Terrorism Prevention Branch

What we do

In response to requests by Member States for specialised capacity-building assistance, UNODC has developed in-depth expertise in a range of thematic areas essential for effective counterterrorism responses.
International Legal Framework

International efforts against terrorism involve a unified legal framework supported by 19 legal instruments and UN resolutions. Read more>

International Cooperation

International cooperation is essential to combat terrorism involving recruitment, weapons procurement, and cross-border communications, and the United Nations aids this cooperation by providing technical assistance, network upgrades, and tools to support international efforts in counter-terrorism. Read more>

PROMOTING AND PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS

The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy encourages states to seek UNODC assistance in developing rule of law-based justice systems, emphasizing the compatibility of counter-terrorism and human rights. Read more>

Electronic evidence

UNODC supports Member States with improving their capacity to manage evidence with a series of technical tools, training and mentoring services, and assisting co-ordination between relevant authorities. Read more>

INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES

UNODC provides assistance to countries to improve their use of special investigation techniques when investigating complex terrorism-related offences. Read more>

GENDER RESPONSIVENESS

UNODC works with governments to challenge stereotypes, implement informed policies, address gender-based violence, and promote women's leadership in counter-terrorism. Read more>

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, RADIOLOGICAL OR NUCLEAR TERRORISM

UNODC supports Member States by raising awareness, aiding legislative development, capacity-building, and enhancing international cooperation to combat CBRN terrorism. Read more>

COMBATING TERRORIST FINANCING

The United Nations supports Member States through legal assistance and specialized training to investigate, prosecute, and confiscate terrorist assets, enhancing regional and international cooperation in this effort. Read more>

Victims of Terrorism

UNODC collaborates with Member States, governments, victims' organizations, and civil society to reinforce victim support.Read more>

Foreign Terrorist Fighters

Foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) joined groups like ISIL and, as these groups lost territory, many FTFs sought to return home, posing a security threat. Read more>

The Use of the Internet

UNODC has worked with North African and Sahelian countries to raise awareness, improve investigative techniques, and promote cooperation in countering the internet's use for terrorist purposes. Read more>

Preventing Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism

Terrorist groups exploit and recruit the socio-economically vulnerable. We work with Member States to support them with responses to prevent crime, including violent extremist leading to terrorism. Read more>

Prosecution, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Strategies

UNODC provides crucial technical assistance in developing and implementing these strategies, considering a whole-of-government approach, civil society involvement, and gender-sensitive, non-stereotypical responses to terrorism. Read more>

XRIRB TERRORISM

UNODC's XRIRB project addresses the increase in violence driven by racial, ethnic, political, and ideological motivations, focusing on legal cooperation, awareness, and capacity building for criminal justice officers. Read more>

 
New Technologies and Innovation

There is enormous potential for Member States to use new technologies and innovation in their responses to prevent terrorism in effective and accountable ways. Read more>

LINKS WITH ORGANIZED CRIME

UNODC supports Member States in addressing the links between organized crime and terrorism through a variety of projects. Read more>

TERRORISM AND TRANSPORT

Air and maritime terrorism are grave security threats, with terrorist groups targeting transportation and using it as a weapon. Read more>

Alternatives to Imprisonment

Overcrowding in prisons is often caused by excessive pre-trial detention and imprisonment, leading to challenges like recidivism. Read more>

Education for Universities (Edu4U)

UNODC has co-created teaching modules with academics on topics like organized crime, trafficking, and cybercrime. Read more>

 

Children Associated with Terrorism

UNODC assists Member States in protecting and rehabilitating these children, promoting their rights and gender equality, and strengthening justice systems for this purpose. Read more>