Human Rights Implications of European Union Internal Security Proposals

Human Rights Watch understands the interest in developing European Union-wide internal security measures in
the aftermath of the 11 September attacks in the United States. However, a number of recent E.U. proposals to
combat terrorism and other proposed internal security measures contain elements that raise serious human
rights concerns. Accordingly, we urge the E.U. to proceed with caution to ensure that any security measures
taken provide adequate safeguards to guarantee the protection of individual civil liberties. Moreover, we
recommend that any new E.U. legislation contain a specific provision guaranteeing that it is in full conformity
with international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international refugee protection
standards.