High Level Panel: The Use of Terrorist Watch Lists

With growing international movements and networks of terrorists, governments are now required by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2396 (2017) to develop watch lists or databases of known and suspected terrorists, to screen travellers and conduct risk assessments and investigations. This includes the collection of biometric data such as finger prints and photographs in order to identify alleged terrorists and foreign fighters.

On the one hand, it is held that pro-active collecting and sharing of information through these watch lists could constitute necessary pieces of larger puzzles that intelligence agencies seek to prevent terrorist attacks. On the other hand, there are risks that these databases may be misused for targeting of dissenters instead of suspected terrorists, and that incomplete or incredible information may lead to government action that is not justified.

Many prominent human rights and criminal justice experts critically received Resolution 2396, and earlier Resolution 2178 (2014) on foreign terrorist fighters. Critiques focused both on the content of the decisions contained in these resolutions, and more broadly on the way and extent to which the UN Security Council adopted legislative powers, requiring states to implement laws within their national jurisdictions.

This High Level Panel organised by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague (ICCT) brings together four experts to discuss the practical and human rights implications of the requirements contained in these resolutions, as well as known cases related to international criminal justice cooperation, watch lists, and the collection and sharing of information.

AGENDA

15:00 – 15:30  Doors open, coffee and tea served

15:30 – 15:40  Welcome by Renske van der Veer, ICCT Director

15:40 – 15:55  Panelist 1: Setting the scene

15:55 – 16:10  Panelist 2

16:10 – 16:25  Panelist 3

16:25 – 16:40  Panelist 4

16:40 – 17:30  Q&A session

17:30 – 19:00  Drinks reception

CONTACT

If you would like to attend this event, you can RSVP by sending a message to events@icct.nl by mentioning your full name and organisational affiliation.

The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #HLP2018