IMPACT OF TERRORISM ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND OTHER RELATED ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW: A REFLECTION

Law

Terrorism poses a threat to humanity as a whole, without distinction, as every State desires to defend itself against terrorist activities that threaten its citizens and instils fear. Human rights are important, and the cost of terrorist activities is expressed in numerous human lives and enormous material damage. Yet to date, international organisations and governments have not found a common definition or uniform approach. Terrorist groups seek to conduct attacks, violate borders, radicalise and recruit potential extremists within the region. Terrorists motivated by other forms of extremism use violence to threaten civilian populations, undermine the rule of law and disrupt normal daily life. The strategic objectives include the reduction of terrorist attacks, secure borders and all ports of entry against terrorist threats and elimination of other types of disturbances to the peace and security of the country. The work was prepared through a combination of archival and internet search and consultation; carried out through an analysis of existing literature in the domain of terrorism as well as legal discipline. The results show responses to counter-terrorism as well as efforts to thwart and prevent it, and uphold respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. Faced with terrorist acts and threats, governments are tempted to react at once with force, setting aside legal safeguards in a democratic state. But in crises such as those brought about by terrorism, respect for human rights is even more important; any other choice would favour the aims of terrorists and would undermine the foundations of society. On the other hand, the need to respect human rights is not an obstacle to the effective fight against terrorism. The work aims to reconcile both requirements: defending society and preserving fundamental human rights and freedoms considering the protection of victims of terrorist acts. Finally, it is designed to serve as a practical guide for anti-terrorist policies, legislation, policymakers, counter-terrorism practitioners and legal scholars.

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