Reports

Terrorism and Human Rights

The present report is submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 78/210 and is focused on the latest developments related to terrorism, counter-terrorism and human rights during the reporting period, from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2025. In the report, it is emphasized that countering terrorism and respecting, protecting and promoting human rights should be viewed as complementary, rather than separate, objectives. Persistent human rights concerns observed in the context of countering terrorism, including those relating to broad definitions, due process and fair trial, are explored in the report, together with the use of new technologies in counter-terrorism. In addition, the growing misuse of the term “terrorism” to refer to situations and behaviours that are not related to terrorism under international law is highlighted, and the ways in which such mislabelling may undermine the implementation of international human rights law and international humanitarian law are examined.

Terrorism and human rights

In the present report, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights addresses the use of administrative measures to counter terrorism, focusing on the extent to which such measures adhere to international human rights law. In this regard, the report highlights certain measures, such as administrative detention, terrorist proscription, movement restrictions, and deprivation of nationality. The report recommends a series of legislative, institutional and policy measures to ensure that such administrative measures are fully human rights-compliant in meeting their stated objectives of countering terrorism.

Terrorism and human rights

The present report is submitted pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/169. In the report, it is emphasized that countering terrorism and respecting, protecting and promoting human rights should be viewed as complementary, rather than separate, objectives, and that law enforcement and military responses must be complemented by preventive measures that tackle the conditions conducive to terrorism. Persistent concerns relating to national counter-terrorism legislation, due process and fair trial, and the impact of counter-terrorism measures on civic space are also highlighted in the report. In addition, consideration is given to the use of new technologies in counter-terrorism efforts- and the situation of third-country nationals with suspected ties to designated terrorist groups.

Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Terrorism and human rights.

The report addresses the relationship between equality, non-discrimination, and counter-terrorism, focusing on the extent to which State responses to terrorism adhere to the rights to equality and non-discrimination in accordance with international human rights law. In this regard, the High Commissioner examines the proscription and listing of terrorist entities and individuals, watch-listing, surveillance and content moderation, law enforcement and criminal justice, and the deprivation of nationality. Because of the prominent risks of discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion and political opinion, the High Commissioner recommends a series of legislative, structural and policy measures to prevent discrimination while countering terrorism.

Report of the Secretary-General on terrorism and human rights.

The report emphasises that countering terrorism and respecting and promoting human rights should be viewed as complementary, rather than separate, objectives, and that law enforcement and military responses must be complemented by preventive measures that tackle the conditions conducive to terrorism. The report also emphasises the importance of meaningful engagement with a range of diverse actors to ensure the effective implementation of policies to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism. The report notes the persistence of concerns relating to national counter-terrorism legislation, due process and fair trial, and the impact of counter-terrorism measures on civic space. It notes that limited progress has been made in prosecuting sexual and gender-based crimes, and considers issues related to procedural fairness and humanitarian concerns associated with sanctions listing and delisting, the situation of third-country nationals with suspected ties to designated terrorist groups, and new and emerging forms of violent extremism conducive to terrorism.

Activities of the United Nations system in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

The present report is update to the previous report on the activities of the United Nations system in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/74/677). The update provides a supplementary account of the progress made in 2020 in implementing the Strategy.

Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on terrorism and human rights, focused on criminal accountability for terrorism related offences

This report focuses on measures taken by States to ensure criminal accountability for human rights abuses committed by terrorist groups and human rights violations committed in the context of countering terrorism. It also sets out the main requirements under international human rights law to ensure the rights of victims to an effective remedy and reparation. The final section offers some guidance to States on how to strengthen efforts towards ensuring accountability and upholding the rights of victims in accordance with international human rights law.

A/HRC/45/27

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Report on the Activities of the United Nations system in implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy

Terrorism has become one of the most serious challenges to international peace and security, to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and to realizing universal human rights. It threatens hard-earned gains in many Member States and locks others in a cycle of destabilization. A united international community best allows for the provision of support to affected countries and fostering institutional and social resilience to terrorism. This report complements the report of the Secretary-General (A/73/866).

Report on Progress made by the United Nations system in supporting Member States in assisting victims of terrorism

A report on the progress made regarding victims of terrorism, with a focus on detailed options, including for a voluntarily funded comprehensive programme to support Member States in assisting victims of terrorism through national systems. In section II, the progress of existing United Nations activities related to victims of terrorism is charted and evaluated.

Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, focused on children, considering child victims and witnesses of terrorist acts, children at perceived risk of recruitment and children associated or suspected of association with terrorist groups

This report is focused on children, considering child victims and witnesses of terrorist acts, children at perceived risk of recruitment and children associated or suspected of association with terrorist groups. The precise legal obligations of States may vary according to the circumstances of the child, but children in all such situations must be considered and treated as victims of terrorism.

A/HRC/40/28

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Protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

This report covers the relevant developments that took place between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2019, with reference in particular to recommendations made by international human rights mechanisms. Efforts undertaken to respect the rights of victims are described the interplay between protections of human rights and countering terrorism is detailed, ongoing concerns are highlighted in relation to the undermining of human rights in the context of countering terrorism and a number of recommendations are made on specific measures to be taken by Member States.

Report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the negative effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of all human rights and freedoms

This report focuses on the negative effects of terrorism on the enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to life, liberty and security of person, while paying particular attention to best practices and major challenges.