UN Expert Applauds Benin’s Holistic Antiterrorism Approach, Advocates for Justice Reform
A UN expert has praised Benin’s comprehensive efforts in fighting terrorism, emphasizing the integration of security and development strategies. He calls for timely justice in terrorism cases, urging reforms to ensure compliance with international human rights standards. Concerns raised include arbitrary arrests, pretrial detentions, and the humanitarian impact of terrorism on local communities.
Benin has received commendation from a United Nations expert for its innovative strategies in combating terrorism and violent extremism, especially in its northern regions. During his recent 10-day visit, Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, emphasized the synergy between security efforts and development initiatives, which he describes as a forward-thinking approach. He underscored the importance of addressing community grievances that can foster radicalization, advocating for inclusive development to enhance resilience.
Saul highlighted the measures taken by Benin to bolster border security through increased police and military presence to deter terrorist ingress while concurrently supporting refugees from the Sahel region. He raised concerns regarding the humanitarian implications of terrorism, which has exacerbated local poverty and contributed to internal displacement. Furthermore, he urged the government to refine the definition of terrorism within its Criminal Code to align with international standards and to ensure that it only encompasses acts that genuinely qualify as terrorism.
In recent years, Benin has seen numerous arrests connected to terrorism, many of which raise alarm due to their seemingly arbitrary nature. Saul expressed particular concern regarding individuals awaiting resolution of their cases at the Cour de Répression des Infractions Économiques et du Terrorisme (CRIET), with some having been held in pretrial detention for extended periods. He stressed the need for timely judicial processes, urging the government to tackle prison overcrowding and to assure that detention conditions comply with international norms.
Additionally, Saul noted the critical contributions of civil society organizations in upholding human rights within counter-terrorism frameworks. A comprehensive report detailing his findings and recommendations will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2025.
The issue of counter-terrorism is a pressing concern for many nations, particularly those facing the dual challenge of ensuring security while respecting human rights. In Benin, recent years have witnessed an uptick in terrorist activities, prompting the government to implement stringent measures aimed at safeguarding its citizens. However, these measures must be carefully balanced with adherence to international human rights standards, to avoid infringing upon fundamental freedoms and perpetuating cycles of injustice and marginalization.
In conclusion, the UN Special Rapporteur’s visit to Benin highlights the need for a balanced approach to counter-terrorism, one that integrates security with development and prioritizes human rights. His recommendations underscore the importance of a precise legal framework concerning terrorism, adherence to due process in judicial proceedings, and the pivotal role of civil society. As Benin continues to navigate these challenges, the recommendations provided may assist in fortifying its efforts to combat extremism effectively while maintaining respect for human rights.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
