UK delivers statement on counter terror and human rights

The UK has delivered a statement on human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism at the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The statement says: "The UK strongly believes that to be truly effective, our counter terrorism and counter violent extremism efforts must respect human rights.

"In line with this, the UK welcomes the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur. The use of biometric information helps us combat terrorism, but it must be used in compliance with human rights law. The UK stands ready to engage with member states to support this objective, building our capability and capacity to counter terrorism whilst protecting and promoting human rights around the world."

The statement ends by posing a question to the Special Rapporteur on what more could be done by States to ensure that human rights are respected in the deployment of new technologies when it comes to countering terrorism.

Image: Ludovic Courtès, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons