Through the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Plan of Action, Member States recognize the need to tackle the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, including by addressing issues such as socio-economic marginalization, failure to respect human rights and a lack of good governance. These linkages are complex and require careful consideration and analysis. It is clear, for example, that economic and social development, including through international cooperation and assistance, can play a role in reducing support for terrorism by preventing the conditions that give rise to violence in general and to terrorism in particular, and by contributing to long-term social and economic stability. This may include measures to support structural stability, deny groups or individuals the means to carry out acts of terrorism, and sustain international cooperation. Conversely, the diversion of resources normally allocated to social and economic programmes and sectors (such as education, health, water and sanitation), development assistance and poverty reduction, in favour of security and counter-terrorism programming may have serious consequences for the affected countries and communities. As stated by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Development and Co-operation (OECD), aid allocations should be calibrated carefully where the prevention of terrorism is a relevant development objective. In particular, “budget reallocations [should be] preceded by in-depth analysis of need and aid effectiveness so that development aid contributes to long-term structural stability and does not become an instrument of non-development interests.” 105 The adoption of specific counter-terrorism measures may also have a direct impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. For example, targeted sanctions against individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activity, such as freezing their financial assets or imposing travel restrictions on them, may be an effective means for tracking, and even preventing, terrorist activity. However, the current targeted sanctions regime poses a number of serious challenges, in particular related to the lack of transparency and due process in listing and de-listing procedures. Targeted sanctions which result in freezing assets, imposing travel bans and other restrictions may also have serious consequences for the ability of the affected individuals and their families to enjoy economic and social rights, as their access to education and employment may be severely restricted. The effective use of humanitarian exemptions may be one important means for limiting the negative impact of targeted sanctions on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. Similarly, repressive security measures (such as control orders and the construction of physical barriers to limit the movement of certain individuals and groups), adopted with a view to countering terrorism, have severely restricted the ability of 47

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