“As in other areas of counter-terrorism, when adopting and implementing measures against terrorist financing, we need to bear in mind the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law. This is necessary not only to preserve our moral authority, but also to avoid fuelling grievances which terrorists exploit to justify their unjustifiable actions, to gain safe haven in different communities and to recruit new affiliates.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN Headquarters, 20 November 2012 Remarks to Special meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee [delivered by the Deputy Secretary-General]

With these words UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon draws attention to the complexities of any debate relating to counter-terrorism. Implicit in his words is not only the assertion that states still need to undertake significant steps to successfully combat terrorism but also the recognition that counter-terrorism measures which are perceived as unjust can do more harm than good.

The diverse challenges ...