Security and the Rule of Law

Hands fastened behind persons back with a cable tie

About Our Work_

Since our inception we have focused on the protection of liberty and security of the person. Through our Security and the Rule of Law work we deal with some of the most egregious human rights violations, such as torture, violations of the right to life, ‘extraordinary rendition’, arbitrary detention and transfer, slavery and trafficking.

Our litigation seeks to ensure that human rights and the rule of law are protected at all times, for all persons and in all places. Responding to attempts to jettison or unduly restrict human rights – in the name of national security, armed conflict, or on the basis of the allegedly ‘dangerous’ nature of the individuals concerned – is a major focus of our work.

We will pursue the right to truth, justice and reparation for victims, including victims of the ‘extraordinary rendition’ programme. We will continue to expose and challenge slavery and human trafficking. We will respond to the growing resort to targeted killings and the disproportionate use of force, to ensure that states are held to their responsibilities to effectively protect the right to life at all times, including in security operations. We will seek to challenge the widespread problem of arbitrary detention across regions.

 

Latest INTERIGHTS News_

Babar Ahmad and Others v The United Kingdom

On 10 April 2012 the European Court of Human Rights delivered its judgment in the case of Babar Ahmad and Others v The United Kingdom. The Court found that there would be no violation of the European Convention on Human Rights if the United Kingdom extradited the applicants to the United States to face terrorism charges.

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Finogenov & Ors v Russia

Strasbourg 20 December 2011: The European Court of Human Rights today found that Russia failed to adequately plan and conduct the rescue of the victims of the ‘Nord Ost’ hostage crisis in October 2002. Russia was also found at fault for subsequently failing to conduct an effective investigation into the rescue operation, and the Court awarded compensations ranging between 8,000 and 66,000 Euros to 64 claimants. INTERIGHTS, together with the International Commission of Jurists, submitted written comments to the Court in the case.

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Abu Zubaydah, victim of CIA’s extraordinary rendition, seeks accountability at the European Court of Human Rights

On 27 October 2011, INTERIGHTS,together with a team of U.S. lawyers, filed an application before the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Abu Zubaydah v Lithuania. The case concerns the responsibility of Lithuania for his enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment at a secret detention facility in Lithuania, and a number of other violations of the European Convention on Human Rights.

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Litigation_

Babar Ahmad and Others v The United Kingdom

On 10 April 2012 the European Court of Human Rights delivered its judgment in the case of Babar Ahmad and Others v The United Kingdom. The Court found that there would be no violation of the European Convention on Human Rights if the United Kingdom extradited the applicants to the United States to face terrorism charges.

Read more

Finogenov & Ors v Russia

Strasbourg 20 December 2011: The European Court of Human Rights today found that Russia failed to adequately plan and conduct the rescue of the victims of the ‘Nord Ost’ hostage crisis in October 2002. Russia was also found at fault for subsequently failing to conduct an effective investigation into the rescue operation, and the Court awarded compensations ranging between 8,000 and 66,000 Euros to 64 claimants. INTERIGHTS, together with the International Commission of Jurists, submitted written comments to the Court in the case.

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Capacity Building and Standard Setting_

Human rights litigation and the ‘war on terror’

Helen Duffy, Litigation Director at INTERIGHTS, has written an article for the International Review of the Red Cross, on the litigation that has unfolded in recent years in relation to issues such as arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, extraordinary rendition, extraterritorial application of human rights norms and the creeping reach of the ‘terrorism ’ label.

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