Robinson warns over anti-terrorist measures

Anti-terrorist measures adopted after September 11th are being used in many countries to suppress legitimate dissent and criticism of the State, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms Mary Robinson warned today.

Speaking in Dublin this morning, Ms Robinson said her office was working to guard against inappropriate interpretations by states of UN Security Council Resolution 1373. This resolution required every country to take measures to combat terrorism and report on their progress in tackling terrorism by December 28th.

Mr Bertie Ahern

Efforts to eradicate terrorism had resulted in legitimate dissenters being jailed, she said. "Let me repeat that peaceful activities or the lawful exercise of human rights must never be equated with terrorism", she said.

Ms Robinson was addressing delegates from more than 70 countries at the opening of a two day conference organised by Front Line, The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, an Irish-based international organisation founded in 2001.

Ms Robinson also called on the Taoiseach - who was in attendance - to make Ireland one of the countries to ratify the 1990 International Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers.

Globalisation has created free movement of finance and of goods across national boundaries but the same rules do not apply to people, Ms Robinson added.

This allowed criminal elements to profit from the vulnerability of these workers.

Let me repeat that peaceful activities or the lawful exercise of human rights must never be equated with terrorism Ms Mary Robinson

Mr Ahern said the defence of human rights was a local as well as a global issue. "In recent years we have witnessed the murder of journalists such as Veronica Guerin and Martin O’Hagan. These murders were direct attacks on the basic human right of free speech and a free press."

He said the British and Irish governments have agreed to appoint a judge of international standing to review six murder cases in Northern Ireland where there is concern about collusion by the security forces, including the cases of Rosemary Nelson and Pat Finucane.

Both governments will abide by the findings of this judge and hold a public inquiry if required, the Taoiseach added.

Front Line founder, Ms Mary Lawlor said the distinctive feature of this organisation was its sharp focus on human rights defenders at risk because of their nonviolent work.

She thanked Mr Denis O’Brien, Front Line chairman, for his moral and financial support and said his $3 million donation had been important in establishing the organisation last year.