Jurists strike Global Task Force on Anti-Terrorism and Human Rights

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), a global network of judges, lawyers and human rights defenders, has launched a special task force to assess the impact of anti-terrorism measures on human rights around the world and to explore how governments can fight terrorism while respecting the rule of law.

The Eminent Jurists Panel on Terrorism, Counter-terrorism and Human Rights has been initiated in response to a worldwide phenomenon that ICJ says is threatening the rule of law and human rights. «Governments are redefining and seeking to bypass well-established human rights and rule-of-law principles in the quest to stop terrorism. Policy-makers dismiss general statements of human rights principles as unrealistic and the public in many countries seems ready to accept an erosion of rights.»

The Panel is made up of eight internationally renowned legal experts from around the world, including Pakistani human rights lawyer Hina Jilani and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson. It has been given an 18-month mandate to investigate the impact of anti-terrorism measures on human rights around the world, to stimulate national debates, and to recommend steps governments can take to respect international law while fighting terrorism.

The Panel will hold public hearings in 14 countries and four sub-regions (East Africa, North Africa, Middle East and South America) where anti-terrorism measures have been implemented. The aims of the hearings are to stimulate national debates through the media and invite local lawyers, judges, government officials, human rights defenders and academics to identify problems and possible solutions. The Panel will also seek meetings with government and security officials to discuss anti-terrorism policies.

For more information

See also:

- ICJ’s Declaration on Upholding Human Rights in Combating Terrorism

 ARTICLE 19 Statement on UK Anti-Terrorism Bill

 International Federation of Journalists/Statewatch Report «Civil Liberties Under Attack»

 PEN Campaign on USA Patriot Act