United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

UNODC and terrorism prevention

UNODC has for many years been addressing issues pertaining to international terrorism and related international cooperation. In 2002, the General Assembly approved an expanded programme of activities for the UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch. This expanded programme focuses on providing assistance to States, upon request, in the legal and related aspects of counter-terrorism, especially for ratifying and implementing the universal legal instruments against terrorism and strengthening the capacity of the national criminal justice systems to apply the provisions of these instruments in compliance with the principles of rule of law. In addition, the Branch provides substantive input on counter-terrorism issues to intergovernmental bodies and it coordinates its work with relevant other actors.

"We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security".

2005 World Summit Outcome adopted by the United Nations General Assembly by its resolution 60/1

"Reaffirming that acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations are activities aimed at the destruction of human rights,fundamental freedoms and democracy, threatening territorial integrity, security of States and destabilizing legitimately constituted Governments, and that the international community should take the necessary steps to enhance cooperation to prevent and combat terrorism".

United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy Adopted by the General Assembly on 8 September 2006 ( resolution 60/288) (pdf)

Last updated: 13/07/2008