Comments by Amnesty International on a proposal by the European Commission for a Council Framework Decision on combating terrorism [COM(2001) 521 final]

In the lead-up to this week’s series of extraordinary EU meetings to discuss anti-terrorism measures, including tomorrow’s special Justice and Home Affairs Council, Amnesty International has outlined its concerns over the potential of these new measures to infringe basic human rights.

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At this crucial time, with global tensions running high, Amnesty International in Brussels today launched an appeal to EU leaders to show greater moral and political leadership to safeguard the international protection of refugees. The appeal coincides with this week’s Justice and Home Affairs Council (27-28 th September) which is due to discuss key issues regarding the EU’s asylum procedures.

Click on link to view AI Document EUR 01/003/2001

“This is the first-ever package of legally-binding EU asylum and immigration measures to be decided by EU ministers, and it is shocking that out of all these measures, the one concerning refugees represents a step backwards,” said Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International’s EU Office.

As EU Justice and Home Affairs ministers prepare to meet in Brussels, Thursday (15 March), Amnesty International warns that measures against illegal immigration to be discussed at their meeting may breach the international human rights commitments of EU Member States.