Rights & Security International and the US-based Global Center on Cooperative Security have now published the results of a global scoping study to assess independent civil society engagement with UN counterterrorism entities – whether this engagement is happening and what could be improved to make sure non-governmental groups can have a meaningful impact on what the UN does. Throughout 2023, we had consulted directly with nearly 200 civil society organisations from 54 countries regarding their concerns, expectations and recommendations. Through these largely in-person consultations, we addressed some of the following questions:
Do civil society actors understand which UN entities are involved in counterterrorism and P/CVE? Do they view those UN entities as relevant to the human rights issues that civil society confronts and addresses day-to-day?
Do civil society groups in various regions see value in engaging with the UN on these issues? What are the perceived benefits of engaging with the UN?
If civil society groups and activists are hesitant about engaging with the UN on these issues, what are their concerns? What are the necessary preconditions for greater engagement?
Overall, we found an overwhelming consensus that the UN is failing to meaningfully engage with, promote or protect civil society in the context of the world body’s counterterrorism efforts, and that there is a common desire to see the UN correct this course. However, change is possible, and the report makes specific practical recommendations.
Download the report to read the findings and recommendations we presented to UN entities and Members States at UN headquarters in New York on 29 May 2024.
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