International Cooperation in the Fight Against Terrorism
Terrorism is considered one of the most dangerous crimes of modern times. This is confirmed by global experience. No state can independently, without cooperation with other countries, effectively counter this crime. A terrorist has no nationality, language, religion, or other values that divide people. In the context of globalization, international terrorism is becoming increasingly widespread, causing concern among the international community. In reality, terrorism represents a global threat to the security of states, their territorial integrity, human rights, and other fundamental values. One of the most effective mechanisms for combating terrorism is cooperation among states in this area.
The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and relevant state bodies consistently pay close attention to issues related to combating terrorism and extremism and implement a number of measures in this direction. The “Strategy for Preventing Extremism and Terrorism in the Republic of Tajikistan for the Period up to 2040”, approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 73 dated February 26, 2026, is an important national planning document that provides a legal basis for strengthening counteraction against terrorism and extremism. Within the framework of this Strategy, solutions are envisaged for a wide range of issues, taking into account the current situation in combating these phenomena in the country and the experience of law enforcement agencies of the CIS member states.
The development of scientific foundations for eliminating terrorism is of great importance. This process should be based on a comprehensive study of social, economic, political, and ideological factors, as well as the use of modern criminological and legal methods to propose effective ways of preventing and neutralizing threats.
At the same time, scientific research should focus on addressing the following tasks: identifying the causes and conditions contributing to the emergence of terrorism; analyzing the mechanisms behind the formation of extremist views; improving early warning systems; increasing the effectiveness of international cooperation; and developing information policies aimed at countering terrorist propaganda. In this regard, it can be noted that the formation of a modern national model for countering terrorism, based on scientific research and advanced international experience, is one of the most important and urgent tasks of our time.
According to statistical data from the Information and Analytical Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, the following terrorism-related crimes were registered in recent years: 8 cases in 2015, 6 cases in 2016, 9 cases in 2017, 10 cases in 2018, 12 cases in 2019, 30 cases in 2020, 21 cases in 2021, 33 cases in 2022, and 63 cases in 2023.
Despite the existing threat, the international community has not yet reached a unified position on issues related to combating terrorism. At present, there is no single international legal instrument recognized by the majority of countries that establishes a universal definition of terrorism and a terrorist. In this regard, the problem of international cooperation in combating terrorism remains highly relevant and, in some cases, raises questions regarding the effectiveness of cooperation between states in this field.
It should be noted that international treaties on legal assistance and extradition treaties apply to various types of crimes. The Republic of Tajikistan has such agreements with CIS member states, China, India, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Hungary, and other countries. One of the fundamental principles of implementing such cooperation is the recognition of the act as a crime in both states participating in the cooperation. However, in some cases, the same act may not be recognized as a criminal offense in both countries.
One of the most challenging issues is the recognition of terrorist crimes, including crimes of a terrorist nature, in different states. This is due to the possibility that the same person or organization may be recognized as a terrorist or a terrorist organization in one country, while their actions may not be considered a crime in another. In this regard, the Republic of Tajikistan carries out the fight against terrorist crimes through two main approaches.
Firstly, through the signing and ratification of international agreements in the field of combating terrorism. For example, the Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism of June 15, 2001, to which the Republic of Tajikistan is a party.
With regard to the concept of terrorism, this Convention refers to a list of 10 international conventions, under which certain acts are recognized as terrorist acts. These include the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 15, 1997, the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 9, 1999, and other international legal instruments.
According to international standards, terrorism includes acts intended to cause death or serious bodily harm to civilians or persons not directly participating in hostilities during armed conflicts; causing serious damage to property; as well as organizing, planning, or assisting in the commission of such acts, when their purpose is to intimidate the population, disrupt public security, or compel governmental authorities or international organizations to perform certain actions or refrain from doing so. Such acts, in accordance with national legislation, entail criminal liability for the perpetrators.
Secondly, the fight against terrorism is carried out within the framework of national legislation. National legislation does not directly establish a list of terrorist organizations. In the Republic of Tajikistan, organizations are recognized as terrorist organizations by a decision of the Supreme Court, after which their activities are prohibited.
For example, by a decision of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Tajikistan in 2015, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan was recognized as a terrorist and extremist organization, and its activities on the territory of the country were prohibited. This organization was also included in the list of terrorist and extremist organizations of the CIS Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) member states and in the information database of the CIS Anti-Terrorist Center.
Furthermore, taking into account the threat of the spread of its activities on the territory of the Russian Federation and the need for effective cooperation with Tajikistan, in 2022 the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation recognized the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan as a terrorist and extremist organization and prohibited its activities on the territory of Russia.
Thus, combating terrorism and terrorist organizations is a complex process that requires a strong international legal foundation. Without mutual recognition by both parties of the criminal nature of the relevant acts, international cooperation in this area becomes impossible.
On December 4, 2024, during his speech at the International Conference “Strengthening International Cooperation in Combating Terrorism and Creating Effective Border Security Mechanisms — the Kuwait Stage of the Dushanbe Process”, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, respected Emomali Rahmon, emphasized the need to strengthen coordination of international efforts in countering terrorism, extremism, transnational organized crime, illicit drug trafficking, and cybercrime.
In accordance with the proposals of the Leader of the Nation, we consider it necessary to adopt a Convention on Combating International Terrorism. The adoption of such a document could prevent terrorists and terrorist organizations from exploiting gaps in international law and would expand international cooperation in this area.
Thus, international cooperation in combating terrorism is one of the most important areas for ensuring national and international security. Strengthening such cooperation can contribute to reducing the threat of terrorist crimes.
Taking into account international experience and the needs of the Republic of Tajikistan, the following proposals can be identified:
first and foremost, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations and its structures, particularly within the framework of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy;
expand cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, including the activities of its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure;
strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Commonwealth of Independent States through joint programs and practical measures;
develop bilateral cooperation with neighboring states and strategic partners in the areas of border protection, combating illicit arms trafficking, and preventing terrorist financing;
implement joint educational and training programs with the participation of international organizations and scientific institutions to train specialists in the fields of security and law;
continue harmonizing national legislation with international standards, particularly in the areas of combating terrorist financing and related crimes.
It should be emphasized that the effective implementation of these proposals can contribute to the formation of an efficient system of international cooperation and bring the level of countering terrorism in the Republic of Tajikistan to a new stage.
Abdullozoda Parviz Sa’dullo,
Deputy Director of the National Center for Legislation under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan,
Doctor of Law, Professor.
