What Does it Mean to be Designated a ‘Global Terrorist’ by UN?

The UN has recognised Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. But what does that mean?

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

• The ban requires that all states freeze, without delay, the funds and other financial assets or economic resources of designated individuals and entities and those associated with them.
• The states should also prohibit any nationals or persons within their territory, from providing financial help to the individual, whether directly or indirectly.
• The resolution allows access to funds necessary for basic expenses, including payments for food, rent, medical treatment, taxes.

Travel Ban

All states must prevent the entry into, or transit through their territories by designated individuals.

Arms Embargo

• All states are required to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer from their territories or by their nationals outside their territories to designated individuals and entities.
• This ban includes the use of their flag vessels or aircraft, arms and related material of all types, spare parts, and technical advice, assistance, or training related to military activities.

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.”