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Security Council meeting on peace and security in Africa, with a focus on countering terrorism and extremism in Africa.

Why UN Counterterrorism Needs Human Rights Oversight Now

There is clear evidence that the growth of U.N. counterterrorism activity has been accompanied by significant deterioration of human rights protections.
A displaced Syrian family breaks their fast together for the sunset "iftar" meal during Ramadan. They sit in the middle of the rubble of their destroyed home. May 4, 2020, Ariha, Idlib province

The UN Has Options Beyond the Security Council for Cross-Border Aid to Syria

Security Council approval for cross-border aid expires July 10. Can the UN continue aid operations without Council authorization?
Somali refugees who recently crossed the border from Somalia into southern Ethiopia gather between two food tents as they wait to be called to collect food aid at the Kobe refugee camp on July 19, 2011.

UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy and Humanitarian Action: A Case for Saving Lives

Counterterrorism measures are increasingly restricting humanitarian action, negatively impacting aid delivery, and posing security and legal risks to humanitarian actors and their…
Children walk out of a building during the handover of orphaned children, whose parents were suspected of belonging to the Islamic State group to a Russian delegation by Syrian Kurdish officials, at the headquarters of the department for foreign affairs of the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in Syria's northeastern city of Qamishli on April 18, 2021.

Foreign ISIS Suspects, Families: Why a Single “R” Word Matters at the UN

Whether governments should repatriate ISIS suspects and family members is under heated debate at the United Nations as it renews its Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS).
A gate with the United Nations seal in front of the UN headquarters in New York City.

Time for a Course Correction on Counterterrorism and Civic Space

A defining feature of the U.N. counterterrorism eco-system is its lack of openness to outside expertise and civil society voices.
A protester wearing a facemask as protection from the coronavirus takes part in a protest over the newly approved anti-terror law on July 4, 2020 in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines. The protestor carries a sign reading, “Resist Terror Law! – Spark” and raises a fist in the air. Other protestors in the background also carry signs and wear face masks.

Opening Pandora’s Box: New “Threats” in the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

How should the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy respond to “new threats” of “terrorism"?
A wide view of the official launch of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, adopted by the General Assembly this month, observing a moment of silence. Everyone in the room stands.

Introducing a Symposium on the UN Global Counterterrorism Strategy

Just Security is hosting a symposium addressing the international law, human rights, and rule of law dimensions of the ongoing 7th Review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism…
UN Special Rapporteur for Torture Juan Mendez speaks during a press conference in Colombo on May 7, 2016.

The Méndez Principles: A New Standard for Effective Interviewing by Police and Others, While Respecting Human Rights

Former UN Rapporteur on Torture says interrogations that reject coercive and abusive methods and build rapport are necessary and achievable.
View of the former clandestine detention and torture centre -the Argentine Army Mechanics School (ESMA) Officers Casino- now turned into the Memory and Human Rights Place, during the 45 th anniversary of the military coup, in Buenos Aires on March 24, 2021.

The Méndez Principles: Leadership to Transform Interrogation via Science, Law, and Ethics

New guidance points the way to scientifically sound, lawful, human rights-compliant, and effective practices.
Myanmar migrants in Thailand take part in a protest against the military coup in their home country, in front of the United Nations ESCAP building in Bangkok on March 7, 2021. They wear face masks to protect themselves from contracting COVID-19. Many wave the flag of Myanmar.

Beyond the Coup: Can the United Nations Escape Its History in Myanmar?

After decades of awkward and all-around frustrating engagement, the U.N. needs to step forward with a more flexible and conscious approach that shows it has learned from past mistakes.
Members of the Civil defence removing the remnants of a rocket reportedly fired by regime forces on the outskirts of the rebel-held besieged Syrian town of Douma in the eastern Ghouta region. They wear gas masks as they work. February 1, 2018

The Eroding Norms Against Chemical Weapons Use Will Need More Than Another Syria Censure to Survive

A challenge inspection and an expanded mandate for a new investigations team are among options to halt the global backsliding.
An employee, wearing a face mask and a WHO vest, of the World Health Organisation (WHO) supervises the arrival of the first batch of coronavirus vaccines, at Khartoum airport in the Sudanese capital, on March 3, 2121.

Preparing for Future Pandemics Means Improving and Reforming — Not Abandoning — the WHO

Committing to an international effort in response to transnational health threats does not mean surrendering sovereign authority or essential interests.
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