The Inter-American Convention Against Terrorism: Do Such Instruments Contribute to the Effective Combat of Terrorism?

In the global fight against terrorism the role and contributions of regional political organization cannot be underestimated. Regional organizations are characterized by a certain dynamic, which is crucial when dealing with pressing needs requiring prompt action. The Organization of American Sates (OAS) is a good example thereof. Already in April 1996, OAS Member States had convened the First Inter-American Specialized Conference on Terrorism in Lima, Peru. Two years later, in late November 1998, a Second Conference was held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, which adopted the namesake Commitment. The latter produced two documents (Guidelines for Inter-American Cooperation regarding Terrorist Acts and Activities and Measures to Eliminate Terrorist Fundraising) and called for the establishments, within the OAS, of an Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE). The setting up of the Committee was endorsed by the General Assembly on June 7, 1999. CICTE did not undertake any actions itself. However, the Consultation of Minister of Foreign Affairs, meeting at its 23rd Session in late September 2001, asked for CICTE to be convened as soon as possible so as to identify urgent actions in the fight against terrorism acts. Thus, a further session of CICTE was hastily arranged.