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.
In a document entitled “Security and Respect for Human Rights: Amnesty International’s Appeal to the EU and its Member States” (see attached), the human rights organization says any new security measures introduced in response to the attacks of 11 September, must enshrine the international human rights standards to which EU countries are legally committed, including the EU’s own Charter of Fundamental Rights adopted less than a year ago.
“Amnesty International recognises the legitimacy and the necessity for the EU and its Member States to provide for the security of their citizens and all other individuals in their territory. However, the EU must ensure that the aim of security does not undermine the very rights it seeks to safeguard, and that the principles on which the Union is founded are not compromised,” said Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International’s EU Office.
Amnesty International’s appeal to the EU details a number of concerns including:
- Why human rights must be at the basis of any security measures;
- How “terrorism” is to be defined by the EU;
- Mechanisms surrounding the EU arrest warrant and surrender procedures;
- Protection of minorities;
- Security and protection of asylum-seekers and refugees.
Amnesty International appeals to the EU and its Member States to ensure that any measures adopted to guarantee security are in full compliance with international human rights law and standards, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
Click here to view the Amnesty International Appeal to the EU and its Member States
For further comment/background and interviews:
Amnesty International EU Office (Brussels):
Tel: 32-2-5021499
Fax: 32-2-5025686