UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched a new framework to combat the scourge of international terrorism and coordinate efforts across the peace and security, humanitarian, human rights and sustainable development sectors.

What is UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact?

It is the framework for an agreement among the UN, 36 organizational entities, the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and the World Customs Organisation, to better serve the needs of Member States when it comes to tackling the scourge of international terrorism.

What is major focus of this Compact?

At the first meeting of the Compact's Coordination Committee it was highlighted that there is a need to ensure full respect for international human rights standards and rule of law in countering terrorism.

Why human rights are the major focus?

Policies that limit human rights, only end up alienating the very communities they aim to protect and which normally have every interest in fighting extremism. Such policies can effectively drive people into the hands of terrorists and undermine our efforts on prevention.

What is the scale of terrorism in the world?

This year's Global Terrorism Index indicates that despite a 27 per cent fall in the number of deaths from acts of terrorism worldwide, the impact of terrorism remains widespread, with 67 countries experiencing deadly attacks. This is the second highest recorded number of countries in the past twenty years.

Who will oversee implementation of this compact?

According to the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, the Coordination Committee will oversee the implementation of the Compact and monitor its implementation. It is chaired by UN Under-Secretary-General for counter-terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov. The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact Task Force will replace the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, which was established in 2005 to strengthen UN system-wide coordination and coherence of counter-terrorism efforts.