Human Rights and Counter Terrorism

Human Rights Watch calls on the U.N. Commission on Human Rights to adopt a resolution on the protection of human rights in countering terrorism that would emphasize the importance of the respect for international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law in combating terrorism; request relevant mechanisms and bodies of the United Nations to monitor counter terrorism measures; ask the High Commissioner to continue his leadership role in coordinating and encouraging the work of all relevant U.N. bodies and organs on matters related to terrorism and human rights, and ask him to create a dedicated unit within his office to support these activities; and ask the Secretary General to appoint a Special Representative on human rights and counter-terrorism who would examine the effect of counter terrorism measures on human rights in specific countries.