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
CSO Coalition on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism Hosts Civil Society Town Hall during UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
On Apr. 25, 2023, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN), in partnership with ARTICLE 19 and the European Center for Not-For-Profit Law (ECNL), on behalf of the CSO Coalition on Human Rights and Counter-terrorism, hosted
Rep. Meeks Introduces Bill to Repeal and Replace Problematic Counter-terrorism Law
Washington, D.C., Apr. 7, 2023 - Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Representative (Rep.) Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY) introduced a bill which would repeal and replace the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military
C&SN Speaks at High-Level Civil Society Event at the United Nations
On Mar. 9, 2023, the Global Center on Cooperative Security hosted the event, “Civil Society Reflections on the 2023 Report of the Secretary-General on Activities of the United Nations System in Implementing the United Nations
International Women’s Day: Special Rapporteur’s Short Film Highlights Gendered Impacts of Counter-Terrorism
Today, Fionnuala D. Ní Aoláin, the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, released a short film documenting the gendered impacts of counter-terrorism.
C&SN Submits Input for UN Study: Counterterrorism Impacts on Civil Society
On Feb. 28, 2023, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN) submitted input to the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Fionnuala D.
C&SN’s Year in Review: 2022
As we come to the end of 2022, at C&SN we want to take this opportunity to share some key accomplishments across our numerous issue areas as we seek to protect and advocate for the