International Humanitarian Law Guides IMCTC Toward Aligned Counter-terrorism Practices

The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition states that international humanitarian law sits at the core of effective counter terrorism work, because it protects civilians, supports legal legitimacy, and strengthens public trust in security policies and procedures.

Within this framework, the coalition has been refining its institutional approach by linking security and counter terrorism needs with humanitarian law principles, while promoting legal awareness and specialist skills among counter terrorism personnel across member states.

A specialised scientific programme titled "International Humanitarian Law and Its Relation to Counter Terrorism" offers a key forum where member state representatives exchange views and experiences, and discuss how humanitarian rules apply to counter terrorism operations.

Programme sessions examine the legal rules that regulate the use of force, look at responsibility for international crimes connected to terrorism, and review examples of field practice, including lessons learned and recognised best practices in different operational environments.

Discussions during the programme also underline the ethical and cultural aspects of international humanitarian law, especially the humanitarian and legal values rooted in Islamic culture that guide balanced counter terrorism approaches and focus on limiting harm and abuses.

These values highlight the need to safeguard life, maintain human dignity, and prevent violations, while still allowing firm action against terrorist threats, so that counter terrorism operations remain consistent with both international obligations and cultural foundations.

Saudi Arabia, international humanitarian law and counter terrorism

The coalition describes this legal and humanitarian focus as part of its wider strategy across four domains, which are military coordination, intellectual efforts, media activities, and measures aimed at combating the financing of terrorism among its members.

This work also reflects Saudi Arabia's role as host country in backing international efforts that promote peace and security, while encouraging strong observance of international humanitarian law as a central element in countering terrorism and protecting societies from violence.

With inputs from SPA