IT-TLETTAX-IL LEĠIŻLATURA
P.L. 3023
Dokument imqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-Seduta Numru 204 tas-6 ta’ Marzu 2019 mill-Ispeaker, l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia.
______Raymond Scicluna Skrivan tal-Kamra
13th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM)
21 - 22 February 2019 Belgrade, Serbia
Hon Aaron Farrugia, MP Hon Clayton Bartolo, MP Hon Etienne Grech, MP Hon Ryan Callus, MP Hon Ivan Bartolo, MP
REPORT TO THE SPEAKER BY MEMBER/S OF PARLIAMENT PARTICIPATING IN CONFERENCE/MEETING ABROAD
1. TITLE OF CONFERENCE/MEETING: 131H PLENARY SESSION OF 1HE PAM
2.DATE: 21-22 FEBRUARY 2019
3.MEMBER: HON. AARON FARRUGIA HON. CLAYTON BARTOLO HON. ETIENNE GRECH HON. RYAN CALLUS HON. IVAN BARTOLO
I 4. ITEM/S ON THE AGENDA: Agenda attached with heading (A)
5. MEETING CONCLUSIONS, IF ANY: Omunittee reports and resolutions attached with heading (B)
6. INTERVENTIONS MADE BY MEMBER:
Addressing the 1st Standing Omunittee on counter-terrorism strategies, Hon. Fanugia emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism He highlighted that a number of foreign terrorist fighters come from a modest background and unstable regions and consequently end up looking at terrorist organisations as there only hope. Hon. Fanugia underlined that it is important for Governments to place more emphasis on youth, as they have the potential to successfully and effectively transform their own future. He spoke on the need for Mediterranean countries to provide every child with a sure start, thus developing a long term educational and employment programme where one can fulfil his ambitions and aspirations.
Intervening also during this session, Hon. Ryan Callus spoke on the need to develop more comprehensive preventive programmes for children and youth exposed to radicalism and extremism In these early stages of a young person's life, it is easier to limit the effects of radicalisation as opposed to converting foreign terrorist fighters on their return to their homeland. He explained that there are multiple reasons why a person opts to join a terrorist organisation, including but not limited to socio-economic inequality, discrimination, poor educational structures, and how the lack of quality employment opportunities interplay in the trajectory towards violent extremism and terroristic aspirations.
Addressing the 3rd Standing Conunittee on the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean, Hon. Aaron Farrugia spoke on the importance to recognise the struggles faced by small countries such as Malta. He highlighted that Malta receives per capita the biggest number of irregular migrants. Hon. Farrugia highlighted that Malta is proud to be part
N.B. (i) In the case of a delegation, one report may be drawn up incorporating all the interventions made and bearing the signature of each Member
(ii) The report is to be submitted not later than 10 days after the end of the conference/meeting of the European coalition of the willing, thus promoting the integration and relocation of migrants. The Head of the Maltese delegation addressed also the issue of hwnan traffickers and called on countries to address, in an effective manner, transnational crime and called on NGO vessels, which conduct search and rescue operations, to stick to their tenns of reference and observe international law.
Intervening also during this session, Hon. Etienne Grech highlighted that Malta has always remained committed to its Mediterranean vocation and continues to actively promote the role of parliamentarians to bring about positive and durable change. He invited Members present to referto the 17 January2019 Valletta Conclusions, adopted by the national Parliaments of the 5 +5 Western Mediterranean dialogue, which focus on the importance to address migration within a holistic framework, thus including action related to climate change and sustainable development, youth, education and employment.
7. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS YOU FEEL SHOULD BE ATTACHED Press Release attached with heading (Q
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Date
I Date I_;
Date Report on the 13th Plenary Session of the PAM
On 21 and 22 February 2019 the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean held its 13th Plenary Session in Belgrade, Serbia. The meeting was hosted by the Parliament of Serbia.
Maltese Delegation
Hon. Aaron Farrugia, Head of Delegation
Hon. Clayton Bartolo, MP
Hon. Etienne Grech, MP
Hon. Ryan Callus, MP
Hon. Ivan Bartolo, MP
Mr Paul Mifsud, Advisor
Mr Simon Pullicino, MFTP Director
Ms Karen Mamo, Research Analyst
Meeting of the PAM Bureau
Opening the session, PAM President Roque gave a general outline of the agenda for the Bureau and Plenary meeting. Taking the floor, the SG highlighted the important role of the members of the Bureau, especially with regard to the meetings of the North and South geopolitical groups. The SG explained that the South Group is faced with four candidatures for four vacant posts, therefore there is no need of an election. However, the North group is faced with six candidatures for four vacant posts. The candidatures were as follows: France, Italy, Israel, Portugal, Malta and Serbia. The SG informed that as per normal practice, both Israel and Palestine will be elected in their respective groups as a sign of good will and closer dialogue between the two sides.
SG Piazzi further communicated that PAM is currently examining the application of Qatar to become an associate member of the Plenary. He explained that Qatar has been collaborating with PAM since 2009 and that PAM has been invited to participate in the Qatar IPU conference in April 2019. Addressing the financial situation of the PAM, SG Piazzi informed that the 10% increase was a positive move for the assembly and a greatly needed one. Furthermore, SG Piazzi proposed PAM builds a reserve fund to cover the PAM budget between annual contribution payments. This would ensure PAM has available funds all year long.
Speaking on the number of regional offices, SG Piazzi explained that meetings held with the UN continued to strengthen the PAM clout in the UN and PAM is currently discussing the possibility to issue UN passports for PAM MPs. This would further facilitate travel and participation by southern Mediterranean countries. He explained that it is important to strengthen the other regional offices in Geneva and Jerusalem. He mentioned the excellent relations with the Government of Malta, the temporary relocation in Aragon House and the audit exercise carried out locally. SG informed members present that he asked Hon. Aaron Farrugia's assistance to resolve recent and ongoing issues concerning the closure of the BOV bank account and VAT returns. The SG promised that PAM will reinforce the central office in Malta and will continue discussions with local authorities to resolve the issues.
Hon. Aaron Farrugia, Head of Delegation, addressed members present and explained that Malta has always honoured its commitments and agreements with PAM. In fact, to make sure the Secretariat could continue to fully operate, the MFTP proposed a number of buildings to the SG and finally an agreement was reached by the two sides. In fact, the Maltese Government is renting Aragon House, in spite the delays to sign the MoU by the PAM SG. Hon. Farrugia underlined that the statute recognizes Malta as the Headquarters of the PAM and as such cannot understand why the SG insists on keeping the Secretariat in Bucharest or operating from remote regional offices. Hon. Farrugia reassured members present that he will personally see to the issues raised by the SG and will be following closely the smooth transition of the Secretariat back to Malta.
Am b. Majallie Whbee, PAM Roving Ambassador and Senior Advisor lamented that Malta has been promising a lot but in reality nothing changes. He highlighted that the Palazzo Spinola issue is of grave concern and that in the interest of PAM it should be resolved urgently.
Hon. Farrugia explained that Malta took immediate action and provided PAM with a state of the art environment where to continue its operations unaffected. Malta has been paying for an office which was left empty by the SG.
The SG agreed to provide the Maltese authorities with a new list of needs and requirements. Whilst agreeing that the Aragon building is good for a transitional period, the SG proposed the need to identify a new building for PAM. He turned his attention to the newly opened NATO office in Naples and explained that PAM will strengthen relations with this office too. SG Piazzi expressed disdain at the fact that the BOV has on numerous times closed the bank account of PAM. This is problematic and disrupts the work of PAM.
Meeting of the North Geopolitical group
Candidates: France, Israel, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Serbia
Malta vote: France, Malta, Italy and Israel
Elected Candidates: Italy, Israel, Portugal and France. 13'" Plenary Session
The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia HE Veroljub Arsic, welcomed members present to the Parliament of Serbia and underlined the importance to strengthen dialogue across the Mediterranean region. He highlighted that national Parliaments hold an important role as they act as guardians of democratic principles. Furthermore, cooperation at regional level is imperative to ensure the Mediterranean fosters an environment of justice and prosperity. HE Arsic underlined that coordination at a bilateral and multilateral level on issues of common concern is very important and needed in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Addressing also the opening session, the Minister for Foreign Affairs HE lvica Dacic, spoke on the challenges posed by climate change and that national Parliaments should be more active in the dialogue and action taken at the national and regional level. The Minister underlined that Serbia remains committed to foster dialogue and play a more central role in regional and international organizations such as PAM and the UN. Minister Dacic welcomed the possibility to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy through the PAM's work and called for a joint approach on issues concerning democracy, the rule of law and peace in the Mediterranean region.
The PAM President addressed members present and gave a general over view of PAM's work and priorities for the year 2018. President Roque highlighted that PAM continued to strengthen relations with regional organizations such as the OSCE, the IMF, the PAN-African Parliament etc. Through increased membership of the PAM, but also close cooperation with organizations PAM continues to increase its prestige and standing in the Mediterranean. President Roque informed that Slovenia is seeking to re-apply to join the PAM and that a joint PAM-Turkey Conference on security, migration and population movement will be held in the coming months.
• A message by HE Antonio Guterres, SG of the UN was read by SG Piazzi. • The PAM and the lnterparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (lAO) sign MoU
Presentation of the work of the 1" Standing Committee on Political and Security-Related Cooperation
Sen. Alia Bouran, President of the Committee highlighted that although terrorist organizations such as ISIS loose physical ground, their ideological power remains vivid in various parts of the world. The President highlighted the risks posed by returning terrorist fighters and the need to adopt legislative measures that focus on these novel challenges. She underlined that the role of national parliaments is very important and called on members present to increase their efforts to promote holistic and joint efforts to common challenges such as security and terrorism.
Mr Mauro Miedico, Director at the UN office of Counter-Terrorism spoke about the ongoing crisis in the Mediterranean, mainly the humanitarian tragedies, the return of foreign terrorist fighters, and the spread of extremist ideology. He underlined that these three elements have a common aspect: the role of parliamentarians as active actors in the legislative, humanitarian and out reach to local communities. Mr Miedico emphasized the importance to promote multilateral cooperation and to further use the PAM as an excellent~ platform to exchange counter-terrorism strategies and deradicalization programmes. Concluding, he observed that terrorism is a transnational problem, therefore necessitating transnational cooperation and solutions.
Debate
Addressing the 1'' Standing Committee on counter-terrorism strategies, Hon. Farrugia emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism. He highlighted that a number of foreign terrorist fighters come from a modest background and unstable regions and consequently end up looking at terrorist organisations as there only hope. Hon. Farrugia underlined that it is important for Governments to place more emphasis on youth, as they have the potential to successfully and effectively transform their own future. He spoke on the need for Mediterranean countries to provide every child with a sure start, thus developing a long term educational and employment programme where one can fulfil his ambitions and aspirations. .
Intervening also during this session, Hon. Ryan Callus spoke on the need to develop more comprehensive preventive programmes for children and youth exposed to radicalism and extremism. In these early stages of a young person's life, it is easier to limit the effects of radicalisation as opposed to converting foreign terrorist fighters on their return to their homeland. He explained that there are multiple reasons why a person opts to join a terrorist organisation, including but not limited to socio-economic inequality, discrimination, poor educational structures, and how the lack of quality employment opportunities interplay in the trajectory towards violent extremism and terroristic aspirations.
Presentation, adoption and endorsement of the reports and resolutions on:
• Countering the evolving threat of terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean Region • Political and Security developments in the MENA region and Western Balkans
Presentation of the work of the 2"' Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation
Sen. Lhou Lmarbouh, President of the 2"d Standing Committee spoke on the need for the Mediterranean region to seriously address the issue of Brexit and analyse how this will impact the region but also independent nation states. He highlighted that the economic scenario in the Mediterranean is still a grave one and the environmental picture also presents worrying data. Sen. Lmarbouh explained that water quality and availability are two of the most pressing issues for countries in the South and this in turn has a negative effect on development and economic growth. He called on members present to recognize the importance of cooperation and to provide countries in the south with the necessary assistance to safeguard the environment, reverse climate change effects and prosper in a sustainable way.
Mr Said El Hachimi, Counsellor at the World Trade Organization, addressed members present and spoke on the role of the WTO within the Mediterranean region. He welcomed increased cooperation with PAM and recognised that members of Parliament are important actors in the region. Mr Hachimi proposed the establishment of a PAM-WTO forum for Trade and Investment for the Mediterranean region. In fact, the WTO pledged to hold an annual conference dedicated to trade and investment in the Mediterranean. He emphasized that cooperation is key to promote sustainable and continuous development. Furthermore, it is important to recognize the inter-dependency of trade relations and subsequently develop inter-dependent structures facilitating trade and investment.
Debate
Members present reaffirmed the centrality of strengthening parliamentary diplomacy to counter the negative ·effects of climate change and promote a more sustainable future. Honourable members recognized that development needs to be conscious of the environmental impact and responsible of the well-being of neighbouring states. On the economic situation, members present underlined the importance to give SME's increased economic resilience tools and legislative frameworks to protect their operations. Here too, bilateral cooperation is imperative to promote a prosperous and just region.
The discussion and adoption of the reports and resolutions of the 2"' Standing Committee continued on day two.
Presentation, adoption and endorsement of the reports and resolutions on:
• Climate Change after the COP24. What way forward? • Effective legislation in support of Mediterranean SMEs
Presentation of the work of the 3'' Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights
Mr Vladimir Cucic, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia, addressed members present on the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean. He recounted how Serbia continues to face problems to welcome large numbers of people and the importance for the EU to provide funds. He underlined the urgency to include Serbia in the group of countries in need of funds and assistance to manage migration flows. Commissioner Cucic called on members present to recognize that regional cooperation is imperative to save lives and bring to a halt the humanitarian crisis.
Mr Francesco Motta, Chief of Asia Pacific, middle East and North Africa Branch spoke on the importance to promote an inclusive appn~ach and therefore ensure citizens are well informed of ongoing developments. Furthermore, he highlighted that an inclusive approach is conducive to . ,.
increased trust and cooperation between the population, the authorities and the migrant communities living and working in the host communities.
Debate
Addressing. the 3'd Standing Committee on the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean, Han. Aaron Farrugia spoke on the importance to recognise the struggles faced by small countries such as Malta. He highlighted that Malta receives per capita the biggest number of irregular migrants. Han. Farrugia highlighted that Malta is proud to be part of the European coalition of the willing, thus promoting the integration and relocation of migrants. The Head of the Maltese delegation addressed also the issue of human traffickers and called on countries to address, in an effective manner, transnational crime and called on NGO vessels, which conduct search and rescue operations, to stick to their terms of reference and observe international law.
Intervening also during this session, Han. Etienne Grech highlighted that Malta has always remained committed to its Mediterranean vocation and continues to actively promote the role of parliamentarians to bring about positive and durable change. He invited Members present to refer to the 17 January 2019 Valletta Conclusions, adopted by the national Parliaments of the 5+5 Western Mediterranean dialogue, which focus on the importance to address migration within a holistic framework, thus including action related to climate change and sustainable development, youth, education and employment.
Presentation, adoption and endorsement of the reports and resolutions on:
• The Implementation of the Global Compact for Migration: PAM's role • PAM MPs for Human Rights
-+ A number of national Parliaments expressed reservations on the mention of the Global Compact for migration. These reservations were taken into consideration by the Chair and later reflected in the final text
Election of the PAM President
The South Geopolitical group agreed to elect Sen. Dr Alia Bouran from Jordan for the first year and Hon. Karim Darwish from Egypt for the second year.
Additional information
-+ Formation of a special group on terrorism and youths (to convene in Italy): Date and meeting to be communicated at a later stage. Countries included in the group: France, Italy, Algeria, Malta, Turkey and Syria -+ Formation of a special group on finance: Countries included: Italy, France ' '
Sub working group on investment and finance: Countries included: Romania and Malta Sub working group on productivity: Countries included: Algeria and Morocco Sub working group on trade facilitation: WTO +(vacant country) Sub working group on Sustainable Development and use of resources: Italy+ (vacant country) Sub working group on culture and education: Serbia and Algeria
PAM Awards:
A number of awards were given to various key actors promoting peace and dialogue in the Mediterranean region.
Han. Justyne Caruana was given an award as a recognition for her work in the PAM Bureau.
Communications from the Secretary General
1) Summit of the three shores of the Mediterranean
2) Establishment of a Euro-Med centre for research, with the collaboration of the University of Shanghai, Rome, Naples, San Marino, Madrid and Malta
3) Cooperation with the newly established NATO office in Naples
4) Budget: PAM continued to recruit more staff and is keen to strengthen the regional offices. The SG lamented that some countries have not yet paid their annual contribution and called on these countries to pay PAM.
5) Palazzo Spinola: In September 2018, PAM was provided with a temporary building (Aragon House). However, there are also other issues (closure of BOV Bank account)
Han. Farrugia addressed members present and highlighted that Malta is fully committed to continue hosting the PAM HQ. Han. Farrugia made it clear that Malta is not a regional office and that both administrative and political arms of the Secretariat should and need to operate from Malta (as ascribed on the Statute). Han. Farrugia remained committed to look into the pending issues with PAM and provide a bridge between the PAM and local authorities.
SG replied that it is important to strengthen cyber security and improve communication across member states. He· therefore called on members present to promote PAM and to circulate Press releases and other communications from the President and standing committees.
6) PAM Plenary 2020: Greece
Additional note
[The original agenda distributed by PAM included reference to the expiry of the HQ agreement with Malta and hence the call for member states to submit bids to host the PAM Secretariat, Malta has on numerous occasions reaffirmed its commitment to continue hosting the PAM Secretariat in its ' .
entirety, therefore including both the political and administrative branches. On Friday 22, PAM SG circulated a new agenda, omitting the discussion on the bids. No country contested the issue and the SG confirmed that he will continue to speak with the Government of Malta to find a suitable solution.)
Report by Ms Karen Mama Research Analyst 25/02/2019 A.
I'ARLII\MlNTI\RYASSlMBlY O f Ttl£ MEDITlRRI\NlAN H apoAua CK)'TIWTDDa Peoy6..uJKe Cp6ujc ASSEMBLH PARUM(NTAIR( DC LA M EDIHRRI\N([ National Assembl)' of Lh c Republic of Serbia .b... .,WI u4:!1)rl _p.,J.l ~ .r.JI ~I Assemblee natiormlc de Ia Republique de Serbic
13th PLENARY SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN
21 - 22 February 2019
National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade
Provisional agenda
Wednesday 20 February
Arrival of Delegations at the hotel
18:45 Departure of the PAM Bureau members from the hotel to the MP's Club transfer provided by the National Assembly
19:00 Dinner for the PAM Bureau members offered by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia The MP's Club, 2 Tolstojeva Street
Thursday 21 February
Transfer from the hotel to the House of the National Assembly 08:00 for Bureau M embers 08:25 for other participants
08:45 Registration of participants House of the National Assembly, 13 Nikola Pasic Square, Central Hall
08:30 36th Meeting of the PAM Bureau Meeting Room 1
09:30 Geopolitical Groups {Session for PAM parliamentary delegates only] North group Lorge Plenary Hall South group Small Plenary Hall 10:15 Opening of the Plenary Session Large Plenary Hall Welcome address by H.E. Han. Veroljub Arsic, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia
Welcome address by H.E. lvica Dacic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia
Opening address by H. E. Hon. Pedro Roque, PAM President
Message by H.E. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations
Signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between PAM and the lnterparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (lAO)
Family photo
Coffee break
11:00 Presentation of the work of the 151 Standing Committee on Political and Security-Related Cooperation, and Activities for 2019 Chair: Sen. Alia Bouran {Jordan), President of PAM 1'1 Standing Committee
Address by Mr. Mauro Miedico, Director, Special Adviser to the Under Secretary-General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism
Address by Dr. Dragan Simeunovic, PhD, Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, Belgrade University
Presentation of the Report and Resolution on "Countering the evolving threat of terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean region", prepared by Han. Gennaro Migliore {Italy), and voting on the Resolution
Presentation of the Report and Resolution on "Political and Security developments in the MENA region and Western Balkans", prepared by Sen. Mohamed Alami {Morocco), and voting on the Resolution
13:00 Lunch offered by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia
15:00 Presentation of the work of the 2"d Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation, and Activities for 2019 Chair: Sen. Lhou Lmarbouh (Morocco), President of PAM 2nd Standing Committee
Keynote address by H. E. Goran Trivan, Minister of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia
2 Address by Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor, World Trade Organization
Presentation of the Report and Resolution on "Climate Change after the COP24. What way forward?", prepared by Hon. Alain Perea (France), and voting on the Resolution
Presentation of the Report and Resolution on "Effective legislation in support of Mediterranean SMEs", prepared by Hon. Dragica Vranjes (Croatia), and voting on the Resolution
17:00 End of working session Return to the hotel
19:30 Transfer from the hotel to the Restaurant of the Centro/ Military Club
20:00 Official dinner on the occasion of the 13th PAM Plenary Session hosted by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia, Hon. Veroljub Arsic Central Military Club, 19 Brace Jugovica Street
Return to hotel
Friday 22 February
08:30 Transfer from the hotel to the House of the National Assembly
09:00 Presentation of the work of the 3'd Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights, and Activities for 2019 Chair: Hon. Aleksandra Maletic (Serbia}, President of PAM 3rd Standing Committee Large Plenary Hall
Address by Mr. Vladimir Cucic, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia
Address by Mr. Francesco Motta, Chief of Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch, Office ofthe United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Presentation of the Report and Resolution on "The implementation of the Global Compact for Migration: PAM's role", prepared by Hon. Badreddine Abdelkafi (Tunisia), and voting on the Resolution
Presentation of the Report and Resolution on "PAM MPs for Human Rights", prepared by Hon. Sandrine March (France), and voting on the Resolution
11:00 Coffee break 3 11:15 Election of the PAM President Nomination of the new members of the PAM Bureau Address by the new PAM President
11:45 2018 PAM Prize laureates Award ceremony
12:00 [Session for PAM parliamentary delegates only} Presentation of PAM 2019 Activities and financial report by Am b. Sergio Piazzi, PAM Secretary General
Presentation of the proposals to host PAM offices
13:00 Closing remarks
Hon. Pedro Roque, PAM President New PAM President
13:30 Lunch offered by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia House of the National Assembly, 13 Nikola Pa.Yic Square, ca[e-club
End of Plenary Session
15:00 Departure from the National Assembly for the cultural programme organised by the Tourist Organisation of Belgrade
18:45 Return to the hotel
4 ~· ,... ..~ ~.. \ ~ s :~.,J),(,c.~•
PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN HapoAua CK)'IIDfl"DHa Peny6AID 13th PLENARY SESSION OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN 21 - 22 February 2019 National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade Agenda Friday 22 February 08:30 Transfer from the hotel to the House of the National Assembly 09:00 Presentation of the work of the 3rd Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights, and Activities for 2019 Chair: Hon. Aleksandra Maletic (Serbia), President of PAM 3 rd Standing Committee Large Plenary Hall Address by Mr. Vladimir Cucic, Commissioner for R:_!.y.gees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia ~ - Address by Mr. Francesco Motta, Chief of Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner f~ Human Rights Presentation of the Report and Resolution on "The implementation of _/' the Global Compact for Migration: PAM's role", prepared by Hon. / Badreddine Abdelkafi (Tunisia), and voting on the Resolution Presentation of the Report and Resolution on "PAM MPs for Human ~ Rights", prepared by Hon. Sandrine Morch (France), and voting on the Resolution 11:00 Coffee break 11:15 Election of the PAM President ..------Nomination of the new members of the PAM Bureau ~ Address by the new PAM President 11:45 2018 PAM Prize laureates Award ceremony 12:00 [Session for PAM parliamentary delegates only] Presentation of PAM 2019 Activities and financial report by Amb. Sergio Piazzi, PAM Secretary General 13:00 Closing remarks Hon. Pedro Roque, PAM President 13:30 Lunch offered by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia House of the National Assembly, 13 Nikola Pa.vic Square, caje-club End of Plenary Session 15:00 Departure from the National Assembly for the cultural programme organised by the Tourist Organisation of Belgrade 18:45 Return to the hotel 2 B. PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE h ... jWl ~'Jl ~ 4Wy,ll A r~ l 1st Standing Committee on Political and Security related Cooperation "Countering the evolving threat of terrorism in the Euro-Mediterranean region" Rapporteur: Hon. Gennaro Migliore (Italy) Draft resolution The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, a) Condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; b) Welcoming reinforced national and international efforts to combat terrorism, which showed progress in halting the spread of ISIS, stemming the outflow of fore ign terrorist fighters, reducing the lethality rate of terrorist attacks, and restricting extremist propaganda on mainstream social media; c) Recognizing that terrorism remains a grave and evolving threat, and that counter terrorism efforts must remain persistent and effectively respond to shifting terrorist trends; d) Alarmed at the dramatic surge of terrorist activity in the Sahel, and throughout the African continent, and the danger it poses to security and stability of the Euro-Mediterranean region; e) Noting with grave concern, the large number of returning foreign terrorist fighters, and their fam ilies, which have either returned to their countries of origin or relocated to third countries, including in Africa and Central Asia; f) Aware of the need for states to continue to track and investigate returnees and their fami li es, and assess the danger they may pose to the public; g) Concerned about radicalisation leading to violent extremism, in its many manifestations, including online, within the prison system, and among socially marginalised individuals; h) Concerned about the future role of returnees in our societies, including post-imprisonment, and aware of the need for legislative action to address the long term consequences of the foreign fighter phenomenon; i) Recalling and reaffirming the definition, reports and resolutions adopted in the past by PAM on the issue of terrorism; 1 j) Recalling UN Security Council Resolutions 2178 and 2396, as well as all other relevant UNSC resolutions on terrorism, asserting the value of the Madrid Principles and Addenda, and reeognizing the need encouraging tbe members states to translate them into national legislation; [TURKEY) k) Emphasising the need for reinforced international cooperation on counter-terrorism, including at the parliamentary level; /) Reaffirming the central role of parliaments to enact timely and effective national counter terrorism legislation, harmonious with international instruments, to address the evolving terrorist threat; I Reiterates its commitment to continue monitoring the evolving trends related to terrorism, and to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and information among its member parliaments; II. Calls upon member parliaments to initiate, oversee and support relevant legislative initiatives for the implementation of the UN Counter Terrorism Strategy, which should include, in their counter terrorism laws, provisions related to the incorporation of the international instruments against terrorism, in order to speed up international cooperation in criminal matters, to achieve efficient investigations against terrorists and terrorist organizations; III Encourages its member parliaments to implement oversight function over state institutions to ensure that national counter-terrorism measures are implemented within the rule of law, and in line with obligations under international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law; IV. Calls on member countries to reinforce efforts to combat violent extremism, and the spread of extremist ideologies, through deradicalisation and rehabilitation of returnees, prevention of radicalisation in the prison system, combating online extremist propaganda, and addressing social marginalization of at-risk individuals; V. Urges member states to tackle the issue of terrorism financing and terrorism-crime nexus, and recommends the UNSC to consider including the Madrid Principles and its addendum into the body of a resolution; VI Stresses the need for multilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts on the national and international levels among the lawmakers, government agencies, law enforcement, judiciary, religious leadership, civil society, and the private sector; VII. Reiterates its commitment to ensure, at the regional level, the exchange of best legislative practices and lessons learned to combat terrorism, and to facilitate ongoing cooperation among national and international parliaments, and with the United Nations Security Council CTC and other relevant bodies, and al l other regional and international organisations mandated to address the issue of terrorism. 2 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE h ... _,:W\ u.:o-:/JI ~ yWy,ll :i J.. ~ ll 1'1 Standing Committee on Political and Security related Cooperation "Countering the evolving threat of terrorism in the Bum-Mediterranean region" Rapporteur: Hon. Gennaro Migliore (Italy) Report I. INTRODUCTION I, Terrorism remains a critical challenge to the security of the Euro-Mediterranean region. The threat continues to evolve dramatically, with the rise, decline and transformation of the so called Islamic State, online radicalisation, the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters, and the current danger posed by their relocation to third countries or return to countries of origin, as well as by those radicalised individuals who never left their homes. 2. Response to terrorism requires coordinated multi-lateral efforts, including from governments, parliaments, law enforcement, land and maritime border patrol, judiciary, corrections, civil society, religious leadership, and even the private sector, especially the high-tech industry. The role of parliaments in counter-terrorism is particularly important, as they adopt or adapt the legislation required to set the legal frameworks for the cooperation of other actors, both nationally and across borders. 3, To support national parliaments of the Bum-Mediterranean region, PAM has been active on counter-terrorism as a top priority since its inception. Since 2015, in the wake of the spike in the foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon, PAM reinforced its cooperation with the UN and the BU to address this issue. As the trend has now shifted to the need to deal with the relocation and return of foreign terrorist fighters from their defeats in the battlefield, extensive new legislative action is needed, and PAM remains committed to supporting its member parliaments and the UN in this regard. 1 II. CURRENT TRENDS 4. The 2018 Global Terrorism Index Report (GTI) 1 highlights that in terms of deaths, there has been a global steady decline over the past few years, with current death rates 44% lower since their 2014 peale In Western Europe, deaths fell by 52%, from 168 in 2016 to 81 in 2017, and from January until October 2018, less than ten deaths were recorded in the region. However, the Christmas market attack in Strasbourg in December 2018, by a prison-radicalized gunman, highlighted that despite the declining trend, terrorism continued to pose a real danger. 5. The GTI also indicates that, despite the decline in deaths, the number of incidents in Western Europe has risen, indicating that improved counter-terrorism measures have reduced the lethality of attacks. Over 99% of all deaths from terrorism have occurred in countries involved in a violent conflict or with high levels of political terror, and attacks have been more lethal on average in conflict-affected countries than countries not in conflict for every year since 2002. 6. According to GTI, the global reach and impact of terrorism remained high. 69 countries experienced lethal terrorist attacks in 2017, the second highest number of countries since 2002, but a substantial fall from the 79 countries in 2016. The global impact of terrorism in 2017 was estimated at $52 Billion. 7. There has been significant progress in stemming the spread of extremist propaganda on mainstream social media platforms. In January 2018, Facebook stated that it is able to remove 99% of ISIS and Al-Qaeda produced content through automated tools. Meanwhile YouTube reported that 98% of such content is now identified by its algorithms, an increase from 40% 2 from June 2017 • However, there was a noted trend of shifting internet terrorist activity from 3 mainstream sites to the dark web , which poses further challenges for authorities to contain their online presence. 8. ISIS terrorist group has lost 98% of the territory it once controlled\ bringing a de-facto defeat of its proto-state (so called "Islamic State") in military terms. Despite the territorial losses, somewhere between 20 and 30 thousand ISIS fighters remain in Syria and Iraq, including 5 thousands of foreigners • 9. It is evident that ISIS as an organization, and its guiding extremist ideology, are actually far from defeat, and the long-term strategy of ISIS will likely shift from state-building ambitions towards a more decentralized cyber-caliphate, insurgency warfare in conflict states and inspiring/coordinating attacks in other countries. 1 https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Giobai-Terrorism-lndex-2018-l.pdf 2 https://money.cnn.com/2018/01/17/technology/senate-facebook-twitter-google/index.html 3 Terrorist Migration to the Dark Web Author(s): Gabriel Weimann Source: Perspectives on Terrorism, Vol. 10, No.3 (June 2016), pp. 40-44 Published by: Terrorism Research Institute Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26297596 4 https://www.gcsp.ch/News-Knowledge/Giobal-insight/Dead-or-Aiive-The-Future-of-the-lslamic-State 5 https://icct.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/ICCT-VanDerHeide-Winter-Shiraz-The-Cost-of-Crying-Victory November-2018.pdf 2 III. INCREASED TERRORIST ACTIVITY IN AFRICA 10. In the course of bi-lateral meetings with UN Officials in New York in September 2018, PAM delegates have been informed that a large number of foreign fighters, who were fighting in Syria and Iraq, had been given "safe passage" out of that conflict zone and through to the African continent. PAM received the same information at more recent meetings of OSCE and NATO. II. In parallel, statistics show a dramatic rise of terrorist activity in Africa, namely in the Sahel, but also reaching as far as Mozambique. In the 12 month time period ending 30 September 2018, the rate of Islamist-terrorist activity in the Sahel had tripled, reaching 377 episodes and 895 6 fatalities, and the whole continent recorded 2,919 incidents • As of March 2018, more than 7 9,000 terrorists were estimated to be active in the Sahel, mostly in Libya and Algerian Sahara . 12. This resurgence of terrorist activity in Africa is of grave concern for the security of the whole Euro-Mediterranean region. Many parts of the Sahel remain essentially ungoverned, and the persistent instability in Libya means that these groups can use the vacuum to move freely, organize themselves, engage in secondary criminal activities to raise funds, and present a new surge of terrorist threats to North Africa and Europe in the years to come. IV. RETURNING FOREIGN FIGHTERS 13. Available data8 suggests that 41, 490 people from 80 countries have joined ISIS between 2013 and 2018, and 7,366 have returned. The two regions with the highest percentage ofreturnees are the MENA region with 3,006 returnees, followed by Europe with 3,003 returnees, thereby making the Euro-Mediterranean region the highest concentration of returnees, accounting for 81 percent of the global number. 14. The types of returnees are greatly varied. In some cases States are able to track, prosecute and detain identified fighters. However, a greater number of returnees have already managed to 9 return home avoiding the criminal justice system • There are also a large number of unaccounted foreign fighters who may or may not be in their countries of origin or third countries. States have limited capacities, both resource-wise, and often in terms of available legal instruments to track and prosecute all those returnees. 15. Those returnees who have been put in prison pose a significant risk to radicalize other inmates and thereby magnify the terrorist threat. Many countries have adopted approaches to house radicalized prisoners away from potential targets of radicalization or even the general prison 6 https: IIafrica center. o rg/spot Ii gh t/m iI ita nt-is Iami st -gro u p-a ctivity -sa he 1- rises/ 7 https:l/reliefweb. int/sites/reliefweb.i nt/fi les/resources/Giobal-Terrorism-lndex-2018-1. pdf 8 https:l/reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Giobai-Terrorism-lndex-2018-l.pdf 9 https:l/www.lawfareblog.com/foreign-fighter-hot-potato 3 population 10• Additionally, there is a question of what will happen once a generation of imprisoned foreign fighters will be released back into society, and what instruments will states have at their disposal to ensure the safety of their citizens. 16. In addition to those violent extremists who operated in Syria and Iraq to take active part in armed terrorist activity, there are also their families, including children, some of whom have been born in the so called Islamic State. The non-government military group, which de-facto controls parts of north-eastern Syria following the capture of territory from ISIS, is holding in its custody nearly 900 ISIS fighters, 400-500 women, and more than 1000 children, from 44 1112 foreign countries • The group wants to repatriate those foreigners, as it is both unable and 13 unwilling to hold them indefinitely • However, most countries are reluctant to accept the return of their nationals, and the legal processes to effectively do so are often not clear-cut. 17. While the UN Security Council adopted a definition of what constitutes a foreign terrorist fighter (UNSC 2178), there is still a lack of a robust set of legal definitions for what constitutes membership in the Islamic State, as there are many thousands of individuals, both foreign and 14 local, who were active participants in its civilian proto-state project • This poses a major legislative challenge to deal with the complex fallout resulting from the military defeat of ISIS in Syria and Iraq. V. THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS AND PAM STRATEGY 18. The primary role of PAM in the fight against terrorism is to promote the timely and effective adoption of legislation, which would upgrade the legal framework for counter-terrorism efforts to current challenges. It is crucially important that this legislation be enacted in line with the relevant international instruments, such as UN Security Council resolutions, conventions and protocols. Harmonising legislation among states is essential for effective cross-border cooperation, which is absolutely necessary due to the international nature of the terrorist threat. 19. Another critical role of PAM parliamentarians is in the oversight of their state institutions, and it is critical in the context of counter-terrorism. PAM parliamentarians must act as watch dogs to make sure that all security related efforts are conducted in line with the rule of law, within the limits accorded by their respective constitutions, and also in line with universal principles of human rights. 20. To support the role of its parliaments, PAM regularly brings together MPs from the Bum Mediterranean region, together with key international counter-terrorism actors and experts, to engage in dialogue on legislative strategies necessary to prevent terrorism. 10 https://www.un.org/sc/ctc/wp-content/uploads/2018/07tfrends Alert July 2018.pdf 11 https://twitter.com/abdulkarimomar1/status/1048509180649373697?s=21 12 https: //th ed efe nse post. com 12 0 18/10 /24/fra n ce -repatriate-isis-foreign-fighter -ch iI d ren I " https: 1/i cct. n1/p ubI icati o n/th e-co st -of -cryi ng -victory-policy -i mp Ii cations-of-the- is Ia m ic -states-\ e rritori a l-eo II a pse/ 14 https://icct. n1/wp-content/u ploads/2018/11/ICCT -Van DerHeide-Winter-Shiraz-The-Cost-of-Crying-Victory November-2018.pdf 4 21. Since 2015, PAM has reinforced its cooperation with the UN and the EU, to address the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters, mainly focusing on the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 2178 (2014) into national law. This work highlighted that differences in legal terminology among states prevented effective coordination on the international level, and our conferences have also been aimed at addressing those gaps. 22. In 2018, PAM actively participated in a number of initiatives aimed at reviewing and consolidating the global counter-terrorism efforts. Notably in June, PAM participated in the 6th biennial review of the Global UN Counter-terrorism Strategy, and in December PAM contributed to UN Security Council Counter Terrorism Committee's review of the Madrid Guiding Principles, a process undertaken in line with the provisions of UNSC Resolution 2396 to update the Principles according to the shifting trends of the terrorist threat. In these, and other global conferences, PAM put forward the central and indispensable role of national and regional parliaments in global counter-terrorism efforts. 