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Countering terrorism and violent extremism: towards a human-rights coordinated approach in the Southern Mediterranean region

A regional conference took place on 22-23 June 2022, in Tunis, gathering participants from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.

Measures to combat terrorism and radicalisation must respect and ensure the protection of human rights. To support regional dynamics around the prevention and fight against radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism, the Council of Europe organised, on 22-23 June 2022 in Tunis and online, a regional conference entitled “Countering terrorism and violent extremism: towards a human-rights coordinated approach”. It brought together representatives and experts from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. 

This Conference is organised in the framework of the joint programmes of the European Union and the Council of Europe, South Programme IV and the "Project to Support Independent Bodies in Tunisia" (PAII-T), in partnership with the National Commission for the Fight against Terrorism in Tunisia (CNLCT), the Tunisian High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HAICA) and non-profit organisation "No Peace without Justice".

“The objectives of countering terrorism and of the protection and promotion of human rights are not conflicting but complementary and mutually reinforcing” according to UN Human Rights Council resolution 31/30). Policies which are compliant to human rights standards uphold the values that terrorist groups endeavour to destroy. More importantly, they weaken support for radicalism among potential advocates, and reinforce public confidence in the rule of law. It is in this context that the two-day conference promoted a human rights approach, with a special focus on training professionals working on counterterrorism in the region.

The first day's discussions (June 22nd) focused on the repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of children, as the impact of terrorism and counter-terrorism measures on children is heightened due to their age and vulnerability. These discussions layed foundations to develop a regional Human Rights Education Programme for Legal Professionals (HELP) training on the subject.

The second day (June 23rd) presented the Council of Europe's Human Rights Education Programme for Legal Professionals (HELP) and its unique methodology. The two HELP courses related to the fight against terrorism were also introduced to the public. These courses adapted to the context of the countries in the region, including "Radicalisation prevention" and "Combating Hate Crime and Hate Speech in the Audiovisual Sector", will soon become available in Arabic for professionals in the region.

 

 

The South Programme IV is a joint programme of the Council of Europe and the European Union, financed by the European Union and the Council of Europe and implemented by the Council of Europe.

Tunis 22-23 June 2022
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