The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) yesterday expressed concern at the human rights impact of counter-terrorism measures adopted by governments in the wake of the September 11th attacks.
"On the anniversary of the dramatic events of September 11 2001, the ICJ expresses its sympathy with the victims and their families affected by the terrorist attacks in the United States," the human rights group said in a statement.
"At the same time, the ICJ is gravely concerned by counter-terrorist measures proposed or adopted by a number of states and their implications for human rights protection," it added.
The Geneva-based ICJ highlighted the US detention of suspects in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba without prisoner of war status, plans to try suspects by military commissions, as well as steps taken in Britain, Sweden and New Zealand.
"The ICJ hopes that the next UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira De Mello, whose term commences this week, will follow the example of his predecessor, Mary Robinson, in courageously protecting human rights and the rule of law in the context of these events," the statement said. - (AFP)