CoE bodies, such as the European Pharmacopeia responsible for the implementation of the
Convention “Medicrime” was also deemed important.
******
2.3
TNTD/Action against Terrorism Unit
Background
The TNTD/ATU, which was established in 2002, is the OSCE’s focal point and information
resource and implementation partner on counter-terrorism activities. The Unit’s work is
guided by the OSCE Consolidated Framework for the Fight against Terrorism adopted in
December 2012. 10 The Decision outlines strategic focus areas for counter-terrorism activities
of the Organization and is an important roadmap for further action to be taken in this regard.
Importantly, the Consolidated Framework stipulates that the OSCE will further co-ordinate its
efforts internally and co-operate externally with relevant regional and international
organizations. The Secretary General will continue to ensure co-ordinated efforts among
thematic structures within the Secretariat and other executive structures in the pursuit of
activities related or relevant to counter-terrorism, in order to maximize the use of resources
and available expertise. Furthermore, the Consolidated Framework mandates the OSCE
Secretariat to continue ensuring the facilitation and cross-dimensional and cross-institutional
co-ordination of all OSCE counter-terrorism activities, without prejudice to the mandates of
other OSCE executive structures. To this end, other OSCE executive structures are tasked
to proactively inform the Secretariat about planned and ongoing activities as they relate to
terrorism/anti-terrorism.
Terrorism is a serious crime and has to be dealt with determination and effectiveness, within
a framework based on the rule of law and human rights. Police and law enforcement play an
important role in preventing and countering terrorism and the work of the TNTD/ATU
complements the work of the TNTD/SPMU in relation to the role of law enforcement in
countering terrorism. In 2012, the following police-related activities were implemented, some
of them having been organized jointly with other TNTD structures.
Counter-Terrorism in General
On 12-13 November, the TNTD/ATU organized an “OSCE Conference on Strengthening
Regional Co-operation, Criminal Justice Institutions and Rule of Law Capacities to Prevent
and Combat Terrorism and Radicalization that Lead to Terrorism” in Vienna. More than 170
experts examined good practices in upholding the rule of law within a counter-terrorism
context through establishing adequate criminal offences, criminal procedure tools and law
enforcement capacities. Experts identified several potential OSCE roles including increasing
co-operation with the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) in promoting the GCTF’s Rabat
Memorandum on Good Practices for Effective Counterterrorism, building on the OSCE’s
unique comprehensive approach to security as a fundamental component to support all
aspects of effective and efficient criminal justice systems. At the end of 2012, the Unit started
developing concrete follow-up activities at the national level planned to be implemented in
2014.
10
32
CF. OSCE, Permanent Council Decision No. 1063, OSCE Consolidated Framework for the Fight against Terrorism
Dublin, 7 December 2012.
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