Because terrorism can negatively impact human rights, countries are obligated to protect the rights of their citizens through effective counterterrorism measures. At the same time, countries must ensure that these measures comply with international human rights law.
Unfortunately, the reality is that human rights are often sidelined when counterterrorism policies are crafted. Unintended consequences of these laws can restrict freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly, among other basic rights. In repressive regimes, counterterrorism laws and policies are often used as an excuse for restrictive measures against civil society. Civil society must be diligent in pushing back against restrictive policies and ensure that adequate Humanitarian Safeguards are in place.
Featured Resources
Proposed Amendments Would Provide Information on Impact of Sanctions, Lessons Learned from CT Policies, and New Strategy to Reduce Derisking
Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) that have been inhibited in their work due to national security laws and policies could see some positive developments in three House of Representatives-passed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act
C&SN Provides Input to Special Rapporteur the Interface between IHL and IHRL in Counterterrorism Regulation
On July 1, 2020, Charity & Security Network (C&SN) submitted input to the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism on the interface of international human
U.S. Lawmakers Propose “National Counterterrorism Commission”
On May 27 U.S. Representatives Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ted Deutch (D-FL), and Max Rose (D-NY) introduced the National Commission on U.S. Counterterrorism Policy Act (H.R. 7028). The bill proposes the
Abstract: Who Will Interpret and Enforce IHL in Counterterrorism?
Who should authoritatively interpret and apply international humanitarian law (IHL) in the counterterrorism context is the focus of a legal briefing from the Harvard Program on International Law and Armed Conflict, The Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive
UN Report: CVE Programming Laden with Human Rights Concerns
A new UN report underscores the “lack of a robust scientific basis” for policies and practices aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), as well as the “complete absence of human rights-based monitoring and
Abstract: Safeguarding Medical Care and Humanitarian Action in the UN Counterterrorism Framework
In her report Safeguarding Medical Care and Humanitarian Action in the UN Counterterrorism Framework, Alice Debarre poses the question of how UN and UN member state counterterrorism frameworks affect and interact with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). She