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Human Rights Comment
Misuse of anti-terror legislation threatens freedom of expression
When terrorism spreads, states are often tempted to restrict fundamental freedoms for the sake of fighting it and preventing further attacks. Terrorism constitutes a serious threat to human rights and democracy and action by states is necessary to prevent and effectively sanction terrorist acts....
Human Rights Comment
National human rights structures: protecting human rights while countering terrorism
A series of terrorist attacks has deeply traumatised Europe. In Brussels, Paris, Copenhagen, Ankara and beyond, shock was followed by fear of further attacks and a sense of urgency about preventing them. Preventing and combating terrorism is a clear duty of all states, which must respect and...
Human Rights Comment
Human rights at risk when secret surveillance spreads
The fear of terrorism, technology that is developing at the speed of light, private companies and state security agencies compiling personal information – this topical mix has become a severe threat to the right to privacy. Despite the intentions, secret surveillance to counter terrorism can...
Human Rights Comment
Time for accountability in CIA torture cases
Twelve years ago, almost three thousand people were killed by the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Commemorative events provide an occasion to pay respects to the innocent victims, but also to reflect on the anti-terrorist response adopted by the USA and Europe. By allowing unlawful...
Human Rights Comment
Europeans must account for their complicity in CIA secret detention and torture
From late 2001 onwards, the US Central Intelligence Agency developed a vast network of clandestine counter-terrorism operations to capture and detain its most wanted suspects. The CIA’s partner agencies in various foreign countries – including across Europe – lent their close collaboration. The...
Human Rights Comment
Ten years of “global war on terror” undermined human rights – also in Europe
The ten-year anniversary of the atrocious Nine Eleven attacks is an occasion for sombre reflection. Almost three thousand lives were ended indiscriminately by a criminal conspiracy to turn passenger aircraft into weapons of mass destruction. This was a crime against humanity, the gravity of which...
Viewpoint
Intelligence secrecy must not be used as an excuse to ignore or cover up human rights violations
Lessons are only now being learned from the breakdown of human rights which followed the US-led “war on terror” after September 2001. While more and more detailed and shocking information is gradually emerging about systematic torture, secret detentions and other serious human rights violations,...
Viewpoint
After the human rights breakdown during the 'war on terror', the damage must be assessed and corrective action taken
The Obama administration has banned torture during interrogation of terrorist suspects and declared that the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States of America can no longer use secret prisons in the United States or abroad. The detention camp in Guantánamo Bay will be closed within one...
Viewpoint
More control is needed of police databases
Fighting crime, including international terrorism, requires the use of modern and effective methods of investigation. The use of fingerprints, cellular samples and DNA profiles in our criminal justice systems is undeniable when determining innocence or guilt. But caution still needs to be taken...
- Artificial intelligence
- Children's rights
- Counter terrorism
- Covid-19
- Discrimination
- Economic crisis
- Education
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of expression
- Gender equality
- Human rights defenders
- Justice system
- Lgbti
- Media freedom
- Migration
- Persons with disabilities
- Racism
- Roma
- Statelessness
- Terrorism
- Torture
- Transitional justice
- Violence
- Women's rights
Human Rights Comment
Highly intrusive spyware threatens the essence of human rights
Over 18 months have passed since an international coalition of brave investigative journalists released the Pegasus Project. The disclosure of the leak of over 50,000 phone numbers, including those of many human rights defenders, journalists, academics, and opposition leaders, that had been...
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