'Counter Terrorism Measures & Sanctions: How to Avoid Negative Consequences for Humanitarian Action?' 9 September 2021 2pm BST

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks of 2001, the International Law Programme at Chatham House will be hosting a virtual panel event on Thursday 9 September from 2.00-3.30pm BST, entitled ‘Counter-terrorism measures and sanctions: How to avoid negative consequences for humanitarian action?’

Counter-terrorism measures  address broad forms of support to terrorist acts. Their expansion, internationally and domestically, has given rise to new points of friction with international humanitarian law. Unless the measures include adequate safeguards, they  can impede humanitarian action. Country-specific sanctions imposed for other objectives, such as ending conflicts or protecting civilians, raise similar challenges for humanitarian action.

These problems are not new, but solutions at international and national level remain elusive.

At this panel event, which marks the launch of a new Chatham House research paper, panellists explore current endeavours to address the tensions between counter-terrorism measures, sanctions and humanitarian action.

What are the current dynamics and developments at Security Council level? 

What are the opportunities now that the UK is developing its independent sanctions strategy?

What challenges do counter-terrorism requirements in funding agreements for humanitarian action  pose?

What is necessary to make progress?

 

Chair: Elizabeth Wilmshurst, Distinguished Fellow, International Law Programme, Chatham House

Christoph Braner, Former Sanctions Coordinator, German Permanent Mission to the UN, New York

Emanuela-Chiara Gillad, Associate Fellow, International Law Programme, Chatham House

Sharon Harvey, Counter Terrorist Finance Adviser, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Louise Wilkins, Deputy General-Counsel, Oxfam GB