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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United StatesAs Joe Biden settles into his presidency, in addition to facing a pandemic and economic crisis, he will hear demands for accountability. If President Biden is going to help restore a robust commitment to the rule of law, he will need to reach further back than Donald Trump and the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6. He will also need to address the abuses that followed the 9/11 attacks — specifically, the CIA-run torture program.
January 25, 2021
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Burkina Faso: Residents’ Accounts Point to Mass Executions
Identify Remains of 180 Men Found in Djibo; Prosecute Those Responsible
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News
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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
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France: Dissolving Anti-Discrimination Group Threatens Rights
Government’s Misguided Move Part of Security Drift Endangering Liberties
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Chinese Diplomats Try Using UN as Shield for Xinjiang Crimes
World Body Should Reject Beijing’s False Narrative
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Don’t Let Orphan’s Canadian Homecoming Be an Exception
Ottawa Should Repatriate 46 Others Held in Northeast Syria
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Cameroon: Heightened Crackdown on Opposition
Stop Using Covid-19, Anti-Terror Law as Pretext to Quell Dissent
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India: Arrests of Activists Politically Motivated
Sedition, Counterterrorism Laws Used to Silence Dissent
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Social Media Platforms Remove War Crimes Evidence
Archive Needed to Preserve Content Deemed Dangerous
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