Part II Regional Instruments REAFFIRMING the legitimate right of peoples for selfdetermination and independence pursuant to the principles of international law and the provisions of the Charters of the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; CONCERNED that the lives of innocent women and children are most adversely affected by terrorism; CONVINCED that terrorism constitutes a serious violation of human rights and, in particular, the rights to physical integrity, life, freedom and security, and impedes socio-economic development through destabilization of States; CONVINCED FURTHER that terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances and, consequently, should be combated in all its forms and manifestations, including those in which States are involved directly or indirectly, without regard to its origin, causes and objectives; AWARE of the growing links between terrorism and organized crime, including the illicit traffic of arms, drugs and money laundering; DETERMINED to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations; HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS: PART I SCOPE OF APPLICATION Article 1 For the purposes of this Convention: 1. “Convention” means the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism. 2. “State Party" means any Member State of the Organization of African Unity which has ratified or acceded to this Convention and has deposited its instrument of ratification or accession with the Secretary 206