Modern terrorism has shown itself to be a borderless and unyielding threat to us all. 9/11 confronted us with this uncomfortable truth, as we witnessed attacks that were planned and orchestrated in safe havens thousands of miles away from intended targets.
Over the last decade, we have slowly adjusted to this new reality. We have had to reconfigure our security strategy and tackle threats at their point of origin – wherever in the world that may be. Sadly the way we have gone about this has sometimes been counterproductive. Ongoing drone attacks and targeted killings, for example, have often fuelled anger among affected communities and made it easier for terrorists to recruit – a point made persuasively by Richard Howitt MEP, in the LCHR series. But we can do things differently. The trick is finding a strategy that is both effective and consistent with our values.
One way is to help train and advise partner countries that are fighting terrorism. It is right that other countries take the lead in dealing with terrorist threats within their borders. But growing evidence has shown some states to quickly abandon their human rights responsibilities in order to preserve their national security interests. All too often national leaders follow the example of the United States and the Iraqi government in 2006, which, as Andrew Noakes showed in the first article of this series, proved ineffective and even damaging to our long-term security.
Britain has strong ties with at least four countries on the frontline of the fight against terrorism – Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, and Somalia. We should aim to form security partnerships with these states, providing them with advice and support in exchange for commitments to conduct counter-terrorism in line with international human rights law. Our emphasis on enforcing international laws is important, not only because they hold these governments accountable for abuses committed against their own citizens but because respect for human rights disempowers militant groups from seeking legitimacy for their actions.
Documented human rights violations have become widespread. In Nigeria, the security forces have been accused of trying to defeat Boko Haram by burning homes in Muslim areas and imprisoning thousands in appalling conditions. Pakistan is said to be responsible for thousands of enforced disappearances in its war against the Taliban. Similarly, the Kenyan security forces are alleged by some, to carry out extrajudicial executions of Al-Shabaab recruiters. These tactics have spread fear and resentment among the civilian population – alienating the very people whose support is essential for defeating terrorism.
Britain has a big stake in these ‘small wars’. As domestic conflicts become internationalised, Islamist militants such as Boko Haram, the Taliban, and Al-Shabaab form part of a broader network, with active elements operating in the UK. We should attempt to tackle these threats at their source. With our expertise and technical capabilities, we can play an influential role by offering vital resources and advice to our partners. We should provide training in human rights and counter-insurgency strategy, showing partners how to win over ‘hearts and minds’. We can support them on how to build alliances on the ground, protect civilians, use public diplomacy, and engage in humanitarian and development work. These are essential for winning the support of the civilians who can make or break insurgencies by giving vital shelter and support to militants or otherwise.
Our understanding of security has changed since 9/11 and we have to be prepared to play a role outside of our own borders. But that does not mean we have to recycle policies which are reminiscent of the war on terror. We can provide support and training that will help partners to bring about the popular defeat of militant groups in a way that is consistent with human rights principles.
———————————————-
Ayesha Carmouche is campaigns officer at the Labour Campaign for Human Rights. She tweets @ayeshacarmouche
———————————————-
