HELP: towards a human-rights coordinated against terrorism

The threat of terrorism and the means to fight it efficiently with full respect of the rule of law and human rights is the concern of policy makers, law enforcement agencies and population at large. Operations conducted by many states within the framework of the so-called “war on terrorism” in recent years “have shown that a wide range of human rights are affected by counter terrorism measures, notably the right to life, the prohibition on torture or inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to liberty and security, the right to a fair trial, and respect for private and family life”.

Counter terrorism and radicalisation measures should respect, promote and ensure the protection of human rights. As stated by the United Nations Human Rights Council in its resolution 31/30 “the objectives of countering terrorism and of the protection and promotion of human rights are not conflicting but complementary and mutually reinforcing”. Policies which are compliant to human rights standards uphold the values that terrorist groups endeavour to destroy, weaken support for radicalism among potential advocates, and reinforce public confidence in the rule of law.

In this context and in the scope of supporting regional dynamics around the prevention and the countering of radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorism, the Council of Europe organises in Tunis on 22-23 June 2022 a “Regional Conference on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism: Towards a Human rights Coordinated approach” within the framework of the European-Union and the Council of Europe joint programs, the Regional Support to Reinforce Human rights, Rule of Law and Democracy in the Southern Mediterranean Program (South Programme IV) and the Support to Independent Bodies in Tunisia Project (PAII-T).

The event is organised jointly with the National Commission on Counterterrorism in Tunisia, the Higher Authority for Audio-visual Communication and No Peace Without Justice. The Conference has two objectives. The first is to establish the basis for a HELP regional training on repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of children in their countries. The second is to present two HELP contextualised courses on Counterterrorism and Violent Extremism, i.e Radicalisation Prevention and Combatting Hate Speech in the Audio-Visual Sector.

• Concept note and program of the conference

For further information, please contact: Frej Fenniche: ffenniche@npwj.org – +216 56 441 505 (English, French, العربية)