Cooperative Engagement on Ensuring Respect for Human Rights while Countering Terrorism: The Significance of the UN Global Counter‐Terrorism Strategy for Europe
This paper provides background for representatives from the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament, and civil society to engage in a dialogue on the significance of the UN Strategy in the context of the European Union’s efforts to address terrorism while respecting human rights and the rule of law.
A joint declaration by the United States and European Union saying respecting human rights and complying with international law are “fundamental principles” in combating terrorism received praise from both Justice and State officials. Issued on June 3, 2010, the statement outlines a comprehensive and cooperative anti-terrorist strategy seeking to “diminish the long term threat of violent extremism.” It calls for implementation of UN Resolution 1904, reaffirmation of the 2006 United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and acknowledges the vital role aid and development groups play in reducing terrorism and addressing the needs of vulnerable people.
The EU-US and Member States 2010 Declaration on Counterterrorism is a framework designed to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and EU in diplomacy, law enforcement and judicial assistance and to address the “conditions conducive to violent radicalization and recruitment into terrorism.” It says “respect for the rule of law and international law, including human rights law, international humanitarian law, and refugee law, are fundamental in the national and international efforts in the fight against terrorism.”
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder welcomed the declaration. “This declaration demonstrates our joint commitment to protect our citizens from terrorism consistent with our laws, our values and our commitment to individual privacy,” Holder said in a statement.
Philip J. Crowley, Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Public Affairs at the Department of State, responding to the statement by reaffirming the U.S. commitment to respecting international law and human rights in the fight against violent extremism. “We and our partners in the EU are committed to working together to combat the threat of terrorism, bringing to that effort our common values of freedom and democracy, and our respect for international law, the rule of law, and human rights,” Crowley said.
Coming just days after President Obama’s new national security strategy, whicht underscores the importance of working closely with allies to counter violent extremism and makes a “commitment to human dignity,” the statement says the U.S. and EU member states should: