As a leader in shaping the counter-terrorism debate, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) was asked to join a global research network hosted by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) at the United Nations (UN). CTED serves the critical functions of carrying out policy decisions of the UN Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee and facilitates counter-terrorism technical assistance to countries.

The aim of the network, launched in February this year, is to strengthen CTED’s capacity to identify new trends in global terrorism and encourage UN member states to develop more informed counter-terrorism responses. As the only Africa-based partner, ISS is one of 28 leading research institutions from around the world invited by CTED to exchange terrorism and counter-terrorism knowledge and share experiences from the ground.

The ISS recently produced ground-breaking research on radicalisation and recruitment in East Africa that includes practical recommendations about how governments in the region can improve counter-terrorism initiatives.

‘The Kenya paper refuted the assumption that poverty and unemployment are at the root of radicalisation and recruitment’ says Dr Anneli Botha, ISS senior researcher. ‘Those joining terrorist organisations cannot be placed in little boxes – the complexity of human nature must be included in the reasons why individuals join organisations like al-Shabaab.'

ISS’ inclusion in this prestigious network ensures that lessons from research in Africa will be considered when international counter-terrorism policy is developed. The network provides another platform for ISS research and policy recommendations to reach decision makers at the global level.

CTED will engage with partners to monitor current trends and challenges. Membership of the network will be expanded to promote the development of country and sub-regional counter-terrorism profiles to assist CTED in future. The network also will provide a forum for dialogue and collaboration between partners themselves, and with CTED.

CREDIT LINK:  http://www.issafrica.org/iss-spotlight/influencing-global-responses-to-terrorism

The article was first published by The Institute for Security Studies (http://www.issafrica.org) and is republished with permission  granted to www.oasesnews.com