Terrorism / Counterterrorism
Violent acts by non-state groups against the general population for political purposes are abhorrent crimes that, when widespread or systematic, can amount to crimes against humanity. Human Rights Watch condemns such acts. Governments have a responsibility to protect those within their jurisdiction from extremist attacks, but must ensure that all counterterrorism measures respect human rights. Human Rights Watch monitors actions by governments and inter-governmental bodies against violent extremism to ensure they do not infringe on the rights to life, to protection from torture and ill-treatment, and to a fair trial. We also condemn governments for targeting minorities or stifling the rights to free expression, association and peaceful assembly in the name of security. Such measures are not only unlawful under international law, they are also counter-productive.
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Mali: Killings, ‘Disappearances’ in Military Operations
Investigate Alleged Security Force Abuses in Mopti Region
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Burkina Faso: Residents’ Accounts Point to Mass Executions
Identify Remains of 180 Men Found in Djibo; Prosecute Those Responsible
News
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Sri Lanka: Free Rights Activist
Release Hejaaz Hizbullah and Others Denied Due Process under Abusive Law
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Revised UN Counterterrorism Strategy Has Stronger Rights Focus
Human Rights Monitoring Mechanism Still Urgently Needed
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UN Should Ensure Independent Oversight of UN Counter-Terrorism Architecture
Critical need for UN Member States and Secretary-General to use new UN Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy to develop an independent oversight mechanism to assess and mitigate harm from counterterrorism measures
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Sri Lanka: Pardons a Meager Response to Abusive Law
Repeal Prevention of Terrorism Act to Meet International Commitments
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Nordic Countries: Repatriate Nationals from Northeast Syria
Potential Complicity in Unlawful Detention of ISIS Suspects, Children
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Bittersweet Homecoming for Canadian Girl Rescued from Syria
All Countries Should Urgently Repatriate Citizens
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Human Rights Council: Countries Should Take Bold Action on Egypt
Monitoring, Tough Message on Dire Rights Situation Long Overdue
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Japan: End Assistance for Cambodia’s Abusive Police
Counterterrorism Support Will Link Tokyo to Future Violations
