The UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch (UNODC/TPB), together with the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia and in coordination with the Government of Bangladesh, held a national workshop on the promotion and implementation of the transport related counter-terrorism international legal instruments in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 26 and 27 April 2015.
The workshop aimed to strengthen the national capacity of Bangladeshi officials by enhancing their awareness and practical knowledge of the domestication of the international conventions and protocols related to civil aviation and maritime security.
Thirty-six national officials from various ministries and departments, including representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, home affairs, shipping, civil aviation, law and justice, Office of the Attorney General, customs authority, coast, port and border agencies and criminal justice and law enforcement entities participated in the workshop. National representatives from the Bangladesh Department of Shipping and Civil Aviation Authority presented the country's legal framework on civil aviation and maritime security and highlighted legal and other security challenges in these areas.
International experts on civil aviation and maritime security gave presentations outlining the international legal instruments on transport related terrorism offences, including the 2005 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation, 2010 Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts relating to International Civil Aviation, 2010 Protocol Supplementary to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft and 2014 Protocol to the Convention on Offences and Certain other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft.
During the sessions, the international experts and national officials shared knowledge and good practices on responding to emerging threats to the safety of air and maritime navigation. Participants engaged in discussions on the main aspects and challenges related to the incorporation of the maritime and civil aviation instruments into national legislation and opportunities for technical legal assistance.
Workshop participants emphasized an urgent need for assistance in implementing aviation and maritime security principles. Participants noted with appreciation UNODC's readiness to provide technical assistance, including a legislative gap analysis of existing national laws, particularly with the aim to strengthen security provisions. They also welcomed an opportunity to learn about best practices from neighbouring countries from the region in this regard.
The workshop was conducted under the UNODC Global Project on Strengthening the Legal Regime against Terrorism, with financial support from the United States of America.