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
UN Report Examines Nexus of Counterterrorism and International Humanitarian Law
The UN’s Counterterrorism Executive Directorate (CTED) study, The Interrelationship between counter-terrorism frameworks and international humanitarian law, released on Jan. 10, 2022 is a significant step forward in bringing these two legal frameworks into alignment and
Panel Discussion: 20 Years Later – Civil Society and the Global War on Terror
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXrvmEDhMg0 Description: In the twenty years since the 9/11 attacks, the expansive array of policies adopted in the name of waging a Global War on Terror have come with dire consequences for civil society actors
C&SN Joins 20 Groups in Urging the UN to Ensure Independent Oversight of its Counterterrorism Architecture
June 30, 2021 Today, in response to the adoption of the 7th review of United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS) by the UN General Assembly, 20 organizations including the Charity & Security Network signed onto
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
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