Cooperate to counter terrorism challenges

More legal cooperation is needed. We should work to build on the global legal framework to prevent and counter terrorism through the regime of universal treaties and conventions against international terrorism. The relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and sanctions should be resolutely implemented. China has many experienced experts that can offer legal assistance in this field.

There should be increased coordination. UN member states should work closely together, as well as with organizations such as Interpol, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other international and regional organizations, to jointly crack down on terrorism. Efforts should be made to work with NGOs and the private sector. Best practices and important information should be shared. Public-private partnerships should be encouraged.

More training is needed. In light of the rising number of hi-tech crimes using the Internet, we should also step up our efforts to fight cyber crimes by terrorists. The UN and other bodies are actively offering training programs on preventing and countering terrorist activities on the Internet. Training should also be provided to enable law enforcement officers in Afghanistan and elsewhere to enhance their counterterrorism capabilities. And efforts should be made to offer more training on the protection of human rights in the fight against terrorism.

More resources are required to prevent and fight terrorism. We should allocate more resources and expertise to fighting terrorism, not less. Even a penny counts in the fight against terrorism and helping the victims of terrorism. At the same time, we should work hard to cut the financing of terrorism.

In the post-2015 agenda, we should not simply forget the horrors of terrorism and put it to one side. We should redouble our efforts, and the international community should work closely as one to prevent and fight terrorism in all its forms.

The author is an observer of world affairs based in Beijing.

(China Daily 04/15/2014 page8)