Editorial
Addressing terrorism and cross-border crimes
Saarc needs an effective mechanism
Nobody in South Asia would contest the fact that there is no alternative to a regional approach if the scourge of terrorism and the problem of cross border crimes are to be addressed effectively. The recently concluded meeting of the regional home ministers in New Delhi has acknowledged the fact. We are heartened to note that an appropriate legal mechanism in the form of Mutual Legal Assistance treaty is being formulated that would help the countries of the region to cooperate in this regard more fully.
Although cross borders crimes and terrorism are two different problems, we must not overlook the fact that there is a close nexus between the terrorists and the cross border criminals.
Perhaps we ought to ask ourselves why, in spite of the existence of the two instruments to tackle these issues we have not been able to fully utilise these? It may be either that there were lacunae in the instruments or that the countries lacked the commitment and the goodwill to see that the arrangements were made effective.
We find it difficult to believe that the South Asian nations would display lack of positive inclination in combatting a scourge such as terrorism, being fully aware that the pervasive nature of its ill effects does not remain confined to only within the borders that the terrorists operate in. We understand that the meeting reviewed the implementation of the two protocols, namely the SAARC Regional Protocol on Suppression of Terrorism 1987 and its Additional Protocol 2004 which was intended to incorporate the obligations of the Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1456.
The home ministers have rightly pointed out that it requires sustained and proactive effort, and mutual cooperation to make the Protocols work. The relevant desks must be made effective which at the moment they are not. There is also the need for exchange of information that would help launch preemptive action against the terrorists. This is a sine qua non for combating terrorism and indeed all types of criminal activities. Information must not only be available easily these must be timely too.
The two issues of terrorism and cross-border crimes, particularly the former, afflict most of the countries of the region. The decisions at the meeting give us the impression that the countries have restated their commitment to fight it together. We would like to see it implemented.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments