UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS]

In 2006, the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] was unanimously adopted. It was a significant step toward creating and preserving international peace and security. The strategy is reviewed every two years at the UN General Assembly. It is done so that it is attuned to the counter-terrorism priorities of the Member States.

The seventh review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] took place in June 2021.

In this article, we will take a look at the details regarding the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] and India's stance on it.

About the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS]

• The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] is a global tool for bolstering all kinds of counter-terrorism activities
• For the first time, all the UN Member States agreed to a uniform strategy and devised an operational approach to combat terrorism when adopted by consensus in 2006
• Every two years, the UN General Assembly evaluates the strategy and then makes a live document responsive to member nations' counter-terrorism priorities

Pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS]

• Taking steps to address the conditions that encourage the spread of terrorism
• Terrorism prevention and combat measures
• Measures to increase governments' capacity to fight against all kinds of terrorism activities, as well as the UN system's involvement in this regard
• Steps to make sure that human rights are respected, and law prevails during this battle against terrorism

Issues Raised by India on GCTS

India has raised some concerns about the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS]. Some of the concerns are listed below:

• India stated that the lack of a widely agreed-upon definition of terrorism is harmful to the shared goal of eradicating the worldwide scourge
• The current plan fails to break the impasse has prevented the adoption of a comprehensive international terrorism convention, and India has become an advocate for the sentiment
• Undercover "growing threats" like racially and ethnically motivated violent extremism, violent nationalism, right-wing extremism, and so on; there are attempts to split the world by adopting new terminologies
• While the issue of religious "phobias" is mentioned in the current treaty, India points out that the list is selective
• India underlined the importance of acknowledging the growth of religious intolerance and several acts of violence among several religions, including Buddhism, Sikhism, and Hinduism
• India pointed out the mishandling and misuse of social media channels and the misuse of the internet that fosters an environment that supports terrorists and the propaganda started by them
• Also, the emergence of new online payment methods has increased the threats related to terrorism as these systems make transactions easy

The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] aims to bring international efforts together to fight the common evil, terrorism. These strategies are reviewed by the UN General Assembly every two years.

FAQs on UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS]

Q.1. When did the seventh review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] occur?

The seventh review of the renowned UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] took place in June 2021.

Q.2. When was the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] adopted?

The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] was adopted in 2006 by consensus of all the UN members.

Q.3. What is the primary purpose of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS]?

The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] is to curb the spread of terrorism in all forms.

Q.4. Which body reviews the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] every two years?

The General Assembly of the United Nations reviews the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] every two years.

Q.5. Which countries act as facilitators in the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] review?

In the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy [GCTS] review, Oman and Spain are co-facilitators.