Respect for human rights in the fight against terrorism

The purpose of this report drafted by the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly is to examine the way in which certain member states have responded to the terrorist threat in legislative and administrative terms and to compare these measures with the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It covers the anti-terrorism legislation of France, Italy, the Russian Federation, Spain and the U.K. In its conclusions Rapporteur Grebennikov inter alia expresses his concerns that certain legislation does not appear to be in keeping with the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, particularly the non-derogable rights enshrined in article 2 and 3 ECHR which guarantee the essential right to life and prohibit torture.

«Talk of ‘striking the right balance’ is misguided when such human rights are at stake…» the Rapporteur concluded, citing a statement by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT).

Source : Council of Europe

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Respect for human rights in the fight against terrorism