23. The Madrid Guiding Principles on Stemming the Flow of FTFs (Annex 1), prepared in 2015, and the Addenda (Annex 2), which was adopted by the Security Council on 27 December 2018 following the above mentioned consultative meeting, provide a set of strategies and techniques to guide UN Member States in their efforts to address the FTF threat. The principles specifically provide guidance on criminalization, prosecution, including prosecution strategies for returnees, international cooperation and the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees. It is essential for parliaments to translate the Madrid Principles and the Addenda, into their national legislations to ensure effective and harmonious count-terrorism efforts, in line with the global strategy. 24. Additionally, in 2018, PAM participated and actively contributed to key events on parliamentary role in counter-terrorism, including, inter-alia, the OSCE counter-terrorism conference in Rome, the UN 27th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna, the conference organised by Ecole de Saint-Cyr Coetquidan on International Criminal Law Against Cybercrime in Paris, and the International Conference on Counter terrorism organised by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow. 25. In 2019, PAM will continue working with the UN, EU, and other partners, focusing on legislative aspects of UNSC resolution 2396 and the threat posed by returnees and relocating fighters. In this regard, PAM will organise a conference to examine the nexus of security, migration, and people movements. The meeting will take place in Ankara in late June 2019, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. 26. PAM will also participate, as a co-organiser together with IPA CIS, OSCE PA, IPU, PACE, and PA CSTO, in a parliamentary conference on counter-terrorism on 17-18 April 2019 in St. Petersburg. The conference aims to increase inter-regional parliamentary cooperation and exchange of best legislative practices on issues related to returnees, deradicalisation, use of technology for terrorist purposes, and terrorism financing. 27. Additionally, PAM intends to organize a dedicated meeting on the implementation of UNSC resolution 2396, tentatively in Italy, jointly with the UN CTC, CTED, OCT and UNODC and the EU, to review the threat and challenges posed by returning FTFs in Europe and Africa. 5 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLE£ PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE .b.____.. ji.Jl ~',II ~ :L,;;W yll ~I 1' 1 Standing Committee on Political and Security related Cooperation "Political and Security Developments in the MENA region and Western Balkans" Rapporteur: Hon. Mohamed Alami (Morocco) Report I. INTRODUCTION I. This report provides a brief overview of the main political developments and security threats in the Euro-Mediterranean region, as well as of the activities carried out by PAM in support of conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts in 2018. 2. The security situation in the Euro-Mediterranean region remained strained in 2018, pmiicularly in those areas of the Middle East and North Africa affected by the last acts of the military war against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, the continued instability in Libya, and the lack of progress in the Israel-Palestine peace process. 3. Additionally, the relations between the Russian Federation and western powers have reached new lows since the end of the Cold War, contributing to a renewed climate of tension in Europe, resulting in reversals of strategic treaties. II. SYRIA 1 4. In 2018, the war in Syria against ISIS terrorists continued in its 8 h year, with many significant developments taking place throughout the year. The Syrian government, backed by Russian and Iranian military support, continued to build on its momentum, and made further territorial gains in parts of the country previously held by both rebel and terrorist groups. 5. In January 2018, Turkey launched operation "Olive Branch" in the Kurdish Afrin district of the Aleppo Governorate in northern Syria. This development added to the complexity of the situation, as the United States of America, Turkey's NATO ally, has been providing direct military support to the non-government "Syrian Democratic Forces", which are composed largely of Kurdish troops and exercise de-facto control over North-Eastern Syria, including the city of Raqqa, the former stronghold of the so-called Islamic State. Moreover, the announced withdrawal of US troops from the region and arrival of the Syrian Army alongside the Kurdish 1 community, open a series of question marks about the stability of that region, until a lasting political solution is put in place. 6. In April 2018, after a five year siege, government forces recaptured Eastern Ghouta, a territory close to the capital Damascus. Allegedly, on 7 April chemical weapons were used in Douma, 1 killing 43 people • While the government denied involvement in the attack, on 14 April, the United States, France and the UK launched a series of strikes against Syrian government targets in response. This further escalated tensions between the ditierent powers involved in the Syrian conflict. 7. In September, following a summit between Russia and Turkey in Sochi, an agreement was reached for a de-escalation zone in Idlib province, which remains one of the last strongholds held by the opposition. The agreement, which at the time of writing has largely held up, aims to avoid full-scale military confrontation. 8. The humanitarian situation resulting from this conf1ict continues to be dire. UN OCI-!A estimates that there are currently approximately 13 million people who will need assistance in 2019. The level of spontaneous return of Syrian IDPs may exceed the level of new displacement for the first time in 2019, but conditions for safe, voluntary and dignified return are not 2 anticipated to be in place across much of the country • The EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian Crisis has mobilized 1.6 billion Em·os to help Syrian refugees and their host communities in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and the Western Balkans. 9. Some international actors continued to push for a meeting of a UN-facilitated, Syrian-owned, Syrian-led constitutional committee, which should convene in the context of the Geneva process to implement UN Security Council resolution 2254. This calls for a political solution to the crisis in Syria. However, also in consideration of the new military situation on ground, at the end of 2018, the committee has yet to be convened. Meanwhile, UN Secretary General has appointed Ambassador Geir Pedersen of Norway as his new Special Envoy for Syria, replacing Ambassador Staffan de Mistura in early 2019. On his appointment, PAM reached out to Amb. Pedersen to support peace efforts. III. LIBYA 10. Throughout 2018, due to the slow path in national reconciliation, Libya continued to be a major hotspot of instability in the MENA region, having a direct impact on the security of the entire Euro-Mediterranean region. 11. Lack of security in Libya continued to result in rampant lawlessness in many parts of the country, notably in the south. Taking advantage of the continued f1ow of migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, criminal organisations not only continued to facilitate the smuggling of 1 https: //www. who .int/med iacentre/news/statements/2 018/chemi cal-attacks-syria/en/ 2 https://www.unocha.org/sites/unocha/files/GH02019.pdf 2 ------migrants into Europe via the central Mediterranean route, but also to enslave traveling migrants, trafficking them into forced labour and sex slavery. 12. Clashes and fighting between rival factions continued to occur throughout Libya, notably in Derna, Sabha, and in the capital Tripoli, where an escalation in August-September left 120 people dead, including 34 women and children. 13. Terrorist groups, including Al-Qaeda and ISIS, strengthened their presence and activities in the country, staging a number of deadly attacks, notably including twin car-bomb attack in Benghazi on 23 January 2018, which left at least 33 people dead, and an ISIS claimed attack on the High National Elections Commission Head Quarters in Tripoli which took 13 lives on 2 May 2018. 14. In 2018, oil production reached up to 1.3 million barrels of oil per day, bringing in a total of 13 billion USD in revenue in the first half of the year. However, oil revenues did not manage to address the financial gaps in the collapsed public sector, and national institutions remained weak. 15. According to UN OCHA, there are 823,000 people in need of humanitarian aid, and the planned 3 interventions to reach 552,000 people in 2019 will require 202 Million USD in funding • The most vulnerable groups include both Libyans displaced and affected by the conflict, as well as migrants transiting through the country. 16. The Libyan Political Agreement (LPA), signed in 2015, calls for elections in the country, which were set for December 2018, but could not take place due to the prevailing situation. According 4 to UN polls, 80% of Libyans however insist on having the election • In his briefing to the Security Council on 9 November 2018, the UN Special Representative for Libya, Dr. Ghassan Salame called for the House of Representatives to uphold their part of the LPA and to pass the necessary legislation for the referendum on the Constitutional proposal and Presidential and 5 parliamentary elections • 17. In November 2018, Italy convened a major conference in Palermo on the Libyan national reconciliation process, which included the country's key actors, and regional and global powers. The conference aimed to reset the stagnated process and at holding a National Conference of key actors on Libyan soil in early 2019, with the aim to hold elections in the following months. 3 https:lfwww.unocha.org/sites/unocha/files/GH02019.pdf 4 https: //u nsm iI. un missi ons.org/remarks-srsg-ghassan-sal am%C3%A9-u nited -nations-sec uritv-co uneil-situ ati on-1 i bva s https://unsmil.unmissions.org/remarks-srsg-ghassan-salam%C3%A9-united-nations-securitv-council-situation-libya 3 IV. ISRAEL- PALESTINE 18. In 2018, tensions remained high in the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The main catalyst for the rising tensions occurred in December 2017 when the US President Donald Trump announced his decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to move the US Embassy there. 19. While a few countries supported the US decision, and undertook similar actions, this policy mainly received widespread criticism from most countries, especially Europe and in the Arab world. The decision has undermined the confidence of many actors on the US as the guarantor and facilitator of the Middle East Peace Process. 20. In March 2018, pushed by Hamas, hundreds of Palestinians living in Gaza began to hold "Great March of Return" protests on the Gaza border with Israel. These protests have sustained throughout the year, and often erupted in violence. 21. In November 2018, clashes between Hamas and Israel brought additional tension, as they were some of the most intense exchanges of fire since 2014. However, the escalation quickly ended in a controversial ceasefire. There were widespread demonstrations against the agreement among the Israeli public, and the Israeli Minister of Defence Avigdor Lieberman resigned from 6 his post in protest, calling the ceasefire with Hamas "a surrender to terrorism" . 22. According to the UN, between January and November 2018, there were 284 Palestinians killed and 28 336 injured in both Gaza and the West Bank, and the total for Israel included 12 deaths 7 and 119 injuries • 23. The humanitarian outlook for 2019 by UN OCHA shows that there are there are 2.5 million Palestinians who are in need of humanitarian assistance. The situation is further complicated by the US decision to stop its funding to UNRWA, leaving a major gap upwards of 400 million USD in the organisations budget. The international community, including PAM, has been working to advocate additional funding from other sources. 24. In late November 2018 Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Dan on stated that the Trump administration's peace deal proposal has been completed and is planned to be presented in early 8 2019, ahead of the Israeli elections, which are set to take place at some point during the year • PAM delegates have already expressed their readiness to discuss the new US proposal on a regional inter-parliamentary level. 6 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-defense-minister-avigdor-lieberman-resigns-over-gaza-truce n936071 7 https://www.ochaopt.org/content/monthly-figures 8 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-trumps-middle-east-peace-plan-completed-to-be-rolled-out-in-early-2019/ 4 V. WESTERN BALKANS 25. PAM strongly believes in the need for promoting stability and cooperation in the Balkan region. In July 2018, at the request of the President of the General Assembly of United Nations, PAM co-organized with WTO, the UN productive cluster and the key international financial institutions, a meeting dedicated to facilitating trade and investments in the Western Balkan region. Purpose of the meeting was to utilize parliamentary diplomacy and economic integration to give impetus to a weak political dialogue in the region, particularly among that group of countries divided by a EU border, due to the slowness of the EU enlargement process. 26. Moreover, on 14 December 2018, the UN Secretariat issued a statement in which it was indicated that the Secretary General had taken note, with concern, of the adoption by the Assembly of Kosovo of three draft laws aimed at strengthening the role and capacity of the Kosovo Security Force. In his statement, the UN Secretary-General underscored that Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) provides the sole legal framework for the international security presence, the Kosovo Force (KFOR), entrusted with the responsibility to ensure a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. Hence, any restriction to the discharge by KFOR of its security responsibilities would be inconsistent with that resolution. In that regard, the UN Secretary General called on all patiies concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could raise tensions and cause a further setback in the European Union-facilitated dialogue for the 9 normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina . VI. THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS AND PAM STRATEGY 27. The role of parliamentary diplomacy remains a crucial instrument of international relations in times of conflict and crisis, especially when tensions are too high at the inter-governmental level. Parliamentarians have the necessary flexibility in their mandates to engage with their colleagues and other stakeholders to contribute to conflict de-escalation, and to coordinate specific humanitarian actions. 28. For example, during the summer 2018, PAM Secretary ·General worked hand in hand coordinated with its Israeli and Palestinian delegates, as well as with the UN, to facilitate the delivery of much needed medical aid to Gaza. Additionally, PAM utilised its network to speed up the safe release of all the Druze hostages held by ISIS near the southern Syrian town of As Suwayda. 29. PAM also remains committed to supporting democratic processes, as fi·ee and fair elections and strong democratic institutions are the cornerstones of peace and stability in the region. For this reason, PAM regularly deploys electoral observation teams to monitor national elections within its member states. In 2018, PAM monitors successfully observed political elections in Egypt, Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 'https://www.un.org/press/en/2018/sgsm19408.doc.htm s 30. In 2018 political dialogue continued to be dynamic and constmctive through PAM inter parliamentary diplomacy and its active participation in a number of key events organized by the United Nations, NATO PA, ACFEA, IPU, Arab IPU, OSCE, OSCE PA, PACE, PABSEC, TPA CIS, Arab Parliament, OIC, SEECP PA, Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy, as well as Moscow Forum on "Development ofParliamentarism", UfM PA Speakers Summit, and Women Political Leaders Summit, among others. 31. In January 2018, PAM successfully organised another meeting of the Parliamentary Dimension of the 5+5 Forum - Westem Mediterranean Dialogue, in Algiers, to review the security, economic and social challenges facing the Western Mediterranean region. 32. PAM continues to be the key platform for inter-parliamentary dialogue in the Euro Mediterranean region, with full equivalence among its member parliaments. This platform serves as an unintenupted channel of dialogue between parliaments, intemational organisations, and otber key stakeholders. PAM delegates remain committed to utilise its structures for the support and promotion of dialogue, peace, security and cooperation in the region. 6 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLE£ PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE ..b....___..,ji.JI ~'JI ~ 4W_;,J1 ~I 1st Standing Committee on Political and Security related Cooperation "Political and security developments in the MENA region and Western Balkans" Rapporteur: Sen. Mohamed Alami (Morocco) Draft resolution The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, a) Concerned about the prolonged political, military and humanitarian crises affecting the Euro-Mediterranean region; b) Convinced that finding a political solution to conflicts and crises, is essential for the security and stability of the entire Euro-Mediterranean region; c) Welcoming the efforts of the UN, and other ifltemational actors the Astana guarantors, to hold a rneeting of establish a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned Coonstitutional Coommittee in acc01·dance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254; [TURKEY] d) Alarmed by the continued instability and political crisis in Libya, and deeply concerned about the high levels of criminal activity on its territory, including terrorism, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking; e) Welcoming the efforts of the UN and the international community to facilitate the process of national reconciliation in Libya, as outlined in the Libyan Political Agreement, with the aim to hold national elections in 2019; f) Deeply concerned by the heightened tensions, civilian casualties, and the Jack of progress towards peace between Israel and Palestine; g) Concerned about the large deficits in the regular budget of UNRWA; h) Noting with concern the slowness of political and economic integration in the Western Balkans; i) Recognising that free and fair elections and strong democratic institutions are the cornerstones of global and regional security and stability; 1 }) Convinced that parliamentary diplomacy plays an important role in conflict de-escalation, confidence building, and support of humanitarian actions; I. Reaffirms its intention to continue closely monitoring all the conflicts, crises, and major political developments occurring in the Euro-Mediterranean region; II. Calls for reinforced international efforts, including at the inter-parliamentary level, to support the revitalization of the Middle East Peace Process between Israel and Palestine as well as the peace processes and national reconciliation in Syria, and Libya, and Israel Palestine; [TURKEY] III. Expresses its support for the process of national reconciliation advancing the political process in Syria, and encourages all relevant actors to expedite this process by convening a credible, balanced and inclusive Cconstitutional Ceommittee, as the next step leading to a comprehensive political solution constihltional reforms, and internationally s1:1pervised elections; [TURKEY] IV. Urges the relevant parties to expedite the implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement, including the passing of necessary legislation to faci litate national elections; V Reaffirms its position that a two-state solution is the only way for both peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, to achieve their legitimate aspirations to govern themselves, to live side by side within safe and recognized borders, in peace and security: the State of Israel and the independent State of Palestine, in accordance with the relevant international resolutions; VI. Remains available to assist in national reconciliation and democratisation processes; VII. Calls on the international community for financial support for UNRWA VIII. Urges all relevant actors in the Western Balkan region to resort to dialogue to resolve any substantial issues IX Remains ready to support democratic processes m its member states through parliamentary monitoring of national elections X Remains at the disposal of its member countries to implement the instrument of parliamentary diplomacy to foster peace, stability and dialogue in the region. 2 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE ..b.._..jWI ~':II ~ :i.._,;;Wy,ll ~I 2nd Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation "Climate Change after the COP24. What way forward?" Rapporteur: Hon. Alain Perea (France) Report I. INTRODUCTION 1. PAM has been following the debate on Climate Change and Global Warming since its establishment. Already in 2009, PAM, in cooperation with the UN ISDR, gathered MPs from around the world in Valletta, and the conference resulted in the so called "Malta Declaration". The document, presented by PAM on the occasion of the COP15 in Copenhagen in December 2009, highlighted the role of MPs in the formulation of legislation and allocation of financial resources. It reflected the aspirations of the people, as well as their concern on the impact of climate change and their call for all available instruments to be used to ensure disaster risk reduction and for climate change adaptation measures integrated in national planning strategies. 2. PAM has since been addressing Climate Change through dedicated debates, reports and resolutions that have been adopted on the occasion of the Plenary Sessions of the Assembly. These documents include recommendations on concrete measures that could be implemented by parliaments and governments in this regard. One of them is the Carbon Added Tax proposal (CAT), a deterrent to the excessive use of fossil fuels and it may set a price of carbon. 3. The contribution of PAM to the international discussion on environment also resulted in a number of initiatives aimed at gathering and informing Mediterranean Parliamentarians on the consequences of Climate Change, adaptation and mitigation measures, and on the role that MPs can play in contributing to the global efforts to fight against the effects of Climate Change. 4. In recent years, the discussion on Climate Change adopted a much more inclusive approach, and civil society and the private sector started to play a more active role in the process. Both parliaments and parliamentarians supported this development, in the general conviction that such a complex issue needs the active engagement of all actors in order to be able to reach concrete results. 5. In parallel, PAM continued to monitor Climate Change negotiations within the COP, witnessing all the critical steps that the process achieved, such as the agreement emerging from the COP21 in Paris in 2015, which came into force in 2016, a few weeks ahead of the COP22 1 hosted by the kingdom of Morocco in Marrakech. PAM participated at the COP23 held in Bonn in November 2017 and I personally represented the Assembly at the COP24, held in Katowice, Poland in December 2018. 6. This report will analyze the main outcome of the COP24 negotiation and will outline the priorities for parliaments and parliamentarians vis-a-vis climate change, as well as illustrating possible way forwards in the future. II. THE COP24- A SUCCESS OR AN OPPORTUNITY LOST? 7. "This deal hangs in fragile balance, we will all have to give in order to gain." 1 This is the statement made by Polish Energy State Secretary Michal Kurtyka, who served as President of the COP24, held in Katowice, Poland on 3-14 December 2018. 8. The deal mentioned by the President of the COP24 was reached on Sunday 16 December, and refers to what the UNFCCC, in a press release published immediately after the deal, portraits as "a robust set of guidelines for implementing the landmark 2015 Paris Climate Change 2 Agreement" . 9. The document, called 'Katowice Climate Package', includes guidelines that will operationalize the transparency framework. It sets out how countries will provide information about their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that describe their domestic climate actions. This information includes mitigation and adaptation measures as well as details of financial support for climate action in developing countries. 10. The package also includes guidelines that relate to: a) The process for establishing new targets on finance from 2025 onwards to follow-on from the current target of mobilizing USD 100 billion per year from 2020 to support developing countries; b) How to conduct the Global Stocktake of the effectiveness of climate action in 2023; c) How to assess progress on the development and transfer of technology. 11. While on the official website of the COP24 one can read that "Thanks to the consensus, which has been agreed on by the Parties because of their commitment, Katowice has become, after 3 Kyoto and Paris, another milestone on the way towards a sustainable global climate policy" , the feeling in the international media, as well as in the vast majority of the civil society, is that in Katowice the bare minimum was reached, and that the whole conference was another opportunity lost. 1 http:ljtime.com/5480146/climate-change-cop-24-paris-agreement/ (last access: 19 December 2018). 2 https:l/unfccc.int/news/new-era-of-global-climate-action-to-begin-under-paris-climate-change-agreement-0 (last access: 19 December 2018). 'https:l/cop24.gov.pl/news/news-details/news/success-of-cop24-in-katowice-we-have-a-global-climate-agreement/ (last access: 19 December 2018). 2 12. Undoubtedly, during the negotiations, many differences between parties emerged. Some of them seriously risked jeopardizing the whole process and, unfortunately, most of them are still pending after the COP24, in spite of the deal reached. In addition, the whole climate change movement has to deal with some disruptive elements. 13. Over and above, the decision to hold the conference in Poland, and therefore assign the presidency of the COP to Poland, casted many doubts on the mechanism. Poland has a long history and relationship with coal, as both a fuel product and as a way to pursue economic security and autonomy. Coal is a powerful cultural symbol and lobbying force, strongly supported my mining communities and trade unions. While citing openness to discussion about renewable energy, Poland made it clear at COP24 that it will neither give up coal nor cede energy-related decisions to an international entity or agreement. It was impossible to ignore the mixed message of a Poland hosting COP24 while also backing without ambiguity the continued 4 use of a high-polluting fossil fuel • 14. Among the disruptive factors, the position of the United States of America is the first concern. The U.S. held in Poland an event promoting fossil fuels, during which a White House official argued that the country was injecting a dose of "reality" in the face of "alarmism" around climate change. The event won the support of Australia, whose ambassador for the 5 environment joined the panel • 15. The stand took by the USA left a leadership vacuum in the climate change talks, and this led several countries, especially those whose governments do not see climate change as a priority, to feel allowed downplaying the whole negotiation process. 16. Negotiations were about to break when Brazil faced off against the rest of the world, threatening to reject any deal if actions were taken to fix an accounting loophole that gives the country double credit for preserving forests in the Amazon. In spite of the protests, Brazil did not change its position and the issue was posponed to a future conference. 17. When the Paris Agreement was adopted, the UNFCC invited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to write a special report on "How can humanity prevent the global temperature rise more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial level". The completed report, 6 Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C (SR15), was released on October 8, 2018 • 18. The report summarizes the findings of scientists and shows that maintaining a temperature rise to below 1.5 oc remains possible, but only through "rapid and far-reaching transitions in energy, land, urban and infrastructure ... , and industrial systems". In order to reach the targets set in the Paris Agreement, it would require "deep emissions reductions" and "far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society". 4 https:Uwww.forbes.com/sites/jamesellsmoor/2018/12/13/ten-things-the-world-learned-at-the-cop24-climate change-negotiations/#137c7e5a1cd2 (last access: 19 December 2018). 5 http:Utime.com/5480146/climate-change-cop-24-paris-agreement/ (last access: 19 December 2018). 6 The IPCC report can be found, consulted and downloaded at the following link: https:Uwww.ipcc.ch/srlS/ (last access: 19 December 2018). 3 19. The reports also states that even under the pledges of the countries entering the Paris Accord, a sharp rise of3.1 to 3.7 °C is still expected to occur by 2100, and its effects will be most drastic in arid regions including the Middle East and the Sahel in Afi·ica, underlining once again that the Mediterranean region will be severely impacted by the effects of climate change. 20. The tension during the negotiations reached one of its peak when Kuwait, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the U.S., some of the world's largest oil-producing countries, objected to "welcoming" the IPCC report, wanting only to "note" it1. This was a clear indication that national development interests still clash, too often, with the protection of the environment. 21. What has been mentioned in this chapter are just the main obstacles that negotiations had to face, and these will also represent the main topics of future rounds. Other elements include, for instance, the fact that climate change concerns are losing momentum in the international stage, where trade wars, populist movements and other major disruptions (such as Brexit) prevail. III. LOOKING AT THE FUTURE: THE CONTRIBUTION OF PAM PARLIAMENTARIANS 22. Climate Change negotiations represent one of the main challenges that humanity has to deal with now. The complexity of the issue is that even if only one player does not implement the actions against climate change, the whole process will fail. One can therefore admit that simply keeping the negotiations going is already a success, since this tour de table is an essential means of making relevant progress. 23. It is also true that negotiations are not going at a satisfying pace, and at every round the feeling that the world has lost one more opportunity is stronger. Considering that the involvement of all stakeholders is crucial to achieve concrete results, even PAM and its member parliaments should increase their efforts about climate change. 24. Considering the relevance and the impact of the decisions taken by the COP on the Mediterranean region, PAM should continue to monitor its work, paying particular attention to the findings of the IPCC 1.5C Special Report. 25. At a national level, member parliaments could provide their contribution by promoting business and development models that aim at reaching a real green economy, which is more effective than a system based on sanctions and fines to who keeps polluting. 26. Parliaments could also try to achieve solidarity between countries and territories, so that production and wealth are not disconnected. This would allows countries to avoid repeating 7 https:Uwww.forbes.com/sites/jamesellsmoor/2018/12/13/ten-things-the-world-learned-at-the-cop24-climate change-negotiations/#137c7e5alcd2 (last access: 19 December 2018). 4 what has already happened with the fossil fuels system, which resulted in a major (and sometimes violent) divide between governments and citizens. 27. At the international level, and with the aim of increasing international cooperation, PAM should contribute through the organization of parliamentary conferences, seminars and events focused on the Mediterranean region and on the aspectsthat affect our region most severely. PAM should associate to its events regional parliaments that share the same concerns vis-a-vis climate change, as well as international organizations with a specific mandate and expertise on environment. A major role has to be asswned by the civil society, as also a different behaviour by consumer is crucial in mitigating and adapting to climate change. 28. PAM should also consider the possibility to focus on specific aspects of climate change, such as Food Security, Health, Desertification and Extreme Weather Phenomena, in order to provide its member parliaments with detailed information and recommendations on the actions that can be taken at a legislative level in support of the global efforts. 5 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE ..b.._____..,ji.J\ u:a..... ,/JI ~ 4Wy,ll ;; 1" '"' ll 2nd Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation "Climate Change after the COP24. What way forward?" Rapporteur: Hon. Alain Perea (France) Draft Resolution The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, a) Recognizing that human activity continues to be a leading cause of climate change; b) Noting the indications contained in the Special Report presented by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October 20 18; c) Concerned by the particular vulnerability of the Mediterranean region to climate change; d) Further concerned by the prevision that extreme weather events will increase in frequency and intensity; e) Having regard to the 'Katowice Climate Package'; .fJ COI'leerned by :he many differenees emerged betv,'een the parties m Katowiee; [TURKEY] g) Alarmed by the projected negative consequences on all aspects of human life if the issue is not addressed promptly and decisively; h) Convinced that progress in eontrasting combating climate change should take place at a faster pace; [TURKEY] i) Underlining the importance of cooperation among all actors to contrast the effects of climate change; j) Convinced that parliamentarians have an important role to play on climate change issues; 1 I Reaffirms its intention to work to ensure that the climate related challenges facing the Mediterranean region are taken into consideration and properly addressed by all parties concerned; II Reiterates its willingness to work together with other international and regional parliamentary assemblies, as well as governments, the private sector, academia and civil society, to provide citizens of the world yet another channel to voice their concerns; III Stresses the importance of associating the International Financial Institutions to the process, in order to ensure the smooth allocation of ftmding to emissions reduetion mitigation and adaptation activities; [TURKEY] IV Calls on member countries to address the issue respond to the threat of climate change, together with PAM, through activities focused on the legislative action in support of emissions reduction and adaptation; [GREECE]; V Invites the PAM Second Standing Committee and the PAM Bureau to consider the possibility to address in the future sub-topics related to climate change of particular relevance to the Mediterranean region; VI Calls on all parties concerned to make additional efforts m the climate change negotiations in order to better consider the interest of the planet; VII Invites member parliaments to lobby with national governments in order to ensure that proper emergency funding are allocated to face extreme weather-related phenomena; VIII. Reiterates its intention to continue promoting, at the regional and global level, the exchange of best legislative practices and lessons learned in order to facilitate the ~mitigation and adaptation processes; [TURKEY] IX Remains committed to monitor the activities of the COP and to contribute to international discussions on climate change, and to bring the voice, proposals and concerns of Mediterranean Parliaments at the COP meetings 2 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE .1.___..j\..li ~'JI ~ :i._;]Wyli ~I 2nd Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation "Effective legislation in support of Mediterranean SMEs" Rapporteur: Hon. Dragica Vranjes (Croatia) Report I. INTRODUCTION 1. Promoting economic growth and prosperity in the Euro-Mediterranean region represents a strategic objective for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, due to the impact on the whole Mediterranean society, not only in terms of wealth, purchasing power or standard of living of the citizens of the region, but also with regard to political stability and social peace. 2. For these reasons, PAM has consistently addressed the issue of economic growth in the Mediterranean Basin, fully aware that it represents both a pillar and a consequence of political stability, democratic procedures and social peace. 3. Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are one of the main pillars of the Euro Mediterranean Economy, due to their structural contribution to the state and the society in terms of employment, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and purchasing power. Therefore, specific legislative action is needed in order to support existing SMEs, as well as to create a business climate that is conducive to the creation of new enterprises. 4. International and regional trade are the other element that PAM identified as a priority for its action. Commercial exchanges have been increasing in the Euro-Mediterranean region at an aggregate level, however several aspects must be widely improved in regards to custom procedures, infrastructure and regulation. 5. PAM, in 2017, started to specifically address trade facilitation through a structured partnership with the World Trade Organization, which resulted in the organization of two high-level parliamentary conferences, held in October of the same year in Rabat, Morocco, and in July 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia, respectively. 6. Both conferences resulted in a set of recommendations that were forwarded to all PAM member parliaments, as a basis for legislative action, and to PAM partners. The reports of both events 1 were also published on the PAM official website, and are available for consultation and 1 download • 7. PAM's partnership with the WTO will continue and will be further strengthened in 2019 and in the coming years, in light of the mutual benefits that it generates and in order to continue focusing on the issue of trade, which offers vast growth opportunities for the whole Mediterranean region. 8. In parallel, PAM has always invested in building new partnerships, and to strengthen those that are already in place, in order to tackle specific aspects of the economic area. As an example, the PAM Secretary General has recently visited the OECD in order to structure a mutually beneficial cooperation that is similar to the one that PAM enjoys with the WTO. II. SMEs: THE ENGINE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ECONOMY 9. The Mediterranean economy mostly relies on the pivotal role played by Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). I 0. Across the Mediterranean Basin, there are many differences related to MSMEs. For instance, sometimes even the definitions to identify a micro, small, medium or large enterprise differ from country to country. The main criteria used are employment and turnover of the company, yet the parameters are different from country to country. This diversity emerges mostly in the Mediterranean states that are part of the MENA region (MED region). II. This scenario is the result of a combination of factors. The most important elements are related to EU membership, bilateral/multilateral trade agreement in place, regulatory frameworks. In the PAM member states which are EU members or EU candidates, these differences are less visible. 12. In light of what mentioned in para. 9 above, and considering other important factors such as the current demographic trend in the MED countries, which will see the population of the region 2 booming in the coming years , this report will mainly focus on the MED economies, in order to identify the main challenges related to SMEs creation, development and support. Facilitating this process will be fundamental in order to foster job creation and therefore promoting social and political stability. 13. With reference to economic patterns, and considering that the effects of the economic and financial crisis have not yet been completely overcome, it is worth mentioning that, while Northern Mediterranean countries are on a solid- yet slow-path in terms of economic recovery, MED countries have a much higher potential growth but, on the other hand, are also characterized 1 Documents can be find at the following links: https:/lwww.pam.int/welcome.asp?m=documents&a=cat&cid=388 and https://www.pam.int/welcome.asp?m=documents&a=cat&cid=363 2 Further details on these dynamics can be found in PAM's reports and resolutions adopted in 2017 and 2018. 2 by a higher level of uncertainty, connected to internal (political and social ongoing reforms) and 3 external (oil price) factors • III. SMEs REFORM PROCESS IN THE MENA REGION 4 14. According to a recent OECD report , over the last years, policies related to SMEs in the MED countries addressed important segments of the sector and contributed to an overall improvement of economic conditions in terms of employment, quality standards and entrepreneurial activity5• 15. Nevertheless, in some areas there is still considerable potential for improvement in terms of definitions, administrative procedures, coordination and public-private dialogue. 16. With regards to definitions, major differences emerge with reference to SMEs. In some countries, the definition is not enshrined in legislation. In some cases, different entities within the same country adopt different parameters to define SMEs. Crit&rlo AL EG JO LE MO PA TU Is it enshrined Yes No' No' No No Yes Yes2 in legislation? Is it consisrently used across Not clear No No No Not clear No No SME definition lnstituUons and policy areas? Does it No combine Yes Yes Yes Yes employment Yes Yes different criteria criteria? Table I. Overview ofexistence and use ofSME definitions across the MED region (source OECD). AL~Algeria, EG~Egypt, JO~Jordan, LE~Lebanon, MO~Morocco, PA~Palestinian Authority, TU~Tunisia. Data for Libya and Mauritania not available6 17. The OECD report also notes major differences between the MED countries and the EU partners of the Balkans, which are making major efforts in order to reach convergence with the EU 7 definition of SMEs . 18. Therefore, a common legislative and regulatory framework is needed in order to ensure that the various criteria are combined, notably employment, turnover and balance sheet considerations. 3 https:l/www.wto.org/english/res e/booksp e/trade-costs-incl-growth chapS e.pdf (last access 14 December 2018) 4 11The Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa 2018- interim assessment of the key SMEs reforms". Document available at the following link: https:l/ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/32541?1ocale=en (last access 17 December 2018). 5 It must be noted that in some cases significant differences exist between the countries analyzed. This report will not delve into national differences and will analyze general aspects of SMEs policies implemented or to be implemented in the Mediterranean area. 6 The Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa 2018- interim assessment of the key SMEs reforms", page 27 1 "The Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa 2018- interim assessment of the key SMEs reforms", page 29. 3 Harmonized laws that shed light and avoids ambiguity on these definitions at the regional level would represent an advantage to all market operators, including regulators and customers. 19. Regarding the administrative procedures, they need to be simplified in order to reduce the burden on SMEs when it comes to applications and any other interaction with the state. In addition to this, all available data needs to be compiled and aggregated into a single source. 20. These measures can be implemented through a number of initiatives. For instance, specific policies can be part of a comprehensive economic development agenda of a specific country, hopefully within a regional or sub-regional scheme. Such an agenda might provide a general framework for all operators and, at the same time, ensure that the needs of different enterprises (resulting from their structure, market or sector) are respected and included in development policies. 21. The agenda I stmtegy also needs to include a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that assess progress made and gives opinion of future business I sector development, as well as a specific time frame8, with objectives to be achieved. 22. Coordination also needs to be improved at all levels, nationally and regionally, with regards to policy formulation. All actors, namely ministries, government agencies, entrepreneurs, local governments, should work together in the implementation of multi-annual strategies. 