GLOBAL NORMS AGAINST TERRORISM AT WORK : SETTING INTERNATIONAL LAW IN MOTION

ONLINE TRAINING COURSE

organized and delivered by UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch

3 June – 15 July 2011

Overview

One of the main challenges in countering terrorism is the development of effective criminal justice
strategies integrating rule of law standards and human rights obligations. The universal legal regime
against terrorism, a set of legal norms elaborated by the international community over a time span of
more than 40 years, should be the foundation of such a strategy. As the only truly global organization
with the goals and means of preserving peace and security, the United Nations Organization is
naturally at the forefront of the global fight against terrorism.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is pleased to present an online training
course on the universal legal regime against terrorism. This course aims to strengthen national
capacities by assisting criminal justice officials and other individuals involved in counter-terrorism to
develop the skills and knowledge required to effectively utilize the mechanisms for international
legal cooperation envisaged in 18 treaties adopted within the UN system between 1963 and 2010,
and a number of other binding resolutions of the Security Council.

To achieve these aims, the course :

introduces the main concepts and requirements of the universal legal regime against
terrorism;

familiarizes participants with the main legal issues involved in counter-terrorism;

raises awareness and develops specialized expertise in the effective implementation of
relevant legal instruments, including the adoption of appropriate national legislation;

raises awareness of the UN’s work on counter-terrorism, international standards and
norms, regional arrangements and national obligations in the field of counter-terrorism
legislation.
Methodology

The course will be delivered in English and conducted entirely online, over a period of 6 weeks.
Reading materials and tools for online interaction will be provided through the online Counter-
terrorism Learning Platform. Each week, participants will study one unit. Resources related to the
subject of this unit as well as interactive tools will be provided to this end. Participants will add
questions and comments on the course text, to which moderators and other will reply. Participants
will also have to complete additional online activities. At the end of the week, participants and
moderators will meet online, in a real-time chat room, to discuss the issues raised during the week.
The course is based on a collaborative approach to learning, with a high level of interaction based on
the course text.

There will be no formal assessment during the course. However, each unit will contain several
activities intended to serve as study aid/self-assessment mechanisms. Moreover, the final unit will
introduce an assignment that will require independent work. Participants will receive individual
feedback and guidance on work they submit.

The course will be delivered by staff members of the UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch,
possessing sound and extensive work experience in criminal justice issues in the provision of legal
advisory services and technical assistance worldwide.

Topics Covered

1. Introduction to the Universal Legal Regime against Terrorism

2. The Roots of the Universal Legal Regime against Terrorism: International Criminal Law and
the Institutional Context
3. Universal Instruments against Terrorism: Establishing and Prosecuting Offences
4. Universal Instruments against Terrorism: Tools for Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance
5. Making Use of the Universal Legal Regime against Terrorism: Legal Implications and
Challenges

Practical Information

Fees

The online training course will be offered free of charge as part of the UNODC capacity-building
Project on counter-terrorism.

Timetable

The course will be delivered from Friday 3 June to Friday 15 July 2011.

Selected applicants will receive a detailed syllabus of the course by the end of May.

Who should apply ?

Criminal justice officers working in the areas of counter-terrorism, international cooperation in

criminal matters, or who are involved in legislative drafting of criminal law texts. Priority will be
given to applicants from developing countries.

Requirements

Applicants must :
- hold a university degree in Law, preferably with specialization in international
and/or criminal law issues;
- have at least three years work experience as a practitioner in the areas of counter-
terrorism and/or international cooperation in criminal matters;
- have sufficient ability in English language to undertake postgraduate level studies;
- have unrestricted access to the Internet using Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer
web browsers;
- be ready to commit a minimum of 6 hours per week to studies for the duration of
the course.

When to apply ?

Applications should be submitted from 1 April to 15 April 2011.

Applications submitted before or after these dates will not be considered.

How to apply ?

Candidates interested in the course should carefully follow the instructions below :

1) To apply for this online training course, please register on the Counter-terrorism Learning Platform
login page. : http://ctlp.unodc.org (or https://ctlp.unodc.org).
2) Click on “Submit my application” in the box “if you are not registered”.

3) Fill in the application form and do not forget the required fields. Please give as precise and
comprehensive information as possible. Do not use any acronyms. Save carefully your username
and password.

4) Tick the option “Enrolling in courses”, select the course “Global Norms against Terrorism”, attach
your CV and click on “Submit my application”.
You will receive a receipt of acknowledgment directly on your mailbox.

Applicants that will be selected will be informed by e-mail from UNODC at the latest one week before the
beginning of the course for which they have been accepted.

For further information, send an e-mail to : ctlp.support@unodc.org

NB : The course will be delivered in English.