FNC receives bill on counter-terrorism centre (Hedaya)

Abu Dhabi, April 7, 2013 (WAM) - The government has referred the federal draft law regarding the establishment of the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism (Hedaya) to the Federal National Council (FNC) for deliberation. In its explanatory note, the government says it had set up Hedaya to honour a pledge it made during the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) held in New York two years ago and to find the legal ground for the existence of the multifaceted centre. The cabinet has endorsed the draft law setting up Hedaya, which aims to create common ground for dialogue, exchange of views and cooperation among nations and national and international specialised centres to combat international terrorism. The 15-article bill defines mission, message and terms of references of the centre as well as other administrative and financial matters. According to articles (10 to 13), the Abu Dhabi-based centre falls under the jurisdiction of UAE laws and is not allowed to perform any acts that breach laws of the UAE, contradict its interests or interfere in its internal affairs. The UAE will not be responsible for illegal practices committed by the centre's staff. Article (2) says the centre will enjoy legal character and financial and administrative independence to perform its duties and achieve its goals. Towards delivering its mandate, article (4) says Hedaya will establish a data base for sharing information with GCTF member states, build capacities, offer programmes to counter violent terrorism, conduct and assess relevant studies and research, organise workshops, training courses, and lectures, coordinate and cooperate with the media and forge collaborative partnerships with both the public and private sectors. Article (5) stipulates that Hedaya will have a board of directors composed of not less than 10 prominent public figures of international expertise including two senior officials from the host UAE, which will also chair the board and host its meetings, which may be once at least in a year. Hedaya may also convene extraordinary sessions upon invitation of the board chairman or two thirds of the members. Article (7) stipulates that Hedaya will have an executive director from the UAE, who will be appointed by the board for a three-year tenure, subject to renewal. The UAE is uniquely positioned among the world s nations to host the Centre, the first of its kind dedicated to Counter Violent Extremism (CVE). It's a tolerant and forward-looking nation, with a diverse, multi-ethnic population representing essentially all the world s major religions and many of its cultures. It has also a strong commitment to CVE, and its excellent infrastructure will enable the Centre to take its place quickly among the world s leading institutions for dialogue, research, collaboration and training in CVE. To this end, the Centre will be proactively engaged in three programme areas: research, dialogue and cooperation, and training. – Emirates News Agency, WAM