23. The formation of associations and networks among them, where required, would highly contribute to ensure that all sub-sectors are represented, and would improve coordination at a national level. 24. In particular, the dialogue between the state and the private sector (different type on SMEs that operate in different economic and productive activities), should be enhanced to reduce friction at all stages. 25. Such a dialogue is fundamental not only with regards to evaluation (see para.21 above) but also to ensure an inclusive process. All operators need to feel included in the development agenda formulated hy the government. Such approach would also generate benefits due to the diversification of the productive sector, including PPP. 26. Entrepreneurial activity should be promoted through specific business laws and regulations, which need to strike a balance between serving the public interest and reducing the burden on enterprises. The introduction of online portals and single identification numbers for enterprises are the main priorities9 in this domain. 8 Time frames differ from country to country. This does not represent an obstacle when it comes to evaluation1 because evaluations are usually carried out at national level. 9 This concept can be applied to all PAM countries, in which there is a strong need for digitalization. 4 27. Legislation can be particularly useful with regards to access to finance. Significant improvement can be done in the procedures for the registration of moveable assets. This is fundamental for entrepreneurs and SMEs, especially those lacking real estate to pledge as collateral when accessing a loan. 28. Many initiatives can be introduced to increase the sources of external finance. They are summarized in the table below, which also indicates their risk and analyses their characteristics: Table 2. External sources offinance for SMEs (source OECD) 10 Debt Hybrid instruments Equity instrum-ents Traditional debt Asset-based finance Alternative debt Products Bank loans Factoring Corporate bonds Mezzanine finance- Private equtty Credit lines leasing SeCLU'iUsed debt Subordinated (venture capital, Credit cards Purchase order Private placements loans.lbonds bllSiness angels) Warehouse rooei.pts Crowdfunding (debt) Convertible bonds Specialised platforms for public listing of SMEs Crowdfunding (equily) Risk/return profile Low Low Low Medium High Characteristics Finance r-egular Faster and more Does not dilute Turning point in Long-term corporate oparatioos, stable flexible terms; ownership business llfa cyclo inveslmen1 companies with factoring used fur access to col!aternl lrade finance 29. A comprehensive legislative framework could also assist in supporting startups and vocational training. This becomes particularly relevant in the sector of new technologies, which can provide a stable employment for the youth, a category that has always proven to be interested in venturing into new and unconventional business sectors. IV. THE ROLE OF PAM 30. PAM has already proven to be a very effective practices exchange and information sharing platform in which parliaments from all Mediterranean countries can discuss best practises, and lessons learned. The numerous partnerships that PAM has in place with international organizations with a specific mandate on economy and trade is an additional added value of the services provided by PAM to its delegates. 31. In order to increase the effectiveness of its meetings, PAM could now focus future action on the specific needs ofSMEs, which are the backbone of the Euro-Mediterranean economy. It would be appropriate to tackle this topic on sub-regional basis, as already done with great success on trade facilitation, thanks to PAM's partnership with the WTO. 32. PAM should avail itself of the expert contribution of its partners, such as the other agencies of the UN system and other international and sectorial organizations (energy, trade, industry, business, waste management), which regularly contribute to PAM events providing state of art expertise and recommendations on legislative actions required. 10 "The Mediterranean Middle East and North Africa 2018- interim assessment of the key SMEs reforms", page 61 5 33. A fundamental element in MSMEs development is the access to finance. In light of the paramount importance of securing investments in the region, PAM's partnership with EIB and EBRD is considered necessary. On this, the Assembly must continue to work to institutionalize the same level of cooperation with other comparable institutions, such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the African Development Bank. 34. Investments are crucial to support economy, not only in terms of funding the development and expansion of SMEs and other businesses, as mentioned in the introduction of this report, but also for the realization of the critical infrastructure needed to support trade. In this regard, PAM has established a beneficial partnership with two of the major International Financial Institutions active in the Mediterranean region, notably the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). PAM has also established and consolidated cooperation with the World Bank and its MENA Chapter. In this regard, PAM regular contribution to the Sessions of the WB and IMP must be reinforced, following to PAM high-level participation in the 2018 WB/TMF sessions in the USA and Indonesia. 35. PAM cooperation with the EBRD for Lebanon is an example of this kind of effective action. In fact, thanks to PAM's decisive role, EBRD and Lebanon, in September 2017, were able to activate the Lebanese participation in the EBRD programme for the southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, which is currently the fastest-growing region of EBRD operations. The region includes Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, where the EBRD has been investing and has engaged in policy reforms since 2012, as well as, encouraged by PAM, in the West Bank and Gaza since May 2017, to include the creation of a Trust Fund for the much needed Water Desalinization Plant. In only six years, the EBRD has invested over €8.2 billion in 196 projects across the SEMED region, including seven projects in Lebanon. PAM has also facilitated cooperation between the EBRD with Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco on specific programmes. 36. International Financial Institutions sustain economic growth through the funding of major infrastructure projects and through their support to SMEs, thanks to cooperation agreements with a wide range of financial intermediaries (mainly local banks) that offer financial products targeting small and medium-sized companies. 37. Most importantly, PAM member parliaments can contribute through the adoption of efficient national legislation and regional cooperation facilitation mechanisms, in line with what indicated in this report with reference to definitions, administrative procedures, inter-institutional cooperation, access to finance and start-ups support. 6 PARLIAMENTARYASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE 2nd Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation "Effective legislation in support of Mediterranean SMEs" Rapporteur: Hon. Dragica Vranjes (Croatia) Draft Resolution The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, a) convinced that economic growth is fundamental to achieve social peace and political stability in the Mediterranean region, and vice versa; b) underlining the relevance of the conclusions of the joint PAM-WTO meetings held m October 2017 and July 2018 in Rabat, Morocco and Belgrade, Serbia; c) aware of the key role played by SMEs in the Mediterranean economy; d) convinced that investments in infrastructure are crucial for sustainable development; e) underlining the importance of a differentiated economy; f) aware of the differences and of the common aspects among northern and southern countries with reference to SMEs; g) recognizing the progress made by all Mediterranean countries on SMEs reform; h) reaffirming the utility of the PAM Panel on Trade and Investments in the Mediterranean; i) aware of the contribution that MPs can provide to SMEs reform through their legislative action; j) recognizing the value of cooperation with International Financial Institutions and international Organizations; 1 I. Invites member states to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, aimed at promoting and supporting stability in the region from an economic and social perspective; II. Calls all member states to differentiate their economies, in order to be more resilient to any change in the global economic scenario; III. Reiterates its commitment to continue working in close cooperation with international institutions to contribute to address the economic challenges faced by the region; IV. Calls all member parliaments to promote the implementation, at a national level, of the recommendations resulting from the joint PAM- WTO meetings; V. Invites member countries to adopt measures to support SMEs and to encourage trough their action a business climate conducive to the creation of new enterprises and employment; VI. Further calls member parliaments to harmonize their definition of SMEs; VII. Calls on all stakeholders to collaborate in order to facilitate SMEs creation and operations, and therefore stimulating job creation; VIIL Invites all member countries to establish legislative frameworks to facilitate access to finance procedures, in cooperation with financial institutions; IX. Calls the PAM 2nd Standing Committee to continue addressing the issues of trade facilitation and investments and support to SMEs and Job Creation , and to tackle them from a regional and sub-regional perspective; X Invites the PAM Secretariat to continue working to strengthen further its relations with IFis, the WTO, the OECD, UN and EU relevant bodies. 2 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE h ... jW\ ~"11 ~ ~WJ!ll;; r..,.ll 3rd Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights "The implementation of the Global Compact for Migration: the role of PAM" Rapporteur : Hon. Badreddine Abdelkafi (Tunisia) Report I. INTRODUCTION I, All over the world, migration is currently triggering humanitarian crises, security bidding and political rejection, It represents a sensitive issue for the majority of States, attached to their sovereignty and reluctant to the development of international standards that would constrain their security or demographic policies. 2. Moreover, governments do not have the same interests or the same agenda. Thus, while border control is a priority for Western countries, this is not the case for the Sahel countries, which on the contrary need emigration to ease their labour market and contribute to their development. Similarly, the countries of the North seek to attract skilled migrants, while it is precisely the latter that the countries of the South would like to retain at home. 3. The drafting of the Global Compact on Migration, which began in the summer of2016 at the ON in New York, is partly a response of the international community to the 2015 migration crisis associated with the conflict in Syria and poverty in the sub-Saharan Africa. While the refugee issue is governed by the 1951 Convention, economic migration has never benefited from a comparable multilateral instrument. 4. The Global Compact fills this gap partially. It is not legally binding, but offers a catalogue of best practices in the form of ten principles and 23 objectives. It proposes a global and balanced approach to migration. 5. National and regional parliaments, such as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, have a crucial role to play in achieving these objectives set out in the Compact. 1 II. THE GLOBAL COMPACT FOR SAFE, REGULAR AND ORDERLY MIGRATION 6. The Compact, adopted on 10 December 20 18 at a Summit in Marrakech, Morocco, by 164 countries and the EU, was approved by the UN General Assembly on 19 December in New York. 152 countries voted in favour, 12 abstained and five voted against (United States, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Israel). 7. The Compact has been accused by the anti-migrants front in Europe of facilitating the arrival of foreigners, leading to an uncontrolled flow of migrants and preventing States from controlling their borders and hampering their sovereignty. 8. However, the Compact states at the end of its preamble that it "presents a non-legally binding cooperation framework" (paragraphs 7 and 15b) and that "reaffirms the sovereign right of States to determine their national migration policy and their prerogative to govern migration within their jurisdiction, in conformity with international law "(point 15c ). 9. In addition, the Compact refers, in its preamble, to all international treaties and their purposes, it recalls them and incorporates them into its provisions. Therefore, it only reminds of the obligations to which the States have in any case already been constrained. This is why there is no creation of new rights or "new human rights" for the benefit of migrants. 10. In addition, according to the UN Secretary-General, 80% of the 23 broad, non-binding objective for "safe" and "orderly" migration established in the Compact are already being observed. Indeed, there are around 258 million migrants and people in movement around the world, which represents 3.4% of the world's population. More than 80% of the movements between countries are legal. 11. The notion of "safe" migration implies the need to protect migrants, in a context where many of them lose their lives attempting to cross borders illegally, but without insisting on the rights of migrants (such as the right to asylum), which Western countries perceive as an obstacle to their sovereignty. Indeed, according to the UN, more than 60 000 illegal migrants have died on the move since the year 2000. 12. The objectives of the Compact include the fight against the root causes of migration (underdevelopment, climate change) or the fight against "smugglers" and "traffickers" who are guilty of exploiting migrants and driving them to cross borders in dangerous conditions. 13. The Compact addresses many issues such as facilitating the return of migrant workers to their country of origin. It also recalls the obligations in terms of human rights and the fight against discrimination and xenophobia. It establishes a framework for countries of origin, transit, destination and return. 2 III. THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS IN IMPLEMENTING THE COMPACT 14. National parliaments, and with them international parliaments, such as PAM, have a crucial role to play in the management of migration issues. They are called to assume their responsibilities by engaging themselves to tackle the causes of migration, and particularly by contributing to the achievement of development in the countries of origin, preventing conflicts, combating the impacts of climate change, supporting democratic and institutional processes, promoting social cohesion and alleviating social inequalities. 15. The text of the Compact makes several clear references to parliaments, in particular in the part on the implementation and review of the commitments. Indeed, the achievement of the 23 objectives of the Compact depends on the parliaments that are called upon to play their legislative and oversight role in this regard. 16. The mission of PAM member parliaments extends from legislative action to government oversight, evaluation and monitoring of public policies, to highlighting the consequences of national migration policies not only on conditions of migrants, but also on the representations that certain governments, organizations and groups make of migration. 17. Thus, PAM parliaments are expected to demonstrate their commitment to evidence-based political discourse, in devising policies and legislation that ensure that migration is governed properly and with the respect for human dignity, by drawing on the various solutions proposed by the Compact, by subjecting these policies and laws to their parliamentary control and pleading for regional and international dialogue. 18. It is also clear that there is a need for more legal migration channels and closer collaboration to share the benefits of migration, including through partnerships. In effect, deprived of legal channels, those who want to emigrate often have no choice but to resort to illegal ways. In this respect, collective action to effectively fight the smuggling of migrants and human trafficking is essential. 19. It is also important to recognize and highlight the benefits of migration, so often overlooked in public debates. Indeed, the contribution of migrants is considerable for both host countries and countries of origin. 20. PAM parliaments are also called upon to ratify and implement international human rights treaties and ILO conventions, and use parliamentary tools to hold governments accountable for their actions or inactions when it comes to enforcing the rights enshrined in these instruments. 21. PAM parliamentarians are called upon, as representatives of peoples, to fulfill a pedagogical role by introducing a new culture of migration and migrants, addressing 3 xenophobic and racist discourses and currents that exploit migration in order to gain political and electoral benefits, and to ensure that appropriate laws are in place to suppress xenophobia, racism, intolerance and other forms of discrimination, and to report all cases of transgression when they occur. IV. PAM'S ROLE 22. A holistic approach to migration requires more coordinated and harmonized strategies for targeted interventions. Interparliamentary cooperation is essential to facilitate the harmonization of strategies, the exchange of good practices and the implementation of multilateral provisions. 23. PAM is the privileged regional Euro-Mediterranean forum for such an exchange. From the very beginning, PAM regularly organizes dedicated meetings, where its members engage in frank and passionate discussions about the complexity of the phenomenon, they provide reasoned analyses along with the options for action. 24. In addition, the Assembly is often invited by the United Nations and its regional partners to contribute to the regional and international debate on the subject. These occasions give PAM members more opportunities to meet with other MPs and experts for a fruitful exchange. 25. A PAM delegation, guided by President Roque, participated in the Marrakech Conference and highlighted the key role of parliaments in the orderly governance of migration and the importance of parliamentary initiatives to ensure the success of the implementation of the Compact, recalling the PAM resolution entitled "The Mediterranean dimension of a Global Compact for Migration and a Global Compact on Refugees" adopted on the occasion of its 12'h Plenary Session. 26. On that occasion, PAM President also stressed the need to ensure harmonization of national legislation in the implementation of the Compact. To this end, PAM will also organize a dedicated meeting next June in Turkey on the monitoring and implementation of the commitments made by Member States under the Global Compact on Migration in the Euro Mediterranean region. 27. The engagement of civil society and the private sector in the work of the Assembly is very important and is to be encouraged so that the Global Compact can be effectively implemented together. 4 V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 28. Although not binding, the Global Compact on Migration has political, cultural, educational and symbolic authority. Without being perfect by construction, it constitutes a good point of balance and progress towards a coordinated management of a lasting and global phenomenon. It is up to the PAM delegates, now, to translate its provisions into national policies and practical implementation measures. It is not a question of reinventing the wheel, but adapting and energizing it. 29. The national level is the core of the implementation of the Compact, as the primary responsibility lies with each of our governments. It then comes down to the sub-regional scale and responds to a need for regional coordination and international cooperation. 30. As parliamentarians, we have the responsibility to ensure the effective ratification and implementation of the various international conventions concerning the governance of migration, the protection of migrants and their families, refugees and the fight against smuggling and human trafficking. 31. It is important to commit ourselves to working within our parliaments to develop and implement a "concrete parliamentary plan of action on migration" that operationalizes the recommendations of the PAM resolution "The Mediterranean dimension of a Global Compact on Migration and a of a Global Compact on Refugees", the commitments made in the Global Compact as well as State obligations under international human rights law, and to report to PAM. 32. It is also crucial that parliaments, exercising oversight over the executive, regularly monitor progress in implementing the commitments made in the Global Compact, also by establishing or strengthening independent mechanisms to monitor the impact of migrant laws, policies and practices on human rights. It is desirable that PAM organises periodic follow-up meetings at the regional level in this regard. 33. We must also commit to contributing to the International Migration Review Forum, to which the Global Compact on Migration refers, with a view to discussing and sharing progress on the implementation of all aspects of the Global Compact, and to integrating the objectives set out in the Global Compact in our efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. 34. As President Roque pointed out at the Marrakech Summit, it is important that PAM continues to engage the parliaments of countries that have announced their withdrawal or the freezing of their decision. Parliamentary diplomacy can be the key to overcome the obstacles that traditional diplomacy often has difficulty in solving. 5 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE h .,jl.JI Lfa.-.:/~1 ~ 4\...J_EI A J• a? II 3rd Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights "The implementation ofthe G lobal Compact for Migration: PAM's role" Rapporteur: Hon. Badreddine Abdelkafi (Tunisia) Draft resolution The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, a) Considering that migration is an increasin gly tangible reality, that most migrants move in a safe and orderly manner and that 85% of migratory movements are between countries of the same level of development; b) Considering that, according to the United Nati ons, more than 60,000 tuega.J. irregular migrants have died in the move since 2000; [TURKEY] c) Considering that experience has shown that migrants make a positive contribution to the countries in which they live, as well as to their countries of origin; d) Convinced that, in a highly interdependent world, the challenges of human mobility should preferably be addressed by the international community as a whole in an effective manner; e) Considering that migrants often face increased vulnerability, violence and abuse throughout their migratory process; f) Recalling its resolution "The Mediterranean dimension of a Global Compact on Migration and a Global Compact on Refugees" adopted on 16 February 2018 in Bucharest; g) Recalling that the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regula Migration establishes a non- legall y binding cooperation framework and reaffinns the sovereign right of States to determine their national migration policy and their prerogative to govern migration within their jurisdiction, in conformity with international law; 1 h) Emphasizing that the Global Compact recalls obligations to which the States have in any case already been constrained by international treaties and does not create new rights or "new human rights" for the benefit of migrants; i) Emphasizing that fundamental international human rights treaties recognise the rights of all human beings, including migrants, irrespective of their legal status, and oblige States to respect them; j) Emphasizing the crucial role of national parliaments in managing migration issues properly and with respect for human dignity, in the implementation of the Global Compact and in monitoring the commitments made by the executive; k) Inviting the parliaments of the countries whose governments have postponed their decision to adopt the Global Compact in order to submit it to the vote of Parliament to discuss the text as soon as possible; I. Welcomes the adoption ofthe Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and considers it a good point ofbalance and progress towards a coordinated governance of a sustainable and comprehensive phenomenon; II. Calls on its parliaments to ensure the ratification and effective implementation of the various international human rights treaties, ILO conventions and other conventions on migration governance, the protection of migrants and their families and the fight against human trafficking; III. Invites its parliamentarians to tackle the causes of migration, by contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in the countries of origin, preventing conflicts, contrasting the impacts of climate change, supporting democratic and institutional processes and promoting social cohesion; IV. Invites its member Parliaments to draw up and implement a "concrete parliamentary action plan on migration" which operationalizes the recommendations of the PAM resolution "The Mediterranean dimension of a Global Compact on Migration and of a Global Compact on Refugees", the commitments made in the Global Compact as well as States' obligations under international human rights law, and to report to PAM; V. Invites its MPs, exercising oversight over the executive's action, to regularly monitor progress in implementing the commitments made by the countries which adopted the Global Compact, notably by establishing or strengthening independent mechanisms to monitor the impact of migrant laws, policies and practices on human rights; VI. Calls its MPs, as representatives of peoples, to fulfill a pedagogical role by introducing a new culture of migration and migrants, addressing xenophobic and racist rhetoric, and putting in place appropriate laws to suppress racism, intolerance and discrimination; 2 VII. Stresses the need to ensure harmonization ofnationallegislation in the implementation of the Global Compact and encourages its mei:nbers to participate in and contribute to its next meeting on the monitoring and implementation of the commitments made by the signatory Member States in the framework of the Global Compact in the Euro Mediterranean region. 3 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE .l..._____..ji.ll ~':II ~ 4Wyll ~I 3rd Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights "PAM MPs for Human Rights" Rapporteur : Hon. Sandrine Morch (France) Report I. INTRODUCTION I. Seventy years ago, on December 10, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations, meeting in Paris, adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in response to the horror of World War II. This document has become the basis of nowadays fundamental international human rights' norms and State' obligations. Unfortunately, today there is a worrying general regression. 2. In countries afflicted by conflicts, human rights are being massively violated and there is a resurgence of the whole spectrum of war crimes: indiscriminate attacks against civilians, population displacement, denial of medical care, use of famine as a weapon of war, forced recruitment of children, enforced disappearances, regime of systematic torture, sexual violence, summary executions and even use of chemical weapons. 3. There is also a shrinking of the space for human rights, also within democratic societies. This trend inevitably accompanies the resurgence of nationalist and populist discourses. The institutions that defend human rights, such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (HCHD), are challenged. 4. Parliaments and their members can and should make a significant contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights at the international level. PAM and its members are called upon more than ever to commit themselves resolutely to the promotion of human rights, to recall their own commitment to the international system for the promotion of human rights and multilateralism, to the strength of the rule of law, to multilateral institutions, and to engage with civil society. 1 II. STATUS OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN REGION 5. A lack of freedom, social justice and democratic participation has been centml to the uprisings witnessed since late 2010 in the MENA region. Today, the countries of the region are now engaging in far-reaching and promising political, legal and institutional reforms. However, according to Mohamed Alnsour, head of the MENA section at the OHCHR, no Arab country has addressed the root causes of the Arab Spring protests in a good manner. 6. Inequalities in terms of economic and social human rights are still persistent and require effective responses. Gender inequality is still inscribed in the law. Rights of persons belonging to minorities, people living with disabilities and other groups vulnerable to acute discrimination in the region, such as refugees, stateless persons and migrant workers, remain issues of concern in several countries across the region. 7. In addition, armed conflicts and insecurity, coupled with violations of the right to life, physical integrity and economic and social rights, continue to affect countries across the region. Serious violations of international humanitarian and international human rights law are common, including violations amounting to war crimes or crimes against humanity. 1 8. On the other hand, the European Union and its Member States are called upon to strengthen their commitment to fundamental rights in the context of their foreign policy. With regard to migration, as we saw during the debate on the adoption of the Global Compact on Migration, the European countries, and in particular those of the Visegnid group, have taken no decisive action and have even made steps which have worsened the situation.2 According to Amnesty International, the EU-Turkey deal has left thousands of refugees and migrants stranded on some Greek islands, in deplorable and even dangerous conditions, where they suffer systematic violations of human rights and abuses. In the central Mediterranean, European governments, which have asked Libya to take over border controls, are complicit in the suffering inflicted on the victims of irregular immigration. 9. In addition, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbj0rn Jagland observed in his Fifth Annual Report on the State of Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Europe3 the following trends: increased attempts to challenge judicial independence and the primacy of the European Convention on Human Rights; increased physical attacks on journalists; adoption of oppressive legislation that have the effect of silencing and weakening human rights NGOs and human rights defenders; shrinking of the space for civil society; increasingly aggressive use of technology to influence electoral processes and outcomes, widespread corruption, growing influence of xenophobic and populist rhetoric in public opinion; a surge in hate speech; persistence of gender inequality and gender-based violence. 1 https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/MENARegion/Pages/MENAProgramme.aspx 'https:/lwww.amnesty.org/en/latest/research/2018/12/rights-today-2018-europe-and-central-asia/ 3 https://rm.coe.int/state-of-democracy-human-rights-and-the-rule-of-law-role-of-institutio/168086c0c5 2 III. THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTS IN PROMOTING AND PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS I 0. As the State institution which represents the people and through which they participate in the conduct of public affairs, parliament is indeed the guardian ofhuman rights, through its legislative and oversight functions, as well as by the adoption of the State's budget. 11. From a legislative perspective, building legal and policy frameworks and ensuring that they comply with international and regional human rights norms is a key role for parliaments. Parliaments may also be charged with ratifying international and regional human rights treaties that have been signed by the executive, translating them into national laws and adopting the necessary implementing provisions. 12. Through their oversight function, subjecting the policies and acts of the executive to constant scrutiny, parliaments and members of parliament ensure that the government fulfills its role of respect, protection and promotion of human rights and that laws are effectively implemented. They also play a vital role in ensuring that States respect their international human rights obligations. 13. Parliaments also play a fundamental role in the establishment and functioning of national human rights institutions in line with the Paris Principles, which make clear the link between national human rights institutions and parliaments. 14. Recognizing the crucial role that parliaments play in, inter alia, translating international commitments into national policies and laws, also by supporting the implementation of recommendations made by international human rights treaty bodies, the Human Rights Council has been exploring ways to improve their contribution to its work and its Universal Periodic Review, in particular through its resolutions 22/15, 26/29, 30/14 and 35/29. 15. In its resolution 35/29, the Council encouraged States to promote the involvement of parliaments at all stages of the universal periodic review reporting process, including in the preparation ofthe report and the implementation of the recommendations. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also recalls that more than 50% of the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review require or imply parliamentary action. 16. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, in his report 72/351, encouraged parliaments to establish standing commissions dedicated to human rights, and to participate actively in the work of international human rights mechanisms. The "Draft Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights", included in the report 38/25 of the Human Rights Council, is intended to guide parliaments in setting up parliamentary committees and guaranteeing effective functioning, with a focus on their responsibilities as well as their structuring. 17. Parliaments also have a key role to play in mobilizing public opinion on important human rights issues and respecting international and regional human rights standards, including their legitimacy 3 role, especially when the institutions responsible for protecting and promoting human rights are attacked and restrictions are imposed. 18. At a time when the language of our societies has become one of division and hatred, parliaments can use their power to underline the importance of fundamental values such as respect and tolerance and to hold their governments accountable for the construction of an inclusive future. IV. PAM'S COMMITMENT IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS 19. PAM regularly organizes, in cooperation with the OHCHR and the European Court of Human Rights, specific seminars to sensitize its parliamentarians to the importance of human rights issues, familiarize them with the framework their work and to share experiences and practices related to their mechanisms. 20. PAM and OHCHR have also developed a road map to strengthen parliamentary suppmi for human rights principles in the region. Thanks to its excellent relations with all countries in the Euro-Mediterranean area and its effective network of regional partners, PAM can help OHCHR to give UN rappmieurs access to certain critical areas. Indeed, PAM, with its tool of parliamentary diplomacy, can overcome the problems that traditional diplomacy cannot solve, because of the limitations of governments. 21. PAM and its parliamentarians have pledged individually, nationally and regionally to fully support the High Commissioner's advocacy efforts to implement fundamental human rights instruments and mechanisms throughout the Mediterranean region, within the mandate of PAM. 22. In addition, the Assembly assisted OHCHR in the preparation of a special report on ways to promote and enhance synergies between national and international parliaments and the work of the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review. PAM is also fully committed to the Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights, as recommended in the annex to report A/HRC/38/25. 23. PAM also supported OHCHR in organizing the second session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, which was held in Geneva on 22-23 November 2018. The session focused on the role of parliaments in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law. 24. PAM also conducts electoral observation missions in its member countries to defend democratic systems, as well as field missions in the Middle East, to mediate conflicts. 25. PAM also seeks to create an enabling environment for effective cooperation among parliaments, the academic world, the private sector and civil society and other international partners active in this field. It also supports university initiatives in the field of human rights. 4 V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 26. Parliaments are uniquely positioned to contribute to closing the implementation gap, to prevent violations of human rights and to ensure better protection, especially of vulnerable groups, by ensuring oversight of the executive's primary responsibility for the implementation of human rights recommendations. Parliamentarians can also play a leading role in the implementation and follow-up of recommendations made by United Nations human rights mechanisms and other regional mechanisms. 27. Yet it is essential to invest time and effmt in building a culture of human rights. In individual parliaments, PAM members should build their own capacity to carry out their legislative, oversight and representation functions. At the level of the Assembly, PAM should continue to hold regular human rights seminars for its parliamentarians. Study visits to the countries of the Mediterranean region, organized in cooperation with OHCHR, specific programs for newly elected parliamentarians would help to maximize their role in ensuring the promotion and respect of human rights. 28. PAM parliaments should also be involved in the preparation of national reports submitted to the Human Rights Council in the framework of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), or to the human rights treaty bodies; be part of the national delegation participating in universal periodic review and treaty body interactive dialogues; be involved in the development of national human rights action plans for the implementation of the recommendations; participate in mid-term reports; organize meetings with their governments to better participate in the UPR process and meet with representatives of human rights mechanisms, such as special rapporteurs, during their country visits. 29. PAM parliamentarians should also ensure that adequate resources are allocated for the protection of human rights in parliament and invest in improving the democratic infrastructure of the government. 30. PAM parliaments are encouraged to ratify and implement human rights instruments, to address major issues such as impunity of perpetrators, human trafficking, restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and discrimination and exclusion of vulnerable groups, and to implement the Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration. 31. PAM Parliaments are also responsible for ensuring the development of a legislation that is consistent with the principles of pluralism and independence and for establishing a legal framework that facilitates the unhindered exercise of freedom of expression and of association in our countries. 32. PAM MPs must defend multilateralism, as this is the only way to deal effectively with the shared challenges of our countries, starting with respect for fundamental rights. They must support international organizations promoting human rights, such as the Human Rights Council, the 5 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and commit to an ongoing dialogue with national human rights institutions and civil society. 6 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE h ,._,:W\ ~';1 ~ 4Wy,ll 4 J•a.;JI 3rd Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights "PAM MPs for Human Rights" Rapporteur: Hon. Sandrine March (France) Draft resolution The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, a) Deeply concerned by the current state of human rights in the Euro Meaiterranean region various parts of the world; [TURKEY] b) Recalling the principles of international human rights law and other sources of human rights; c) Stressing the importance of the role of parliaments in promoting human rights, through their legislative and oversight functions, as well as through the adoption of the public budget and the establishment and functioning of national human rights institutions in conformity with the Paris Principles; d) Aware of the important role of parliaments m, inter alia, translating international commitments into national policies and laws, and supporting the implementation of recommendations by international human rights mechanisms and the Human Rights Council, particularly in its resolutions 22/15, 26/29, 30/14 and 35/29; e) Recalling the Report 72/351 of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in which he encourages parliaments to establish permanent human rights commissions, and to participate actively in the work of international human rights mechanisms; f) Recalling Report 38/25 of the Human Rights Council and the "Draft Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights" in the report, aiming at guiding parliaments in setting up dedicated parliamentary committees human rights; I. Reaffirms its attachment and commitment to human ri ghts in the region; II. Calls on its parliaments to ensure that the executive fulfi lls its responsibility to implement recommendations on human rights principles, and to help fi ll the gaps in the 1 matter, to prevent violations of human rights and provide better protection for the population, in particular vulnerable groups; and to endorse the "Draft Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights"; Ill. Invites its parliamentarians to invest their time and efforts in promoting a human rights culture in the Mediterranean basin, to strengthen their own capacities in order to fulfill their legislative, oversight and representation functions, and to participate in the PAM activities on the subject; IV. Encourages its parliamentarians to be involved in the preparation of the national reports submitted to the Human Rights Council in the framework of the UPR, or to human rights treaty bodies; be part of the national delegation participating in universal periodic review and treaty body interactive dialogues; to participate within any national coordination mechanism for reporting and fo llow up, to be involved in the development of national human rights action plans for the implementation of the recommendations; to participate in mid-term reports; to hold meetings with their governments to better participate in the UPR process and to meet with human rights mechanisms representatives, such as special rapporteurs, during their country visits; V. Calls on its parliamentarians to ensure that adequate resources are allocated to the promotion and protection of human rights in the national parliament, and to invest in the improvement of the democratic infrastructure of the government; VI. Encourages its member parliaments to ratify and implement human rights instruments, to address major issues such as impunity for perpetrators, human trafficking, restrictions to freedom of expression and reunion, and discrimination and exclusion of vulnerable groups, and to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderl y and Regular Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees; VII. Invites its member parliaments, if not yet done, to set up parliamentary committees dedicated to human rights, in conformity with the "Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights" included in report AIHRC/38/25 of the Human Rights Council; VIII. Encourages its parliamentarians to defend multi lateralism, to support international organizations promoting human rights, such as the Human Rights Council, the Office of the United Nations H igh Commissioner for Human Rights, and the European Cout1 for Human Rights; to support the alignment of human rights efforts with the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs for the UNSG prevention and reforms efforts; and to commit to an ongoing dialogue with national human rights institutions and civil society. IX. lfwites its members to advocate for a more efficient use of Official Development Assistance in support of recommendations made by France and accepted by the State under review. [TURKEY] 2 PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Page 2 of3 PR190348 22/02/2019 PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Maltese Parliamentary delegation participates in the 13th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean On 21 and 22 of February 2019 a delegation of the Maltese House of Representatives participated in the 13th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) which took place in Belgrade, Serbia. The Maltese delegation, headed by Parliamentary Secretary Aaron Farrugia, was composed of Members of Parliament Clayton Bartolo, Ivan Bartolo, Ryan Callus and Etienne Grech. This year's PAM Annual Session continued to bring to the forefront the importance of promoting inter-parliamentary discussions on issues of common concern. including ways how to counter the evolving terrorist threat, political and security developments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENAl region, trade and investment challenges, climate change effects and opportunities, human rights, migration and the protection of cultural heritage. Addressing the 1st Standing Committee on counter-terrorism strategies. MP Farrugia emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of terrorism He highlighted that a number of foreign terrorist fighters come from a modest background and unstable regions and consequently end up looking at terrorist organisations as there only hope. He underlined that it is important for governments to place more emphasis on youth, as they have the potential to successfully and effectively transform their own future. He spoke on the need for Mediterranean countries to provide every child with a sure start. thus developing a long term educational and employment programme where one can fulfil his ambitions and aspirations. Intervening also during this session. MP Ryan Callus spoke on the need to develop more comprehensive preventive programmes for children and youth exposed to radicalism and extremism. In these early stages of a young person's life. it is easier to limit the effects of radicalisation as opposed to converting foreign terrorist fighters on their return to their homeland. He explained that there are multiple reasons why a person opts to join a terrorist organisation, including but not limited to socio-economic inequality. discrimination, poor educational structures, and how the lack of quality employment opportunities interplay in the trajectory towards violent extremism and terroristic aspirations. https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Press%20Releases/Pages/20 19/February/22/... 