Responding to foreign terrorist fighter phenomenon in human-rights compliant way focus of OSCE/ODIHR workshop in Warsaw

Human rights compliant responses to the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters were the focus of an expert workshop organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) from 17 to 19 March 2015 in Warsaw.

The 24 counter-terrorism experts taking part, including government officials, specialized prosecutors, law enforcement officers, academics, and civil society and community representatives, discussed the challenges in addressing the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters in a human rights-compliant and gender-sensitive manner. The aim of the workshop was to promote the exchange of ideas and best practices and formulate practical and concrete recommendations focusing on the impact of such counter-terrorism measures on communities, women and youth.

"The workshop provided an excellent opportunity for a frank and open exchange of ideas, opinions and best practices on this extremely important and pressing issue," said Snjezana Bokulic, Head of the Human Rights Department at ODIHR. "Responses on the part of some states to the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters that don’t comply with human rights standards and obligations undermine their effectiveness and are having a negative impact on communities and individuals."

ODIHR will publish a summary of the findings and recommendations from the workshop to provide practical guidance, and serve as a platform for the Office’s future work and activities in this area.