Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) was established under UNSC resolution 1373 to enhance the capacity of UN member states to prevent and combat terrorism.

Terrorism A Significant Threat To Global Peace And Security

1. Impact on Global and Local Economies: Eg.  2008 Mumbai attacks resulted in a decline in foreign investments and tourism, costing the Indian economy over $2 billion.
2. Political Instability: The rise of ISIS in Syria and Iraq led to the displacement of over 10 million people and destabilized the Middle East.
3. Social Cohesion Challenges: Eg. 2019 Christchurch attacks in New Zealand highlighted how extremism disrupts harmony by fueling religious and ethnic tensions.
4. Radicalization: Eg. ISIS, through social media, recruited over 30,000 foreign fighters from more than 100 countries.
5. Human Rights Violations: Eg. Boko Haram in Nigeria has killed over 37,500 people since 2009, with mass abductions and attacks targeting civilians, violating fundamental human rights.

Effectiveness of the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and Associated Bodies:

1. Helps in Development of Legal Frameworks: The CTC assists in implementing Resolution 1373, which mandates states to criminalize terrorism financing and secure borders. Countries have adapted their laws, including freezing assets linked to terrorism.
2. Promotes International Collaboration: The CTC fosters cooperation between nations to combat terrorism, ensuring shared intelligence and joint operations, especially in high-risk regions like Southeast Asia and the Sahel.
3. Assists Nations via Capacity Building: Training programs, such as in the Sahel region, help local forces combat terrorist threats through specialized skills and counter-terrorism techniques.
4. Enforces Sanction Measures: CTC oversees the implementation of sanctions like travel bans and arms embargoes, ensuring compliance with UN Security Council mandates against terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda.
5. Ensures Monitoring and Compliance: The CTC monitors national compliance through regular state reports, ensuring nations align with international anti-terrorism laws and obligations. Eg. recent follow up visit by CTC in Tanzania to check compliance on counterterrorism resolution.
6. Targets Terrorist Financial Networks: The CTC collaborates with organizations like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to combat money laundering and dismantle financial networks that support terrorism.

Challenges Faced by UNSC CTC in Counter-Terrorism:

1. Political Interests and Sovereignty Issues: Disagreements among member states, such as vetoes by Russia and China regarding resolutions on Syria, hinder unified responses..
2. Disparities and Resource Limitations: E Eg. Global Terrorism Index 2022 indicated that terrorism caused $8.6 trillion in economic losses globally, disproportionately affecting less developed nations.
3. Balancing Security with Individual Rights: Surveillance measures, like those under the UAPA,AFSPA in India, USA’s PATRIOT Act, often infringe on civil liberties. A 2021 Pew Research survey found that 56% of Americans are concerned about government overreach in surveillance.
4. Rapid Technological Changes: The use of encrypted communication, as seen in the 2015 Paris attacks, allows terrorists to coordinate while evading detection. 
5. Implementation Gaps: A 2023 review by the committee highlighted that 80 countries reported insufficient resources to enforce effective strategies.

To effectively combat terrorism globally, a multi-pronged approach is essential, focusing on socio-economic development, responsive governance, and a unified Trident Strategy combining strong political will, proactive measures, and strategic communication to counter terrorist influence.