25/02/2019 %' PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Page 1 of3 https://www.gov.mt/en/Governrnent/DOI/Press%20Re1eases/Pages/20 19/F ebruary/22/... 25/02/2019 PRESS RELEASE BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Page 3 of3 Addressing the 3rd Standing Committee on the ongoing migration crisis in the Mediterranean. MP Aaron Farrugia spoke on the importance to recognise the countries, such as Malta, which continue to face large influx of migrants. He highlighted that Malta receives per capita the biggest number of irregular migrants and siad that Malta is proud to be part of the European coalition of the willing, thus promoting the integration and relocation of migrants. The head of the Maltese delegation addressed also the issue of human traffickers and called on countries to address. in an effective manner. transnational crime and called on NGO vessels, which conduct search and rescue operations. to stick to their terms of reference and observe i nternationallaw. Intervening also during this session, MP Etienne Grech highlighted that Malta has always remained committed to its Mediterranean vocation and continues to actively promote the role of parliamentarians to bring about positive and durable change. He invited members present to refer to the 17 January 2019 Valletta Conclusions. adopted by the national Parliaments of the 5•5 Western Mediterranean dialogue, which focus on the importance to address migration within a holistic framework. thus including action related to climate change and sustainable development. youth. education and employment. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) gathers the national parliaments of the countries of the Mediterranean region and plays a fundamental role as a regional inter parliamentary organization. The work and activities of PAM are firmly rooted in parliamentary diplomacy aimed to foster security, stability and peace in the Euro-Mediterranean region. During the 13th Plenary Session Sen. Alia Bouran from Jordan was elected as the new PAM Preside https://www.gov.mt/en/Government/DOI/Press%20Releases/Pages/2019/February/22/... 25/02/2019 UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL COUNTER-TERRORISM COMMITIEE A practical tool for Member States to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters Madrid Guiding Principles S/2015/939 23 December 2015 S/2015/939 Preface On 28 July 2015, the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee held a special meeting on stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). Hosted by the Government of Spain In Madrid, the special meeting, and a series of related technical sessions organized by the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), were attended by Member States from every region of the world, including those most affected by the FTF threat. Representatives of international and regional organizations, academia, and civil society also attended. In accordance with Security Council resolution 2178 (2014), participants discussed principal gaps in the capacities of Member States to implement resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) that may hinder States' abilities to stem the flow of FTFs. Pursuant to their discussions, participants identified a set of guiding principles for stemming the FTF flow. The 35 Guiding Principles were subsequently adopted by the Security Council (S/2015/939). This document includes Conclusions, as well as the Declaration of the meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and of the Interior held within the framework of the special meeting. The Guiding Principles are intended as a practical tool for use by Member States In their efforts to combat terrorism and, in particular, to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters in accordance with resolution 2178 (2014). Amr Abdellatif Aboulatta Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations Chair of the Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee 3 5/2015/939 Contents Preface...... 3 Introduction ...... 5 I. Detection of, intervention against and prevention of the incitement, recruitment and facilitation of foreign terrorist fighters ...... 7 A. Understanding the threat and creating strategic partnerships...... 7 B. Community engagement and empowerment of local communities and civil society...... 9 C. Community-policing and Internet-related law-enforcement initiatives...... 10 11. Prevention of travel by foreign terrorist fighters, including through operational measures, the use of advance passenger information and measures to strengthen border security...... 11 A. Operational measures to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters...... 11 1. Collection of information related to foreign terrorist fighters from various sources ...... 11 2. Reliance on analysis to make general information on foreign terrorist fighters actionable ...... 12 3. Transmitting analysis and information on foreign terrorist fighters nationally and internationally...... 12 4. Effective utilization of information related to foreign terrorist fighters at border points ...... 13 5. Addressing gaps in the use of advance passenger information and expanding its use to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters...... 14 B. Practical measures to strengthen the overall security of borders...... 14 1. Coordinated border management...... 14 2. Addressing spaces between official border crossings...... 15 Ill. Criminalization, prosecution, including prosecution strategies for returnees, international cooperation and the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees ..... 16 A. Criminallzation of acts aimed at stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters ...... 16 B. Investigation and prosecution of criminal offences to stern the flow of foreign terrorist fighters...... 17 C. Prosecution and rehabilitation strategies aimed at sternrning the flow of foreign terrorist fighters...... 18 D. international judicial cooperation in stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters...... 19 4 S/2015/939 Guiding principles on foreign terrorist fighters Introduction Foreign terrorist fighters pose an acute and growing threat to International peace and security. Their activities can Increase the intensity, duration, Intractability and unpredict ability of conflicts and pose a serious threat to their States of origin, the States through which they transit and the States to which they travel, as well as to States neighbouring zones of armed conflict in which those fighters are active. Over the past decade, the regions in which foreign terrorist fighters are active have witnessed a significant increase iil violence~ Insecu rity and instability. These fighters may be engaged in terrorism, war crimes, crimes against humanity and gender-related crimes. Another significant risk derives from the activities of foreign terrorist fighters upon their return to their own States or upon their arrival in third States. Many fighters leave their homes with no Intention of returning, and instead do so with the intention of starting a new life, building a new "State" or dying as martyrs. Not all return as terrorists, and many return precisely because they have become disillusioned and no longer wish to participate in armed conflict. However, those who do return may have been exposed to extreme violence, so phisticated training and battlefield experience. A small number of returning foreign terrorist fighters therefore pose a very significant threat to international peace and security. Terrorist groups also increasingly exploit information and communications technology (ICT) for the purpose of incitement, recruitment and the facilitation of terrorist activities. They use ICT to recruit not only traditional combatants but also businessmen, engineers and other profes sionals. This growing ICT expertise is a significant element of the foreign terrorist fighter threat. The Security Council, in Its resolution 2178 (2014), adopted on 24 September 2014 pursuant to Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, acknowledges the increasing threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters and requires Member States to prevent and sup press, consistent with their obligations under international human rights law, International refugee law and international humanitarian law, the recruiting, organizing, transporting or equipping of foreign terrorist fighters, stop individuals believed to be foreign terrorist fight ers from entering or transiting through their territory and ensure that their domestic laws and regulations establish serious criminal offences enabling them to prosecute and penalize prohibited conduct related to foreign terrorist fighters. The resolution represents a significant milestone in the international response to the foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon. In the statement by the President of the Security Council of 19 November 2014 (S/ PRST/2014/23), the Council encouraged the Committee to hold open meetings, with the par ticipation of Member States and relevant international and regional organizations, and to share national and regional experiences in addressing the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters and violent extremism. Furthermore, in the statement by the President of 29 May 2015 (S/PRST/2015/11 ), the Council "recognizes that addressing the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters requires comprehensively addressing underlying factors, including by pre venting radicalization to terrorism, stemming recruitment, inhibiting foreign terrorist fighter travel, disrupting financial support to foreign terrorist fighters, countering violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism, countering Incitement to terrorist acts motivated by extremism or intolerance, promoting political and religious tolerance, economic develop ment and social cohesion and inclusiveness, ending and resolving armed conflicts, and facil itating reintegration and rehabilitation'~ 5 S/2015/939 Accordingly, on 28 July 2015, the Committee held a special meeting on stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, which was preceded by a series of technical sessions organized bythe.Counter-Terrorlsm Committee Executive Directorate. The meeting and tech nical sessions were hosted by the Government of Spain in Madrid and were attended by ap proximately 400 participants from Member States representing every region of the world, including those most affected by the threat of foreign terrorist fighters, relevant international and regional organizations, academia and civil society. in accordance with resolution 2178 (2014), the participants discussed the principal gaps in the capacities of Member States to implement resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) that may hinder the abilities of Member States to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. The participants also shared effective practices and approaches to stem ming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, focusing on: (a) the detection of, interven tion against and prevention of the incitement, recruitment and facilitation of for eign terrorist fighters; (b) the prevention of travel by foreign terrorist fighters; and (c) crlmlnalization, prosecution, including prosecution strategies for returnees, international cooperation and the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees. The main outcomes of the special meeting and technical sessions, including specific effective practices and approaches, have been incorporated into the present set of guiding principles In an effort to assist Member States in their efforts to stem the flow of foreign ter rorist fighters. The principles are intended to complement the other materials prepared by the Executive Directorate to help States to strengthen their implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001 ), 1624 (2005) and 2178 (2014). 1 The participants reaffirmed the need for States to ensure that all measures taken to counter the threat of foreign terrorist fighters were fully compliant with their obligations un der International law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, and noted that efforts to do so involved numerous and significant challenges. In order to develop an effective global response to the constantly evolving threat of foreign terrorist fighters and to ensure the effective implementation of the relevant Security Council resolutions, in particular resolution 2178 (2014), Member States, international and regional organizations, academia and civil society organizations should continue to share ex periences and good practices, conduct related research and analysis and assist one another with capacity-building. it will also be necessary to strengthen the resources of Member States to implement the resolution. The challenges in implementing it are complex, and the Com mittee and Executive Directorate will continue to work closely with all actors concerned to help States to meet the considerable challenges involved. See the website of the Counter-Terrorism Committee {http://www.un.org/en/sc/ctc/resources/ index.html). 6 S/2015/939 The following guiding principles for the implementation of resolution 2178 (2014) were identified by the participants in the special meeting and endorsed by the Committee. Many of the guiding principles set forth in this document build upon existing good practices and the work of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, In partkular its adopted comprehen sive set of good practices to address foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the European Union, the African Centre for Studies and Research on Terrorism, and the Meeting of Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law-Enforcement Organizations. I. Detection of, intervention against and prevention of the incitement, recruitment and facilitation of foreign terrorist fighters The discussions on this topic focused on preventing the travel of aspiring foreign terrorist fighters through the creation of strategic partnerships between governmental and non-governmental actors. The participants considered the origins and nature of the prob lem of foreign terrorist fighters, the threat posed by the incitement and recruitment of such fighters and effective and practical tactics at the community level for stemming their flow, including with the support of youth, families, women, religious, cultural and educational leaders and other civil society groups. The participants stressed the value of adopting a com prehensive approach that combined effective law-enforcement and intelligence strategies with cooperation between governmental and non-governmental actors. Local communities can provide valuable insights into the factors that make the individuals targets of incitement and recruitment commit terrorist acts and can play a key role in preventing their travel. It is also essential to respect the Independent roles of the various actors concerned and to avoid using civil society for law-enforcement purposes. Member States rnust ensure compliance with their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law. Member States are urged to ensure the participation and leadership of women and women's organizations in developing strategies to counterterrorism and violent extremism that can lead to terrorism, including by countering incitement to commit terrorist acts, creating counternarratives and other appro priate interventions and building their capacity to do so effectively, and to address, including by the empowerment of women, youth, religious and cultural leaders, the conditions condu cive to the spread of terrorism and violent extremism that can lead to terrorism. A. Understanding the threat and creating strategic partnerships An effective approach to stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters requires the involvement of many different stakeholders, all of which should strive to build a climate of trust and to understand the issues affecting different communities. Efforts to detect and prevent the activities of foreign terrorist fighters should involve not only law-enforcement agencies but also a wide variety of community stakeholders. It Is essential to identify griev ances and other social or personal factors that may lead individuals to consider travel for the purpose of engaging in terrorist acts. 7 S/2015/939 ll("ei!ff!li#.j,]ij!)t!lt.Jtjd Governments should recognize that terrorism and violent extremism frre complex and context-specific. While religion is sometimes cited as a driving factor, oth er factors, including ideological, social or psychological factors, can also be decisive. States should devote greater resources to supporting social services and funding relevant research In order to strengthen their understanding of the reasons why Individuals become aspiring foreign terrorist fighters. In many cases, individualized intervention may be the only effective way to address radicalization to violence. pn;t.i·hhtiihtjl Because local stakeholders often have. the best understanding of the nature and sources of the foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon, States should create space for civil society and develop Innovative mechanisms for dialogue between the Government and local communities, youth, families, women, religious, cultural and education leaders and all other concerned groups in civil society. Constructive dialogue between the Government and communities is a crucial factor in building community resilience, identifying and address ing grievances and identifying persons targeted for recruitment by terrorists. Possible forms of dialogue indude community-awareness briefings, town halls, the creation of an independ ent ombudsman's office, platforms for communities to express grievances and other gather ings todiscuss community concerns and the creation of policy committees to counter violent extremism involving governmental and non-governmental actors. It is important that such mechanisms be put in place atthe local and national levels. More focus should be placed on working with families, which will have interest I preventing the departure of their relatives. States should strengthen tornml!nicatfon with-families, while eh!)Liring·that such int~raction is voluntary and not im- posed. The establishment of national or regional"hotlines" may also bean effective practice. Governments should provide support to services that engage With families; however, such services should be kept separate from security agencies. Efforts should be made to provide assistance and counselling in multiple disciplines, including psychological, social, religious and ideological counselling. States should devote resources to educational programmes that devel op i and build awareness and understanding of different cultures. Critical thinking and raised awareness can be crucial to reducing the susceptibility of young people to the messages of terrorist groups and violent extremists. One area in which education is especially crucial is refugee camps, where young people are vulnerable to violent extremist messaging and terrorist recruitment. States should protect the right to freedom of religion or belief. Local are best placed to engage with religious institutions in orderto prevent their subversion by terrorists and their supporters. Consideration should also be given to pro- moting the greater engagement of women in this regard. ~gB.j.Jdht;!.]W Maintaining the_ memory Of victims of terrorism or amplifying survi VOfSivoices can play an important role in countering the messages of terrorists and violent ex tremists. States should therefore make a special effort to establish partnerships with victims and victim associations as part of their overall strategies to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. Victims should have the opportunity to play a decisive role in efforts to counter vio lent extremism by making their voices heard if they wish to do so. 8 S/2015/939 B. Community engagement and empowerment of local communities and civil society Terrorism will not be defeated by military force, law-enforcement measures and in telligence operations alone. There is also a need to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, in accordance with pillar I of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. In this respect, participants in the special meeting welcomed the provisions of res olution 2178 (2014) encouraging Member States to engage with relevant local communities and non-governmental actors in developing strategies tocounterthe violent extremist narra tives that can incite terrorist acts, including by empowering youth, families, women, religious, cultural and education leaders and all other concerned civil society groups. Greater efforts in this area can lead to increased success in stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters at the community level. lij!tt.!llli.• j.ii!.ij. t.Hj'j Effective community eng a. gem. en. t to stem the flow offo. rei.gn terrorist II fighters requires action in a number of different fields. States should consider developing comprehensive strategies to counter and prevent violent extreiniSm that include significant roles for youth, families, women, religious, cultural and educational leaders and other con cerhed civil_so~iety groups. Independent actors give actions to counter violent extremism a level of credibility and effectiveness that Governments generally cannot achieve alone. How ever, care should be exercised in delineating the respective roles of Governments and civil society actors. · Women, especially mothers, can play a crucial role as community lead ers mc>de·is in preventing radicalization and the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. State's should make greater efforts to involve women in programmes and strategies to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters because their participation can have a major impact, in particular where their family members are concerned. Such efforts could involve promoting the greater inclusion of women in policymaking and law-enforcement bodies to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters ~nd increasing opportunities for women's civil society groups to participate in dialogue on effective approaches. States should pay close attention to the security risks encountered by women engaged in these efforts. Youth are often best able to recognize trends by terrorists and vio extrem_ists in their communities to identify individuals at risk and influence their cohorts. States should therefore create mechanisms enabling young people to play a role in policy- making discussions that may be relevant to stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. The engagement of young people can be facilitated through youth meniorship and skills development programmes, community service projects and enhanced educational opportuo nities that increase their sense of belonging. in all cases in which young people are given the opportunity to become engaged, States must take full account of their security needs. Engagement between government and non-governmental actors on a foundation of trust and respect. There should be recognition of the leading role to be played by Governments in taking effective action to stem the flow of for- eign terrorist fighters, as well as an acknowledgement of the risks faced by security forces. Governments also have an obligation to uphold their international legal obligations in all their counter-terrorism efforts. in the case of civil society and human rights defenders, this includes safeguarding the ability of non-governmental actors to operate in a secure environ ment and fully respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedoms of thought, conscience, expression, religion, peaceful assembly and association. 9 S/2015/939 C. Community-policing and Internet-related law-enforcement initiatives Law-enforcement measures are essential to stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. There is therefore a need to promote dialogue through methods that include en gagement with communities and a commitment to transparency. One innovative approach adopted by an increasing number of States is the use of community-policing techniques. States should also pay close attention to communication related to foreign terrorist fighters, whether at public gatherings or through the Internet and other communications technolo gies, while ensuring respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, and recalling that any restrictions thereon shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary on the grounds set out in article 19, paragraph 3, of the International Covenant on Civil and Po litical Rights, and for privacy. tfflffill;t.J.lij!,fiNJtjlft States should consider promoting _greater reliance on co.mmuni ty-policing techniques as part of their overall approach to stemming the flow of foreign ter rorist fighters. Community policing is based on the development of mutual trust petween law-enforcement entities and th.e communities they serve. States need to reduce th¢ corro sive effect of excessive force, arbitrary detention and impunity on community relations and legitimacy.the objective should not be simply the shorHerm acquisition of intelligence, but rather the creation of long-term relationships that can enhance the capacity to detect and prevent the possible departure of aspiring foreign terrorist fighters. Successful community policing should not focus exclusively on counter'terrorism and countering violent extremism, but should instead address the full range of community concerns, thereby building trust. States should, as appropriate, include effective and swift measures to i commit terrorist aCts as part of a comprehensive strategy to stem the fiowofforeign terrorist fighters, while upholding their International human rights obligations. States, regional organizations, the private sector and civil society estab!lish eft•ective. partnerships, with a view to developing improved methods for monitoring and studying terrorist content transmitted over the Internet and other commu- nications technologies-~and countering inCitement to comrh_it terrorist acts, _uti_lizing it for in telligence work and referring it, where appropriate, to relevant law-enforcement agencies. Countermessaging can also be an effective measure. All actorsshould enhance dialogue con cerning terrorist content transmitted over the Internet and other modern communications technologies in order to ensure that the most appropriate and useful action is taken with respect to such content. ' The Internet and other modern communications technologies are a to receive and impart information and ideas. States must ensure that any measures, including enforcement actions taken to restrict freedom of expression, comply with their obligations under international human rights law. 10 S/2015/939 II. Prevention of travel by foreign terrorist fighters, including through operational measures, the use of advance passenger information and measures to strengthen border security In its resolution 2178 (2014), the Council reaffirmed that all States shall prevent the movement of terrorists or terrorist groups by effective border controls. The Council also en couraged States to employ evidence-based traveller risk-assessment and screening proce dures in their existing authorities, including the collection and analysis of travel data, and to intensify and accelerate the exchange of operational information regarding actions or move ments of terrorists or terrorist networks, including foreign terrorist fighters, and called upon States to require that airlines operating in their territories provide advance passenger Infor mation to the appropriate national authorities in order to detect the departure from their ter ritories, or attempted entry into or transit through their territories, by means of civil aircraft, of individuals designated by the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011 ). The discussions during the special meeting resulted in the identification of a number of elements that would strengthen operational and practical measures aimed at stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. A. Operational measures to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters 1. Collection of information related to foreign terrorist fighters from various sources In order to effectively address the cross-border flow of foreign terrorist fighters, appropriate information about the identity of existing or potential fighters, upon which border authorities can make informed decisions, should be made available in a timely man ner to border posts and other relevant agencies for further action. Information on foreign terrorist fighters may be either specific or general in nature. Specific information includes Information obtained from sources such as Jaw-enforcement and intelligence agencies; ad vance passenger information; biometrics; national and international watch lists; notices of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL); databases, including the one of foreign terrorist fighters; diffusion notices; and analytical products; and informants. General information includes, passenger name record data and the results of trends analysis and risk assessments. pl!@i•htffi(ntj&j In order to obtain information to help to identify existing or potential foreign terrorist fighters: (a) States should consult national, regional and international sources of informa~ tion on foreign terrorist fighters; (b) National law-enforcement and security agencies should actively transmit rele vant Information that may be of use in identifying existing or potential foreign terrorist fighters; (c) Relevant regional and international organizations should provide the tools and the means, such as a database of foreign terrorist fighters, for the collection and dissemina tion of specific and general forms of information related to foreign terrorist fighters, with a focus on utilizing already existing, widely used and proven mechanisms, such as 1-24/7, the secure global police-to-police communication system of INTERPOL; 11 S/2015/939 (d) Information should be transmitted to officials at land, air and maritime ports of I. entry or to a centralized location for processing, prior to the arrival or departure of travellers, through established mechanisms; (e) The collection, storage and sharing of information should be conducted In a non'discrimlnatory manner cohsistent with international human rights law. 2. Reliance on analysis to make general information on foreign terrorist fighters actionable Information received must be processed and analysed in order to exploit its full po tential to identify existing or potential foreign terrorist fighters through informed decisions. In many cases, the specific information received should be analysed for comparison against known profiles offoreign terrorist fighters and the development of new profiles to better in form future analyses, with the ultimate aim offacilitating their timely dissemination to front-line officials. A specific challenge associated with the analysis of the activities of foreign terrorist fighters is their use of evasive travel patterns, or "broken travel'; which Is the deliberate use of techniques to break long-distance travel into multiple segments so that it becomes difficult to ascertain travel history and travel origin and prevent border authorities and counter-terrorism officials from accurately determining where they were prior to their arrival in a particular State. An associated challenge is distinguishing "broken travel" intended to evade counter-terrorism authorities from benign travel patterns that appear broken, but which have an innocuous pur pose, such as cost savings or the redemption of frequent flyer miles. Jeffl1tWfi.j,Jijlh3.'hftli@ In order to exPloit the full potenticil of iriformation on the identity of existing or potential foreign terrorist fighters, States should consider: (a) Establishing a dedicated analytical team and providing it with the tools and resources required to derive meaningful and actionable results; (b) Ensuring that information collected.about existing or potential foreign terrorist fighters is made available to the analytical team in a timely manner in order to facilitate the necessary analysis; (c) Ensuring that risk analysis and indicator development are employed as tools to help to identify specific risks; (d) Developing risk indicators that are gender-sensitive; (e) Undertaking, with the assistance of relevant international organizations and other experts, specific measures to improve understanding of the use of broken travel pat terns by foreign terrorist fighters. 3. Transmitting analysis and information on foreign terrorist fighters nationally and internationally Information and related analyses on existing and potential foreign terrorist fighters should be shared across the security hierarchy nationally and with competent border author ities internationally through coordination and mechanisms for information exchange. pl!;tj,Ji!U!"f'tjtJ In order to ensure the availability of relevant information tofront-Hne officers nationally and internationally, and thus enhance efforts to detect and prevent the cross'border movement of foreign terrorist fighters, States should consider: 12 S/2015/939 (a) Enacting legislation, if necessary, and implementing procedures to gather trav- eller Information and use known traveller information, including advance passenger infor mation, complemented by passenger name record data, if appropriate, to inform decisions about potential travel by foreign terrorist fighters; (b) Ensure that procedures are in place to make certain that information on known or suspected foreign terrorist fighters is transmitted to front-line border officials for their ac tion prior to the departure or arrival of the traveller; (c) Establishing mechanisms fort he provision of feedback on the validity and usa- bility ofthe information, as well as on the results achieved; (d) Encouraging the bilateral and multilateral sharing of information and analysis related to foreign terrorist fighters; (e) Expanding access to, and the utilization of, the global information-sharing tools and resources of INTERPOL among the national law-enforcement, immigration and bor der security authorities of member countries. 4. Effective utilization of information related to foreign terrorist fighters at border points It is essential to provide appropriate training and updated instructions to front-line officers on the risks posed by terrorism, In particular by foreign terrorist fighters, and the manner in which available information and tools can be fully and effectively utilized to identify existing or potential fighters at border entry and departure points. Appropriate training and Instructions can ensure the effective utilization ofinformation analysis related to foreign terrorist fighters at border points. In order to effectively utilize information and analysis related to for eign terrorist fighters at border entry and departure points, States should consider: (a) Establishing at all border locations mechanisms, including technology such as 1-24/7, to ensure the prompt receipt of potential travel information related to foreign terrorist fighters; (b) Providing at border locations the appropriate tools to produce risk assessments aimed at preventing the travel of foreign terrorist fighters; (c) Ensuring that relevant security and border-control officials are sufficiently trained in the practices and procedures of risk analysis and risk indicator development, and in their application, in the identification of existing or potential foreign terrorist fighters; (d) Facilitating greater working-level cooperation and coordination by all agen cies, including those operating at the border; (e) Ensuring that border-control officials are adequately trained in counter- terrorism issues and that counter-terrorism agents are adequately trained in border security issues; (f) Raising awareness among border-control officials of the specific challenges associated with detecting female foreign terrorist fighters, including the fact that they are younger and less likely to be known to intelligence and law-enforcement officials; (g) Employing traveller risk assessment and screening procedures, including the collection and analysis of travel data, without resorting to profiling based on stereotypes founded on grounds of discrimination prohibited by international law. 13 S/2015/939 5. Addressing gaps in the use of advance passenger information and expanding its use to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters An advance passenger information system enables border authorities to determine passenger risk before flights arrive on their territories, before passengers are approved for boarding in order to detect the departure from their territories or before the attempted en try into or transit of suspected foreign terrorist fighters through their territories. The use of passenger name record systems, if permissible under national law, can complement advance passenger information data and help to inform decisions on potential foreign terrorist fight ers. However, advance passenger information systems are complex and require a high degree of technical capacity and skill and adequate resources. In order to facilitate the broader and more comprehensive use of ad inf<)rrrlation. States should consider: (a) Implementing an advance P~assenger information system that coniplieswith annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the guiaelines on advance pas sengerinforrnatlon oftheWorld Customs Organization, the International AirTransport Asso- ciation and the International Civil Aviation Organization; ~ (b) Implementing interactive advance passenger information, which analyses and responds to passenger data in real time and can prevent passengers from accessing aircraft or secure airport areas; (c) Using a "single window" that serves the needs ofall agencies and appointing a single agency to be the primary receiver of advance passenger information data; (d) Ensuring the alignment and standardization of advance passenger information programme specifications and communication protocols with the standards and best prac tices agreed and adopted in the guidelines on advance passenger information; (e) Ensuring adherence to the prescribed set of data outlined In the guidelines; (f) Implementing a passenger name record system to complement advance pas- senger information in conducting risk assessment and respecting human rights in the collec tion, analysis, sharing, storage and use of passenger name record data; (g) Ensuring the availability of adequate resources to implement effective advance passenger information systems; (h) Integrating advance passenger information with the global indices and capa bilities of INTERPOL, which include its Stolen and lost Travel Documents database and Travel Documents Associated with Notices system. ~ B. Practical measures to strengthen the overall security of borders 1. Coordinated border management Many States have turned to coordinated border management to effectively manage their borders. Participants in the special meeting noted the need for cooperation and coor dination by all security institutions, where border security cannot be secured by one agency alone, as a means of strengthening the overall security of borders to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters. A coordinated border management approach can enable States to: 14 --·------5/2015/939 (a) Strengthen the control and delivery of service; (b) Clarify responsibilities and lines of work; (c) Streamline operations; (d) Reduce redundancies; (e) Strengthen communication flows and information exchange; (f) Rationalize the use of human and financial resources; (g) Provide a more comprehensive and rapid response to emerging threats; (h) Respond more rapidly and effectively to emerging threats. In order to strengthen coordination among the competent authori locati<>ns and thereby enhance the overall security of their borders and stem the flow of foreign terrorist lighters, States should consider: · (a) Incorporating coordinated border management principles, as appropriate, to enhance the effectiveness of border controls aimed at stemming the flow offoreign terrorist fighters; (b) Implementing a coordinated border management approach by .establishing appropriate legal. and regulatory frameworks and institutional structures, developing there quired procedureS and acquiring the necessary human resources, training, iilfrasti"ucture and equipment. 2. Addressing spaces between official border crossings Spaces between official border crossings are difficult to control because they often include long arid porous borders, open spaces and difficult terrain. They therefore present risks and vulnerabilities for the potential crossing by foreign terrorist fighters. I[(J!ff!llii.j.ii!.!