Counter-terrorism measures around the world have been used to close civic space and criminalize human rights defenders, peaceful protesters, and civil society organizations.
The Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism is a global network of civil society organizations advocating for an end to the misuse of counter-terrorism measures. We push for greater protection of human rights and civic space in counter-terrorism responses. Our coalition focuses on multilateral norm-setting and policy processes, while connecting and supporting our members’ work at national, regional, and international levels.
Counter-terrorism measures around the world have been used to close civic space and criminalize human rights defenders, peaceful protesters, and civil society organizations.
Our coalition is concerned that the UN’s approach to violent conflict is shifting away from peacebuilding and conflict prevention towards a more securitized approach that focuses on counter-terrorism or preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE).
Despite calls for gender mainstreaming throughout all UN programming and policies, counter-terrorism measures are still undertaken without due consideration of the complex gender dynamics on the ground or the gendered impacts such measures can have.
Governments and private companies increasingly develop and use technologies in counter-terrorism efforts, often without adequate human rights safeguards in place to prevent their misuse.
Our coalition advocates for greater transparency, oversight, accountability, and civil society inclusion in UN counter-terrorism policy setting and programming.
By Jordan Street
This article was first published in Just Security. View the original here.
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