Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights: Striking the Right Balance

Hearing Notice

Please join the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission for a hearing on counter-terrorism measures and their impact on human rights.

In response to the 9/11 attacks, the United States and the international community have undertaken a broad range of counter-terrorism initiatives, including the adoption of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 60/288 in September 2006. Although the Strategy’s Plan of Action clearly recognized that protection and promotion of human rights and rule of law were essential to its success, and this was reaffirmed in the seventh review in 2021, many governments have since adopted counter-terrorism measures that depart from their obligations under international law, including international human rights law. Several countries, among them key partners of the United States, have invoked the fight against terrorism to justify restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and association or to criminalize the exercise of those rights, including through the application of anti-terrorism financing laws. Among those affected are civil society actors, human rights defenders and religious minorities.

Witnesses will examine the use of counter-terrorism measures by governments around the world and offer recommendations for consideration by Congress to ensure that the fight against terrorism is fully aligned with respect for human rights.

This hearing will be virtual. Pursuant to H. Res. 965, Members of Congress and witnesses will participate remotely via Cisco WebEx. Members of the public and the media may view the hearing by live webcast on the Commission website. The hearing will also be available for viewing on channel 51 of the House Digital Channel service. For any questions, please contact Kimberly Stanton (for Co-Chair McGovern) or Piero Tozzi (for Co-Chair Smith).

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