Executive Summary
After foregrounding the normative and operational frameworks, we note that FTF-related counterterrorism measures—following a long line of measures implementing increasingly robust anti-terrorism agendas—may have the capacity to adversely affect certain aspects of principled humanitarian action. Our research suggests, however, that more documentation from humanitarian organizations would be needed to firmly establish a systemic adverse impact of FTF-related counterterrorism measures on principled humanitarian action. We also note that the FTF framing by the Security Council may present a particularly strong opportunity for meaningful engagement between counterterrorism and humanitarian actors.
In addition, we submit an analytical methodology aimed at ascertaining from an empirical perspective how (certain select) states have implemented the FTF-related obligations imposed by the Security Council in Resolution 2178 (2014) one year after its adoption. We also put forward a methodology aimed at ascertaining from an empirical perspective whether those same states are supporting—or, at least, not actively curtailing—humanitarian aid and assistance, especially in relation to conflicts involving FTFs and other terrorists. This section also offers provisional figures generated from the application of these methodologies to extant sources. In doing so, we develop—and invite critical feedback on—new ways to measure both of these areas of state practice.