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There is a new development of terrorism that once had its roots in ethnic or seperatist movements, selective targets, and confined small geographic areas with little knowledge of technological use. In recent years terrorism is used as an instrument of foreign policy. Since terrorism is a low intensity warfare and is not easy to fight, terrorist groups are nascent and learn from each other and situations which makes them a chronic problem to the international community.
International organizations have decided to cooperate with each other to prevent and combat terrorism. One such organization is the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The OSCE charter is firmly committed to preventing and combatting terrorism. Some of the OSCE stated goals are:
1. Condenm in the strongest terms terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed no matter when, where or by whom and reiterate that no circumstances or motive can justify acts of or support terrorism;
2. Firmly reject identification of terrorism with any nationality or religion, nation or people;
3. Recognize that terrorism requires a co-ordinated and comprehensive response and that acts of international terrorism, as stated in the United Nations Security Council resolution 1373 (2001), constitute a threat to international and regional peace and security;
4. Declare that acts, methods and pratices of terrorism, as well as knowingly providing assistance to, acquiescing in, finacing, planning and inciting such acts, are contrary to the purpose and principles of the United Nations and the OSCE;
5. Consider of utmost importance to complement the ongoing implementation of OSCE commitments on terrorism with a reaffirmation of the fundamental and timeless principles on which OSCE action has been undertaken and will continue to be based in the future, and to which particpating States fully subscribe;
6. Reaffirm their commitment to take the measures need to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially the right to life, of everyone within their jurisdiction against terrorist acts;
7. Undertake to implement effective and resolute measures against terrorism and to conduct all counter-terrorism measures and co-operation in accordance with the rule of law, the united Nations Charter and the relevant provisions of international law, international standards of human rights and, where applicaple, international humanitarian law;
8. Reaffirm that every State is obliged to refrain from harbouring terrorists,organizing, instigating, providing active or passive support or assistance to, or otherwise sponsoring terroist acts in another State, or acquiescing in organized activities within its territory directed towards the commission of such acts;
9. Will co-operate to ensure that any person who wilfully particpates in financing, planning, preparing or perpetrating terrorist acts, or in supporting such acts, is brought to justice and, to that end, will afford one another the greatest measure of assistance in providing information in connection with criminal investigations or criminal extradition proceedings relating to terrorist acts, in accordance with their domestic law and international obligations;
10. Will take appropiate steps to ensure that asylum is not granted to any person who has planned, facilitated or participated in terrorists acts, in conformity with relevant provisions of national and international law, and through the proper application of the exclusion clauses contained in 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
11. Will work together to prevent , suppress, investigate and prosecute terrorist acts, including through increased co-operation and full implementation of the relevant international conventions and protocls relating to terrorism.
12. Are convenced of the need to address conditionsthat may foster and sustain terrorism, in particular by fully respecting democracy and the rule of law.
13. Acknowledge the positive role the media can play in promoting tolerance and understanding among religions, beliefs, cultures and peoples, as well as for raising awareness of the threat of terrorism.
14. Commit themselves to combat hate speech and to take the necessary measures to prevent the abuse of the media and information technology for terrorist purposes.
15. Reaffirm that aems control, disarmament and non-proliferation remain indispensable elements of co-operation security between states; that they can also make an essential contribution by reducing the risk of terrorists gaining access to weapons and materials of mass destuction.
These are some of the OSCE provisions that are written in the charter to prevent and combat terrorism. There is much to be done by all the international organizations to make the world safe from terrorism.
