War on 'terror' backfires

2004-05-26 10:59

London - The US-led war on terror against extremist groups such as al-Qaeda has produced the most sustained attack on human rights and international law in 50 years, Amnesty International said in its annual report on Wednesday.

Irene Khan, secretary general of the human rights group, condemned terrorist assaults by groups such as al-Qaeda, saying they posed a threat to the security of people around the world.

But she criticised the response of the US-led "coalition of the willing," saying its powerful governments were ignoring international laws by sacrificing human rights in the "blind pursuit" of security.

"The global security agenda promoted by the US administration is bankrupt of vision and bereft of principle," Khan said.

More dangerous

"Violating rights at home, turning a blind eye to abuses abroad, and using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses have damaged justice and freedom, and made the world a more dangerous place."

The report cites the hundreds of foreign nationals who remain in indefinite detention without charge or trial in US custody at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It also details alleged unlawful killings of civilians and allegations of abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US soldiers.

"By failing to protect the rights of those who may be guilty, governments endanger the rights of those who are innocent and put us all at risk," Khan said.

The report criticised several governments that have introduced "regressive" anti-terrorist legislation and restrictions on freedom since the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Britain was singled out for holding 14 foreign nationals under anti-terrorism legislation that allows indefinite detention without charge or trial. The legislation has been criticised by lawmakers, civil rights groups and Muslim associations.

British police disclosed that more than half the 572 people arrested in anti-terror raids in Britain since September 11, 2001, have been released without charge, and fewer than one in five have been charged with terrorism-related offences.

Khan said she was heartened by millions of people who took to the streets in capitals around the world to protest against the war in Iraq, Spaniards who marched following the March 11 terrorist attacks in Madrid, and the World Social Forum in Brazil.

Global justice

"Governments need to listen," she said. "In times of uncertainty, the world needs not only to fight against global threats but to fight for global justice."

The report also said that Iraq and the war on terror have obscured the greatest human rights challenge in recent history - the tendency of many developing countries to spend billions of dollars a year on weapons instead of tackling poverty.

Khan said there is a risk that UN Millennium Development Goals such as reducing child mortality and halving the number of people without access to clean water, will not be achieved because resources have been diverted to the war on terror.

- AP