_jj.)tfjli In order to strengthen the overall secUrity of their bor~ers and there llrby stem the flow offoreign terrorist fighters, States should consider: (a) Identifying the most vulnerable border stretches and implementing mitigation measures; (b) Establishing controls at vulnerable locations; (c) Establishing mobile border-processing units and/or roving patrols on the basis of risk assessment and assessed needs, and supporting them with transportable screening systems such as the Mobile INTERPOL Network Database; (d) Extending areas of control adjacent to official border checkpoints; (e) Establishing, strengthening and acting upon bilateral agreements on cross-bor- der matters; (f) Increasing cooperation, coordination and information exchange with neigh bouring and other States; (g) Introducing appropriate legal measures to deter the unauthorized crossing of borders that are compliant with all relevant obligations under international law; 15 S/2015/939 (h) Making aVailable adequate and trained human resources to conduct border I operations; (I) Developing and deploying cost-effective detection technologies and Infra- structure, such as integrat~d fixed towers and mobile technologies, as appropriate; (j) Actively implementing bilateral and multilateral joint approaches to bor- der-control operations; (k) Designating a lead coordinating and implementing agency to operationalize border-management measures related to foreign terrorist fighters. Ill. Criminalization, prosecution, including prosecution strategies for returnees, international cooperation and the rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees The five technical sessions held on this theme enabled Member States, international and regional organizations, civil society stakeholders and practitioners to share information on the analysis of gaps in all areas of the criminal justice process, as well as on effective strat egies and techniques to overcome them. Many of the challenges involved in bringing foreign terrorist fighters to justice are addressed in the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Di rectorate report entitled "Bringing terrorists to justice: challenges in prosecution related to foreign terrorist fighters" (S/201 5/123, annex). A. Criminalization of acts aimed at stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters Reliance on existing laws, including laws that do not deal directly with terrorist of fences, has enabled many States to mount an immediate solution to the threat of foreign terrorist fighters. However, doing so also presents a number of risks and challenges, including the reluctance of courts to apply such legislation, the potential use of disproportionate pen alties and difficulties in obtaining international cooperation. Member States should actively review the compliance oft heir exist" i resolution 2178 (2014) and update national legislation frameworks, as needed, in order to criminalize the full range of conduct related to foreign terrorist fighters, including preparatory acts and preventive offences, required by resolutions 1373 (2001) and 2178 (2014). In criminalizing such conduct, States should ensure that these criminal offehces.are defined clearly in their legal systems and that such criminalization is in accord ance with their obligations under the applicable International law; Member States should consider taking steps to encourage the engagement of parliamentarians, civil society, rel evant international and regional organizations and policymakers in the legislative process, as appropriate. Member States that have already begun the process of reviewing and leg;isl 16 S/2015/939 Member States and_ international and :·regional- orgarifzations- fT!ay ..,,,,h •·A oon:;id B. .Investigation and prosecution of criminal offences to stem the flow of foreign terrorist fighters Generating admissible evidence and converting intelligence into admissible evi dence against foreign terrorist fighters are complex and multifaceted tasks. Specific challeng es in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving foreign terrorist fighters include: (a) Collecting evidence from countries of destination or areas where the military may play a role; (b) Using intelligence or the products of special investigative techniques in court without exposing sources or methods; (c) Generating admissible evidence from or converting intelligence into admissi- ble evidence information obtained through ICT, including social media;· (d) Handling cases involving incitement to commit terrorist acts and terrorist re cruitment, especially when those offences are committed through the Internet; (e) Proving the purpose of travel and the intent behind preparatory acts commit- ted prior to traveL Member States should consider reviewing national legislation to en sure i through special inVestigative techniques or from countries of destination or evidence collected through ICT and social media, including through electronic surveillance, can be admitted as evidence in cases related to foreign terrorist fighters; while respecting international human rights law; including freedom of expression, imd recalling that any restrictions thereon shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary on the grounds set out in paragraph 3 of article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and should not be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy. Member States should take steps to ensure that lawfully gathered intelligence that may not be used in court ca·n serve as a basis for a criminal investigation, ihcluding the use of special investigative techniques, which could, in turn, generate admissible evidence. Member States should consider implementing the relevant good practices and work of the Global Counter terrorism Forum, as well as other organizations that may develop similar products, such as OSCE, the European Union, the African Centre for Studies and Research on Terrorism and the Meeting of Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law-Enforcement Agencies.' See the Rabat memorandum on good practices for effective counter-terrorism practice in the criminal justice sector of the Criminal Justice Sector and Rule of Law Working Group of the Global Counterterrorism Forum, available at www.thegctf.org/documents/1 0162/38299/Rabat+MemorandumMEnglish, and the recommendations of the Working Group for using and protecting intelligence Information in rule of lawMbased, criminal justice sector-led investigations and prosecutions, available at www.thegctf.org/ documents/1 0162/159887/14Sept19_ GCTF+Rabat+GP+6+Recommendations.pdf. 17 S/2015/939 Member States should build ICTand forensic capacities and expertise 1 agencies and strengthen the capacity of law-enforcement. agencies to monitor social media.content related toterrorism in order to prevent the flow of foreign terrorist fighters in a manner that is compliant with the international human rights obligations of States. Member States should build and strengthen public-private partner ships, in particular with social media service providers, while respecting international obli gations and commitments regarding human rights, including freedom of expression, and recalling that any restrictions thereon shall only be such as are provided by law and are nec essary on the grounds setout in paragraph 3 of article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; In this regard, Member States should encourage the ICT industry to voluntarily develop terms of service that target content aimed at recruitment for terror Ism and recruiting or inciting others to commit terrorist acts, while respecting international obligations and commitments regarding human rights. Member States should consider taking steps to ensure effective In- ter-agency . by developing multi-agency task forces and liaison of- ficers in order to ensure a collective response. MemberStates should consider involving their financial authorities in inv·est:ig C. Prosecution and rehabilitation strategies aimed at stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters The employment of rigid prosecution policies and practices against foreign terrorist fighters can be counterproductive to the implementation of comprehensive strategies to com bat such fighters and violent extremism. Member States should also consider alternatives to incarceration, as well as the reintegration and possible rehabilitation of returnees, prisoners and detainees. The adoption of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that involves all branches of Government, as well as community and civil society stakeholders, can be a more effective way to bring terrorists to justice and can represent an effective long-term response to the risks posed by foreign terrorist fighters. Many Member States find it difficult to determine how to respond to the potential threat posed by specific categories of travellers, including mi nors, family members and other potentially vulnerable individuals, providers of medical servic es and other humanitarian needs and disillusioned returnees who have committed less serious offences. More research and sharing of experiences is needed in order to develop effective, context-specific criminal justice responses to foreign terrorist fighters and enable the effective assessment of the risks posed by various categories of returnees. In combating the threat of for eign terrorist fighters, it is important to address the full range of serious crimes committed dur- 18 S/2015/939 ing travel, in particular war crimes, crimes against humanity and gender-related crimes. Moreo ver, it is important to conduct an Initial assessment of the foreign terrorist fighter to determine the level of culpability and thereby determine the appropriate way to handle each individual. reliiG!I.Pi·hiH;!,Jf¥Jt8 Meniber States should __ ensUre. that t~eir coinpeten'~ authoritie~ _are able to apply a case-by-case approach to returnees, on the basis of risk assessment, the avail ability of evidence and related factors. Member States should develop and implement strat egies for dealing with specific categories of returnees, in particularminors,women,family members and other potentially vulnerable individuals, providers of medical services and oth er humanitarian needs and diSillusioned returnees who haVe ·committe-d less serious Crffenc:... · es. Prosecution strategies shbuld cor're:spohdto mitional Counter-terrorism-strategies~ includ- Ing effective strategies to counter violent extremism. Member States should consider appropriate administrative measures 1 and reintegration programmes as alternatives to prosecution in appro- priate cases. Such measures should be used in a manner compliant with applicable interna- tional human rights law and national legislation and should be subject to effective review. I[C1'1'[email protected] Member_ States should ensure that their criminal justice-~yste_ms are tGI;;able of dealing withal! serious crimes committed by foreign terrorist fighters, in particular war crimes, crimes ag-ainst humanity and·crimes related tO gender. D. International judicial cooperation in stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters There are numerous challenges associated with effective international cooperation in stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters, including delays in the provision of mutual legal assistance, the rigidity of procedures and lack of capacity. Member States should consider reviewing national mutual legal as i and updating them as necessary in orderto strengthen their effectiveness, especially in the light of the substantial increase in the volume of requests for digital data. Member States, consistent with their national law and legal framework, should also consider establishing appropriate laws and mechanisms that allow for the broadest pos sible international cooperation, including effective joint investigations, the appointment of liaison officers, police-to-police cooperation, the establishment of 24/7 networks for cooper ation, the transfer of criminal proceedings and the transfer of sentences. M•,mber States should consider designating mutuanegal assistance ensuring that such authorities have adequate resources, training and legal authority. Member States should also consider developing and participating in regional mutual legal assistance cooperation platforms, such as the Sahel Judicial Platform and the Regional Judicial Platform oft he Sahel Countries.' They should also consider developing and enhancing arrangements for expeditious cross-regional cooperation. Member States should .consider developing and implementing effective I and creative solutions to specific internationalcooper- ation challenges. Member States should consider increasing their use of electronic communication and universal templates, relying on police channels of communication or public information wher ever possible. in doing so, they should ensure full respect for the fair trial rights of the accused. See www.unodc.org/ documents/terrori sm/Leaflets/14M06860 _AS _leaflet_E_ebo ok.pdf. 19 S/2018/1177 Annex to the letter dated 28 December 2018 from the Chair of the Security Council Committee established pnrsnant to resolution 1373 (2001) concerning counter-terrorism addressed to the President of the Security Council 2018 Addendum to the 2015 Madrid Guiding Principles Introduction On 28 July 2015, the United Nations Security Council Counter~ Terrorism Committee held a special meeting on stemming the flow of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). Hosted by the Government of Spain, in Madrid, the special meeting, and the accompanying series of technical sessions organized by the CounterM Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), were attended by Member States of every region ofthe world, including those most affected regions by the FTF threat. Representatives of international and regional organizations, academia, and civil society also attended. In accordance with Security Council resolution 2178 (2014), participants discussed principal gaps in the capacities of Member States to implement Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) that might hinder States' abilities to stem the flow of FTFs. Pursuant to their discussions, participants identified a set of35 guiding principles tor stemming the FTF flow (S/2015/939). Although Member States' application of the Principles helped slow the flow ofFTFs, 1 a significant number of individuals did succeed in reaching the conflict zones in Iraq and the Syrian Arab Republic. Since 2015, increasing numbers ofFTFs who had joined entities such as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da'esh); the Al-Nusrah Front (ANF); and other cells, affiliates, splinter groups or derivatives of ISIL, Al-Qaida or other terrorist groups have attempted to return to their countries of origin or nationality or to relocate to third countries. FTFs who have begun to return from conflict zones to their countries of origin or nationality or to relocate to third countries present an acute and growing threat. Some returning and relocating FTFs have attempted, organized, planned, or participated in attacks in their countries of origin or nationality or third countries, including against "soft" targets.z Some FTFs may be travelling with family members brought with them to conflict zones, with families that they have formed in the conflict zones, or with family members born in the conflict zones. 3 In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Security Council requests the Committee, with the support of CTED, to review the 2015 Madrid Guiding Principles in light of the evolving threat posed by FTFs, particularly FTF returnees, relocators and their families, and other principal gaps that may hinder States' abilities to appropriately detect, interdict, and where possible, prosecute, rehabilitate and reintegrate FTF returnees and relocators and their families, as well as to continue to identify new good practices.4 1 S/2018/14/Rev.1 *. S/20181705 z S/RES/2396 (20 17), preamble. 3 S/RES/2396 (20 17), preamble. 4 S/RES/2396 (2017), para. 44 1/26 S/2018/1177 At a further special meeting of the Committee, held at United Nations Headquarters, New York, on 13 December 2018, participants reaffirmed the relevance of the Madrid Guiding Principles and contributed to the development of the present Addendum, which includes 17 additional good practices to assist Member States in their efforts to respond to the evolving FTF phenomenon. An effective response to this phenomenon requires that States strengthen international cooperation, including on information-sharing; border security; investigations; judicial processes; providing mutual legal assistance (MLA) and extradition cooperation; improving prevention of, and addressing, conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; preventing and countering incitement to commit terrorist acts, consistent with international law; preventing radicalization to terrorism and recruitment ofFTFs; disrupting and preventing financial support to FTFs; developing and implementing risk assessments on returning and relocating FTFs and their families; and prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration (PRR) efforts, consistent with applicable internationallaw.s The present Addendum to the Madrid Guiding Principles is intended to provide guidance for an effective response to the evolving FTF phenomenon, focusing on measures to be taken in the areas of: border security and information-sharing; countering terrorist narratives; preventing and countering incitement and recruitment to commit terrorist acts, consistent with international law; countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism; risk assessments and intervention programmes; judicial measures, including PRR strategies; addressing the risks of terrorist radicalization and recruitment in prisons and ensuring that prisons can serve to rehabilitate and reintegrate; international cooperation; protecting critical inf)·astructure, vulnerable targets, "soft" targets, and tourism sites; and preventing and combating the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SAL W). Member States must ensure that any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law.6 Comprehensive strategies should also take into account gender and age sensitivities,? the best interests of the child, and the differential impact of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism on the human rights of women and girls.s Respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are complementary and mutually reinforcing with effective counter-terrorism measures and are an essential part of a successful counter-terrorism effort. Failure to comply with these and other international obligations, including under the Charter of the United Nations, is one of the factors contributing to increased radicalization to violence and fosters a sense of impunity. States are encouraged to ensure the effective participation and leadership of women in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of counter-terrorism strategies and to enable and empower young people and other members of civil society to participate voluntarily in efforts to implement such strategies.9 s S/RES/2396 (20 17), preamble. 6 S/RES/2396 (20 17), preamble. 1 S/RES/2396 (20 17), para. 31. s S/RES/2242 (2015), preamble. 9 S/RES/2396 (20 17), para. 39. See also Madrid Guiding Principle 10. 2/26 S/2018/1177 The present guiding principles draw upon the Committee's (i) country assessments; (ii) ongoing dialogue with Member States; (iii) cooperation with the Analytical and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee; (iv) cooperation with international and regional organizations; (v) engagement with civil society, including members of CTED's Global Research Network (GRN) and other academic and research institutes; (vi) third-party intelligence; and (vii) engagement with the private sector. Specific contributions were received from Member States, United Nations Offices, other international and regional organizations, and civil society, including members of CTED's Global Research Network, in advance of, and during, the special meeting of 13 December 2018. As part of this review process, the Committee and CTED also held a number of events to exchange views and receive inputs with various stakeholders, including: (i) a workshop with members of the GRN and other academics and analysts, held during the World Counter~ Terrorism Summit hosted by the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism - The Hague in Herzliya, Israel, from 3 to 6 September 2018; (ii) an expert forum organized by the State of Qatar, the Soufan Center and CTED in Doha on 30 and 31 October 20 18; (iii) an interactive briefing for Committee members, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations and other non-governmental actors jointly organized by CTED and the Global Centre on Cooperative Security in New York on 19 November 2018; and (iv) an interactive open briefing organized by the Chair of the Committee for the wider membership of the United Nations in New York on 20 November 2018. Many of the guiding principles set forth in this document build upon existing good practices, which Member States should also consider implementing, in particular those of CTED, the Office of the United Nation High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT); the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); United Nations University (UNU); the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and FATF-style regional bodies (FSRBs); the International Air Transport Association (lATA); the International Association of Prosecutors (lAP); the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL); the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ); the World Customs Organization (WCO); the African Centre for Studies and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT); the African Union; the Council of Europe; the European Union; the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF)to; the Meeting of Heads of Special Services, Security Agencies and Law-Enforcement Organizations; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism (ICCT). CTED's Technical Guide /o !he implementalion ofSecurity Council resolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant resolutions (htlps://www.un.ol'g/sc/ctc/wp contentluploads/20 17/08/CTED-Technical-Guidc-2017.pdl) provides references to specit1c international guidelines and good practices relevant to the implementation of the principles set forth in the present Addendum. 11 It should be noted that the Madrid Guiding Principles remain highly relevant and should be implemented in conjunction with the 10 S/RES/2396 (2017) notes the Hague" Marrakech Memorandum Addendum on Good Practices for More Effective Response to the FTF Phenomenon with a focus on Returning FTFs and its comprehensive set of good pmctices to address the FfF phenomenon. 11 https://www. un.org/sc/ctc/wp-contentlllploads/20 I 7/08/CTED-Tcchnical-Guide-20 17. pdf 3/26 S/2018/1177 present Addendum. States should implement these measures in a comprehensive manner, as part of their overall counter-terrorism approaches. Some Member States may face technical assistance and capacity-building challenges when applying the principles set forth in the 2015 Madrid Guiding Principles and the present Addendum. The Committee therefore encourages the provision of assistance by donor States to help address such gaps and also encourages relevant United Nations entities, including UNODC and UNOCT, to further enhance, in close consultation with the Committee and CTED, the provision and delivery of technical assistance to States, upon request, to better support Member States' efforts to apply these principles and meet the requirements set forth in Security Council resolutions. Application of the principles relating to border security and information-sharing may be particularly resource-intensive. Many States have found that implementation of their obligations relating to advance passenger information (API), watch lists, databases, and biometric systems requires legal frameworks, skills, capacity, expertise and equipment that they do not currently possess. CTED has identified those as among the priority areas for capacity-building. I. Border secm·ity and information-sharing l.In its resolutions 1373 (2001), 2178 (2014) and 2396 (2017), the Security Council states that all Member States shall prevent the movement of terrorists or terrorist groups, through effective border controls and controls on the issuance of identity papers and travel documents and through measures to prevent counterH.~iting, forgery or fraudulent use of identity papers and travel documents. All such measures must be undertaken in accordance with domestic law and international obligations with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. 2.Appropriate information concerning the identity of existing, suspected or potential FTFs, without resorting to profiling based on any discriminatory grounds prohibited by international law, upon which border authorities can make informed decisions, should be made available in a timely manner to ensure FTFs are detected during routine border, immigration and police checks. Information on FTFs should be specific and could be supplemented by general information. Specific information includes information obtained from sources such as law enforcement and intelligence agencies and the military; API; Passenger Name Records (PNR); biometrics; national and international watch lists; INTERPOL databases (including both the FTF and Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) databases and the system of international notices and diffusion notices); analytical products; and informants. General information includes the results of trends analyses and risk assessments. 3.1n order to maximize opportunities for the detection ofFTFs and the prevention of their onward travel, information on FTFs should routinely be compared against information generated during all individual travel, including, but not limited to API, border-crossing information, biometrics, PNR and visa applications, and appropriately shared with all States concerned. A. Improving capabilities for detecting and interdicting terrorist travel, including effective use of API and PNR 4. The implementation of risk assessments and appropriate targeting measures by law enforcement agencies and border-control authorities at international airports and at other entry points is essential to the identification, detection and interception of suspected FTFs and other high-risk passengers. The flow of passenger-related information from carriers to 4/26 S/2018/1177 law~enforcement and border-control authorities can be divided into two streams: API and PNR. As noted in the Madrid Guiding Principles, an API system enables border authorities to determine passenger risk before flights arrive on their territories, before passengers are approved for boarding to detect the departure from their territories, or before the attempted entry into or transit of suspected FTFs through their territories. The Guidelines further note that the use ofPNR can complement an API system and help inform decisions on potential FTFs. The introduction of API, supplemented by PNR, would greatly assist States to detect FTFs attempting to cross their borders.tz Such measures are highly dependent on the validity of the travel data and other information provided to law-enforcement agencies and border control authorities by carriers, shippers, tfeight forwarders and importers. 5.In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Council decides that, in furtherance of resolution 2178 (2014) and ofthe relevant standards of!CAO,l3 and for the purpose of preventing, detecting, and investigating terrorist offences and travel in full respect for human rights and limdamental fi·eedoms, Member States shall: (i) establish API systems; and (ii) require airlines operating in their territories to provide API to the appropriate national authorities. The Council further calls upon Member States to share this information with the State of residence or nationality or with the countries of return, transit or relocation and relevant international organizations, as appropriate, and ensure that API is analysed by all relevant authorities. 6.In the same resolution, the Council decides that States shall develop the capability to collect and process PNR data and ensure that such data is used by, and shared with, all their respective competent national authorities. The Council also encourages States to share PNR with relevant or concerned States to detect FTFs returning to their countries of origin or nationality or travelling or relocating to a third country, with particular regard to all individuals designated by the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. The Council emphasizes that all such measures must be undertaken in accordance with domestic law and international obligations, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. 7. The use of PNR systems in accordance with the recommended practices of ICA014 can complement API data and help infOrm decisions concerning potential FTFs. However, PNR systems require considerable technical capacity, expertise and skill, as well as adequate resources. PNR data is generated through the information provided by passengers as they book their airline tickets and check into their flights. This infmmation is held in the carrier's reservation and departure control systems and may include a broad range of information, including the passenger's name, travel dates, ticket information, contact details, name of travel agent, means of payment, seat number, and baggage information. Many States already use PNR for law-enforcement purposes, whether on the basis of specific legislation or pursuant to general legal powers, including to combat cross-border crime. Since the use of PNR involves the processing of personal data, it is important that States incorporate proper oversight on collection and use of data and safeguards for personal information received and shared by Government to address the privacy and protection of personal data, while also ensuring that precautions are taken against the misuse or abuse of the data by State authorities. 12 WCO/IATAIICAO Guidelines on Advance Passenger Information (API), 2014 and ICAO Guidelines on Passenger Name Record (PNR) Data, Doc. 9944 and PNR reporting standards. 13 API sharing became mandatory pursuant to Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation on 23 October 2017. 14 In March 2005, the ICAO Council adopted the recommended practice on PNR for inclusion in Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. 5/26 S/2018/1177 8. The utilization of advanced technologies to identify FTFs and other individuals linked to terrorism is increasing. However, efforts to ensure that border-tnanagemcnt strategies are comprehensive, human rights-compliant, non-discriminatory, and gender- and age-sensitive continue to face significant challenges. The use of API and PNR involves the processing of personal data. This can pose human rights challenges, in particular the right to be free from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy. Few States possess the required resources, capacity and expertise to effectively implement highly technical API and PNR systems. States, international and regional organizations, and other relevant entities should therefore share their existing expertise and experiences and increase the level of technical assistance delivered to States in need. ;<{J!\~f\hg Principle trs :0! ~·~ . ~· ·i~: implementing tlteti/aPI anti PNR obligatitpiSJ /Jfe~!ber States should:. , _-,-:J-1r--, -, :·JJi;·_r:·- .:,: ~~-- (a) , __,,,Ensure thitftlationallegis~JtH~!i ~~~aNy regulates ~h~:-~'"f-~,;fin which State~.. fl\P~ J.c~~!~~t, .~tse, retain and tran~~cf.i~'P! and PNR da~~·,Jn;:;~c:cordanc~ with t.h$11.<~J(o tS,lanUards and rccolll!llended·PractJccs (SA~fs) 1;•f.accordancc with_d_?IDestic law arid intcrnatio~_~!,i~-ribligations, and ~_i!h1 _~ft~ll'\"respect for )mman- ·-rights and fundame~talfr~.~tlOms, including by_be\Iig'Consistent wit4 ~t~iele 17 of the ICCP~; (p}t>,::.tnsure· the availability o( Sd~quate resour_ccs~ ,~uq>~'upPort if possJhl~_Jn·y idrf}~~~iity-building efforts, to 'implement effectJy~Jyu(PI'imd PNR systcms_:r:,·.',, ',_ ''-: •,"•' - ;-. (c) Obligate ~irr.~ai{riers to transfer A~!·!_~ rid ·PNR data to t~e _relev3nt national autl!qr~1i~~ ($irlif~:'lvindows an4 p:M$ell~ver'informati~n:~ntts--(i>IUs)); .,. i(llf:t.?Establish/designate sp~dflC '·entities respQnsib')e-fo·r the collectio"';·:~st·&r·age, ·' \'- ' ' " /: ' ~% " p'rocessing and_,~~~lysirig of PNR and A~J;-dkta 'J•eceived from:_ai,t:· carriers (e.g., through. 1\Stijb!i~b:ment of Passe!)ger information U"lts."·(PIUs) and capacity buildiiig,':!~ff~rts). The PIUs:~htiu!a compare PNR aJfifCAJ'I data against relevant 1'3'~;·:~llforcement databases 'and process the~;.~g~'ii~st pre-determ~ne5]>~~it~ria to identify person.~,dlat may be involved il;l ~:terrorist offence, wiJlt~hf''resorting to profili_ng. __:U~~-¢&:~on any discriminatOry 'grounds prohibited by~·international law. Th_~:*rd{Sh;Ould also reply,,_~n:~,t!aSe-by-case ba~is,,to ~ul~ reasoned requests-for '.PN:ll·a·rid API data originatilig,from the competent authorities; '{~) Designate a data-pf,oteCtion officer to th~:.J?(!J ~esponsible for mq~itoring the processing of PNR data and for implementinj;(re'levant safeguards;-;- .: ::· (f) Consider slw'ing appropriate API.a;{iJ PNR data with rele~aiftdr concerned Member Stat~s;to detect FTFs returning tO their countries of odgi~ OJ' nationality, or travellillf(_:'_Or·'relocating to a tlli,t·d· country, with parti_cril~r_ regard for all individuals ;Msignated by the 1267/1989/2253 ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions 1s See also Madrid Guiding Principle 19, CTED' Technical Guide to the implementation ofresolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant resolutions (updated in 2017), p. 63; Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, 2001; ICAO Guidelines on Passenger Name Record (PNR) Data (Doc. 9944); WCO/IATAJICAO Guidelines on Advance Passenger Information (API) 2014; 10M's Passport Examination Procedure Manmd 20 16; UNHCR, Addressing Security Concerns without undermining Refugee Protection, December 2015; and OSCE Further measures to prevent the criminal use of lost/stolen passports and other travel documents, S/2015/975, p. 3; S/2016/49, para. 426. 6/26 S/2018/1177 (i) ·:Ell_s-ure. respect for the data subjects' right to freedom frOin arbitrary, or unlawful interference--with privacy under international law, as well as for relevant, protections under nafiolial_, I~"YV' which may include access, .-ectification, restrictions on use, and JudiCial t•edress. B. Developing watch lists and databases and sharing information through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms 9. In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Council decides that States shall develop watch lists or databases of known and suspected terrorists, including FTFs, for use by law enforcement, border security, customs, military, and intelligence agencies to screen travellers and conduct risk assessments and investigations, in compliance with domestic and international law, including human rights law. The Council encourages States to share this information through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, in compliance with domestic and international human rights law. 10. The development of watch lists or databases is critical to the processing and verification of traveller identity (biographic and biometric data) and passenger data (API/PNR) and to the detection of terrorists, including FTFs and FTF returnees and relocators. Consisting of various types of data, watch lists and databases are national or regional alert systems that provide advance warnings and checking procedures to assist in the recognition and identification of suspected criminals, terrorists, and suspicious goods or materials at border-crossing points or early detection of suspected or previously unknown criminals and terrorists. These watch lists and the outcomes of screening against watch list and databases can also be taken into consideration for the sharing of information with international organizations such as INTERPOL and relevant international competent authorities. All watch lists and databases should operate in accordance with national laws and international obligations of States under international law. Further legislation may be required to permit searching and sharing between different databases, whether nationally or internationally. To facilitate international information-sharing, it is essential that States develop, establish, and maintain appropriate national watch lists and databases and ensure that all competent national authorities have access to them. States are encouraged to ensure the interopcrability of their national watch lists and databases and to establish connectivity to regional and international watch lists and databases and enable information-sharing, as appropriate, with relevant competent authorities, whether nationally or internationally. 11. The potential misuse or abuse of watch lists and databases can present human rights and rule-of-law challenges. There are no common international standards for developing and maintaining watch lists and databases, which arc generally developed at the national level without clear, internationally recognized legal ±l·ameworks. Human rights mechanisms have noted that States do not apply universal standards and criteria for the inclusion ofindividuals' names in national terrorist watch lists and databases; for the management and sharing of such databases; or for the development of possible grounds and procedures for the removal of names. As with other counter-terrorism measures, the development of effective oversight mechanisms is strongly encouraged. Member States are encouraged to share insights into legal standards or national operational practices to strengthen mutual understandings and possible good practices. 12. A number ofinternational organizations have established control mechanisms. In the case of INTERPOL, for example, controls are imposed by an independent monitoring body, the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL Files. The exchange of data between 7/26 S/2018/1177 INTERPOL member States is carried out in accordance with strict guidelines to ensure the legality and quality ofthe information exchanged, as well as the protection of personal data.I6 ) ; '> ··.'~·'······:f5~~.·.·.;_:_:jf~~ ;>~~t7ibtish and maintaiii ~lr integrated OOUIItletr1~ :;J;',;ih<. ,, " . terrorism Ji.tatCh list or-ditt(ibase, Member States should: -:;:_:~-~~~;~~~:tT~:\):i_:~,: -.- <'_/;",~~~-'- __ -_ _ ,/· __ L:._:·, (R)}_f-J>foVide effective ovcr~igbt o(!~_e'J.iV.Jik:~:_:W~a'tCh list or datab~S'~J~Jldj)ay particular ~tt~tftion to data-manag_~~~-9~\.(V.~~~m~sji~tl the purposes fo:~.:-#~JiiCh:the data is to_ us'ed and to avoid any ~Jllll'f~'Oi:1Z~A ·CitCD:sion of scope or-~:cf:~sS; · -:_ ,.. (b) Verify that cleftr _R\ftl a-pJuopriate criteria, including)Vilh respect to the defiiiitiOlls of terrorist .;iCt~';· Consiste~t with Security Couridl fesOilHions and their},fiblii::ations under i,.,.J~):~fi~f~~a'I counter-terrorism conr,~!ifilt_~{S, are developed and r~ff~d upon for the/l,l~_l,~~iO'ii oi'persons' namesin ~~(9~,,(HlJ?:-aild databases; , :','"' (!() _t?IniPlement a regu~~J~J(~~qWz~-'Y~fl{~fof the enrolment,__ Jl~-~?:'j C. Developing biometric systems and ensuring their l'esponsible use t6 Rules on the Processing of Data and Statute of the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL Files 11 S/PRST/2015/11; Madrid Guiding Principle 15, CTED's Technical Guide to the implementation ofresolution ]373 (2001) and other relevant resolutions (updated in2017), pp. 76M79. Is https: //www. interpol. int/INTERPO LMexp e11 ise/N o tices/Yell ow-Notices. 8/26 S/2018/1177 13. In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Council decides that States shall develop and implement systems to collect biometric data, which could include fingerprints, photographs, facial recognition, and other relevant identif)ring biometric data, in order to responsibly and properly identify terrorists, including FTFs, in compliance with domestic law and international human rights law. The Council also encourages States to share this data responsibly among relevant Member States, as well as with INTERPOL and other relevant international bodies. 14. The ability to compare biometric data, collected during the course of border and immigration vetting and investigations, against wider national and international biometrics tools, is critical for properly identifying terrorists, including when FTFs use falsified documents. In the context of a terrorism-related investigation, forensic science can assist investigators and prosecutors by linking an individual to a specific activity, event, place or material. or to another individual. It is therefore essential to strengthen Member States' capacities in this area. 15. States are increasingly incorporating the use of biometrics as an important counter terrorism tool. Voice identification, iris scans, face recognition, fingerprints, DNA and body scans are just a few examples of the many digital technologies that are being developed and deployed for counter-terrorism purposes. These technologies present complex legal and policy challenges that are relevant both to States' efforts to cotmter terrorism and to their human rights obligations. Biometric systems are a legitimate tool for the identification of terrorist suspects, but the expansive technical scope and rapid development ofthis technology deserves greater attention as it relates to the protection of human rights (including, but not limited to, the right to be :fi_·ee from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy). 16. Any interference with privacy must comply with international human rights law, which prohibits arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy.t9 Biometric technology creates particular challenges because of the gap created by teclmological innovation and the introduction of legislation regulating such technologies. Consequently, States should introduce effective privacy-impact assessments, or review or other oversight bodies, to anticipate and consider the potential impact of such new technologies or applications. 17. As Member States' use ofbiometric systems continues to expand, the parameters for their responsible use continue to evolve accordingly. It is imperative that such systems be implemented in compliance with domestic law and international human rights law. It is also essential to provide safeguards for the protection of data and human rights, focusing in particular on the need to ensure that all systems developed to collect and record information about children are used and shared in a human rights-compliant and responsible manner. . Guiding Principle 3 ~tlt.:" -__ :·-- -:~t\ In implementing their obligations to collect, data in order to use:~~~i;·i~hate- -- ::'>i:S+>l:- _-_ bMmJi~tc-- ' ' responsibly and properly identify tef:t!Jrist!J~ includilifl)TIJ_s;-_in c_omJlf!aiJ(!e-with domestic law and international human rightS lttW, Member_Siat'lfo-f's'lwitld: - ---- ,,-- - :::t:tJL - -- _, -.: ____ (a) Counter the threat posed by_ the continu~l move1~ent ofsusp¢:(:_te{l terrorists and FTFs across international borders by compai-ine the b}~etdCs-ofilidiVicfuals enterin~, 19 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), article 17. 9/26 S/2018/1177 departi~,g_.ur"~~e~-~~g fes"idence in their country agail'isfOtlier itatio~~~,_!i•,~M·V~Crnatibh3t biometrii!tdit8J>a:ses;- including those ofknown a'itd--suspected FTF§,tf~-f;};;~,;-_- (b) __ ~~~:~~~~~S(>;;;,:r- iuC~ease their ~~~~hfili~~-metri~ systems in a_ r,~~~-ilt'~jbi~ and proper -:m!f~her to authenticate the: i II. Preventing and countering incitement and recruitment to commit terrorist acts, consistent with international law; countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism and terrorist narratives; risl{ assessments and intervention pr()grammes. 18. A comprehensive approach to the threat posed by FTFs includes addressing the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism; preventing radicalization to terrorism; stemming recruitment; countering incitement to commit terrorist acts; respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms; and promoting political and religious tolerance, good governance, economic development and social cohesion, and inclusiveness. 19. Member States should also continue to strengthen international cooperation to address the threat posed by FTFs, including by improving prevention and addressing conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism, preventing and countering incitement to commit terrorist acts, consistent with international law, and radicalization to terrorism and preventing recruitment of FTFs. Member States should collaborate in the pursuit of effective counter-narrative strategies and initiatives, including those relating to FTFs and individuals radicalized to violence; act cooperatively when taking national measures to prevent terrorists from exploiting technology and communications for terrorist acts; and assist one another in this area, including by 20 CTED updated Technical Guide to the implementation of resolution 13 73 (2001) and other relevant resolutions, p. 64. 10/26 S/201811177 sharing their knowledge and experience and through technical assistance delivery and capacity-building. 20. All measures taken by States to counter terrorism must comply with their obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law. Counter-terrorism measures and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are complementary and mutually reinforcing. Failure to comply with international human rights law, international refugee law, and international humanitarian law and other international obligations, including those set forth in the Charter of the United Nations, is a factor that contributes to increased radicalization to violence and fosters a sense of impunity. A. Preventing and countering incitement and recruitment to commit terrorist acts, consistent with international law; Countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism and terrorist narratives. 21. In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Security Council expresses concern that terrorists may craft distorted narratives to polarize local communities, recruit supporters and FTFs, mobilize resources, and win support from sympathizers, including through the Internet and social media. The Council calls for effectively countering the ways that ISIL, Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities use their narratives to incite and recruit others to commit terrorist acts, and recalls, in this regard, its resolution 2354 (20 17) and the "Comprehensive International Framework to Counter Terrorist Narratives" (S/2017/375) with recommended guidelines and good practices.zt It is also necessary, in this regard, to ensure consistent implementation of resolutions 1624 (2005) and 2178 (2017), 22. In countering terrorist narratives, States should respect the right to freedom of expression reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and ensure that any restrictions thereon shall only be such as provided by law and are necessary on the grounds set out in paragraph 3 of article 19 of the ICCPR. Also, all measures taken in the field of countering terrorist narratives should be based on the Charter of the United Nations, including with respect to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States. 'akim• "etto·rts 'to effectively counter the ways tlur/-i~IL, Al-Qaida, and ifl tlte pursuit of developing""'".~''"' narratives, in particular in a manner obligations under international 21 S/RES/2396 (2017), para. 33. 22 Sec also "Comprehensive International Framework to Counter Terrorist Narratives" (S/2017/375), Madrid Guiding Principles 1-14; CTED Technical Guide to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant resolutions (updated in 2017), pp. 88- 90 and 91-95. 11/26 S/2018/1177 appli~_a:Jjie~ -- while safegt~a•:ding -the rights to_ fr~£-_a«rm of e~e~~~tg~-, peaceful _asselitbly and associatiOn;·- itnd the right to be,;·fr'&C from a•·bit"ra-r:rr'or unlawfuJ-ri; - -;~-- '-- --~ :- ~--t>' <':' "-~-1-'"' ---- <',;( ihterfe•·ence with_p~_iv_~cy; _ _-->1y.:·r-'.--: · _----~;:~-: · , t. :~~' (b) Pro,W~!t~L~i~~-~-~-fUl alternative~- !P-;tJh~~p_·arratives espg,~d- by FTFs,_ a~!'--~~_s-s· underlY,iJJ:ft':'4fiYCis; and engage 'Yit_~,_f1i_?)1Hde range of RJtprS;-"including throt!gh·the ~a-~~pp«HOn 3nd leadership _-_of .iOUth ·and wo111en;--:as ··\veil as f~mili~:;-- religious, §•n~'WfRl, education, an,d local community leacJers;_ollrer civil sodei~[ilffbrs; victims;;- ;Jf''t~rrorisrn; the_ rnedi'~; and private-se_ct9f-?Clttliles; ___ 1f'~·";I:'-' "_- -,-:;(:. (c) TailQI_"- t~tblr B. Risk assessments and intervention programmes. 23. In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Council calls on States to develop and implement risk-assessment tools to identify individuals who demonstrate signs of radicalization to violence and to develop intervention programmes, including with a gender perspective, in compliance with applicable international and domestic law and without resorting to profiling based on any discriminatory grounds prohibited by international law. GUiding Principle 5 . In developing risk-assessment tools to identifY individuals who demonstrate signs of radicalization to violence and intervention programmes, Member States should: (a) Ensure that riSl{ assessments dO nOt lead to profiling based on any discriminatory eroun~s prohibited by international law; 12/26 S/2018/1177 (b) ne"Yelop intervention programmes, including with a gender p"erspective, as appropriate·,_ to prevent such individuals commit acts of terroriSm, in, compliance with applicable intefnation~l and domestic law and without resol-ting to profilJIJ.g based on any discriminatory grounds~,PTOhibi,ted by international law; \,:, , ~~) Considet· ways to ensure that pr0fessio,i1_al,s inv9~Y:~~)~ risk assessments have ''iet,~vant expertise and access to continuous tl-aining,:d~ve~O'p]J!