Attacks and smear campaigns against human rights activists are happening the world over, and Europe is no exception. The EU and its member countries need to take action to stop this – both at home and abroad

Authorities already have an array of security, surveillance and counter-terrorism measures at their disposal. This would be a disproportionate attack on privacy and free expression.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

The emergency powers currently being rushed through parliament provide for a sweeping extension of executive powers at the expense of essential human rights safeguards. They must be used only when strictly necessary and should not become a permanent addition to France’s anti-terror arsenal

With the EU seemingly intent on enlisting African nations as proxy gatekeepers, the Valletta summit is likely to result in a one-sided border control contract dressed up as a cooperation agreement. Refugees and migrants deserve and are entitled to better

The millions of fragments of information that we divulge online can be used to build an accurate picture of us. Credit: Amnesty International

The revelation that the UK government has been spying on Amnesty International highlights the gross inadequacies in the UK’s surveillance legislation.

French authorities could soon be bugging peoples’ homes, cars and phone lines without approval from a judge, even where there is no reasonable suspicion that they have done anything wrong.

14/04/2015 – Secrets and Lies: Forced confessions under torture in Uzbekistan, reveals how rampant torture and other ill-treatment plays a “central role” in the country’s justice system and the government’s clampdown on any group perceived as a threat to national security.

The UK government’s surveillance practices have been allowed to continue unabated and on an unprecedented scale, with major consequences for people’s privacy and freedom of expression. No-one is above the law and the European Court of Human Rights now has a chance to make that clear.

© Amnesty International

In order for surveillance to be lawful, it must be targeted, based on reasonable suspicion, and subject to prior judicial authorisation.