The ICJ presented today the findings of a worldwide inquiry by a panel of some of the most prominent jurists into the impact of counter-terrorism laws on human rights at the United Nations in New York.
The report of the Eminent Jurists Panel concludes that many governments have confronted the threat of terrorism with ill-conceived measures that have undermined cherished values and resulted in serious violations of human rights.
It illustrates the devastating effects that notorious counter-terrorism measures such as extraordinary rendition, torture, arbitrary detention, and unfair trials have had on human rights worldwide.
It also warns of the increasing secrecy preventing accountability, and the danger of “temporary” measures becoming permanent features of law and practice in many states.
UN leadership in counter-terrorism-press release-2011 (full text, PDF)