On 24 November, a team of experts from the European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) led by the Mission’s Head of Law Enforcement Agencies Component met with Secretary General of the National Committee for Counterterrorism (NCCT) to discuss collaboration opportunities. 

NCCT oversees the implementation of the Iraqi National Counterterrorism Strategy for 2021-2025, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2019. 

The Mission was invited to launch a partnership with NCCT to share experiences and best practices regarding the implementation of national counter-terrorism strategies, foster inter-agency coordination as well as associated monitoring and evaluation. 

This forms part of an ongoing collaboration between EUAM Iraq and the Iraqi Government to promote reform of civilian entities of the Iraqi security sector, including its national policies and counter-terrorism architecture.

During the meeting, the parties agreed on the need to promote respect for human rights and apply a gender-sensitive approach as important means to developing long-term solutions to prevent and counter the threat of violent extremism leading to terrorism. 

The parties also discussed the need for cooperation to address challenges in detention facilities and prisons, including mitigating risks of further radicalization, in particular in relation to juveniles.

The meeting was held at the Office of the National Security Adviser senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, the Federal Intelligence & Investigation Agency and the Counterterrorism Service.