Non-Credit Course: Research Training on Counterterrorism Law
Programme Summary
This research training programme trained participants in research and analysis of legislation and jurisprudence on a state’s obligations in relation to counterterrorism. An introductory seminar gave participants an introduction to the relevant international standards as well as guidance on research methods and report writing. Under the academic guidance of Stuart Maslen and Freya Baetens, each participant prepared a case study on one jurisdiction to be submitted by the end of the programme. Participants received a certificate confirming their participation in the programme and their research contribution was acknowledged on the website (if they consented to that acknowledgement). In previous years, the Bonavero Institute collaborated with the Centre for Human Rights to develop websites on the use of force by police (https://policinglaw.info) and on the right of peaceful assembly (https://rightofassembly.info).
Context of the project
One of the great challenges of the early 21st century has been the development of global human-rights based standards for countering terrorism. This project, undertaken in partnership with the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria (UP), contributed to the development of an online repository containing information about domestic legislation on terrorism and counterterrorism in all 197 states that are recognised by the UN Secretary-General, as well as Kosovo and Western Sahara. It is hoped that this new database will play a significant role in identifying and publishing different domestic approaches to counterterrorism.
The research investigated definitions of terrorism and criminal offences relating to terrorism in domestic law, domestic adherence to international terrorism treaties, penalties for different offences relating to terrorism, and domestic policies and capacity to counter terrorism in the relevant jurisdictions. Each study examined relevant provisions of the domestic constitution, penal code, and legislation. Relevant laws were examined in each report and were published for download on the website.