The ICJ urged all Governments to review and repeal laws and policies on operations of intelligence services in countering terrorism that had served to deprive victims of their right to an effective remedy and reparation.
The call was made in interaction with the UN Special Rapporteur.
ICJ intervention in the interactive dialogue-non-legal submission-2009 (full text, PDF)
The ICJ urged the Human Rights Council to adopt new mechanisms for enhanced protection of civilians in times of de facto and de iure emergencies, including in armed conflicts.
The Council was also demanded to start using its multiple instruments to address gross violations in individual countries and articulate measures to remedy damage done in counter-terrorism, which requires a renewed commitment to human rights and rule of law principles.
The following documents are available:
ICJ urges to HRC unconditional protection of civilians-Press releases-2009 (full text, PDF)
An independent panel of eminent judges and lawyers presents alarming findings about the impact of counter-terrorism policies worldwide and calls for remedial action.
The declaration has become a beacon for the development of international law, the institution of universal human rights mechanisms and procedures and a primary instrument for those who struggle for dignity.
Nevertheless, the promise of the Universal Declaration has yet to be fully realised.
“Despite the burgeoning of a culture of human rights in parts of the world, major objectives of the Universal Declaration remain unfulfilled, as the efforts to implement human rights have left many men and women behind”, said Lukas Machon, ICJ Representative to the UN.
UN-Universal declaration of human rights at its 60th anniversary-news-2008 (full text, PDF)
Pakistan: End the cycle of detention and judicial harassment of lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
HRC63: ICJ Raises Concern over Torture, Executions and Impunity in Libya
HRC63: ICJ Calls for Renewal and Strengthening of the Venezuela Fact-Finding Mission