Conclusion of the progressive training programme on countering the financing of terrorism in North Macedonia

9-11 May 2023 Veles, North Macedonia: UNODC jointly with OSCE conducted a training course for officials from North Macedonia on applying targeted financial sanctions to terrorists and terrorist organizations, including practical sessions on how to use sanctions according to United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1267.

This course was the final training course in the framework of the progressive training programme on countering the financing of terrorism, jointly implemented by UNODC and OSCE since 2021 in North Macedonia. A total of 23 participants from nine different agencies took part in the course including the Basic Public Prosecutor’s office for combating organized crime and corruption, Customs Administration, Financial Intelligence Unit, Agency for National Security, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Justice and the National Committee for Countering Violent Extremism and Countering Terrorism. The course focused on the sanction regimes as per the UNSCR 1267 and their derived procedures while participants engaged in exercises to use them effectively through inter-agency cooperation. The training was delivered by experienced AML/CFT trainers and a member of the UNSCR 1267 Monitoring Team.

During the 3-day course, participants gained skills, tools and knowledge to disrupt terrorists, terrorist networks and the financing of terrorism by using UNSCR 1267 sanctions and learned how to formulate and submit a listing request. Participants were also familiarized with the different sanction measures such as asset freeze, travel ban and arms embargo, in line with UNSCR 1267 domestic and international processes. Additionally, the experts shared good practices in cases where UNSCR 1267 was successfully implemented and discussed regional developments and the latest trends.

The course was part of a comprehensive training programme on countering the financing of terrorism focused on the implementation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and related FATF standards. The main goals of the programme are to strengthen local capacities in line with advanced international practices, to enhance inter-agency cooperation and to promote public-private partnerships in the field of countering the financing of terrorism. The course was organized with the financial support of the United States.