Special Rapporteur Ben Saul presented a report to the Human Rights Council examining the impact of counterterrorism measures taken by regional organizations on human rights. Presented during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, this report focuses on three key areas: engagement with civil society, counterterrorism sanctions, and military operations.
The report highlights that civil society involvement is now widely recognized as essential for ensuring the effectiveness, transparency, and legitimacy of counterterrorism efforts. Some regional organizations, such as the European Union and the African Union, have established practices encouraging the active participation of civil society organizations (CSOs). However, gaps remain: the report recommends that the European Union strengthen its existing mechanisms by adopting a comprehensive strategy and effectively addressing reprisals against CSOs.
Furthermore, counterterrorism sanctions mechanisms, particularly those implemented by the European Union, remain a concern. Despite procedural improvements, vague legal criteria and challenges related to the right to a fair trial persist, requiring further clarification and stronger safeguards.
Finally, the report examines military operations conducted by entities such as NATO and the African Union. While these operations have led to certain advancements, they have often had significant negative impacts on civilians, as seen in missions in Afghanistan and Somalia. The report calls for substantial improvements in transparency and accountability mechanisms to better protect civilian populations.