_c;_~iJ, alld validation; (dY PUt in place effecJive oversight mechanismS to ensure-~,\a~c,,6!i~t,ability of professionals involved in risk assessments; , , , ,, ,, (e) Consider deveiOping or supporting mechanisms to evaluate risl{-assessin._~nt tools and intervention programmeS; and · (f) Consider sharing relevant experiences and expertise_ with other States, regional orYa'IiJzations multilateral forums and civil societv or-e:rihii8Jio~s. III. Judicial measures and international cooperation 24. In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Council reiterates that all Member States shall ensure that any person who participates in the financing, planning, preparation or perpetration of terrorist acts or in support of terrorist acts is brought to justice; recalls its decision that all States shall ensure that their domestic laws and regulations establish serious criminal offences sufficient to provide the ability to prosecute and to penalize the activities described in paragraph 6 of resolution 2178 (2014) in a manner duly reflecting the seriousness of the offence; urges States, in accordance with domestic and applicable international human rights law and international humanitarian law, to develop and implement appropriate investigative and prosecutorial strategies regarding those suspected of the FTF-related offences described in paragraph 6 of resolution 2178 (2014); and reaffirms that those responsible for committing, or are otherwise responsible for, terrorist acts and violations of international humanitarian law or violations or abuses of human rights in this context must be held accountable. 25. In accordance with the relevant resolutions, in particular 1267 (1999), 1373 (200 I), 1624 (2005), 23 22 (20 16) and 2396 (20 17) and the applicable bilateral and multilateral treaties, all States shall afford one another the greatest measure of assistance in connection with criminal investigations or criminal proceedings relating to the financing or support of terrorist acts, including assistance in obtaining evidence in their possession necessary for the proceedings, and States are urged to act in accordance with their obligations under international law, in order to find and bring to justice, extradite, or prosecute any person who supports, facilitates, participates or attempts to participate in the direct or indirect financing of activities conducted by terrorists or terrorist groups. Member States must fully comply with their obligations under international counter-terrorism conventions to which they are parties, in particular their obligations relating to the extradition and prosecution of terrorists. 26. The Council also calls on Slates to take measures to improve the collection, handling, preservation and sharing of relevant information and evidence, in accordance with domestic and international law, including information obtained from the Internet, or in conflict zones; encourages enhancing Member States' capacity to cooperate with the private sector (especially with ICT service providers), in accordance with applicable law, in gathering digital data and evidence in cases relating to terrorism and FTFs; and calls on States to improve international, regional, and subregional cooperation, if appropriate, through multilateral and bilateral agreements, to prevent the undetected travel of FTFs (especially returning and relocating FTFs) from or through their territories. 13/26 S/2018/1177 27. Women and children associated with FTFs returning and relocating i)·om conflict may tequire special focus and assistance, as they may have served in many different roles, including as supporters, facilitators, or perpetrators of terrorists acts, and may be victims of terrorism. States should pay particular attention to ensuring that their domestic legislation respects international law with regard· to women and children, as well as taking into account the best interests of the child as a primary consideration. A. Legal frameworks and procedures 28. In order to ensure that they have in place the appropriate legal tools to address the evolving FTF phenomenon, Member States may need to amend their existing laws or introduce new laws to meet the requirements of Council resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2178 (2014) and 2396 (2017). In accordance with resolutions 1373 (200 I), 2178 (20 14) and 23 96 (20 17), States are required to crirninalize preparatory and inchoate offences, including "planning and preparing to travel as an FTF"; "organizing, facilitating and financing travel of FTFs"; and "receiving of terrorist training", in compliance with international human rights law. In amending existing laws or adopting new laws, States are encouraged to include PRR measures in accordance with Council resolutions 2178 (20 14) and 2396 (2017). Guiding PrincipJ~ 623 > ', ";, >}h({mplementing their obligations io ensure the compli(fnce of their existing laws and regulations,W,ith resOluiion 2396 (2017) and in' u/Jd(i/ihg ntttionall~giSla}ion; Us ' ,' ,/!?.~' ,''y,"> ," ne~l!l{d,. JJfetnbe'r-'''States should: " ::1"-"'" · (a) Ensure that tJ:reir national legislation criminalizeS":tlie full rang~ of c~mduct relatingt() FT~~,:~induding prepa,~atory and--inChoate acts, and Jt:~.tn ,gu-ch acts ~rerequired by 'resolutions 1373 (~001), 2178 (2014) and 2396 (20i1)i and (D);E-n'sure that these criminal off~1iCes are defined clearly in their legal systems; that penalties for terrOrism~related crimes, inclu<(iQ.g those of FTFs, are commensurate with fheir_gravity; and that such crhnii(aUzation is in accord~nce with their obli fttions under international law. ' · Guiding PrinciPIC 7 In undertaking efforts to ensure th(lf·qp_propriate action is takenin_,~(Js_es involving children, 24 Member States shoultf pt{t }n place special safegua,~:ds and legal protections, in full compliance with their obligations under international law, ensuring that the competent authoi'ities:2s 23 See also Madrid Guiding Principles 22-24; CTED's Technical Guide to the implementation of resolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant resolutions (updated in 2017), pp. 40-41. 24 Article 1 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as "every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier". 2s S/RES/2396 (2017), para. 37 14/26 S/2018/1177 . (a) Fully respect and promote the rights of the child, tal B. Investigations and prosecutions 29. The prosecution of suspected FTFs continues to be at times significantly challenged by the difficulty of collecting sufficient admissible evidence to secure a conviction. Generating admissible evidence and converting intelligence into admissible evidence against FTFs are complex and multifaceted tasks. States should consider re~evaluating their methods and best practices, as appropriate, in particular those relating to specialized investigative techniques (including those involving electronic evidence). Improving the collection, handling, preservation and sharing of relevant information and evidence obtained from conflict zones, in accordance with domestic law and Member States' obligations under international law, is of paramount importance and an area in which the CTITF Working Group on Legal and Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism is developing guidelines.26 Guiding Principle 827 In undertaking efforts to ensure t(lat tile re>1p~·ijsif].f¢1;a,u(,~m•!fies expertise and authority to 'i'ir'J',s ••n.a other individual terrorists and in,(OJ'm,atipf1. co.llect< and in creating procedures to convert suc!':!"l"a. ana:J:/:!.1.' , _ _possibl_e, into admissible evidence, where ap,pr.op•'i~{~i'i1'1d suf!,lect, :atrtingements of its legal system, Member States should: 26 Draft guidelines to facilitate the use and the admissibility as evidence of information preserved, collected and shared by the military to prosecute terrorist offences before national courts [working title]" which have been developed under the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) Working Group on Legal and Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism. 21 See also Madrid Guiding Principle 25. 15/26 S/201811177 ~a), Ji~ff~idci:': ;'?fti~'rin? that t.he us,~ "~!'"l~~cial--in5'es.ti~ativ~ _:_~J(~!)~~iqu-cs··:bY •!f_:~~7ahve agencies IS effe~t~~el;rt,;§upervtsed by JUdictar_y.F .!J,-~:-'·p_rosecuhon SY,:Stems; _:-;._:;-<:. " . :<: ·_-,: ~~-01)~;-- Put in place, __ w,h-~.r~~-:::·n~eded, special investi~~~ii_ _ ·and prose~~tion ~;%, >~pproa~-~--~~ th,~t a-~~;-~~efilfe~- sensitive and, f01:_ ~a~~e~ _i~¥:~if1ng children!;1~~i1~~g{~~f accou_n_t-their·-figlif_~?t-- __ _------" ._:;-~ _''-'- · .,_.;. · _~:.'J!?'._>~~l~-:;,;t-E><~ ( c JS%2-!t~'----e~isifng _;g-~od practic~s-.'-~n,ili~:(~~ij~t:~ ope•· a ting pro~C~\~t:ei:-·:.:iri ~itidi~g {;.~~~-~":0! INTERP~L, _~~rr:~(?-~~~~~Jtr·:~~ifnCe -procedures\ ~·-•~;~-~4~1-?l_:tb 'ensure the c-rehabthty of forens_I~-----t:":.~!J~"'nce--m-court and promote P-M-~hc~¢,onhdence; and 1 d Ensure effectJY1f: rOteCtion of witnesses. ::}_--;/f.- .:·~·:::>. .-;/. : -- .. :-.:~: ,,.,,aooco cooperati~~-I,J.e~'t~~~~ 'the releVant investig~tiy~~~J~~rfCie's,-including police-•:o-policeand. witJftlje }liivftte sector, especially wit~l~_T 1 Service providers, eath,erine djgital-'data and evidence in cases rClatii{g·'to terrorism and Guiding Princip~e 1029 In undertakink efforts to intensify and accelerate the timely exchange of relevant operational_i-nff!rmatlon and financial intelligericetegatding actions or movemen'ts;' --: and patterris--hf inovements, of terrorists or terrorist networ/cs, including _FTFs,- in accordancb- Jillth--domestic and international law, Member States should consider ways in w_hicl{to: (a) Exch~~-ge relevant financial intelligence' through national,_ bilater~I- and multilateral :mechanisms, in accordance with domestic and internationaJ lHw; (b) Ensu'rt{'that the competent authorities can use financial intelligerlce s'hared byJinanci81 httelligence units (FlUs) and to obtain relevant financial irif9rip.ation rrofu the ui-iVate sector; - ·: . - 2s See also Madrid Guiding Principle 26. 29 See also Madrid Guiding Principle 28. 16126 S/2018/1177 (cf C9nduct system!ltic financial investigations in all terrOrism cases; ~ :. _ (d) Enhance the inie·gra'tion and use of financial intelligence in terrorism cases;··.:_: including through enh8nced inter~agency coordination and through public and private partnerships for the collection of inforJUation; (e) Increase the use of financial intelligence an·iffiri)~hcial footprints as a tool to .-9~-!e~t net'torl~,~S~~terrorists, financiers and sympathizers; , , "'' _ __ ,, q·-·, : _, (f), Improve We,quality ofthejnformation shared internationally b~tween FI:Os 'on the financin~t of FTF$~~~';:.. e·f~rnees,. JUHl, relocators, smaH cells, and on the activities of terrorist fundl-aisers an'd fifCl#t~_tors, in all jurisdictions; (g) Enhance the traceability and frans'f:,arency oL-:financial transactions, including by ensuring that financial institutions Can -·'S,uire -'Information, ~.~rri~stic3Jly. __and internationally within the same finan~l~l ~~ou,P_ 1 :'_ fQr the :::P;~r~os~s-,\qr -~-~~~ging money-laundering and terrorism-finan~r.:.-~;:f~f~_l)~- 0 :~-~~ - !-:su·pplying-dte-~,qmpetent ~uthor!ties with comprehensive informatiori_'on Cr_ifhh(~l SC~emes; a'nd iCI_~~'tifying a:~~~-:r~_gis't~ri:pg unregulated money remitters, an'd 'as·~;C,~s and address the risks-' as~tli.:!~fell~WHb.'.. ~4-~ use of cash, unregulated remittance systems (including hliwiilti-:Sf::and:·_.o~h~~"~;}i_eancial products including prepaid cards; --t>>- 1- ·_.;;,f·: , -- ., (h) Address potential risl{s associated' wtdf U~~: :use of~~~~-~~:~I assets and other · anonymous means of monetary or financial tfansactH):ps4:r-ftJhd ~ntid_pate and ~ddl:ess, .as:;,rgpropriate~ the risk of new financial instrumellti -bellig::.itb:used for ;- <>.: •?Ji-0-:' ,;;;;.,ID~w"~- :';, ' '- '!;/',•.>;§+\'\)•, 'i/' t.crronsm~fJn'anc!llg-purposes; ·::--.- ,r:."' -,~;-_ : _ .. (ij- ~Conil"tlu~~~1~·;: -eo:ndUct-~,: [~~~~~~-+- and to collect information t~ ,enh~-n~e knowledge of, and better uflders~;J)~:UJ!(hd~-;:~-ature,.and1 _scope of the links that may exist between terrorists and ·t:rftlis~nafi6ji·~VOJ.gan~~:a-'·cr~t~ip_~Is; ~nd 0)- . Suppor! initiatives and dome~tiC me'chanismsJ~·~S_e(f,~Fti~~ly ·i-~e?~~f~ and :addxe.S~,;the hnlqte:es between terronsm and transnational O:hramzed -CnmJ~;: -i~- ;~,;.;, C. Prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration strategies 30. In the Madrid Guiding Principles, the Committee notes that Member States should consider alternatives to incarceration, as well as the reintegration and possible rehabilitation of returnees, prisoners and detainees. In its resolution 2396 (20 17), the Security Council calls on Member States to assess and investigate individuals (including suspected FTFs and their accompanying family members, including spouses and children) whom they have reasonable grounds to believe are terrorists and who enter their territories; to develop and implement comprehensive risk assessments for such individuals; and to take appropriate action, including by considering appropriate PRR measmes, taking into account that some individuals may be victims of terrorism. Security Council resolution 2396 (20 17) also stresses in this regard that Member States are obliged, in accordance with resolution 1373 (2001), to ensure that any person who participates in the financing, planning, preparation or perpetration of terrorist acts or in supporting terrorist acts is brought to justice. The Committee also emphasizes that States should ensure that they take all such actions in compliance with domestic and international law. ·.;::,_ ,. 0., II Guiding Principle tPo ~:df~:' Jo See also Madrid Guiding Principles 30~32, as well as CTED's Technical Guide to the implementation of Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant resolutions (updated in 20 17), pp. 50-52. 17/26 S/201811177 (ltiifiY£itiifliiklltg: ·efforts to deve!Qp '.·ar{j(i/)1/Jlement PRR strat,eil,es;_- ftnd protocols, 0 :'Yi{i~1nber States''Should: <'/_::,. - ' · · ; --~ Y .~ (a). lmJlJ~m~·~t th~iro~i~ations to ensur~ thatfetro;ists·a;e brougb,t)~,~~(~!i~; ? as r~~;~li}t'?ins~re that PRR str~(~gie$,_:c~r~espond to _~at~~~:~I coun~~~~'~J~~~~-~-~'.strategies, .includin~- :.,~ff~~t_iYe': -Inethods to cou_~,~-~-~;~:v~~~{~1 extremiS'ift'i'.condU.cive to terronsm;32;.· J•;>i: _ >li- ·?;t '-' 1/?\!G't;:; re~~~r:~lt<:,·~;H.;:,,·- . i; ::~·:_;}_:- y -, -- ";:, C~~~-~~(::~:-_~:H· ~::-_ "} ·-(yh?-_' ''COnsider pursuing a whc:'le-of-GoVefnment approach aJ!~_,:Jyi-Jjle-i'eCognizing ·the role that can_ be played by civil society organiz.atiQns;Zini:'iu(Jing in the heaJJI\,:.:t; social_:w_e!Jtl~~.. t\nd education sectors an~l iJI local Cdrtnllunities, as _appi;J?P-~!ft~t:i'tlfi ·.:'-' de_yelopfil0g"'Such an approach, Statel slrbllld consider way~ to,,,fP.S_!ir.C':Cffective Coordin-ation and clear Jeader·ship, including by cre_atilfg':-riliiiHdisciplinary teams, 37 which may include law-enforcement ~gelicies, the criminal-ju$_t1c~<~ sector, p_f,.~s·~-~i" atid probation services, so~ial serv'ices and, as appropii_Ht~-; <~'i\ri'l soc_!ety"_ti'i;ga~izations; - ._, . : : ~, ·>- · · (f) COnsider providing actors who itssist them in impleme~!ting .PRR strategies with the necessary resources, support, guidance and effectiVe Oversight and th_e opportunity to consult with the competent authority, -~s a·pp.ropriate;Js __ '-. (g) Engage prOactively with civil society when developing rehabilitation :aluf · reintegratio~ str:ategies for returning and relocating FTFs and their fam,ilfes~__ -aS civil society, b_r·ganizations may have rei evant knowledge of, acceS~_ to;_ and engagel!le.~t. With local communities; · · (h) Co~S~_d£r encouraging the volunt3r.y'_Participation and leadership' of Women in the :desi'gn, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ·Strn._'tegies for address~ug returning and relocating FTF's and their families;J9 :, · ·- · 31 Madrid Guiding Principle 32. n Madrid Guiding Principle 30. 33 S/RES/2396 (20 17), para. 31. 34 S/RES/2396 (2017), para. 29. 35 Madrid Guiding Principle 30. 36 Technical Guide, pp. 50-52. 37 Technical Guide, pp. 50-52, in particular "Issues for Consideration" No 13. 38 Technical Guide, pp. 50-52, in particular "Issues for Consideration" No 14. 39 S/RES/2396 (2017), para. 39. 18/26 S/2018/1177 , (i) Ensure that programmes aimed at addressing and countering terroriS"t. narrati~e$,;, ~ncluding in prisons, respect international human rights law, · including the -freedom of opi~ion an4 expre$_~ion, the freedom of religion or belief, and the right to be fi'ee from arbitrafy:·or unlaw(ql i11t_er.ference with privacy; and U) Monitor, evaluate and review the ~ffectivenCss-ofprosecutii>n,/r~habilitation and reintegration strategies. " ' - -<- i Guiding PrinciPle 124o In cases involving children, Member States ;Jwuld ensure thai'RRR strategies: - ~ - Ja) Mah.:e the best interests of the child a primary consideration; _ f--(~), ~:Are implemented in compliance with criminal legislation, taldrig into ·:a_ccount the- gravity of any crime that may have been committed, while cOitsidering the/ age of the child and ,recognizing that such child may also be a victim 'of terrO•;iSffi; . (c) IUclude ac-ceSs_,-. to_. heahl1 care, .psychos~tfial ·:__~upport and education programmes that c'ori)_ribute to the wellbeing of:\~hi~~-re-~-'·:·}I,,d grant access to regular education wheneve_r possible;41 e~~:;;+~t;-_; ~-(d) Are age- and gender-sensitive; ------.:~~i;r ,_,.- ,(e) --;~-Enable the involvement of child-protection actors and tlie· social seCtor, WCH~ij'S th~i~-~~(~f!~ve coordination with the justice sector.4z D. Addressing the risks of terrorist radicalization and recruitment in prisons and ensuring that prisons can serve to rehabilitate and reintegrate 31. In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Council notes that prisons can serve as potential incubators for radicalization to terrorism and terrorist reci'uitment and that proper assessment and monitoring of imprisoned FTFs, aimed at reducing opportunities for terrorists to attract new recruits, is therefore critical. The resolution recognizes that prisons can also serve to rehabilitate and reintegrate prisoners, where appropriate, and that Member States may need to continue to engage with offenders after their release from prison in order to prevent recidivism, in accordance with relevant international law and taking into consideration, where appropriate, the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners ("Nelson Mandela RulesH). Member States are encouraged to take all appropriate actions to prevent inmates who have been convicted of terrorism-related offences from radicalizing to violence other prisoners with whom they may come into contact, in compliance with domestic and international law. 32. Standalone intervention programmes are less likely to be successful in the absence of broader efforts to ensure effective management of all prisoners. Such efforts should include implementing appropriate security measures, intelligence systems and control systems, as well as cooperation with other law-enforcement and criminal-justice agencies, specialized staff: faith professionals, therapists, mentors, and families, as appropriate. All efforts to address the risks of radicalization to terrorism and terrorist recruitment in prisons and to rehabilitate and reintegrate 40 See also Madrid Guiding Principles 30-33. See CTED Technical Guide, p. 52, for a list of additional international instruments, standards and good practices that provide guidance in this area. 41 S/RES/2396 (20 17), para. 36. 42 UN Common Approach to Justice for Children (2008), Strategic interventions, point 3(b}, fifth bullet point. 19/26 S/2018/1177 prisoners must be undertaken in full compliance with national legislation and with relevant international law and ensure full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of opinion and expression, the freedom of religion or belief, the right to be free from arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy, and the absolute prohibition of torture. Such efforts should also include a gender perspective and take into consideration the needs and rights of the child. Guiding Principle 13~~g~:~~~/ -~2'-,i:t~\F;~;;~~,·; __ fl?:rr:;r: ~~- ~, :-·t::_ _/:_· ,'. In -pre-vci_hlift'g~J/fiSOns from serving as .PIJ(~!(li[J,l>'incubators /f!t \rJJ_(nCalization to t;errorism ftnd terrorist recruitmeJ?f;,_.;-_tihl(,'tilt'',etisuring that -pi:MO~s: ·Can .serve to tehabilitate and reintegratKprisone}S:/-Jlere appropriatef S((l(f.~ Should: <~ir3d:";t;,.~~~,-:,-- _·:{ ., ,+·t,' ._;::-#:-(·~ (a) Separ~~e-m.•isdfi:~J'$Yfi'CC0rding to their legal status:(prC:..ti"ial from c~nvj~ted)}!at!e · (childre_~tf\% 20/26 S/2018/1177 (k) ESt-ablish effective oversight mechanisms, taking qiitil consid~Jiltion, as appropriate, the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the 'IY~.itmept of\ Prisoners ("Nelson Mandela Rules"),43, E. International cooperation 33. International judicial cooperation in cases relating to FTFs, including returnees, reJocators and their families remains a challenge. Recognizing the persisting challenges common to FTF~related cases, the Council underlines, in its resolutions 2322 (2016) and 2396 (2017), the importance of strengthening international cooperation to prevent, investigate and prosecute terrorist acts. Guiding I . • • In order to stren/iihe1(~ :~~tetnutional cooperation to prevent1 investigat¢. prosecute terrorist aCts, M"emb~Jt·States should: Enact and, where approp;i"~"fe;i?eview and upda~e extradition and MLA laws ~~~r.~~i:~:I; with terrorism-related offences, co'nsis_h~J1t with th.eir int_ernational i~cluding their obligations under inter_li~t_ionar h~:@.Ki!,_:,i~Jgh,ts law, :and _ t~Yt~\Y~Rg n~Jional MLAJaws and mecluinisms rela'tUl'~:to~fe£ro•·is~.p(, and updatirigf_'f~~ip_,~,~~q:~~~sary, in order to strengthen their· efre·cti~~ri~S~,;~\ especially in ligh"t Of'thC"'Siift§tp_p,Jial increase in the volume of requests for digitar and adequately staff centritl aufho"Fities ,fo~,M~A, ___and competent extradition, and put in place clearly defihi~'$;J:9,~~,~-:s~1'-!-~I:_-';tlt;~.,and for involved in extradition and MLA;-'- .-:J~~l:t-;· :'J:%: '-_- .__ (c) providillg information for its repository-datab3~-e- Of ; existing networ)(S of for counter-terrorism 1,inatters, including contacts and designated authorities; (d) :Consider ratifying and and regional instfuiJlents to which they are parties as a a_s:appropriate, for e~i~t~~i,t:~·~.,ii~n tenorism cases, consistent with p_mnaU rights JaW, h law and refugee law, and of non- and informal 43 United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, Rules 83-85. 44 See also Madrid Guiding Principles 33-35. 21/26 S/201811177 at;,r3Ugements for expeditio,us' cfOss-regional cooperation for terrorism-related;::, 'of'fCnces; and ";:);"'-,._-·· ______.-___ ·- (i) Consider \~ay$, ·-Witlli6 the framework oLJ~i~: hhplementation of:·.e:d~fiug applicab~ef':iij~ffDaiional legal instruments·, ·to.f:~-i-~plify extradit~~-~,/~lld MLA requests; '"' · )};;;"::·r7~;> IV. Protecting critical infrastructure, vulnerable targets, "soft" targets, and tourism sites 34. In its resolution 2341 (2017), the Council calls upon States to consider developing or further improving their strategies for reducing risks to critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks, including by, inter alia, assessing and raising awareness of the relevant risks; taking preparedness measures, including implementing effective responses to such attacks and promoting better interoperability in security and consequence management; and facilitating effective interaction among all stakeholders involved. 35. In its resolution 2396 (2017), the Council stresses the need for States to develop, review, or amend national risk and threat assessments to take into account ''soft" targets, in order to develop appropriate contingency and emergency-response plans for terrorist attacks. It also calls on States to establish or strengthen national, regional and international partnerships with public and private stakeholders on the sharing of information and experience, in order to prevent, protect, mitigate, investigate, respond to, and recover from, damage ii·om terrorist attacks against "soft" targets. 36. Critical infrastructures and "soft" targets, in particular, are especially vulnerable and appealing as targets of terrorism. Critical-infrastructure vulnerabilities may be increased by interconnectivity, interlinkage and interdependence. The appeal of "soft" targets to terrorists derives not only from their open format and limited security to facilitate access, but also from the potential to cause civilian casualties, chaos, publicity, and economic impact. 37. Member States bear the primary responsibility for critical-infrastructure and "soft" target protection. Each State defines critical infrastructure and "soft" targets in accordance with its specific national context. However, there is a growing need to increase cooperation between States and with private companies that own, operate and manag~ critical infrastructure and "soft" targets in order to address security needs; reduce vulnerabilities; and share information on threats, vulnerabilities and measures, to mitigate the risk. Joint training, communications networks and information-sharing (e.g., methodologies, best practices, exercises) and early-warning mechanisms should be utilized and improved. 38. In order to maximize the potential to protect "soft" targets, public/private partnerships should be developed or strengthened at all levels of Government (e.g. State, local, provincial). Member States should encourage and support such partnerships with companies that can contribute to all aspects of preparedness; protection and mitigation of, response to, and recovery from terrorist attacks, as well as the investigation of such incidents. 22/26 S/20 18/1177 39. Protection efforts entail multiple streams of effort, such as planning; public information and warning; operational coordination; intelligence and information sharing; interdiction and disruption; screening, search and detection; access control and identity verification; cybersecurity; physical protective measures; risk management for protection programmes and activities; and supply-chain integrity and security. Guiding Pr1ndpiC l545 ~,:In Nteir efforts to develojJ and implement measurefto·pr:q._tect critical infrastruCture -and{,H~pft" turgetsfrom terfori_~t attacks, Member State¥/YJ.C{i_ng in cooperation with lrii:a'l7(l4ihorities, should: -:> --~).--:"'----> :f<-~:~;~~::~' :'' '( (a) ldthltJfy,~pssess and raise ~W~t!~tess of the relevant' risk~,- 8n1--Ahreats to critical infrast.i'ucture and "soft" targ,~ts ·from terrorist attacl{s; '< (b) Determine-what constitutes critiC~JJrifrastructure and "soft" targetS)~ the ! national context, ,basl1d on ongoing ana'l)'~is of, terrorist capabilities, intehtiQus, 'and past attacks; an~~-guidance developed_bY-!ll'ter_national and regional OJ;'ganizations;46 .\ -(~~-,:-Develop, implement ~-~d:·J)~~~tice strategies and ~ction plans for reducing risks to -critical infrastructure anc;( '~Sz~f~" targets from ter~orist ~ttacl{_s that integrate and leverage the capabi)iU~s of _relevant public and pr~vate stal{eholders'; _ --':-- : " ,-;,:,, _ "i:>--c-. ; (9)_ ,,Take preparedne'Ss -»:~L!§,ttres, including to ensfi~~:eff~-~tive protection of, -alia\ re~p_Q)l$CS to, such attacl{s("(p::!rff:pr~ _informed by com}Jrelie:UsiVe r.sk assessments; (e)": ¥tb~-o~e_better interoP~rrl~Ji~XS!n_ security and crisis nl"a-n~,gero_~n,t; (t) Proni{)te~_,:risk~based and rliiittii~,Jy te1nforcing efforts to -'prOl~'Ct-~,~_-r'itical infrastructure.,and "soft" targets; and , ::, , ··, ~-r::<· 1 (g) Establish or siTengthen mechanisms to sti·~t~ information, expertise';'(e-._~:._, '.tools, guidance) and~,eXp,erience among pubfic?,:;ln_t~ private stal{eholderS ,:tO i~Ve~tigate and resporid ·tQ~,~etrorist attacks on sucl~~f~rg_~t~.47 _y, • :!flilding Principle 164s i',;'1f'f~' :t'J~;~their further efforts til prbie_ct (:ritical infrastructure a~-d ('soft" targets from ~,l~r~b,rist attacks, Member States, acting in cooperation witff!~ctil authorities, should al~·o~~onsider: a :i• :~~tf~ .. (~~ Updating contingenl;lJIJ.J~nning, such as guida~J-~f, e.*:~~Cises and training for ld)V_enforcement and 'oth~_t,;_6,!levant ministries, and.:ih 45 The issue of protecting critical infrastructure, vulnerable targets, "soft" targets and tourism sites is not specifically addressed in the Madrid Guid;ng Principles. The guidance provided in Guiding Principles 17 and 18 aim to support the implementation of Security Council resolution 2341 (2017) on the protection of critical infrastructure, complemented by resolution 2396 (2017) and its provisions on protecting "soft" targets. Guiding Principles 17 and 18 also build on the guidance provided for in CTED's 2017 Technical Guide and in the Compendium of good practices on the protection of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks, compiled by CTED and UN OCT (2018}. 46 ICAO Aviation Security Manual, which is designed to guide on how to apply the Standards and Recommended Practices included in Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). Published in 2017, the Manual features new and updated guidance material. Of particular interest with respect to critical-infrastructure protection are the guidance materials relating to the security of lands ide areas of airports, staff screening and vehicle screening, and cyber threats to critical aviation systems. 47 SC/RES/2396 (20 17), paras. 27 and 28. 4& ibid. 23126 S/201811177 actual threats, t7q;,fCfine strategies· and ensure that st_ai;c.~lwlders ad~ pt. fo evolving threats; l:·;}:,.• · l!- ·- < ·· ·; :-.~ (b) Jilltting i'o-place ~.ati.~~~lft·arneworl{s.au~.m_eiha~isms to:s_{tpj}~rt risk-based deciSion-making, infqh~'3ti0n-sharing -~n_d. public-private_ p:aftne•·ing -~or_J)_otb _ Government and .industry, inch~(li~g':_\,with a view .Jo:_)forking t~~:O<~:f/.AP determin_~ p,rJor'i~ics, and joi~~Ir. -:d:~.\ieiop relevant_ p·~Q;duCtS and toqJst~UcJi· ;is general ;-gufd~:!illes on _det~-~~Uig:;su·rveillance __ .?•\jp··eC'ific sugg~~--!ed'{'-prOtective mea!'iu. reS for i:lifferen_t.Jtjt~CSfbf"facilities (e.g;,,st~~itimS, hotels,-;1i)J\II~,- or schools); ' '-- ' - -- "'--• ' ' ~ -<.>·' " ~c) Establishing __ plO'cesses for -~iciia~gilrg· risli asS_eSsments betw~eJi'i >o._oVernment, in._du~Jry- and the priyat~~~:;~tor, to promote:ati V. Preventing and combating the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapous 40. In May 2017, the Committee held an open briefing on "Preventing Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons", which enabled participants to analyse and discuss, among other things, the involvement of FTFs in the illicit trafficking of weapons. The outcomes of this event paved the way for the unanimous adoption of Security Council resolution 2370 (2017), which recognizes the need for Member States to undertake appropriate measures, consistent with international law, to address the illicit trafficking in SALW, in particular to terrorists, including by enhancing, where appropriate and consistent with their domestic legal frameworks, national systems for collection and analysis of detailed data on illicit trafficking of such weapons to terrorists, and putting in place, where they do not exist, adequate laws, regulations and administrative procedures to exercise effective control over the production, export, import, brokering, transit or retransfer of SALW within their areas of jurisdiction, taking into consideration the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects, in order to prevent the illicit trafficking to terrorists of such weapons49. In its resolution 2395 (20 17), the Council further urged States to fully implement the measures contained in resolution 2370 (2017). 41. Member States also recognize, in the Programme of Action, that the illicit trade in SALW in all its aspects sustains conflicts, exacerbates violence, contributes to the displacement of civilians, undermines respect for international humanitarian law, impedes the provision of humanitarian assistance to victims of armed conflict and fuels crime and terrorism. 50 Member States therefore undertook, inter alia, to adopt and implement the necessary legislative or other measures to establish as criminal offences in their domestic law the illegal manufacture, possession, stockpiling and trade of "SCIRES/2370 (20 17). soA/CONF.192/15. 24/26 S/2018/1177 SALW within their areas of jurisdictionj in order to ensure that those engaged in such activities can be prosecuted under appropriate national penal codes. 51 42. At the third United Nations Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action, Member States declared their particular concern at the use of SAL W in terrorist attacks throughout the world in recent years and underlined the essential contribution made by the full and effective implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument to the global fight against all forms of violence and crime, including terrorism, and in this regard resolved to strengthen their implementation and coordination efforts. 52 43. Member States bear the primary responsibility for solving the problems associated with the illicit trade in small anns and light weapons in all its aspects. 53 44. In its resolution 2370 (2017), the Council also urges States to fully implement the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument in order to assist in preventing terrorists from acquiring SAL W, in particular in conflict and post-conflict areas. Whereas Guiding Principle 17 addresses a number of provisions of the Outcome Document of the Third Review Conference that are of direct relevance to countering the acquisition of SALW by FTFs, nothing in the present Addendum shall affect the integrity and consistency of the Programme of Action or the Outcome Document. ' Guiding Principle :i 754\ ! 'i", <~::':-,- In ii}l!J.~r~{lkif!g appropriate me'asui'tt~ cqn__~istent with intern«tlfi~l!lil::'};;;\-" , <'' --- 0 ~(a) Maintai~, -J~-el~~-:--'!,~"e$tablish, and -~fj~~ii~ely 'imJ>:lement, national I~'\'0_§;-; , :regulations and admilliS_:tfilJ:ive procedures to ensure ef{C~tjve control over the--/: Pro~uction, export, impOrt and ffansit of SALW, includini\~~- _establishing as a criJVjn~l .offence their illicit manufacture, online trade or diV$~)~9P. to the illicit rnar]f:¢j;tbrough corruption; - ":",~1~,~/"-~ (b) 'T~ke.--aU appropriate measures_ to,-_,_prevent the diversion -':Q{"$ALW when authO:i·i?:i~cg':,f~eir_ international trarisf~,f,~,f-aking into consideratiofi"\th.at, in the lntent~tfP:D~I-:, T~acing Instrument, :~~!fW:_ are considered illiCit '!f t~ey are transfer'XCd':Witb'out a licence or autbOf(Z~"~JO:it issued by a competeiltJ~-~tional authorifY_f:'" _ _,-, , __ , ;~S} ,- (c) Put: in--place and, as needed, streirgthen -certification procC~&eS/,C•id-user >; ;\fP'- '"" certificates, ~s,:well as effective legal and-Criforcement measures, ~~4-~r~!,~l{e every effor~;J_n _act:_O:rdance with nationalla~s::_~nd practices, without;P~!!Jlt8ice to the right:l! Sta_t~s to re~cxport SAL":' _that-- __ey have previously imp_~X1J~, to notify the.: q_~i~~if!}I etporting State in ace_?~'~-" ~ with their bilateral ag~~e!l\-_ents before the_~j~~<_l:~~fer of those weapons;--:-_::, _ , (d)/ ·z-CtJ>Vtde national law-enforc-e _ _~tthorities with mandates and resources to ~-s~.i~\~'fhem in preventing and -co'ffibJi"tiug illicit SALW that are imported into, ex }>ft~(lJrorn, or transitin throu h''~"iheir territories; 5l]b;d, 52 A/CONF.l92/20 18/RC/3. 53/bid. 54 A/CONF.l92/20 18/RC/3 25/26 S/2018/1177 (~l-·:-:,:·:Redotible natio_n_~(~·~ffbt·ts to provid¢ ·rol·~·tlie safe ·::··-~Ccure and_-~f!#'-~$1'(~ ·,(J •••f--,:-• -·z· ___, ··<·.1 - ·2v~;r,.r,_,- -.~anagement of stocJ~V:iles'- of SALW held,[by ·governm~nt>:armed a~d::cs.etg.rtty (.-; ' --- ' ' -_ '/' <&:-. _,_'i%f;,d;. '·> ···forces, in _particul~xYin conflict andJ:~oSt~Conflict situatiPfis, in ac~o~t;.(IAt(C~e with •··< · d -· •·:rzfl' " , , •)± ,, ',H(/) the provi~i?n~ of·t~e Programm~~~-r:~'Cti_On; ):_:~- Z;r- _ ~ilf~~!J~-: (t) __ Take effeCtive measure~: tO_.·prevent and _pJ~bat the Hlic,f_t?:brokering of SALW, taldng advantage ~f tire recommenda~iQt~s-~ contain~~ _if. thC report of ~!J_e· £GI-oup of Governmental -.Experts establiSta_~d\pursuant ,j,O, General A,ss~)p.tdy :>resolution60/8,J_:;t#il- _ :', _- _~~ -:;> __ ,:;_ :_:: __ - (g) Excha~t-~ey-~i\li'~- in accordan~e-.:Witb States' naHOrial legal fra~_e:Worlis and sec_p:ri_~y-_, req,Uii~D~ents, apply___ e:(Periences, les,s(_)tis'::learncd an_d:nJ~"st practices--~ re~~#_n'g to SALW export, i_mport and tra"'~-!J :_~,ontJ·ol, including certification'-: i Jirti:cc'Sses/end-user certiffCatcs; -'~Jt:'~ ,· , · ·- -: 26/26 ,&.- ...)o~ l~~'fl .. ~ \ I • ....; ~J~ ,,.; ~.,t I1ARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY 0 1' T HE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEM~LEE I'ARLEMENTAI Ili DE LA MEOITERRANEE HAPOAHA CKYnWH1HA .b.jWI <.Y¥.'11 H A..,uWy,ll ~ I PEnY6JWIKE CP6 111 JE PAM 13th Plenary Session I 13eme Session pleniere de I' APM Belgrade, 21-22 February 2019 I Belgrade, 21-22 fevrier 2019 List of registered participants PAM NATIONAL DELEGATIONS Albania Hon. Grida Shqina, MP Mr. Genci Goli, Foreign Affa irs Officer Algeria Hon. Abdelmadjid Dennouni, MP, PAM Vice-President Hon. Ammar Moussi, MP Sen. Rafika Kesri, M P Sen . Ouahid Fadel, M P Bosnia and Herzegovina Hon. Ognjen Tadic, MP, Deputy Spea ker of the House of Peoples Mr. Zlatko Vukmirovic, Head of the Public Relations Section of the House of Peoples Ms. Tea Mandilovic, Secretary of Delegation Mr. Enis Omerovic, Member of staff Ms. Dubravka lstuk Pavlovic, Interpreter ~ Croatia Hon. Dragica Vranjes, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Grozdana Peric, MP Ms. Snjezana Ramljak, Secretary of Delegation Cyprus Hon. Stephanos Stephanou, M P Hon. Georgios K. Georgiou, MP Han. Christos Orphanides, MP Mrs. Georgia Neophytou, International Relations Officer Ms. Soutiroula Georgiou, Accompanying Person Egypt Han. Karim Abdel Karim Darwish, MP, Head of Delegation Han. Laila Ahmed Ahmed Abu Esmail, MP Hon. Mohamed Hamdy Mohamed Dessouky, MP Hon. Rash a Abdel Fattah Sayed Ramadan, M P Hon. Rash a Ismail, M P France Hon. Sandrine Miirch, MP Hon. Alain Perea, M P Mr. Didier Eifermann, Adviser Greece Hon. Eleni Avlonitou, MP, Head of Delegation, Vice-President of the PAM 2nd Standing Committee Hon. Antonios Balomenakis, MP Hon. Christos Kellas, MP Ms. Christina Balkamou, Secretary of Delegation Israel Hon. Amir Peretz, PAM Vice-President, Head of Delegation Hon. Eytan Broshi, MP Ms. Liat Margalit, Secretary of Delegation Mr. Zvi Haim Biermann, Adviser ~- 2 ~ Italy Sen. Pier Ferdinanda Casini, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Giulio Centemero, MP Hon. Yana Chiara Ehm, MP Hon. Gennaro Migliore, M P Mr. Roberto Sorbello, Secretary General of Italian IPU Group Mr. Stefano Thaulero, Secretary of Delegation Ms. Susanna Radoni, Secretary of Delegation Ms. Antonella Lasorsa, Interpreter Mr. Claudio Olmeda, Interpreter ! I Jordan Sen. Marwan AI Hmoud, MP, Head of Delegation Sen. Alia Bouran, MP, PAM Vice President, President of the PAM 1" Standing Committee Han. Hasan Al-Ajarmeh, MP Han. Mustafa Yaghi, MP Hon. Yousef Aljarrah, MP Han. Mousa Alwahsh, MP Han. Nawaf AI mala, MP Han. Mohd AI-Zubi, MP Han. Sewan AI-Shrafat, MP Hon. Sa bah Ashaar, MP Mr. Shadi Obiedat, Head of lnterparliamentary Conferences Mr. Qais Aldhmour, Secretary of Delegation Mr. Mishael Altarawneh, Secretary of Delegation Libya Han. Mohamed Alfires, MP Mr. Mohamed Alga basi, Secretary of Delegation Mr. Zeyad Sabkha, Protocol Officer Malta Han. Aaron Farrugia, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Etienne Grech, MP Han. Clayton Bartolo, M P Han. Ryan Callus, M P 3 ~ ------·------··-· - Hon. Ivan Bartolo, MP Ms. Karen Mama, Research Analyst Mr. Paul Mifsud, Adviser Monaco H.on. Marie Noelle Gibelli, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Marine Grisoul, MP Hon. Fabrice Notari, MP Mr. Alexis Poyet, Secretary of Delegation Morocco Sen. lhou Lmarbouh, MP, PAM Honorary President, President of the PAM 2nd Standing Committee, Head of Delegation Sen. Kayouh Abdessamad, MP, 1" Vice-President of the House of Councillors Sen. Abdelilah El Halouti, MP, 2nd Vice-President of the House of Councillors Sen. Mohammed Alami, MP Hon. Azzouha El Arrak, MP Hon. Mohamed EI-Hejira, MP Hon. Amam Chokrane, MP Mr. Mohcine Mounjid, Adviser Mr. Mohamed Taib Cohen, Adviser North Macedonia Hon. Emil Dimitriev, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Chedomir Sazdovski, M P Mr. Gligor Stoimenov, Secretary of Delegation Palestine Hon. Zuhair Sanduqa, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Bela I Qasem, MP, PAM Vice-President Hon. Omar Hamayel, MP Hon. Merai Munther, MP Portugal Hon. Pedro Roque, MP, PAM President Hon. Carla Barros, M P 4 ~ Ms. Rita Pinto Ferreira, Director of International Relations, Public Relations and Protocol Department Romania Hon. Florin lordache, MP, Head of Delegation Mr. Andrei Popa, Secretary of Delegation San Marino H. E. Mr. Matteo Ciacci, Captain Regent Hon. Mara Valentini, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Denise Bronzetti, MP Serbia Hon. Momo Colakovic, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. Aleksandra Maletic, MP, PAM Vice President, President of the PAM 3rd Standing Committee Hon. Tijana Davidovac, MP Hon. Natasa Vuckovic, MP Hon. Enis lmamovic, MP Hon. Marina Ristic, M P Hon. Olivera Ognjanovic, M P Hon. Jelena Zaric Kovacevic, MP Hon. Balsa Bozovic, MP Hon. Marija Janjusevic, MP Syria Hon. Jamal Kadri, MP Hon. Samir Ismail, MP Hon. ToufekAhmad, MP Hon. Tareef Kotrach, MP Hon. Doulat Almorched, MP Hon. Maan Kan Bour, MP Mr. Hisham Younes, International Relations Officer Tunisia Hon. Badreddine Abdelkafi, MP, Deputy Speaker of the Assembly of People's Representatives, Vice-President of the PAM 3'd SC - - 5 ~ Turkey Hon. Atay Uslu, MP, Head of Delegation Hon. HaliiOz~avli, MP Hon. Mehmet Altay, MP Mr. Serhat Biilent Erten, Protocol Officer ASSOCIATE MEMBERS AND PARTNER COUNTRIES Holy See H.E. Mons. Suriani Luciano, Apostolic Nuncio Russian Federation Sen. Andrei Klimov, M P Hon. Oleg Nikolaev, MP Mr. Pavel Ermoshin, Senior Adviser Ms. Maria Bychkova, Interpreter Ms. Nina Zenina, Interpreter Shura Council of Qatar Hon. Ali Abdullatif Al-Misnad, MP LSovereign Order of Malta H.E. Amb. Alberto di Luca, Permanent Representative of the Order to PAM -- REGIONAL, INTERNATIONAL, AND OTHER NATIONAL PARLIAMENTS Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union H.E. Mr. Fayez Shawabkeh, Secretary General Assembh~e parlementaire de Ia H.E. Mr. Jacques Krabal, Secretary General Francophonie Ms. Melissa Morin, Adviser Ms. Krystel Doosterlinck, Parliamentary Assistant Commonwealth Parliamentary H.E. Ms. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Deputy Association Speaker of the National Assembly of Cameroon lnterparliamentary Assembly on H.E. Mr. Sergei Gavrilov, MP, President Orthodoxy H.E. Mr. Andreas Michailidis, Secretary General Hon. Claudiu-lulius-Gavril Nasui, MP Hon. Zakaria Kutsnashvili, MP - 6 r& Hon. Marianne Amir Azer, MP Hon. Aleksey Chepa, MP Hon. Alexander Cotric, MP Mr. Konstantinos Mygdalis, Adviser Mr. Aleksandr Fomenko, Assistant to H.E. Mr. Sergei Gavrilov Ms. Lilit Vardanyan, Secretariat Officer Mr. Goran Trpchevski, Interpreter Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Hon. Igor Becic, MP, Head ofthe Serbian Delegation to PABSEC Economic Cooperation Mr. Miltiadis Makrygiannis, Deputy Secretary General Parliamentary Forum for Democracy H.E. Mr. Emanuelis Zingeris, Chair - - REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Mediterranean Citizens' Assembly Mr. Vicente Miguel Garces Ramon, President Foundation North-South Centre of the Council of Mr. Jose Velez Caro~o, Executive Director Europe Regional Cooperation Council Mr. Amer Kapetanovic, Head of Political Department World Health Organization Mr. Santino Severoni, Coordinator Association of Mediterranean Energy Ms. Gulefsan Demirbas, President Regulators (MEDREG) KEYNOTE SPEAKERS National Assembly of the Republic of H.E. Hon. Veroljub Arsic, Deputy Speaker Serbia Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic H.E. Mr. lvica Dacic, Minister of Serbia Ministry of Environmental Protection of H.E. Mr. Goran Trivan, Minister the Republic of Serbia ..