NCJ Number
98751
Date Published
1984
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper examines and evaluates the performance of the United Nations in countering terrorism, with particular attention to international terrorism conducted by private individuals.
Abstract
The review begins with 1972, when the United States submitted a draft convention designed to articulate international condemnation of the killing, assaulting, or kidnapping of persons to obtain concessions from or damage the interests of a state or international organization. The draft convention failed because many countries viewed it as an effort to undermine the activities of national liberation movements. A look at recent United Nation actions vis-a-vis international terrorism indicates some achievements, including General Assembly resolutions that have encouraged the ratification of conventions against aircraft hijacking and sabotage. Other achievements include the General Assembly's 1974 adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons as well as the 1979 adoption of an International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages. It is recommended that the United Nations take action against states' assassinating their political enemies outside their borders and against gross violations of human rights and that the United Nations adopt a general posture condemning the use of terrorist methods regardless of the justness of the causes terrorists claim to serve.