Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation launches major counterterrorism report in Rabat

Jun 22, 2025 Europe News views: 112

The Nordic Center for Conflict Transformation (NCCT) unveiled groundbreaking research on terrorism and transitional justice at a high-profile event in Rabat on June 17,calling for a fundamental shift from perpetrator-focused to victim-centered justice approaches.

The report,titled “Terrorism Affiliated Adults: from Allegation to Accountability,” examines universal jurisdiction for core international crimes and transitional justice through cross-regional analysis. Morocco was strategically chosen for the launch due to its advanced transitional justice mechanisms and strategic position bridging Africa,Europe,and the Middle East.

“This report comes at a very important moment when the world sees wars in Europe,the Middle East and to a lesser degree in Africa,” said Naoufal Abboud,Nordic Center Executive Director,speaking to Morocco World News. “We expect this wave of violence and extremism will continue.”

Abboud emphasized the significance of launching from Morocco rather than European capitals,reversing traditional patterns of international report releases. The research reveals current legal structures are inadequate for prosecuting individuals who join terrorist groups,necessitating a reorientation toward victim-focused approaches.

Cholpon Orozobekeva from Geneva’s Bulan Institute highlighted Central Asian cases where countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have adopted humanitarian repatriation strategies,particularly for women and children,favoring social rehabilitation over criminal prosecution.

The Stockholm-based Nordic Center,established in 2018,operates globally with local partners in conflict-affected regions. Their ongoing projects include Reorient,OUM-Action,and Action Al-WASSIT,focusing on building community resilience against terrorism and extremism. The center has a regional office in Tangier,northern Morocco.

Morocco’s selection reflects its regional counterterrorism leadership,including active participation in Interpol where Police Commissioner Mhamed Dkhissi serves as Vice President for Africa. The country’s Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ) regularly dismantles terror cells while addressing root causes through poverty reduction and religious tolerance education.

Login

Register

Contribute

United News delivers authoritative global news with African and global insights. Breaking coverage on politics, human rights, environmental crises and social justice. Trusted journalism from Johannesburg to the world.

Politics & Conflicts

Business

Environment

Rights & Justice

United News - unews.co.za