International Standards and Agreements

U.N. - Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Identification (1991) 07/03/2005
The gathered powers met regarding terrorist acts aimed at destruction of aircraft, other means of transportation and other targets. This generated a percieved need for an international instrument obliging States to adopt appropriate measures to ensure that plastic explosives are duly marked. The provision of technical assistance and measures for the exchange of information relating to technical developments in the marking and detection of explosives was thus called for.

U.N. - Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (1980) 07/03/2005
Gathered States came together to avert the potential dangers posed by the unlawful taking and use of nuclear material. They were convinced that offences relating to nuclear material are a matter of grave concern and that there is an urgent need to adopt appropriate and effective measures to ensure the prevention, detection and punishment of such offences which were deemed extraditable offences. The States concerned shall exchange information with each other or international organizations with a view to protecting threatened nuclear material.

U.N. - International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages (1979) 07/03/2005
The gathered participants decreed the taking of hostages to be a offence of grave concern to the international community and that, in accordance with the provisions of this Convention, any person committing an act of hostage taking shall either be prosecuted or extradited. States agreed to the exchanging of information and co-ordinating the taking of administrative and other measures as appropriate to prevent the commission of those offences.

U.N. - Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Civil Aviation (1973) 07/03/2005
Once again, this Convention considered that unlawful acts against the safety of civil aviation jeopardized the safety of persons and property, seriously affected the operation of air services, and undermined the confidence of the peoples of the world in the safety of civil aviation.

U.N. - Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports (1971) 07/03/2005
This Protocol was designed to attack those who undermine the confidence of the peoples of the world in safety at airports and disturb the safe and orderly conduct of civil aviation for all States.

U.N. - Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft (1970) 07/03/2005
Each Contracting State undertook to make an offence on board carrying aircraft punishable by severe penalties. States should also afford one another the greatest measure of assistance in connection with criminal proceedings brought in respect of the offence.

U.N. - Protocol for the Supression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (1988) 07/03/2005
Supporting conventions on Maritime security, this Protocol was designed to address any person that commits an offence unlawfully and intentionally, seizes or exercises control over a fixed platform by force or threat thereof or any other form of intimidation; or performs an act of violence.

U.N. - Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons (1973) 07/03/2005
This Convention aimed to safeguard internationally 'important' personalities and prevent terrorist acts against them that could create international instability. An "alleged offender" means a person as to whom there is sufficient evidence to determine prima facie that he has committed or participated in one or more crimes against such politically sensitive personnel. This would mean States having to prevent preparations in their respective territories for the commission of those crimes within or outside their territories.

U.N. - Convention for the Supression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (1988) 07/03/2005
Nations stated that they were deeply concerned about the world-wide escalation of acts of terrorism in all its forms, which endanger or take innocent human lives, jeopardize fundamental freedoms and seriously impair the dignity of human beings. This Convention set out to prevent all unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation, and bring about the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators of terror.

U.N. - Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft (1963) 04/03/2005
Alarmingly written before this current era of fear, this 'Cold War' document is strikingly re-called following 9/11. Listing a range of measures that are both legal and practical in nature.

APEC 12th Economic Leaders' Meeting (2004) 21/11/2004
Under the banner 'One Community, Our Future', APEC economic leaders pledged to reaffirm previously made goals concerning trade liberalisation and economic prosperity. Efforts were also made towards creating greater security of intellectual property right laws. Moreover, a stong stance on security issues was once more advocated with an end to terror seen as the only way to allow for economic prosperity to flourish, with economics being seen as a key weapon in this regional and global fight.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1566 (2004) 08/10/2004
The Security Council reaffirmed past resolutions concerning threats to international peace and security caused by terrorism. More importantly, it calls upon all States to become party, as a matter of urgency, to the relevant international conventions and protocols whether or not they are a party to regional conventions on the matter and face greater scrutiny by the Counter-Terrorism Committee.

G8 - Justice and Home Affairs Communiqué - Washington DC (2004) 11/05/2004
Continued threats from international terrorists and criminals called the group together. As a result, a range of measures aimed at 'terror' were outlined. Consequently, under cover agents, internet 'policing', biometric identification technology and terrorist financing was all on the vast agenda.

U.N. - Security Council Meeting - Implementation of the 2001 Anti Terrorism Resolution (2004) 26/03/2004
This meeting was guided by the perceived need to prevent and suppress terrorism. An 'Executive Directorate' alongside a new-look Counter Terrorism Committee was established as a special political mission to do just this.

U.N. -Security Council Proposal for the Revitalisation of the 'CTC' (2004) 19/02/2004
This Proposal was born out of the CTC's and member state's perceived need to correct the CTC's failings, consolidate its victories and intensify its programme of action. Importantly, it calls for the CTC to emerge as the fundamental tool for fighting terror via the U.N. by granting the Committee greater access to member state legislative and practical procedure.

U.N. - Security Council Resolution: 1526 (2004) 30/01/2004
This was an effort to attack any member of the Taliban and the Al-Qaida organization, and any individuals, groups, undertakings and entities associated with the Taliban and the Al-Qaida organization, who have participated in the financing, planning, facilitating and preparation or perpetration of terrorist acts or in supporting terrorist acts. The U.N. called upon States to move vigorously and decisively to cut the flows of funds and other financial assets and economic resources to individuals and entities associated with the Al-Qaida organization, Usama bin Laden and/or the Taliban.

U.N. - Report by the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee RE: Res1373 (2004) 26/01/2004
This report was instituted to measure the successes and failures of the implementation of Resolution 1373 which focused on the threat of international terrorism. Essentially, it is an internal audit of the U.N.'s ability to compel Member States to institute U.N. policies and agendas.

OAS (Organisation of American States) - Declaration on Security (2003) 28/10/2003
This declaration espoused the region's love of democracy, free trade and freedom whilst agreeing to new measures to defend these common values of kinship such as cross border information sharing, attacking financial secrecy and organised crime.

APEC Bangkok Declaration on Partnership for the Future (2003) 21/10/2003
In line with APEC’s theme for 2003, “A World of Differences: Partnership for the Future,” this declaration sets out to strengthen regional partnership, not only to liberalize and facilitate regional trade and investment, but also to protect peoples against threats to their security.

APEC - Bangkok Declaration on Partnership for the Future (2003) 21/10/2003
Aside from economic ambitions, leaders attempted to curb terror through a new era of information exchange across borders, using technology to monitor trade more effectively and strengthen joint efforts to curb terrorist threats against mass transportation and confront the threat posed by terrorists’ acquisition and use of Man-Portable Air Defense Systems. Rapid response to bio-terrorism following the SARS outbreak was also called for.