Where there are large numbers of terrorism suspects there is a risk that criminal justice systems can become overwhelmed. In some contexts, such as the return of foreign terrorist fighters and their families from Syria, Iraq or other conflict zones, national systems may have to deal with the return of other persons associated with terrorist groups, many of them victims of abduction, coercion and exploitation, including children.
Recognizing that an approach limited to security and punishment is inadequate to deal with these situations, the UN Security Council and General Assembly have called on Member States to develop and implement “comprehensive and tailored strategies for the prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration” (PRR) of terrorism suspects, including foreign terrorist fighters, and members of their families.
Comprehensive and tailored strategies for PRR should:
UNODC is a leading technical assistance provider with regard to the development and implementation of PRR strategies. Crucially, in addition to its terrorism prevention expertise (including on Foreign Terrorist Fighter cases), we bring expertise in the fields of prison reform and the management of violent extremist prisoners, justice for children and preventing violence against children, gender dimensions and women’s rights in responding to terrorism.
