HUMAN RIGHTS AND TERRORISM
Different regions of the world have been severely impacted by terrorism, which causes a great deal of violence and fear in the community. Not only does it aggravate the public, but it also violates their fundamental human rights. Terrorism is a major threat to two pillars of society: democracy and the rule of law.
Terrorism poses a direct threat to the economy by substantially destroying factories and manufacturing facilities and collapsing the current financial markets. It indirectly threatens a country’s peace and security, which has an impact on our fundamental rights. The economic impact of terrorism is indirect because it leads to xenophobia and decreased tourism. Terrorist activity disturbs civic society and causes severe socioeconomic upheaval. It is true that “transnational-crimes” and terrorism are related. Due to terrorist operations, not only the internal security of the State but also its territorial integrity are in jeopardy.
Terrorism and human rights cannot co-exist they are mutually destruct each other. Where there is terrorism there is not human rights, where there are no human rights, there can be no respect for human dignity, life and democratic values. Terrorism not only affects the human rights of many but also hinders the resolution and settlement of disputes and conflicts by civil methods. The problem of terrorism transcends all frontiers whether national, international, political or economic. Its solution calls for a global efforts, international co-operation and trans-national actions.
Terrorism has no caste, creed region or religion. It has global dimensions, the international terror is aided protected and financed by a no. of gouts who safe havens for terrorists and false passports, With technological advancement a whole range of small portable and easy to operate weapons are coming into the possession of the terrorist groups, The refinement of personal weapons is also talking place.
Terrorism aims at the very destruction of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. It challenges the principles that underpin the UN Charter and other international agreements, including respect for human rights, the rule of law, regulations governing armed conflict and the protection of civilians, intergroup tolerance, and peaceful conflict resolution. The right to life, liberty, and physical integrity are among the many human rights that are directly affected by terrorism. Terrorist attacks have the potential to bring down governments, weaken civil society, endanger peace and security, endanger social and economic progress, and may particularly harm some communities. Each of these directly affects how basic human rights are exercised.
Terrorism endangers the right to life provided under different international laws, treaties and personal laws- the fundamental right which is guaranteed to us from birth. ICCPR states that right to life is supreme. Article 3 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights suggest the ‘right to life’. In Article 2 of Human Rights Act, right to life as an important right is mentioned thereof. As mentioned therein, different law establishes right to life but terrorism is an obstruction to it. Terrorism not only affects domestic laws but also international humanitarian and criminal laws.
- India has been consistently working towards fighting the menace of terrorism at both global and national front, thus adopting certain measures at policy level.
- At international level, India has proposed Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at United Nations General Assembly which is under negotiation. Upon its adoption, the convention would provide legal basis for criminalizing all terrorist activities.
- India has also voted in favour of Resolution 34/8 of the Human Rights Council on ‘Effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of all human rights’.
- At national level, India has formulated and implemented many laws. Some of them are Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 etc.