In a huge diplomatic win for India, the United Nations has recognised Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. The move came after China finally relented its hold on the proposal to blacklist him under the Security Council’s Sanctions Committee.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
A “global terrorist” is a blacklisted individual under the UNSC Sanctions Committee. According to the UN’s website, the sanctions allow UN to take measures, which include a “broad range of enforcement options that do not involve the use of armed force.”
The UNSC relies on organisations like the Interpol and Financial Action Task Force to recognise and monitor individuals who are linked to terrorist activities.
WHAT HAPPENS TO A GLOBAL TERRORIST?
Once an individual or entity is blacklisted, all states have an obligation to take certain measures against them. These measures include a ban on finances, travel and weapons owned by the individual.
Assets Freeze
Travel Ban
All states must prevent the entry into, or transit through their territories by designated individuals.
Arms Embargo
WHAT DOES THE RESOLUTION SAY?
The Resolution 1267, adopted by UNSC in 1989 formed a Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, (which later changed to ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee) a counter-terrorism body that enforces measures against Al-Qaida and associated individuals or bodies.
The resolution reaffirms that terrorism is one of the most serious threats to peace and security and strongly condemns any such acts as criminal and unjustifiable.
The Resolution 2368 of 2017 also recognises that terrorism can only be defeated by collaborative efforts and active participation of “all states and international and regional organisations to impede, impair, isolate, and incapacitate the terrorist threat.”
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