FFT and other NGOs criticise counter-terrorism measures

Freedom from Torture, with a number of other human rights groups including AIRE Centre (Advice on Individual Rights in Europe), Amnesty International, Article 19, Doctors for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, Justice, The Law Society of England and Wales, Liberty and Redress have published the following statement entitled: Rights, Freedom and Security.

Rights, Freedoms and Security

We utterly condemn the July bombings in London. We want an end to such acts and those responsible brought to justice. We call upon the UK Government to ensure prompt and adequate reparation for all victims of human rights abuses.

We believe that true security depends on respect for human rights and the rule of law. Therefore we are deeply concerned at counter-terrorism measures that are counter-productive and undermine our human rights. We call upon the UK authorities to abandon such measures and instead base its approach upon real respect for:

• The absolute prohibition of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, which includes not sending persons to places where they may be at risk of such treatment.
• The right to freedom of expression and association.
• The right to seek and enjoy asylum.
• The right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary detention.
• Human rights, the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

If the Government does not respect these principles then insecurity will thrive.

We call on the Government to end complicity in the use of torture and other ill treatment. We urge the Government to uphold the Human Rights Act.