The series of Modules on Counter-Terrorism Education, developed within the Education for Justice (E4J) initiative, aim to provide a relevant and valuable resource for lecturers teaching courses on counter-terrorism in universities and academic institutions across the world. The Modules seek to enhance students’ understanding of terrorism, its implications and related issues by providing foundational knowledge on relevant international, regional and national instruments and approaches. To increase their effectiveness, the Modules aim to connect theory to practice, encourage critical thinking, and use innovative interactive teaching approaches such as experiential learning, case studies and group-based work. The Modules are multi-disciplinary and can be integrated in a series of courses ranging from law to international relations, sociology, anthropology, criminology and many other disciplines. Whilst the primary focus is on the United Nations instruments, the Modules leave room for diverse perspectives and lecturers can easily adapt them to different local and cultural contexts.
Module 3. Overview of the International Counter-Terrorism Legal Framework
This Module introduces students to the international legal framework governing counter-terrorism responses. Framed around the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (CT Strategy), it identifies and discusses the complex matrix of key concepts, legal instruments and outputs, as well as diverse legal regimes that make up the global legal architecture that underpins the CT Strategy. As it will become apparent in the course of the University Module Series, these legal regimes are often interdependent and mutually reinforcing.
Learning outcomes
Define key concepts which recur throughout this University Module Series, including the ‘rule of law’ and ‘cooperation’.
Introduce and explain the United Nations Global CT Strategy.
Consider and compare different types of international, regional and national legal instruments and sources relevant to counter-terrorism that fall within the parameters of the CT Strategy.
Discuss key concepts, principles and treaties underpinning the CT Strategy.
Identify some of the key challenges relevant to achieving the CT Strategy’s Pillar IV goals.
The full module is avaliable at UNODC website
