Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

Following the introduction, chapter I of the present report highlights the key activities of the Special Rapporteur, from 17 December 2007 to 31 December 2008. The main report, contained in chapter II, highlights several concerns of the Special Rapporteur regarding the role of intelligence agencies in the fight against terrorism. Section A stresses the need for a specific and comprehensive legislative framework to regulate the broader powers that have been given to intelligence agencies in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. The collection and sharing of «signal» intelligence has led to several violations of the right to privacy and the principle of non-discrimination, while «human intelligence» - the gathering of intelligence by means of interpersonal contact - has even led to violations of jus cogens norms such as the prohibition against torture and other inhuman treatment.

Document: http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G09/106/25/PDF/G0910625.pdf?OpenElement