Fight against terrorism and human rights issues focus of OSCE workshop in Liechtenstein

VADUZ, 17 November 2006 - Protecting human rights in the fight against terrorism and legal aspects in this respect were the focus of a three-day workshop which concluded in Vaduz, Liechtenstein, today.

Fifty national and international legal experts attended the event, organized by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with the support of the Government of Liechtenstein.

"The fight against terrorism will be lost if we are unable to protect human rights and the rule of law when bringing terrorists to justice," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, ODIHR Director.

"Protecting and promoting human rights across the OSCE region is crucial not only for upholding our common values, but also for ensuring that our actions to combat terrorism do not foment the conditions that terrorists exploit in calling others to their cause."

Participants discussed the principle of non-refoulement, procedural guarantees and due process when transferring terrorist suspects, asset freezing and confiscation, as well as the effect of exchange of evidence, listing of terrorist suspects and information sharing and their consequences for human rights.

"Stretching from North America to Central Asia, the OSCE region provides a unique landscape for international co-operation in combating terrorism," added Ambassador Strohal.

"But we need to take into account these geographical differences when fulfilling commitments that bind the 56 OSCE participating States in the fight against international terrorism. Frank discussions between experts could enhance understanding and awareness of the indisputable need to protect human rights in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism."