In recent years, governments have started to take more measures in order to protect their citizens from terrorist acts. How to combat terrorism is a very serious challenge, and the range of counterterrorism measures developed and implemented in the past 10 years is extremely wide, with specific policies having different impacts in varying conditions and settings. Counter-terrorism is nowadays often reframed as ‘preventing extremism’ and directly links into conflict prevention, with corresponding intervention strategies such as building state capacity and addressing common root causes of grievances in societies.

Unfortunately, these measures have at times contravened human rights, deprived citizens of civil liberties and political freedoms, and undermined rather than supported the rule of law. Some states have engaged in torture and illegal detention in the name of counter-terrorism. This poses a significant question as to how terrorism can be fought while upholding human rights and the rule of law. Civil society groups are increasingly important in addressing this issue.

Some counter-terrorism measures have constrained civil society organisations in their work in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, but also in development and human rights. In several cases, counter-terrorist legislation has posed serious restrictions on the freedom of association and assembly, access to funding and to conflict areas and has made it difficult for civil society organisations to work with some parties to conflicts without coming under suspicion of lending material support to groups branded as terrorist. Some governments have taken measures in the name of counter-terrorism that have been used to directly crack down on NGOs and political activists that criticize government policies. While civil society is essential to strengthen constituencies for human security and preventing extremism, counter terrorist measures have often contributed to restraining the political space for civil society organisations.

Civil society worldwide has developed constructive ways of engagement and agency to influence current counter terrorism measures. Their counter narratives and social alternatives are increasingly being recognised by policymakers and donors that seek to develop counter terrorism measures that are effective.

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