& 7 United Nations Office of Counter- Mr. Mauro Miedico, Director, Special Adviser to the Under Secretary-General Terrorism World Trade Organization Mr. Said El Hachimi, Counsellor Office of the United Nations High Mr. Francesco Motta, Chief of Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa Branch Commissioner for Human Rights Belgrade University Dr. Dragan Simeunovic, Professor at the Faculty of Political Science DIPLOMATIC CORPS Embassy of Albania in Serbia H.E. Mr. llir Bo~ka, Ambassador Embassy of Algeria in Serbia H.E. Mr. Abdelhamid Chebchoub, Ambassador Embassy of Cyprus in Serbia H.E. Mr. Constantinos Eliades, Ambassador Embassy of Egypt in Serbia H.E. Mr. Amr Fathi Mohamed Aljowaily, Ambassador Ms. lmanbellah Mohamed Nabil Mohamed Ghatwary, Head of Consular and Cultural Affairs Mr. Aleksa Zakula, Delegation Assistant Ms. Taida Rastic, Delegation Assistant Embassy of Israel in Serbia Ms. Jenny Sedov, First Secretary Embassy of Italy in Serbia H.E. Mr. Carlo Lo Cascio, Ambassador Embassy of Lebanon in Serbia H.E. Ms. Nada AI-Akel, Ambassador Embassy of Morocco in Serbia H.E. Mr. Mohammed Amine Belhaj, Ambassador Ms. Siham Kemmou, Counsellor Embassy of Portugal in Serbia H.E. Mr. Augusto Jose Pestana Sara iva Peixoto, Ambassador Embassy of Romania in Serbia H.E. Ms. Oana-Cristina Popa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Embassy of Russia in Serbia Mr. Vladen Zelenin, First Secretary Embassy of Syria in Serbia Mr. Oussama Saaba, Charge d'Affaires Embassy of Turkey in Serbia H.E. Mr. Tanju Bilgi~, Ambassador Mr. Oytun c;:elik, Counsellor Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Ms. Chiem Demir, Head of Department Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr. Simon Pullicino, Assistant Director Promotion of Malta 8 ~ OTHERS AND GUESTS I DIHAD I H.E. Dr. Abdul Salam AI Madani, Executive Chairman I ORGANIZERS PAM Secretariat Amb. Sergio Piazzi, PAM Secretary General H.E. Mr. Francesco Maria Amoruso, PAM Honorary President Amb. Gerhard Putman-Cramer, PAM Permanent Observer to the UN, Geneva Amb. Peter Schatzer, PAM Permanent Observer to the UN, Vienna Am b. lona~ Florin Urcan, PAM Roving Ambassador and Senior Adviser Am b. Majallie Whbee, PAM Roving Ambassador and Senior Adviser on Middle East Am b. Jean-Paul Laborde, PAM Roving Ambassador and Senior Adviser on Counter-Terrorism Ms. Fatima Khachi, Deputy to the PAM Secretary General Mr. Vladmir Kirushev, Program Officer and Special Assistant to the PAM Secretary General Mr. Andrea Nurchi, PAM Senior Adviser Mr. Valerio Carafa, Office Manager Ms. Laila Said, Administrative Assistant Ms. Magdalena Ninaber van Eyben, Rapporteur Dr. Giuseppina Schatzer, Accompanying Person Serbian Parliament Secretariat Ms. Jelena Sudimac, Secretary of Delegation Ms. Ana Trajkovic, Adviser 9 ~ PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN NEWS No. 27- D ecember 2018 THE VOICE OF PARLIAMENTARY DWLOMACY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN PAM sets future co'/!eration priorities with The Parliamentary Assembly of the UN Agencies at 73r General Assembly in New York Mediterranean is the principal forum where the national Parliaments of the Euro-Mediterranean region A senior PAM delegation participated in the 73rd High-level segment of the Unit deliberate to reach those strategic ed Nations General Assembly, from 23 to 30 September 2018, in New York. More objectives towards the creation of the than 120 country leaders and representatives of international organisations were best political, social, economic and present. The theme of this year's Assembly was 'Making the United Nations rele cultural environment and conditions for vant to all people'. the fellow citizens of the member states. The PAM delegation was led by President Hon. Pedro Roque and PAM Secretary PAM is an international organization, an General Ambassador Sergio Piazzi, and Observer at the General Assembly of included PAM Vice-President Hon. Amir the United Nations, with a specific Peretz (Israel), Hon. Nathalie Amoratti international juridical status. The Blanc (Monaco), Hon. Sandrine Morch Assembly plays a fundamental role as (France), Amb. Mohamed Abu El Enein - the inter-parliamentary President Emeritus and Permanent Repre organization whose activities are sentative to the League of Arab States, firmly rooted as the instrument of Amb. Shaukat Fareed - PAM Permanent parliamentary diplomacy also to Observer to the UN in New York, Amb. support the work of other international Majallie Whbee - Senior Advisor on the Pfii:ii!Jlll.lli;;;~ bodies entrusted with the responsibility to foster security, stability and peace Middle East, Amb. Jean-Paul Laborde - in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Seni or Advisor on Counter-Terrorism, Amb. Iqbal Riza - Senior Advisor on Political Affairs. Over the years, PAM has established The United Nations General Assembly had granted the Observer Status to the Parlia itself as the main actor of parliamentary mentary Assembly of the Mediterranean in 2009 in recognition of its unique role in diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterranean Mediterranean Affairs as well as at the international level. By this decision, PAM region, and its commitment to the founding principles and its Charter, is has been granted the right to occupy a seat in the General Assembly Hall, intervene guaranteed by the continued support of in important debates, and participate in all formal consultation processes. all its member parliaments. During their mission in New York, PAM delegates met with Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs at the United Nations, Amb. Miroslav Jenca. The dis Through PAM, political dialogue and cussion focused on strengthening PAM-UN relations through the signature of a dedi understanding between its Member cated bilateral agreement that will structure the working relationship on a number of States and their citizens, is strengthened and this is achieved, priority issues. The key priorities identified include, among others, the Middle East notably, by: peace process, national reconciliation and constitutional reform in Syria, and the assistance to Libya to support the processes of elections and national consolidation. Fostering and building confidence Additionally, developments on the issue of the Western Sahara region were dis among Euro-Mediterranean States; cussed. Guaranteeing regional security, stability and promoting peace; The delegation then met with the Director of the UNDP Regional Office for the Ar Consolidating the endeavours of Euro ab States, Assistant Secretary General Mourad Wahba. During the discussion, the Mediterranean States; parties talked about the future political PAM-UN agreement, as well as a more tech Presenting opinions and nical agreement with the UNDP to ensure a better exchange of information and ef recommendations to national fective coordination on j oint activities. Issues of concern to both parties were dis parliaments and governments, regional organizations and international fora. cussed, namely the strategies to strengthen security, stability and development in neighboring regions such as the Sahel, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central Asia. Addi tionally, the need for PAM to support the role of the Parliament in the process of Libyan reconciliation was highlighted. PAM delegates met with the Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations, Amb. Jean-Pierre Lacroix. Issues of importance to both parties were discussed, specifically (Continued on page 2) ~!'J!';-~~:s;;;;l;~a;;}~;;:::[:J--/:=::::::::=:;;:;;~~~-Ifll!'... lllll! :;."1 regarding the need to strengthen the security in ::: southern Syria on the border region \\ith Israel through the continued presence of UN peacekeepers and the need to summon political support peace keeping operations in Mali. which are crucial to the security of the entire Sahel. and therefore the Euro Mediterranean region. With reference to the current and future work of PAM on countering terrorism, violent extremism. and radicalization. the delegation held two ded icat ed meetings. one with UN Under-Secretary-General for Counler-Ten·orism, Amb.Vladimir Voronkov and one \\~lh the newly appointed Executive Direc tor of the UN CTED. Assistant Secretary General Michele Coninsx. In both meetings the unique role of PAM was high lighted, as the partner of the two Offices in promot ing the correct implementation of the relevant Secu rity Council resolutions at the national and regional levels. Having recalled the joint conferences already organized on these specific themes, it was agreed to further increase the level of cooperation with a number of activities dedicated to the harmonization of national legislation. which is key to the interoperability of law enforcement agencies, as well as the problem posed by the failures of deradicalisation processes, and the new threat represented by ISIS terrorists having moved from Syria/Iraq into the sub-Saharan region. The forthcoming PAM event that will be hosted by the Grand ational Assembly of Turkey was considered by all as an excellent opportunity to address priori!)' issues in this speci fi e area. PAM delegates met also with the UN Special Representa tive for West Africa and the Sahel. Mr. Mohammad Ibn Chambas. The worrisome and deteriorating situation in the Sahel was discussed at length. It was noted that due to the lack of financial assistance. which was promised but k not realized, the development in the region has been halt ed in favor of strengthening security to respond to the rapid rise of terrorist activity. The delegation was particu I larly concerned. when it ·was reported that increase of terrorist operations is the direct consequence of the safe passage the terrorists have enjoyed to leave Iraq and Syria and reach Africa. The continent is experiencing an expo nential rise in radical extremist activity from Mali and Niger, south to Mozambique and Ivory Coast. Further more, deteriorating economic, social and security condi tions are forcing local populations to seek better opportu nities abroad. but due to the lack of legal channels. they end up in the hands of human smugglers and traffickers on their way to Europe. A need for bener coordination amongst all the strategies announced by the UN, the EU, China. and other actors to develop the Sahel region was emphasized. PAM delegates then met \\ith Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Ms. Ursula Mueller. The discussion focused on the strategies and problems of delivering humanitarian aid and protection to civilians in Syria, Libya. Gaza, and Yemen. A particular issue was raised with alarm in regards to the cut of US funding to the budget of UNRWA and the need to mobilize politi cal and fi nancial support to fi ll that gap. The role of PAM as a mediator, with direct channels to parliaments and national authOJities of countries who may be in dispute, was highlighted as a means of assisting the UN to gain access to restricted areas in order to deliver humanitarian aid. In addition to these bilateral meetings, PAM delegates participated in numerous seminars, meetings, and side events. President Roque ad dressed the Ministerial meeting of the UN Alliance of Civilizations. while Hon. Sandrine Morch and Hon. Nathalie Amoratti Blanc participat ed in and contributed to the He For She Summit, which addressed accelerating women's economic empowerment and ending gender based violence. PAM delegates also actively contributed to the --Road to Marrakech'. event on migrations, and to the special session dedicated to '·New Partnership for Countering Violent Extremism Narratives ... Members of PAM also met a number of Heads of States and Governments, ministers. and senior officials of both the UN and other international organiza tions. l11ese encounters included. inter-alia. H.E. Emmanuel Macron. Presi dent of France, H.E. Nicos Anastasiades, President of Cyprus, H.E. Enzo Moavero Milanesi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, H. E. Mohamed Syala, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Libya, H.E. Pierre Krlihenbilhl, Commissioner General of UNRWA. and H.E. Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. among others. The PAM Secretary General also arranged an encounter between the President of the Palestinian National Authority, H.E. Mahmoud Abbas; the chief Pales tinian negotiator for the peace process \\~th Israel . H.E. Saeb ErekaL and PAM Vice President Hon. Amir Peretz, former member of the government of israel// 7th High-level Meeting of the Parliaments ofthe ''5+5 Dialogue" Member States The 1'' High level Meeting ofparliaments of the West Mediterranean "5+5 Dialogue" Member States took place in Algiers, on 20 January 2018, hosted by the two Chambers of the Parliament of Algeria. The conference was dedicated to "Western Mediterranean: promoting inclusive, shared and sustaina ble economic and social development facing common challenges in the region". During the parliamentary meeting, built on a series of round tables, parliamentarians and experts had the opportunity to share ongoing and scheduled activities on key topics such as Regional Security and Stabil ity, Counter Terrorism, Socio-Economic development and Trade Facilitation, the Job market, Mass Mi grations, Youth, Education and Vocational Training. Delegates unanimously noted that the 5+5 Forum is a privileged platform, both at the level of parliamentary dialogue and intergovernmental cooperation, to better understand and tackle those phenomena of concern to the region. Concerning security challenges, there was a general con sensus that the Mediterranean countries will not be able to resolve the issue of terrorism, violent extremism and mi gration without dedicated geopolitical solutions for the Sahel, Libya and the Middle East. In particular, with refer ence to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, the delegates reiterat ...... :.~,...,...... ~..HJ6l~.,...... "'"',_,.... ed their suppott for the Two-State solution, in accordance ...... _,,!..S~·~.._,r,tl ...... , with international law...... -~ .....,.., ._.._..,.._..,. .... ~~-.,a.l~~- .. ,.._ ...... -.: .. ~· ...... Sl'llnoll ...... --.c ... ~...... _... ' - ~ For what concerns Libya, they stressed the importance of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Libya, as well as its national sovereignty, calling for a political solution based on agreements signed under the aus pices of the United Nations. On Terrorism, the delegates strongly recommended the establishment of a comprehensive strategy to pre vent and combat terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime and illegal migration, to address in a co herent manner all aspects of these phenomena. This strategy, dedicated to the broad PAM region, should include the 5+5 countries, in cooperation with the UN. Special attention should be dedicated to legislative and juridical cooperation in criminal matters, to secure to justice the Terrorist Foreign Fighters (FTF) es caping from Syria and Iraq. In this regard, the threat represented by the return of the FTFs to the countries of origin, was of extreme concern. During the session on economic challenges, parliamentarians stressed the importance ofNotth-South and South-South trade and economic exchanges, including the free movement of persons and goods in there gion, trade facilitation, investments to support SMEs, and vocational training. Particular attention was paid to unemployment, youth and women, suggesting a better link between skills, training and business requirements, as well as training opportunities at the Mediterranean level. Migration, as a structural phenomenon from Africa towards the southern Mediterranean countries and Eu rope, was analysed in detail, with particular reference to the situation in the Sahel and its implications for the Mediterranean. The delegates underlined the need to develop a shared regional approach to migration, by linking it with development and addressing its causes, in order to ensure sustainable economic and so cial development, absorb unemployment, as well as the effective management of migration flows in a le gal and human way. 3 ~ Concern ing the social dimension, parliamentarians identified as the many challenges the Jack of trust and communication between citizens and institu tions; the spreading of violent extremism and radi calization and the need to respect human rights. 1 lnvesting in education, as a tool of countering vio lent extremism and terrorism; supporting women's activism, fighting social inequalities and restoring human rights as a fun damental value, were among the key priorities identified at national and regional level. Finally, given the transversality of the challenges spelled out at the meeting, parliamentarians agreed HI~~~fjjjUlJ!ill}.W~~~~~~~~~~~~~ to organize a series ofthematic workshops building on a structured exchange of best practices and les sons learned on specific issues, including the recent programmes of de-radicalization and reintegration of women and children returning from war zones. They also unanimously expressed the need to reinforce further the parliamentary dimension of the 5+5 Dialogue, by associating PAM to other sectors of the 5+5 Dialogue, including thematic meetings dedicated to economy, culture and defence, as already decided at the previous parliamentary meeting of the 5+5 Dialogue held in Marseille in 2016. In accordance with the established practice, the parliamentary meeting of the 5+5 took place on the eve of 1 the 14 h Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 5+5 Dialogue, held on 21 January. PAM attended and contributed at the ministerial conference at the kind invitation of the Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Abdelkader Messahel. The PAM delegation, composed by President Hon. Pedro Roque, Vice-President Sen. Tahar Kellil, and Secretary General Ambas sador Sergio Piazzi, attended the ministerial event, where they presented the recommendations resulting from the parliamentary meeting. The ministerial Forum represented an excellent oppor tunity for PAM delegates to share views with, among others, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Algeria, France, Italy, Libya, Malta, Portugal and the EU Commissioner. The ministers' discussions focused on inclusive, shared, and sustainable economic development, youth em ployment, and migration, the latest developments in Libya, the Sahel, Syria, Iraq, and the Middle East, as well as terrorism and the fight against radicalisation. II PAM DELEGATIONS ON 3 ELECTORIAL OBSERVATION MISSIONS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS EGYPT -The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) considered the Egyptian electoral process as very effective and transparent on the occasion of the Presidential elections in Egypt. The PAM high-level delegation was composed of PAM Presi dent, Hon. Pedro Roque, Hon. Alain Perea, member of the French National Assembly, and Ms. Fatima Khachi, from the PAM Secretariat. The delegation was received by the H .E. Judge Lasheen Ibrahim, President of the National Elections _ __ _._ Authority, who provided a detailed briefing on the -...-- -- rules and procures of the electoral process. From his side, the PAM President congratulated the Judge for the elections, expressing the full support of PAM to the democratic process. He also praised the attention paid to gender equality in the composition of the Ex ecutive Body of the Authority. On 26, 27, and 28 of March. the PAM observers con ducted a number of spot checks in Cairo and the re gion, in particular in Zamalek, Giza, Shobra, lmbaba, Gezira Island, Mit Rahina. The PAM delegation also met Ambassador Hamdi Loza, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for the electoral process abroad, with whom key Mediterranean issues were also discussed. The threat of terrorism facing the region and the need to have a common approach were high!ighted . Hon Roque stressed, in this regard, the centrality of the Egyptian role on the international scene, and its value for the security and stability of the region in general. He further recalled the unique role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in representing Egypt at PAM meetings when there was no parliament in the country.// PAM EXPRESSES SATISFACTION FOR THE VOTING PROCESS IN TURKEY - A PAM election observer mission was deployed to Istanbul from 23 to 25 June, at the invi tation of the Turkish authorities. The delegation included MPs from Algeria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Morocco, Tun isia and the PAM Secretary General. The PAM team visited six polling stations in different ? districts of the Great Istanbul area. PAM observers as sessed in positive terms the election process, both in regard to the role of officials and political parties' repre sentatives serving and managing, in a professional man ner, the voting, counti ng and tabulation processes, as foreseen by the provisions of the electoral law. The PAM observer team, which was granted free and unimpeded access to all the polling stations visited, not ed that all technical provisions of the electoral law were adhered to in terms of procedures and equipment, to guarantee the effective identification and registration of voters, as well as the secrecy of the voting process itself. The PAM team particularly appreciated the direct asso ciation to the voting process of the representatives of all political parties, and citizens at large, who were present throughout the voting day in all phases of the process, whi ch contributed to its transparency. PAM delegates also noted the good gender balance in the composition of the electoral committees. The polling stations, observed by the PAM team, had opened on time and all followed the standard procedures. The PAM observers were free to talk to and ask questions, clarifications and collect information from the members of the loca I electoral committees, political parties' representatives, citizens and law enforcement officials, who facilitated the task of the PAM team when needed, in those occasions when the officials of the electoral committees were not aware of the presence of international electoral observers in the country. In the course of the visit, PAM delegates had also the opportunity to meet and exchange views with representatives of the inter national press covering the elections day. The special arrangements made to facilitate the voting of elderly and disabled people were also appreciated.// PAM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA -The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) has deployed an Election Monitoring Mission (EOM) to observe the General Elections in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH) on 7 October 20 18. The delegation included Hon. Badreddine Abdelkafi, Vice-President of the Tunisian Parliament and Hon. Am mar Moussi, Member of the National Assembly of Algeria, accompanied by the staff of the PAM Sec retariat. The PAM delegation observed the activities of the Municipal/City Election Com mi ssion and of the polling stations in the three phases of the process: distribution of the polling material; voting; and counting of ballots. After receiving a list of 988 polling stations in Sarajevo and surrounding area, the PAM delegation prepared an itinerary, which allowed the team to v isit different areas of Sarajevo, Mostar and Jlijas Municipalities. The PAM delegates also attended the Seminar for international obse/1'ers, organized by the Central Election Commission (CEC) of BiH, at the Parliamentary Assembly in Sarajevo. International delegates were welcomed by Dr Branko Petricbriefed, President of the of the BiH CEC, and were briefed by members of the Commission on the preparations for the 20 18 General Elections, the Election system of 8 iH , the Election Day and the rights and obligations ofthe international observers. During Election Day, the PAM team was able to follow the process without re strictions and were free to move and choose the polling stations to visit. They were warmly welcomed and received also explanations and ~ larification s they sought on location. While considering the voting process generally positively the PAM delegates have also submitted a number of recommendations aimed at improving transparency and practical issues.// .______. PAM stands to support, promote and advocate for the respect of human rights in the Euro-Mediterranean region The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) hosted on 21-22 June a high-level meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly ofthe Mediterranean, in parallel to the works ofthe 38'h Session ofthe UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Senior officials of the OHCHR, from HQ and the field, in the course of a unique gath ering, updated PAM delegates on the current status of the implementation of the fu nda mental instruments and mechanisms relevant to Human Rights in the region under the mandate of PAM, and portrayed an unprecedented situation where the critical role of (l\.,~). United Notions parliamentarians is called upon to assert the obligation of all States towards their re Human Rights spect. ~7J Debates focused on the present status of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for PAM Member States, the specific situation in Tunisia, Libya and Syria, the trends in the Eu ropean Union, as well as the current stage of negotiations for the adoption of the UN Global Compact on Migration and Refugees. Individual sessions dealt with counter-terrorism, mass displacement of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, freedom of ex pression, preventing and countering violent extremism, freedom of religion in connection with blasphemy and apostasy, indi vidual and collective rights, respect of the rule of law, and the special procedures related to Mandate Holders and Rapporteurs. Over 40 delegates representing PAM national Parliaments, the European Parliament, observer NGOs and international experts had the opportunity to confront on real cases and were able to define a roadmap for a detailed structured cooperation and part nership betv,reen PAM and OHCHR aimed at addressing, as a matter of urgency, the growing number of challenges to the cor rect and unimpeded application of Human Rights instruments under threat due to the current climate of political, security and socio-economic uncertainty prevailing in the region, and the national agendas associated to them. The measures agreed as pillars ofthis exceptional partnership build on dedicated study tours for newly elected PAM MPs, spe cific hearings in connection with the various cycles of national UPR, including foll ow-up on the recommendations addressed by the High Commissioner to the individual countries, advocacy campaigns in relation to thematic and/or country reports, as well as strengthened interaction among PAM, civil society and OHCHR. As an immediate target, PAM committed to operate as a catalyst in the Euro-Mediterranean region to promote and adopt, inde pendently from other entities, the "Principles on Parliaments and human rights", as recommended in the annex to the report AI HRC/38/25, presented by OHCHR to the 38th HRC Session, which specifically requests national and regional parliaments to fully assume their responsibility in this regard.// 6 PAM: Lack of consistency in current national legislations needs immediate action for sustainable cooperation in crimi nal and terrorist matters Parliamentarians were reminded of their duty to continue to respond to the threat of terrorism as it evolves, through timely legislative measures, This was the message ofHon. Mohamed A/ami (Morocco) 1 on behalf of the Parliamentaty Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) at the 5 " Summit of Speakers and Jl" Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, held in Cairo, on 28-29 Apri/2018. The PAM delegation included also T' PAM Secretary General, Ambassa dor Sergio Piazzi, and PAM Presi dent Emeritus, Mr. Mohamed Abou Elenein. Hon. Alami added that parliamen tari ans must pursue these changes through timely legislative measures, in accordance with the relevant Resolutions of the UN Security Council, such as 2178 on the FTFs, and 2396 on the threat of returnees and the importance of deradicalisation of fighters and their families. He referred to current pnont1es, such as the issue of returnees and relocators, prevention of the use of internet and social media to radi calise and to continue the recruitment of fragile segments of youth, and countering the financing of terror ism. "These are key issues requiring strong legislative action to enable our governments to be effective in the fight against this threat". Han. Alami added. The Moroccan parliamentarian also stressed the critical importance of reviewing existing legislation of the countries of the region to allow for solid and sustainable international cooperation in crim inal matters, since there is currently a lack of consistency in the legislation among different countries. Han. Mohamed Abou Elenein also addressed the pa11icipants during the plenary session and called on the Member States to address terrorism and the countries that support and finance it. The session ended with the adoption of the declaration of the Presidents and the handing over of the presi dency ofPA-UFM to the European Parliament, which will focus its work on Migration. PAM delegates also paid an official visit to the Secretary General ofthe League of Arab States, H.E. Mr. Ahemd About Gheit, for the accreditation of President Mohamed Abou Elenein as PAM Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the LAS.// 7 ~ ONGOING COOPERATION BETWEEN PAM, UN AND EU TO STRENGTHEN LEGAL FRAMEWORKS TO COMBAT RADI CALISATION The important role of parliamentarians in the fight against terrorism was ltigltligllted by the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Medi terranean (PAM), Ambassador Sergio Piazzi, at tlte OSCE Conference on Counterterrorism, lteld in Rome on 10-11 May 2018. OSCE-wide COUNTER-TERRORISM The event brought together top global and national CONFERENCE level experts mandated to combat the threat of terror ism from the 57 OSCE participating states, including lhe Reverse Row of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs): Challenges lor the OSCEAlea and Beyond from four PAM MENA countries. 10 - 11 May 2018 Rome taly Amb. Piazzi addressed the conference during the first session dedicated to international cooperation. The PAM Secretary General underscored the need to adopt harmoniously UN Security Council resolutions into national legislations across countries in order to facilitate international cooperati on to counter this threat. He further highlighted the ongoing cooperation between PAM the UN and the EU on strengthening the legal frameworks to combat the phenomenon of foreign fighters and radicalization. To sustain its work with the UN, PAM will also organize, jointly with the Pan-African parliament, a large parliamentary con ference hosted by the Parliament of Turkey next November, looking at the legislative strategies and policies of mass migra tions, security and terrorism, as these are issues, which are interconnected and are of critical importance to the Euro Mediterranean and the Sahel regions. The national parliaments of the CIS region will be invited to attend. The meeting in Rome focused on the latest evolution of the terrorist threat, which is posed by returning foreign fighters who survived the military and territorial losses suffered by ISIS and similar groups on the battlefields of Syria, Libya and Iraq. Enhanced information-sharing, border security, ongoing cyber recruitment and propaganda, human rights-compliant rehabilita tion and reintegration programmes were highlighted as the key measures needed to address the return or relocation of the for eign fighters and their families. The conference represented an excellent opportunity for bil ateral meetings with national, UN and EU counterparts, as well as representatives of the Ital ian and Norwegian parliaments.// Further discussions held for Russia to join J the Parliamentary Assembly of tlte Mediterranean Tile role ofthe Parliamentary Assembly ofthe Mediterranean (PAM) as the key platform ofthe Euro-Mediterranean region for parliamentary dialogue was discussed during a meeting behveen the PAM Secretary General, Amb. Sergio Piazzi, and H. E. Vladimir Malygin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malta. The meeting was held at the Russian Embassy in Malta 011 21 May2018. The mission of PAM was highlighted especially in light of the number of conflicts and security challenges, which the region is facing. The two ambassadors exchanged views on the issue of returning foreign fighters, as both the Mediterranean and CIS regions are highly affected by this phenomenon. Ambassador Piazzi went through the work that PAM is conducting on this issue in cooperation with the UN, with particular attention on the nexus between migration and security issues. With regards to terrorism, PAM will organize a meeting in Tur key in November. On this issue PAM wishes to associate also the Russian parliament and national parliaments of Central Asian countries. In addition to the long-standing friendly and fruitful cooperation between PAM and Russia, the process ofRussia to join PAM as an Associate Member was also discussed, with both sides agreeing to continue working towards this goal in time for the next PAM Plenary Session, which is to be held in Serbia next February. The upcoming Moscow Forum on Parliamentarism was also mentioned in light ofPAM participating with a hi gh-level delegation Jed by PAM President, Hon. Pedro Roque ofPortugal.// 8~ UNIQUE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARYASSEMBLIES IN THEE STABLISHMENT OF EFFECTIVE REGIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORKS TO COM BAT TERRORISM- PAM PRESIDENT HON. ROQUE The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) was among the international organizations participating at the High-level International Forum "Development of Parlimnentarism" organized by the Russian State Duma in Moscow on 4-5 June 2018. PAM was represented by President Hon. Pedro Roque of Portugal, President Emeritus Sen. Francesco Amoruso of Italy, Hon. Klodiana Spahiu of Albania and the Secretariat. The Forum brought together parliamentarians from over 90 countries, 20 Presidents and Vice-Presidents of national and international parliaments, as well as a number of senior experts to debate the role that par liamentary diplomacy plays in today' s international relations and how to further strengthen cooperation among parliaments around the world. Throughout the conference there was consensus among the partici pants about the critical role of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing current global challenges. President Roque addressed the Forum at the closing ceremony. In his statement, he highlighted concrete examples of successful parliamentary diplomatic efforts achieved by PAM as a regional platform, such as keeping a continuous and productive dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian delegations; offering good offices between European Institutions and the Parliament of Syria; promoting the process of national rec oncili ation in Libya; as well as supporting the efforts of the international community to commit Syrian senior officials to facilitate the unimpeded delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to civilians in con flict areas. The PAM delegates also actively participated in several roundtables and thematic sessions. In his address at the session on security, President Roque highlighted the role of parliamentary assemblies in the estab lishment of effective regional legal frameworks to combat terrorism. He noted that, through the joint work of PAM with key UN offices mandated to combat international terrorism, the need had been noted for greater synergy among national legislations to facilitate effective international cooperation on counter terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization. He added that this is best achieved through ensuring that national laws are in line with the provisions of relevant UN instruments, such as the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2396 on the returning of foreign fighters and deradicalisation. PAM delegates also held a number of fruitful bilateral meetings with representatives of the Russian Duma, Heads of regional parliamentary organisations, and Presidents of national parliaments to dis cuss the strengthening of ongoing and future cooperation with PAM in areas of common interests.// ·~ OSCE Ministers highlight the importance of Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean at their 25th Council Meeting Tlte 2Sh Ministerial Council of tlte Organization for Security and _ Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) took place in Milan 0 11 6-7 December 2018, hosted by the Italian Chairmanship, under tire leadership of Foreign Mil1ister Enzo M oavero Milanesi. r;Jr;][l[il At the Council. delegates discussed a comprehensive range of security issues relevant to the OSCE region, which spans from Vancouver to Vladivostok, and includes 57 participating States, plus a consistent num ber of partners and observers. ltaly20 18 Wh ile not all sessions could reach consensus, the conference addressed many strategic issues, namely Terrorism, the Western Balkans, Violence against women, the role of Youth, Trafficking of children. particularly unaccompanied minors and. of specific importance for PAM in view of its own future activities. Security and Migration. and Developments in the Mediterranean. PAM participated in the e\·ent with a high-level delegation composed of President Hon. Pedro Roque, Secretary General Ambassador Sergio Piazzi and President Emeritus Sen. Francesco Amoruso. The PAM dele gates followed actively the interventions of the ministers, as many of the issues discussed are relevant to the ongoing work of the Assembly and its three Standing Commiuees. Additionally. the OSCE Council represented an excellent opportunity -- for PAM delegates to meet and discuss with many representatives from OSCE States and partners, and participating international and region al organizations, to strengthen cooperation. In Milan, the OSCE Chairmanship was transferred from Italy to Slovakia. and Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak will lead the organization in 20 19. PAM delegates congratulated personally Minister Lajcak.. as he and the Assembly have already enjoyed an excellent cooperation dur ing his Presidency of the 72"d United Nations General Assembly.// The Black Sea and the Mediterranean have many challenges in common - Hon. Roberta Alma Anastase The Parliamentary Assembly of tire Mediterranean attended the Fifty-Second Plenary Session of tire PABSEC Gl!lleral Assem bly, which was held in Yerei'OII, 011 27-28 No vember 2018, upon the invitation of the National Assembly of tire Republic of A nne nia. Th e Yeret•an Session was attended by the parliamentary delegations of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaij011, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Mold01•a, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. The PAM delegation was made up ofHon. Roberta Alma Anastase (Romania) and mem ber of the Syrian parliamentary delegation. namely Hon. Dr. Ashwaq Abbas, Hon. Maher Khayata. Hon. Dr. Nora Arissian, Hon. MHO Jallal Darwish. Addressing the Session on behalf of PAM. Hon. Anastase underscored the cooperation between PABSEC and PAM recalling that challenges are global and must be addressed in a collective and comprehensive way. ·'All members of ours societies must give their contribution, and that is where inter-parliamentary relations can be effective: by exchanging information, lessons learned and best practises. In particular, PAM could implement some effective measures that PABSEC has adopted and put in place. and vice versa•·, Hon. Anastase added. PAM follows the initiatives ofPABSEC ''~th great attention and contributes because the Black Sea and the Mediterranean regions have many points in common: not only do they have some countries in common, but most importantly they face the san1e challenges. For thi s reason. a fruitful cooperation based on exchange of information and constant involvement in each other's activities becomes crucial. ''Parliamentary diplomacy has gained an increasingly important role in multilateral and international relations for a very simple reason: it has proven to be effective in several domains. PAM strongly believes in the effectiveness ofjoining forces, and looks forward to further progress also in its cooperation with PABSEC in the near future··, Hon. Anastase concluded.// 10 ~ PAM- An excellent platform for international seminar on the UN Protocol against firearms PAM Roving Ambassador and Senior Advi sor on Counterterrorism, Amb. Jean-Paul Laborde, represented PAM at the Interna tional Conference on Countering Illicit Arms Trafficking in the Context of Fighting International Terrorism, organ ised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and held in Mos cow on 3-4 September 2018. The conference, which brought together 132 participants from 25 countries and I 0 inter national organisations, focused on strength ening international cooperation to stop ille gal arms from reaching the hands of terrorist groups. Speaking on behalf of PAM, Amb. Laborde, recalling the unique contribution by the Assembly to the global effort on Counter Terrorism, raised a number of specific issues related to the nexus of illegal arms trafficking, terrorism, and transnational crime. He highlighted a number of concrete examples of this interconnection, such as the destabilisation of the Sahel region by terrorist groups using weapons stolen in Libya, and the sharp rise of weapon smug gling in 2013 between Syria and neighbouring countries, which was linked directly with a massive in crease in ISIS activity of that same year. He went on to highlight that while the link between arms trafficking, transnational criminal groups, and terrorism is quite evident, the international cooperation in criminal matters to tackle these issues compre hensively is still not adequate. He indicated two key reasons for this. At the national level, counter-terrorism units of law enforcement agencies are not the same as anti-organised crime units, because ofthe so-called political aspect of terror ism. Additionally, at the international level, the conventions and protocols against these activities are also different. As a concrete tool to reinforce international cooperation on this matter, he emphasised the benefits ofthe "Protocol against illicit manufacturing and trafficking in firearms", which is an addition to the United Nations Con vention against Transnational Organized Crime (TOC). At this time, the protocol still has a reduced number of ratifications compared to other TOC instruments, and that unfortunately there are political and technical hesitation to enforce this instrument. Recalling the address by PAM Secretary General at a side event of the UN General Assembly on links between transitional crime and terrorism in Africa, he proposed that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterrane an, as already done for other international instruments, should and could represent an excellent platform to hold a dedicated seminar on the use of this Protocol and other instruments to address this issue. Such a meeting would be coordinated closely with UN CTED, UNODC, and UN OCT, as the key agencies mandated to tackle the issues of both terrorism and trans national crime, and such an event could fut1her promote dialogue between parliamentarians, law enforcement representatives, UN and EU experts, prosecutors and the judiciary, to exchange views and strategies on the use of international instruments to fight arms trafficking and terrorism.// 11 ~ PAM to build on the outcome of the Bali Conference on Sustainable Development to en hance debate among Mediterranean MPs The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) participated at the 2m/ World Parliamentary Forum on "Sustainable Development Partnership Towards Sustainable Energies for All", held in Bali 011 12-13 September am/ hosted by the Parliament ofIndonesia. Parliamentarians from 46 countries attended tile event. The Bali event targeted specific sub-topics which are fundamental to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, such as cit ies development, education and teclmology and the role ofwomen. PAM was represented by Vice President Hon. Bilal Qasem, who addressed the conference and underlined the long standing commitment that the Assembly has always attached to the issue of sustainable development, since its establishment. Hon. Qasem recalled the many initiatives carried out by PAM on topics related to sustainable development, such as climate change, renewable energy, waste management, food security and transport. In his conclusions, Hon. Qasem reaffirmed PAM' s intention to give its contribution in the international arena, and stated that PAM will build on the main outcome of the Bali event to trigger an open, fruitful debate among Mediterranean MPs in order to ''contributing to make concrete steps ahead on the pa1h of sustainable development, from all perspectives, keeping in mind that sustainable development is a multi-faceted issue which requires a comprehensive, multi-subject approach ". In the document released at the end of the conference, parliamentarians committed themselves to do their utmost to raise awareness on the importance of the SDGs 2030 and affirm their intention to follow up the outcomes of the event at a national level, as well as to establish the adequate mechanism, within their national parliaments, to work closely in cooperation with governments. In particular the parliamentarians agreed to: Scale up effOJts to raise awareness among parliaments in each participating countries on the imp01tance of SDGs achievement; Establish the necessary mechanism to work closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the effective parlia mentary functions on legislation, budgeting, and oversight in accordance with the national SDGs roadmap; Take follow up actions to the outcomes of WPFSD both at the national and international levels in partnership with other parliamentarians, de velopment pattners, and relevant stakeholders; Continue regular holdings of WPFSD as the key global parliamentarian forum to facilitate exchange of views, knowledge, and best practices towards the achievement of SDGs 2030. PAM's Parliamentary Diplomacy a vital element in challenges facing the Mediterranean - Hon. Dragica Roscic Parliamentarians from the Euro-Mediterranean region together with intemational organi- r-..... zations, high-/eve/national officials, and top experts in the field of security gathered in Du brovnik on 6 November 20/B,for the parliamentary conference dedicated to "Building dem ocratic security in the Mediterranean: common challenges, shared responsibility". The meeting was organized by the Parl iamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Croatian Parliament. "ld((.._"""" . ~"""""...... ~ C..