Ban calls on Member States to uphold human rights while fighting terrorism

9 October 2008 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has underscored that nations are duty-bound to protect human rights while countering terrorism, in a new report made public today. “Member States are bound to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law as the fundamental basis in the fight against terrorism,” Mr. Ban wrote in a report on the implementation of a General Assembly resolution adopted last December. In that resolution, the 192-member body confirmed that nations must guarantee that any steps taken to fight terrorism conforms with their obligations, specifically regarding international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law. The Secretary-General’s report notes that “Member States should reaffirm their commitment to the total prohibition of torture by prohibiting torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading... [read full story]