The continuing and evolving threat of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) constitutes an ongoing challenge to peace and security. United Nations Security Council resolution 2178 (2014) defines FTFs as individuals who travel or attempt to travel to a State other than their State of residence or nationality "for the purpose of the perpetration, planning, or preparation of, or participation in, terrorist acts, or the providing or receiving of terrorist training."
The threat of FTFs has led UNODC's Terrorism Prevention Branch (UNODC/TPB) to launch a Global Project on Strengthening the Legal Regime against Foreign Terrorist Fighters in the Middle East, North Africa and South Eastern Europe, funded by the European Union. The objective of which, is to enhance the criminal justice response to FTFs of beneficiary jurisdictions, while fully incorporating the rule of law and respect for human rights.
In order to meet this objective and to enhance the capacity of local stakeholders to handle terrorist cases involving FTFs, UNODC/TPB conducted a workshop on normative and administrative challenges relating to the FTF threat for Kosovo (under United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999)) in Pristina on 18-19 April 2018, with the support of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of UNMIK, Mr. Zahir Tanin, and by UNODC.
Members of the judiciary, prosecution service, Kosovo Academy of Public Safety, Kosovo Police, Financial Intelligence Unit and EULEX attended the workshop, and had the opportunity to exchange experiences in handling FTF-related cases. International experts from Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands were also in attendance and provided their expertise on the subject matter. Presentations were also delivered on the international legal framework applicable to FTFs, international and regional cooperation on FTFs, and countering the financing of terrorism related to FTFs.