November 18, 2005

Revised Draft Resolution on the Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

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The UN General Assembly once again sends the message that protecting human rights stands on the opposite side from countering terrorism. And yet, under siege for alleged human rights abuses "while countering terrorism," the United States decided to co-sponsor this resolution. The resolution, which was adopted by consensus in the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, makes requests for a large number of reports and addresses a variety of UN bodies on the subject of "protecting human rights while countering terrorism." But there is not a single request for a report on the duty of states to protect citizens from the violations of rights resulting from terrorism.