UN handbook tells governments how to fight terrorism

dpa German Press Agency Published: Friday February 16, 2007

New York- The first handbook advising governments in
various aspects of the fight against terrorism was published Friday
by the United Nations, ranging from preventing the theft of nuclear
materials to protecting human rights during anti-terrorism campaigns.
The first edition of Counter-Terrorism Online Handbook, was
expected to be updated regularly, and was published only in
electronic form at www.un.org/terrorism/CThandbook. The material was
mandated by the UN General Assembly, which last year adopted wide-
ranging measures to fight terrorist activities around the world.

The 192-nation assembly has adopted several conventions against
terrorism, focusing on areas that would deprive terrorists or would-
be terrorists of the financial and technological resources to carry
out their activities.

"We stand ready to work with you (governments)," UN Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon said. "To support our joint efforts, a task force
has created a Counter-Terrorism Online Handbook."

"Its purpose is to give member states, regional organizations and
UN country teams a single, easily accessible tool for information on
activities and resources," Ban said.

The handbook is described as a tool to better assist governments
to utilize resources to "enhance their own efforts at countering
terrorism within the framework of the (anti-terror) global strategy."

The handbook will focus on ways to prevent financing of terrorism;
promote education, tolerance and dialogue; and protect nuclear,
biological, chemical or radiological materials.

It also discusses ways to assist victims of terrorist attacks,
prevent travel by terrorists, provide training to law enforcement
entities, assist with drafting of anti-terrorism legislation, defend
human rights and protect key infrastructure.

The handbook was drawn up by a 24-member counterterrorism
implementation task force comprised of various UN departments and
agencies. The task force received assistance from the International
Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

© 2006 - dpa German Press Agency