-r 6lltl.f:?lf••,..... fi."",_._*'&PU The discussion focused on the role of parliamentarians in fostering "democratic security" which is a comprehensive approach rooted in resilient democratic institutions, independent PARLI• '-IENTARYCONFERENtE judiciary, strong civil society, and robust freedoms of expression and association among others. CO f fNC! PARL!MfN!AJRI The Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) was represented by the Head of the Croatian Delegation to PAM, Hon. Dragica Roscic, who addressed the meeting during d1e First Session dedicated to "Challenges to the stability in the Mediterranean". During this session the discussion centred on how to respond to a number of challenges, inclu- ding combating terrorism, migration crisis management and human rights protection, and how to find solutions to ensure peace and prosperity for all Mediterranean countries. The participants agreed that despite the many threats in the Mediterranean there is a need for joint action in preserving peace and stability, because the security of Europe also depends on the security of its neighbouring coun tries. Ln her speech Hon. Rosci<: focused on the conflicts in Syria and Libya, and to the long standing Israeli-Palestinian crisis, as the key sources of instability in the region. She further outlined the eff01ts of PAM to utilize parliamentary diplomacy to support the efforts of national reconciliation in Libya and SyTia, which include constitutional reforms and inclusive and transparent elections. On the situation in the Middle East, she further highlighted the valuable role of parliamentary diplomacy, wh ich has allowed PAM to respond to a request for assistance by the UN, and faci litate the dispatch of medical aid to Gaza, by working with its delegates from Israel and Palestine. She concluded referring to the challenges posed to the region by violent extremism, radicalization, returning Foreign Terrorist Fight ers and Mass Migrations.// 12 ~ PAM President calls for immediate resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process PAM President, Hon. Pedro Roque and Secretary General, Amb. Sergio Piazzi participated at the 21" Conference of the A rab Inter-Parliamentary Union, held at the Egyptian Parliament in Cairo, on 5 April 2018. The Conference addressed the current Arab situation; political, social, financial and eco nomic affairs and parliamentary relations. - In his statement, the PAM President con gratulated President Sisi on the favourab le outcome of the Presidential elections and 1"""!11-IJ expressed to th e people of Egypt his satis faction for the transparency of the electoral process, as testified by the PAM's observa tion mission during the presidential elec tions. Hon. Roque then called on all participants to join forces to ensure that the Palestinian Israeli peace process is resumed in a con crete way in full respect of the UN Security Council Resolutions, the Oslo Peace Agree ments and the Arab Initiative. He continued by stressing the common challenges that PAM and the Arab IPU member countries share, such as socio economic issues, security, the fight again st terrorism, as well as violent extremisms, mass migrations, and climate change. Hon Roque concluded by inviting the Arab IPU to sign a MoU with PAM in order to fo rmalize the already existing relations and cooperation between the two Assemblies. The conference was also be attended by the President of the Arab Parli amentary Union, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Morocco, Habib AI Malki, the Speaker of the Egyptian Council of Representatives, Dr. Ali Abdei-Al, and the speakers of the parliaments, councils and heads of regional and internati onal organizations. The final statement issued at the end of the conference affirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue for all Arab nations, reiterating their support for the Palestinian people in order to establish an inde pendent State in accordance with the international resolutions and agreements. The statement also stressed the importance of fighting against terrorism in all its forms in the Arab countries, and the sup port to the Arab countries hosting refugees, and indicated constructive dialogue as a way to resolve dis putes and conflicts. On the margins of the conference, the PAM delegation held bilateral meetings with the Secretary General ofthe Egyptian Parliament, the Councilor Ahmed Saad Eddin Mohamed, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives ofMorocco and President of the Arab JPU, H.E. Hon. Habib El Mall 13~ The Republic ofSan Marino joins PAM as a full member 1 On the occasion of the JZ ' Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, being held in Bucharest, a symbolic ceremony was held to mark the accession of the Republic of San Marino as a full member ofPAM. The Head of the San Marino Delegation to PAM, Hon. Mara Valentini, thanked the Bureau and the Assembly for the official accession in line with the agreement reached in 2017. In a brief speech Hon Valentini recalled the century old history of San Marino where peace and liberty were always central to its administration. Although a small state, San Marino has always supported peace keeping and regional stability among its core activities. San Marino believes synergies need to be devel oped in order to address these challenges and San Marino wants to contribute to dialogue on major issues. "Sharing is the very basis of democracy together with an open dialogue in all segments of civil society for all the people in the Mediterranean region.// PAM Secretary General stresses role ofParliamentary Diplomacy in the Euro-Mediterraean region Senior military officers together with representatives from some ofthe highest levels ofthe European and NATO institutional, academic and industrial sectors participated at the TechNet Europe Confer ence 2018, with the theme "Challenging the Situational Awareness on the Sea -from Sensors to Ana lytics". The event took place on took place on 6-7 November in Naples, Italy and was organized by AFCEA Europe, under the patronage ofthe Italian Ministry ofDefense. With regards to PAM of particular interest were the presentations about the Strategic Vision ofthe Italian Defence about the Euro-Mediterranean region, and those about the NATO's Adaptation Process and the EU as a Global Security Provider. PAM Secretary General, Amb. Sergio Piazzi, was among the key-note speakers during the high-level seg ment. In his speech, he focused on the role of parliamentary diplomacy in relation to ongoing crises in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Amb. Piazzi highlighted that the Mediterranean ba sin is a space of strategic significance to the entire MIGRATORY FLOW FROM 5=.~_H_E_L_..;::::;:::;;;:;;_...- northern hemisphere. Security in the Mediterranean is complex and closely related to the solution of lasting regional conflicts, mass migrations, terror .- Political instability ism, transnational crime, trade wars, economic and Economic fragility commercial integration. Within this context, there is ------a strong need for increased international cooperation J Climate chan=-ge__ _ and coherence at the policy level. Poverty He further noted that the role of international parlia Transnational crime ments is critical, and PAM works to bring policy makers together with a wide array of international and regional ·stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities. The event further served as an opportunity for PAM to strengthen its understanding of and cooperation with a number of European securi ty actors, namely the JFC Naples Southern Hub.// 14 ~ PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ASSEMBLEE PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA MEDITERRANEE .l,___.,ji.Ji <.J'o--.!!~1 ~ 'L,JW.Jill ~I PERSONAL INFORMATION SHEET -INFORMATIONS PERSONELLES In order for the PAM Secretariat to update its database and to assist delegates in an efficient manner, we would kindly ask you to fill in the below form and hand it back to a member of the PAM Secretariat, together with your personal business card. Afin que le Secretariat de /'APM mette ajour sa base de donnees et puisse assister /es de/egues au mieux, nous vous serions reconnaissants de bien vouloir remplir ce formulaire et dele remettre a un membre du Secretariat, avec votre carte de visite. NAME I PRENOM SURNAME NOM DE FAMILLE TITLE FONCT/ON ORGANIZATION TELEPHONE MOBILE I PORTABLE FAX EMAIL BESIDES PAM? IF SO, PLEASE INDICATE WHICH ONE(S) ETES VOUS MEMBRE D'UNE DELEGATION NATIONALE AUPRES D'UNE ORGANISATION REG/ONALE/INTERNATIONALE AUTRE QUE L'APM? 51 OUt, MERCI DE PRECISER LA/LESQUEL(LE}S Your Excellency Secretary-General of the Parliamentary Assembly of t he Mediterranean, Ambassador Sergio Piazzi Sao Bento Pa lace, 25 January 2019 Dear Mr Secretary-General, The Assembly of the Republic is hon oured to submit the candidacy of Member of Parliament Pedro Roque as the next President of the Standing Committee on Political and Security-related Cooperation (First Standing Committee) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean. Member of Parliament Pedro Roque is an esteemed Member of the Assembly of the Republic, over which I have the hono ur of presiding. He is re cognised by his peers (from his own political party and the opposition), not only for the intense work which he has performed over the years in such dive rse fie lds as Finance and Foreign Trade, but also for the rigour he has always succeeded in bringing to parliamentary debate. Member of Parliament Pedro Roque is the cu rrent President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, finishi ng his term of office this year. His commitment to this position sho uld be emp hasised, specifically regarding the consolidation of the role of the Organisation as one of the key actors in parliamentary diplomacy in the Mediterran ean region. Also, previously, as President of the Standing Committee on Econom ic, Social and Environmental Cooperation, he has always played a very active role in the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, as well as the pmmotioo aod protectioo of the ecoo omic i oterests of Mediterraoeao cou otries. ~ For the principles which he has always upheld, the causes to which he has QUALIFICATIONS 2013- 2015 ceaselessly dedicated him self, the values which have always governed his civic, Member of Parlia ment, Social-Democratic Pa rty (PSD) I Portuguese Parliament, Lisbon parliamentary and political action, I have the greatest respect and esteem for 1995 (Portugal) I Legislative activity. Standing Mist er Pedro Roque, recognising in him many diverse qualities. Post-grad uation in Educational Multimedia Com mittee on Labour and Social Security, Communication, Universidade Aberta, Lisbon Standing Committee on Budget, Finance and I wo uld also like to add that the Portuguese Parliament is a founding member (Portugal) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, havi ng even been the Administrative Modernisation and European 1993 Affairs Standing Com mittee first t o chair the First Standing Committee on Political an d Security-related Post-graduation in History teaching, Feb 2013 - Aug 2013 Cooperation. Universidade Lusiada, Lisbon (Portugal) Secretary of State for Employment, Govern ment 1987 At a time when the situation of the Southern Mediterranean countries calls of Portugal, Lisbon (Portugal) Bachelor in History, Universidade Lusiada, 2011 - 2013 for firm and effective action, and given the importance of reaffirming the Lisbon (Portugal) centuries-old significance which the Mediterranean Sea has always held in Member of Pa rliament, Social-Democratic Party (PSD) I Portuguese Parliament, Lisbon uniting peoples and cultures, I am sure that Portugal is capable of ma king an (Portugal) I Legislative activity. Standing enormously important contribution to the advancement of our Organisation, as WORK EXPERIENCE Committee on Labour and Social Security, well as to the peace, security, democracy and progress of our countries. Standing Committee on Budget, Finance and Administrative Modernisation and European I would also like to inform yo u that the Assembly of the Republic has taken 2017 - Present Affairs Standing Committee the necessary measures to ensure that it can provide adequate administrative President of PAM - Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean 2011 - Present support t o the next President of the Standing Committee on Political and 2018 - Present Leader of the TSD Board -Social Democrat Security-related Cooperation (First Standing Committee) of the Parliamentary Member of the Scientific Committee of GERM Workers Movement I TSD - Trabalhadores Assembly of the Mediterranean. - Groupement d'Etudes et de Recherches sur La Social-Democrata s, Lisbon (Portugal) 2009 - 2011 I hope that the Members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean Mediterranee, Rabat (Morocco) Deputy Secretary-General, UGT, General Union support this candidacy. 2018 - Present Member of the Presidium of the Eu ropean of Workers, Lisbon (Portugal) I Executive. Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration. Union of Christian Democratic Workers Responsible for the Health, Ed ucation and (EUCDW) Social Security Departments Business or Sector Trade-Uni ons 2015 - Present Member of Parliament, Social-Democratic 2004- 2011 Party (PS D), Portuguese Parliament, Lisbon Member of the TSD Board - Social Democrat (Portuga l) I Standing Committee on Labour Workers Movement I TSD - Trabalhadores and Social Security, National Defence Standing Social-Democratas, Lisbon (Portugal) I Committee (Coordinator) Executive Secretary 2015 - 2017 2005- 2009 Vice-President of PAM- Parliamentary Opposition Council Member, Almada City Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues Assembly of the Mediterranean and Council Govern ment, Social-Democratic Party The Presid ent of the Assembly of the Repub lic President of the Second Standing Committee (PSD) I City Council Government, Almada {)o on Economic, Social and Environmental (Portugal) I No assigned activity Cooperation y 2005 PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF 5 November 2018 21 - 22 June 2018 Candidate for Mayor (PSD), Almada (Portugal) THE MEDITERRANEAN ACTIVITIES Chairing the PAM Bureau Meeting, Assembleia Participation in the Joint UN/PAM Seminar on 2002 - 2005 da Republica, Lisbon (Portugal) Human Rights for PAM MPs, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Member of Parliament, Social-Democratic 23 - 24 January 2019 25 October 2018 Party (PSD), Portuguese Parliament, Lisbon Signature of a Memorandum of Understanding Working lunch with the Speaker of the Chambre Geneva (Switzerland) (Portugal) I Legislative activity. Standing between PAM and the Shura Council of Qatar des Representants of the Kingdom of Morocco, 4 - 5 June 2018 Committee on Labour and Social Security, PSD and meetings with the Speaker of the Shura Lisbon (Portugal) Delivering a speech at the event Internationa l Deputy-Coordinator until 2004 and Coordinator and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of 16 - 17 October 2018 Forum on Development of Parliamentarism, 2004/ 05 Qatar, Doha (Qatar) Delivering a speech at the 139th General organised by the State DUMA, Moscow (Russian Federation) 1998 - 2001 18 January 2019 Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Trainer, Ministry of Education I Teachers Participation in the 15th Meeting of Ministers Geneva (Switzerland) 26 - 27 May 2018 Training Programme in ICT (Information and of Foreign Affairs of the 5+5 Western 8 - 14 October 2018 Participation in the NATO PA (Parliamentary Communication Technologies) mostly on Mediterranean Dialogue, themed "Working Delivering a speech at the Global Parliamentary Assembly) Spring Session, Warsaw (Poland) Multimedia Hypertext, webpage building Together: A Sustainable Future fo r the Western Network of the World Bank Group and 16- 17 April 2018 1997 - 2005 Mediterranean", La Valletta (Malta) International Monetary Fund, a side event of Delivering a speech at the Global Parliamentary Representative in the Almada City Council 17 January 2019 the Annual Meetings of the WBG and IMF, Nus a Network of the World Bank Group and Assembly, Social-Democratic Party (PSD), City Chairing the 8th High-Level Meeting of the Dua, Bali (Indonesia) International Monetary Fund, a side event Council Assembly, Almada (Portugal) I Member Parliaments of t he 5+5 Western Mediterranean 25 - 30 Septemb er 2018 of the Spring Meetings of the WBG and IMF, of the Standing Committee on Education Dialogue Member States, La Valletta (Malta) Leading the PAM delegation to the High-Level Washington DC (USA) 1990 - 2009 10 - 11 December 2018 Segment in the 73'd United Nations General 13 April 2018 Deputy Secretary-General, SINDEP - Teachers Delivering a speech at the UN Assembly with several bilateral meetings with Leading the High-Level PAM Mission to the UN National and Democratic Trade Union, Lisbon Intergovernmental Conference on the Global UN Agencies regarding Mediterranean issues, HQ with several bilateral meetings including a (Portugal) I Executive, collective bargaining Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular UN HQ, New York (USA) private audience with UN SG Antonio Guterres, 1989 - Present Migration (GCM), Marrakesh (Morocco) 12 - 13 June 2018 New York (USA) High-School Teacher, Mi nistry of Education, 6 - 7 December 2018 Co-Chairing the PAM 2"d SC joint PAM/ WTO 5 - 6 April 2018 Lisbon (Portugal) I History teaching in several Participation in the 25th Meeting of the OSCE trade facilitation and investment in the Delivering a speech at the Arab Inter schools Ministerial Council, Milan (Italy) Western Balkans, Serbian Parliament, Belgrade -Parliamentary Plenary Session, Cairo (Egypt) (Serbia) 1988 - 1989 24 November 2018 3 - 4 April 2018 Sergeant, Portuguese Army at the Special Keynote Speaker at the Conference 7 - 10 June 2018 Delivering a speech at the Conference Diversity Operations Training Centre, Lamego (Portugal); "Problematiques actuelles de La Mediterranee", Participation in the 27thAnnua l Session of the in Unity and Fundamental Freedoms for the Special Forces Brigade HQ, Pedrour;os, GERM, Rabat (Morocco) OSCE PA (Organization for Security and Co Christians and Muslims in the Middle East: Lisbon (Portugal) and at the "Commandos" operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly), A Conference for Parliamentary Dialogue of 19 - 20 November 2018 Regiment, Amadora (Portugal) Commander German Bundestag, Berlin (Germany) the lAO - Inter- Parliamentary Assem bly on I Delivering a speech at the 8th Global Forum of of one of the Quick Reaction Force at the HQ the UN Alliance of Civilizations, New York (USA) 25 - 29 June 2018 Orthodoxy, Beirut (Lebanon) facilities Delivering a speech and participation in the 27 - 28 March 2018 16 - 19 November 2018 25th General Assembly of the lAO Inter Leading the PAM Monitoring Mission to the Participation in the 64th Annual Session of the -Parliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy, Egyptian Presidential Elections and Meeting NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Halifax (Canada) Athens (G reece) with Hamdi Posa, Deputy Minister of Foreign{M Affairs, Cairo (Egypt) '/ 24 - 26 March 2018 24 - 25 October 2017 4- 6 July 2017 27 - 28 March 2017 Meetings with officials of t he National Participation in the 2017 OSCE Mediterranean Delivering a speech at the Spring Session of Delivering a speech at the Plenary Session Electoral Committee, Cairo (Egypt) Conference, Palermo (Italy) the 49th General Assembly, Istanbul (Turkey) and Meeting of t he Political Committee on 27 February 2018 13 October 2017 20- 21 June 2017 Countering Terrorism, Inter-Parliamentary Meeting with Nabil Abuzanid, Ambassador of Working Lunch with the USA Ambassador Delivering a speech at the Special Meeting on Assembly of Member Nations of the Palestine in Lisbon, Lisbon (Portugal) in Lisbon and Admiral Michelle Howard (US International Judicial and Law Enforcement Commonwealth of Independent States, Saint Navy), Commandant of the Naples Joint Force Petersburg (Russian Federation) 15 - 16 Febru ary 2018 Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism Matters Chairing the 12th PAM Annual Plenary Session, Comma nd of NATO, Lisbo n (Portugal) pursuant to Security Council resolution 2322 16 Marc h 2017 Bucharest (Romania) 3 - 5 October 2017 (2016) and Other Relevant Counci l resolutions, Working Lunch with the Turkish Ambassador in 10 - 12 Febru ary 2018 Keynote Speaker on the panel of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Lisbon (Portugal) Mediterranean Forum at the OSCE PA Leading the High-Level Mission to Cairo with Directorate (CTED), UN HQ, New York (USA) 23 - 24 February 2017 bilateral meetings and participation in the 3'd (Organization for Security and Co-operation ll'h PAM Plenary Session, Chairing the 2"d 9 - 10 June 2017 Arab Parliament's Speakers Conference, Cairo in Europe Parliamentary Assembly) Autumn Standing Committee as Vice-President and Delivering a speech at the 4th Plenary Session (Egypt) Meeting, Andorra la Vella (Andorra) Election as PAM President, Porto (Portugal) of the SEECP PA (South East European 22 - 25 Ja nua ry 2018 17 - 23 September 2017 27 - 28 February 2017 Cooperation Process Parliamentary Assembly), Participation in the Plenary Session of t he Leading the PAM delegation to t he High-Level Visit of a delegation from the Parliamentary Zagreb (Croatia) PACE (Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Segment in the 72th United Nations General Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) of the 2 June 2017 Europe), Strasbourg (France) Assembly including a private audience with Parliamen tary dialogue group 5 + 5 and Seminar Delivering a speech at the Seminar Managing 20 - 21 January 2018 the UNGA President Miroslav Lajcak and several on Fighting terrorism and violent extremism in Migration, Avoiding Populism, Building Chairing the 7th High-Level Meeting of the bi lateral meetings with UN Agencies regarding t he Mediterranean: What cooperation between Parliaments of the 5+5 Dialogue Member Mediterranean issues, UN HQ, New York (USA) Inclusive Societies and Reinforcing t he North the two banks?, Rabat (Morocco) States of Western Mediterranean: Promoting -South Dialogue, North-South Centre of the 6 - 8 September 2017 15 December 2016 Inclusive, Shared and Sustainable Economic Leading the PAM High -Level Mission to Council of Europe, Lisbon (Portugal) PAM High-Level Meeting on Interreligious and Social Development, considering the the Serbian Parliament including a private 15 May 2017 Dialogue to Counter Violent Extremism, Italian common cha llenges in the region, Algiers audience with Speaker Maja Gojkovic and a Leading the PAM High-Level Mission to the Senate, Rome (Italy) (Algeria) Lecture at the Institute for International Genera l Council of the Republic of San Marino 4 - 5 October 2016 8 January 2018 Politics and Economics, Belgrade (Serbia) and private audience with the «Capitaini Parliamentary Workshop at the World Bank and Working visit to the UfM Secretariat (Union for 3 - 5 September 2017 Regente» (head of state), (San Marino) the International Monetary Fund - Participation the Mediterranean) Barcelona (Spain) Keynote Speaker on the panel of the Working 8 May 2017 on behalf of PAM, Washington DC (USA) 24 November 2017 Group on Migration and Integration at the 26th Participation and delivering a speech at the 4th 11 July 2016 Meeting with the Israel Embassy, Lisbon Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) Plenary Session of the Pan-African Parliament. PA M's 30th Bureau Meeting - Participation, (Portugal) - Innovative Science, Sustainable Tourism - Participation and Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Midrand (South Africa) Rabat (Morocco) 16 - 17 November 2017 1 - 2 June 2016 Opening and closing speech at the Conference Region, Hamburg (Germany) 30 - 31 March 2017 for Parlia ments from the European Union 15 - 19 Ju ly 2017 Chairing the Seminar Evaluation of the role High-Level seminar on economic diaspora and from the Mediterranean Region jointly Leading the PAM High -Level Mission to the of national parliaments in promoting States mobi lisation in the Mediterranean - Speaker on organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Midd le East with bilateral meetings with the implementation of the United Nations Secu rity beha lf of PAM, Beirut (Lebanon) the Parliament of Malta and the Parliamentary authorities (Govern ment, Parliament and Council's resolutions on Terrorism and Foreign 18 - 19 February 2016 Assembly of the Mediterranean, La Valletta UN agencies), Amman (Jordan) Ramallah Terrorist Fighters, UNODC - PAM, Rome (Italy) PAM 10th Plenary Session - Delegate, Tirana {1 (Malta) (Palestine) and Jerusalem (Israel) (Albania) \j{ 19 February 2016 Permanent Representative of Morocco; United A l'attention de Monsieur High-Level debate on economic and Nations Development Programme (UNDP) le Secretaire general de l'Assemblee parlementaire de La Mediterranee, Administrator; UN Secretary-General's High environmental challenges in the Mediterranean L'ambassadeur Sergio Piazzi -Chair, included in PAM's lO th Plenary Session, Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Tirana (Albania) (UNAOC) and Permanent Representative of J 19 February 2016 the Russian Federation to the UN in New York, \ PAM's 29th Bureau Meeting - Participation, Vitaly Churkin, New York (USA) Tirana (Albania) 9 - 14 Novem ber 2013 Palais de Sao Bento, le 25 janvier 2019 14 - 15 May 2015 PAM Middle East Mission - Participation, International Seminar Protection of World Jordan, Palestine (West Bank) and Israel Cultural Heritage Threatened with Destruction 23 January 2013 - Participation, Rabat (Morocco) PAM's Observation Tea m to the Jordanian 21 - 22 April 2015 Elections - Participation, Amman (Jordan) Monsieur le Secretaire general, UN Alliance of Civilizations' High-Level Debate 15 Nove mber 2012 on Promoting Tolerance and Reconciliation: 14th MEDREG General Assembly - Speaker on L'Assemblee de la Repu bliq ue a l'honneur de presenter La ca ndidature de Monsieur Fostering, Peaceful, Inclusive Societies and beha lf of PAM, Lisbon (Portugal) le Depute Pedro Roq ue en tant que prochain President de La Com mission Countering Violent Extremism - Partici pation 12 - 13 October 2012 on behalf of PAM, UN Headquarters, New York PAM 7th Plenary Session - Delegate, (Malta) permanente de La Cooperation politique region ale et questions de securite (1. ,. (USA) 29 June 2012 Commission) de l'Assemblee parlementaire de la Mediterranee. 2 - 4 February 2015 PAM Panel on External Trade and Investments Monsieur le Depute Pedro Roque est un illustre membre de l'Assemb lee de PAM 9th Plenary Session - Delegate (Monaco) in the Mediterranean, towards a sustainable La Republique, que j'ai l'hon neur de presider, etant reconnu par ses pairs (d u 10 - 11 Novem be r 2014 economic development in the Mediterranean International Panel on Women Victimized by Region - Participation, Lisbon (Portugal) meme domaine politique et des domaines opposes), non seulement par le travail Civil War - Speaker on behalf of PAM, organised 29 October 2011 intense realise au fil des annees dans des domaines aussi divers que les Finances by KADEMA in Gaziantep, Turkey, and visit to PAM 6th Plenary Session - Delegate, Palermo ou les Affaires etrangeres mais aussi par La rigueur qu 'il a toujours ete capable the refugees camps (Italy) d'insuffler dans le debat parlementaire. 19 - 20 January 2014 Monsieur le Depute Pedro Roque est l'actuel President de l'Assemblee PAM gth Plenary Session - Delegate, Marseille (France) ~ parlementaire de La Mediterranee et termine son mandat cette annee. Je 3 - 6 December 2013 I voudrais souligner son engagement a ce paste, surtout dans La consolidation PAM High-Level Mission to New York - .. du role de l'organisation en tant qu'un des principaux acteurs de La di plomatie Participation, meetings with the UN Secretary parlementaire dans la region mediterraneenne. -General, UN Under-Secretary-General for ' Political Affairs; UN Under-Secretary-General Il a aussi, anterieurement, en tant que President de La Commission permanente for Peacekeeping Operations; UN Under de cooperation economique, sociale et environ nementale, t oujours participe -Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs; de maniere tres active dans les activites de l'Assemblee parlementaire de La Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Mediterranee et dans La projection et La defense des interets economiques des Western Sahara; Chairman of the UN Security pays de la Mediterranee. touncil Counter-Terrorism Committee and ~ En raiso n des principes qu'il a toujours defendu, des causes auxquelles il s'est EDUCATION ET FORMATION 2013 - 2015 dedie en permanence, des va leurs qui ant t oujours regi son action civique, Depute du pa rti social-democrate (PSD), Parlement portugais, Lisbonne (Portugal) parlementaire et politique, j'ai la plus grande consideration et estime envers 1995 I Activite legislative. Commission perma nente Dipliime de troisieme cycle de communication Monsieur le Depute Pedro, reconnaissant en lui des qualites nombreuses et du travail et de La secu rite sociale, Commission educative multimedia, Universidade Aberta, diverses. permanente du budget, des fina nces et de La .;, Lisbonne (Portugal) modernisation administrative et Commission De plus, le Parlement portugais est un membre fondateur de l'Assemblee 1993 permanente des Affaires europeennes parlementaire de la Mediterranee, ayant d'ailleurs assume le premier mandat de Dipliime de troisieme cycle dans l'enseignement Fev. 2013 - aout 2013 1 de l'histoire, Universidade Lusiada, la 1 '• Commission permanente de cooperation politique et de securite. Secretaire d'Etat charge de l'Emploi, Lisbonne (Portugal) Gouvernement du Portugal, Lisbonne A un moment oil la situation des pays du sud de la Mediterranee nous convoque 1987 (Portugal) a une action determin ee et efficace et conscients de l'i nteret de reaffi rmer Licence en histoire, Universidade Lusiada, 2011 - 2013 ['i mportance millenaire qu e la Mer Mediterranee a toujours assume dans l'union Lisbonne (Portugal) Depute du parti social-democrate (PSD), des peuples et de leurs cultures, je suis sur que le Portugal pourra apporter sa Parlement portugais, Lisbonne (Portugal) I Activite legislative. Commission permanente co ntribution, d'une grande importance, a l'avancee de notre Organisation, ainsi EXPERIENCE PROFESSJONNELLE du travai l et de La securite so ciale, Co mmission qu'a la paix, la securite, la democratie et le progres dans nos pays. permanente du budget, des fi nances et de La modernisation administrative et Commission Je souhaite egalement vous fai re part que l'Assemblee de la Republique a mi s 2017 - Present permanente des Affaires europeennes en place les mesures necessaires pour s'assurer qu'elle po urra fournir le soutien President de l'APM - Assemblee parlementaire De 2011 - Present de La Mediterranee admi nistratif adequat au prochain President de la Commission permanente Chef du conseil du TSD - Mouvement des de la Cooperation politique regionale et questions de securite de l'Assemblee 2018 - Present travai lleurs sociaux-democrates I TSD - parlementaire de la Mediterranee. Mem bre de La Commission scientifique du GERM Travailleurs sociaux-democrates, Lisbonne -Groupement d'Etudes et de Recherches sur La (Portugal) J'espere que les membres de l'Assemblee parlementaire de la Mediterranee Mediterranee, Rabat (Maroc) 2009- 2011 soutiendront cette candidature. 2018 - Present Secretaire genera l adjoint UGT, Syndicat Membre du Presidium de l'Union europeenne general des travailleurs, Li sbonne Je vous prie d'agreer, Monsieu r le President, ['expression de man profond des travailleurs chretiens democrates (EUCDW) (Portugal) I Executif. Dirigeant, responsable respect, ,. 2015 - Present des departements de La sante, de ['ed ucation Depute du parti social-democrate (PSD), et de La securite sociale I Syndicat du secteur Parlement portugais, Lisbonne (Portugal) I des entreprises 2004- 2011 b Commission permanente du travail et de La securite sociale, Commission perma nente de la Chef du conseil du TSD- Mouvement des Defense nationa le (coordinateur) travailleurs sociaux-democrates I TSD - 2015 - 2017 Travailleurs sociaux-democrates, Lisbonne (Portugal) I Secretaire executif Vice-president de l'A PM - Assemblee parlementaire de La Mediterranee et president 2005 - 2009 de La deuxieme Commission perma nente Membre du consei l de !'opposition, Conseil Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues de cooperation economique, sociale et municipal de La ville d'Almada, parti social- rw Le President de l'Assemblee de La Rep ublique environnementa le -democrate (PS D) I Conseil municipal de ~I la ville, Almada (Portuga l) I Sans activite ACTIVITES DE L'ASSEMBLEE 5 novembre 201S 21 - 22 juin 201S assignee PARLEMENTAIRE DE LA President de la Reu nion du bureau de l'APM, Participation au Seminaire conjoint ONU I 2005 MEDITERRANEE Assembleia da Republica, Lisbonne {Portugal)) APM sur les droits de l'homme a ['intention Candidat a la Mairie (PSD), Almada (Portugal) 25 octobre 201S des deputes de l'APM, Haut-com missariat des 2002- 2005 Dejeuner de travail avec le president de La Nations Unies aux droits de l'homme (HCD H), 23 - 24 janvier 2019 Geneve (Suisse) ~ Chambre des representants du Royaume du Depute du parti social-democrate (PSD), Signature d'un memorandum d'accord entre Maroc, Lisbonne (Portugal) 4 - 5 juin 201S Parlement portugais, Lisbonne (Portuga l) I l'APM et le Conseil de la Choura du Qatar et Orateur lors de la manifestation « Forum Activite legislative. Commission permanente reunions avec le president de la Choura et le 16 - 17 octobre 201S international sur le developpement du du travail et de la securite sociale, ministre des Affaires etrangeres du Qatar a Orateur lors de la 1391m' Assemblee generate de parlementarisme », organisee par Douma coo rdinateur-adjoint du PSD jusqu'en 2004 et Doha (Qatar) l'Union interparlementaire, Geneve (Suisse) coordi nateur en 2004105 d'Etat Moscou (Federation de Russie) 1S janvier 2019 S - 14 octobre 201S 199S - 2001 26 - 27 mai 201S Participation a la 15eme Reunion des ministres Orateur lors de la Reunion du « Reseau Formateur, Ministere de l'education Participation a la Session de printemps de I des affaires etrangeres du Dialogue 5+5 sur parlementaire sur la Banque mondiale et le l'AP-OTAN (Assemblee parlementaire), Varsovie Programme de formation des enseigna nts en la Mediterranee occidentale, sur le theme FMI », a l'evenement parallele des « Assemblees (Pologne) TIC (Technologies de l'information et de la « Travailler ensemble : Un avenir durable pour la annuelles des Conseils des gouverneurs du communication) principalement en multimedia Mediterranee occidentale », La Valette (Matte) Fonds monetai re international {FMI) et du 16 - 17 avril 201S hypertexte, construction de pages web 17 janvier 2019 Groupe de la Banque mondia le », Nusa Dua, Orateur devant le Reseau parlementaire 1997 - 2005 Bali (Indonesie) mondial du Groupe de La Banque mondiale et Presidence de la s•m• Reunion de haut niveau du Fonds monetai re internationa l, evenement Representant a l'assemblee du Conseil des parlements des Etats membres du Dialogue 25 - 30 septembre 201S parallele des reu nions du printemps du GBM et municipal d'Almada, parti social-democrate 5+5 pour la Mediterranee occidenta le, Direction de la delegation de l'APM au segment du FMI, Washington DC (Etats-Un is) (PSD), Assemblee du Con seil municipal, La Valette (Malte) de haut niveau de la 73'm• Assemblee generate Almada (Portugal) I Membre de la com missio n 13 avri l 201S 10 - 11 decembre 201S des Nations Unies lors de plusieurs reunions permanente de ['education bilaterales avec des agences des Nations Unies Direction de la Mission de haut niveau de l'A PM Orateur a la Conference intergouvernementale 1990 - 2009 sur des questions relatives a la Mediterranee, au siege des Nations Unies ayant plusieurs des Nations Unies sur le « Pacte mondial pour Siege de l'ONU a New York (Etats- Unis) reunions, notamm ent une audience privee avec Sec retaire general adjoint, SINDEP - Syndicat des migrations sures, ordonnees et regulieres)) le Secretaire general des Nati ons unies Antonio national et democratique des professeurs, Marrakech (Maroc) 12 - 13 juin 201S Lisbonne (Portugal) I Dirigeant, negociation Guterres, New York (Etats-Unis) 6 - 7 decemb re 201S Copresidence de la 2'm• Commission permanente collective de l'APM, conjointe APM I OMC facilitation du 5 - 6 avril 201S Participation a la 25'm• Reunion du Conseil 19S9 - Present commerce et investissement dans les Balkans Orateur lors de la « Seance pleniere ministeriel de l'OSCE a Milan (Italie) Professeur de lycee, Ministere de l'education, , occidentaux, Parlement serbe, Belgrade interparlementaire arabe », Caire (Egypte) 24 novembre 201S Lisbonne {Portugal) I Enseignement de (Serbie) 3 - 4 avril 201S Conferencier invite la Conference Problema l'histoire dans divers lycees a 7 - 10 juin 201S Orateur a la Confe rence « Diversite dans l'unite tiques actuelles de la Mediterranee, GERM, 19SS - 19S9 Participation la 271m• Session annuelle de et des libertes fonda mentales pour les chretiens Rabat (Maroc) a Sergent, Armee portugaise au centre L'Assemblee parlementaire de L'OSCE (Assemblee et les musulmans au Moyen-Orient: Une conference pour le dialogue parlementaire » d'entrainement des operations speciales, 19 - 20 novembre 201S parlementaire de l'Organisation pour la securite Orateur lors du some Forum mondial de ['Alliance et la cooperation en Europe), Bundestag de l'IAO - Assem blee interparlementaire sur Lamego (Portugal) ; Quartier general de la l'orthodoxie, Beyrouth (Liba n) brigade des forces speciales, Ped ro u~o s, des civilisations des Nations Unies, New York allemand, Berlin (Allemagne) 27 - 2S mars 201S Lisbonne (Portugal) et dans le regiment (Etats-Unis) 25 - 29 jui n 201S 16 - 20 novemb re 201S Direction de la Mission de surveillance de l'APM des « Comm andos », Amadora (Portugal) I Orateur a la 251m' Assemblee generate de Commandant de l'une des forces d'i ntervention Participation a la 64'm• Session an nuelle de aux elections presidentielles egyptiennes et l'Assemblee interparlementaire de l'IAO sur reunion avec Hamdi Posa, vice-ministre des rapide du quartier general. l'Assemblee parlementaire de l'OTAN, Halifax L'orthodoxie, Athenes (Grece) (Canada) Affaires etrangeres, Caire (Egypte) 24 - 26 mars 2018 24- 25 octobre 2017 15 - 19 juillet 2017 30- 31 mars 2017 Reunions avec des responsables du Comite Participation a La « Conference mediterra Direction de La Mission de haut niveau de l'APM Presidence du Seminai re (( Evaluation du role electoral national, Caire (Egypte) neenne de l'OSCE 2017 », Palerme (Italie) au Moyen-Orient avec des reunions bilaterales des pa rlements nationaux dans La promotion de 27 fevrier 2018 13 octobre 2017 avec les autorites (Gouvernement, Garlement La mise en ceuvre par les Etats des resolutions Rencontre avec Nabil Abuzanid, Ambassadeur Dejeuner de travail avec l'ambassadeur et Agences des Nations Unies), Amman du Conseil de securite des Nation s Unies sur de Palestine a Lisbonne, Lisbonne (Portugal) americain a Lisbonne et l'Amiral Michelle (Jordanie), Ramallah (Palestine) et Jerusalem le terrorisme et les combattants terroristes (Israel) etrangers », ONUDC- APM, Rome (Italie) 15 - 16 fevrier 2018 Howard (US Navy), commandant du 4- 6 juillet 2017 27 - 28 ma rs 2017 President de La 12•m• Session pleniere annuelle co mm andement de La force conjointe de l'OTAN de l'APM, Bucarest (Roumanie) a Naples, Lisbonne (Portugal) Orateur lors de La Session de printemps de La Orateur lors de La Seance pleniere et de la 49'm• Assemblee generate, Istanbul (Turquie) reunion du Comite politique sur La lutte contre 10 - 12 fevrier 2018 3 - 5 octobre 2017 Orateur principal du groupe de discussion du 20 - 21 juin 2017 le terrorisme, Assemblee interparlementaire Direction de La mission de haut niveau des Etats membres de La Communaute d'Etats au Caire avec des reunions bilaterales et « Forum mediterraneen » lors de La Reunion Orateur lors de La Reunion extraordinaire sur d'automne de l'Assemblee parlementaire La « Cooperation internationale en matiere de independants, Saint-Petersbourg (Federation de une participation a La 3'm• Conference des Russie) presidents de parlement arabe, au Caire de !'Organisation pour La securite et La justice et d'application des lois en matiere de 16 mars 2017 (Egypte) cooperation en Europe (OSCE) lutte contre le terrorisme, conformement a la Andorre-la-Vieille (Andorre) resolution 2322 (2016) du Comite contre le Dejeuner de travail avec l'Ambassadeu r de 22 - 25 janvier 2018 a 17 - 23 septembre 2017 terrorisme eta d'autres resolutions pertinentes Tu rquie a Lisbonne (Portugal) Participation a La Session pleniere de l'A PCE du Comite », Comite contre le terrorisme des Conduite de La delegation de l'APM au segment 23 - 24 fe vrier 2017 (Assemblee parlementaire du Conseil de Nations Unies (CTED), Siege des Nations Unies, de haut niveau de La n• m• Assemblee generate u •m• Session pleniere de l'APM, presidant La !'Europe), Strasbourg (France) New York (Etats-U nis) des Nations Unies, y compris une audience 2'm• Commission permanente en tant que vice 20 - 21 janvier 2018 privee avec le president de l'Assemblee 9 - 10 juin 2017 -president et election en tant que president Presidence de La 7' m• Reunion de haut niveau genera te des Nations Unies, Miroslav Lajcak et Orateur lors de La 4'm• Seance pleniere de de l'APM, Porto (Portugal) des parlements des Etats membres du plusieurs reunions bilaterales avec des agences l'Assemblee parlementaire du Processus de 27 - 28 fev rier 2017 « Dialogue 5+5 »de La Mediterranee des Nations Unies sur des questions relatives a cooperation avec ['Europe du sud-est (SEECP Visite d'une delegation de l'Assemblee occidentale: « Promouvoir un developpement la Mediterranee, siege des Nations Unies a New PA), Zagreb (Croatie) economique et social inclusif, partage et parlementaire de La Mediterranee (APM) du York (Etats-Unis) 2 juin 2017 durable, en tenant compte des defis communs groupe de dialogue parlementaire 5+5 et 6- 8 septembre 2017 dans La region », Alger (Algerie) Orateur lors du Seminaire « Gerer les Seminaire sur« La lutte contre le terrorisme et Direction de La mission de haut niveau de migrations, eviter le populisme, construire des l'extremisme violent en Mediterranee: Quelle 8 janvier 2018 l'APM aupres du Parlement serbe, y compris societes inclusives et renforcer le dialogue cooperation entre les deux banques? », Rabat Visite de travail au secretariat de l'UpM (Union une audience privee avec La presidente Maja Nord-Sud », Centre Nord-Sud du Conseil de (Maroc) pour La Mediterranee), Barcelone (Espagne) Gojkovic et une conference a l'Institut de !'Europe, Lisbonne (Portugal) 15 decembre 2016 24 novembre 2017 politiq ue et d'economie internationales de 15 mai 2017 Reunion de haut niveau de l'APM sur« Le Reunion avec l'ambassade d'Israel a Lisbonne Belgrade (Serbie) Direction de La Mission de haut niveau de dialogue interreligieux pour Lutter contre (Portugal) 3 - 5 septem bre 2017 l'APM aupres du conseil general de La l'extremisme violent », Senat italien, Ro me 16- 17 novemb re 2017 Orateur principal du groupe de travail sur La Repub lique de Saint-Marin et audience privee (Italie) Discou rs d'ouverture et de cloture a La migration et !'integration a La 26'm• Conference avec le « Capitaini Regente » (chef de l'Etat), 4 - 5 octobre 2016 « Conference pour les parlements de des Parlementaires de La Mer Baltique (BSPC) (Saint-Mari n) Atelier parlementaire a La Banque mondiale et le l'Union europeenne et de La regio n - « Innovative Science, Sustainable Tourism - 8 mai 2017 Fonds Monetaire International - Participation mediterraneenne » organisee conjointement Participation and Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Orateur a La 4'm• Session pleniere du Parlement au nom de l'APM, Washington DC (Etats- Unis) par l'Union interparlementaire, le Parlement Region », Hambourg (Allemagne) panafricain, Midrand (Afrique du Sud) de Matte et l'Assemblee parlementaire de La Mtditerranee, La Valette (Matte) ~ 11 juillet 2016 3 - 6 decembre 2013 3oeme Reunion du Bureau de l'APM - Mission de haut niveau de l'APM a New York Participation, Rabat (Maroc) - participation, reunion avec le secretaire 1 - 2 juin 2016 general des Nations Unies ; le secretaire Seminaire de haut niveau sur la mobilisation de general adjoint des Nations Unies aux affaires politiques ; le secretaire general adjoint des la diaspora economique dans la Mediterranee - Nations Unies aux operations de maintien Orateur au nom de l'APM, Beirut (Lebanon) de la paix ; le secretaire genera l adjoint des 18 - 19 fev rier 2016 Nations Unies aux affaires humanitaires; 10 ~ '"' Session pleniere de l'APM - Representant, l'envoye personnel du secretaire genera l des Tirana (Albanie) Nations Unies pour le Sahara Occidental ; le 19 fevrier 2016 president du Comite anti-terrorisme du Consei l de securite des Nations Unies et representant Debat de haut niveau sur les detis economiques permanent du Maroc; l'administrateur et environnementaux en Mediterranee du Programme des Nations Unies pour le Presidence, incluse dans la 1o•m• Session developpement (PNU D) ; haut representant pleniere de l'APM, Tirana (Albanie) du secretaire general pour !'Alliance des 19 fevrier 2016 civilisations des Nations Unies (UNAOC) et le 29~• Reunion du Bureau de l'APM- representant permanent de la Federation russe Participation, Tirana (Albanie) aux Nations Unies a New York, Vitaly Churkin, 14 -15 mai 2015 New York (Etats-Unis) Seminaire international sur la « Protection 9 - 14 novembre 2013 du patrim oine culture[ mondial menace par la Mission de l'APM au Moyen-Orient destruction » - Participation, Rabat (Maroc) Participation, Jordanie, Palestine (Cisjordanie) 21 - 22 avril 2015 et Israel 23 janvier 2013 Alliance des civilisations des Nations unies « Debat de haut niveau sur la pro motion de la Equipe d'observation de l'APM aux elections en tolerance et de la reconciliation: favoriser des Jordanie - Participation, Amman (Jordanie) societes pacifiques, inclusives et Iutter contre 15 novembre 2012 l'extremisme violent» - Participation au nom 14eme Assem blee generate du MEDR EG - Orateur de l'APM, Siege de l'O NU, New York (Etats-Unis) au nom de l'APM, Lisbonne (Portugal) 2 - 4 fevrier 2015 12 - 13 octobre 2012 9'm• Session pleniere de l'APM- Representant 7eme Session pleniere de l'APM- Representa nt. (Monaco) (Matte) 10 - 11 novemb re 2014 29 juin 2012 Panel international sur les fem mes victimes de Commission de l'APM sur le com merce exterieur guerre civile - intervenant au nom de l'APM, et les investissements dans la Mediterranee organise par KADEMA a Gaziantep, en Turquie, en faveur d'un developpement economique et visite aux cam ps de refugies durable dans la region mediterraneenne - 19 - 20 janvier 2014 Participation, Lisbonne (Portugal) s emeSess ion pleniere de l'APM - Representant, 29 octobre 2011 Marseille (France) 6'm• Session pleniere de l'APM - Represe ntant, Palerme (ltalie) 1