to develop and modernize their border security training efforts.
Prior to this workshop, the Leads conducted a series of exploratory dialogues to gather input from subject matter experts, practitioners, civil society, and academia on best practices to highlight in the Addendum.
Background
Effective Border security and management strategies inclusive of Counter-Terrorism elements are a critical issue for many countries, as terrorist groups continue to exploit porous and uncontrolled borders.
The 2016 GCTF Good Practices document offers guidance to governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector as they develop policies, guidelines, programs, and approaches to enhance BSM practices.
The BSM Initiative seeks to review the current good practices, update and strengthen the 2016 Good Practices document, and develop a comprehensive Training-of-Trainers Manual. It also acknowledges the evolving threat landscape and the importance of human rights and rule-of-law-based, whole-of-society counterterrorism approaches. The Initiative will further stress the importance of civilian and partner-led frameworks rooted in diplomacy, multilateral partnerships, and enhanced capacity.
Through its Border Security and Management Programme launched in 2019, UNOCT strengthens Member States’ capacities to prevent the cross-border movement of terrorists and stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters.