Swiss OSCE Chairmanship presents “Interlaken Recommendations” at international Counter-Terrorism Conference

INTERLAKEN, Switzerland, 29 April 2014 – Countering terrorism requires an inclusive and coordinated response at all levels, emphasized the Swiss OSCE Chairmanship in its conclusions to a two-day OSCE international counter-terrorism conference. Characterized by its strategic approach, involving all Executive Structures and Institutions, the OSCE should continue to build on its comparative advantages in close cooperation with other international actors.  

200 delegates including national counter-terrorism coordinators and other governmental experts from participating States and Partners for Co-operation, as well as representatives from international organizations, academia and NGOs participated in this conference. At the end, the Chairmanship presented its conclusions which are intended to serve as a reference for future discussions related to the fight against terrorism. They provide specific recommendations to OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation on one hand, and to the OSCE and its Executive Structures on the other, in each of the three main areas in focus during the conference: Financing of terrorism - “Kidnapping for ransom”; Ensuring Legality, Transparency and Accountability in Counter-Terrorism; and Responding to the Phenomenon of Individuals Taking Part in Violent Hostilities within or outside the OSCE Area (“foreign fighters”).

The Chairmanship Recommendations concerning the kidnapping for ransom say that the implementation of existing legal instruments to prevent terrorist groups’ access to funding from ransom payments and to secure the safe release of hostages should be done through closer co-operation between States, among others by facilitating exchange of experiences and information. Furthermore, they recommend providing counter-terrorism platforms and capacity building to practitioners; experts’ networking; public-private dialogue and co-operation; and the creation of a directory of national contact points for cases of kidnapping.  

Respect of the principles of legality, transparency and accountability ensures that counter-terrorism policies and practices are human rights-compliant and effective. The Chairmanship Recommendations therefore underline that oversight of and accountability for counter-terrorism measures include the executive and legislative branches of government as well as an independent and impartial judiciary. They also recommend the effective protection of media’s independence and freedom to report, including on counter-terrorism issues, and the adoption of predictable, precise and accessible counter-terrorism laws, in compliance with international human rights law, refugee and humanitarian law.

Regarding the phenomenon of individuals taking part in violent hostilities in another country, the so-called “foreign fighters”, the OSCE Chairmanship notes the increasing challenges to participating States and Partners for Co-operation and the need for increasing exchange of information and international cooperation, including at operational level. In order to take into account this phenomenon, participating States and Partners for Co-operation have an interest to adapt their strategies, action plans and legislation to combat terrorism in full respect of human rights and international humanitarian law. The exchange of experience, including on motivation factors and protection of families, as well as the technical assistance are critical to develop coherent approaches at national and regional level.

The Chairmanship Interlaken Recommendations encourage the OSCE to continue assisting the participating States in implementing their international counter-terrorism and human rights commitments, and to continue supporting participating States by reviewing, upon their request, the compliance of their draft and existing anti-terrorism laws and counter-terrorism strategies with international human rights standards.