Cyprus workshop explores best practices in strengthening rule of law – compliant criminal justice responses to combating terrorism

Effective rule of law-based responses, as outlined in the Global Counterterrorism Forum’s (GCTF) Rabat Memorandum on Good Practices for Effective Counterterrorism Practice in the Criminal Justice Sector, were the focus of a two-day national training event organized by the OSCE in co-operation with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus in Nicosia on 22 and 23 October 2014 for representatives of agencies in Cyprus that deal with counter-terrorism.

The 27 participants exchanged experiences with international experts from Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States as well as with experts from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Interpol.

Discussions focused on areas such as effective co-operation and co-ordination among domestic government agencies working in areas relevant to counter-terrorism, the importance of international co-operation and support for strong criminal justice responses. They also focused on the relevance of undercover investigations of terrorist suspects and on the professional development of investigators, prosecutors, and judges who handle terrorism cases.

"Cyprus values highly the OSCE's work on the international scene and appreciates greatly the role and the effectiveness of the Organization in fulfilling its mission. Tackling terrorism requires innovation and strengthened international co-operation," said Ambassador Pantias D. Eliades, Political Director at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus. He stressed the commitment of Cyprus to civil liberties and the rule of law as new tools and methods are used to enhance insight in the broader fight against terrorism.

All OSCE participating States have committed to further contributing to international co-operative efforts that promote effective and rule of law-based national criminal justice systems as part of preventing terrorism.