Counter-terrorism programmes are violating human rights, UN expert says

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Fionnuala Ní Aolain, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, has issued a highly-critical annual report.

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"Counter-extremism programmes, including those employed in the United Kingdom and the United States, are contributing to human rights violations, according to a United Nations expert.

A report submitted to the Human Rights Council on Wednesday said religious groups, minorities and civil society actors in particular have been victims of rights violations and are targeted under the guise of countering "extremism."

Special rapporteur Fionnuala Ní Aolain said any programme that relies on teachers, social workers and health-care staff to report signs of radicalisation should be scrapped."

Counter-terrorism programmes are violating human rights, UN expert says (Middle East Eye, link)

See the report: Human rights impact of policies and practices aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism (pdf)

UN press release: Violent extremism: Prevention programmes should not violate human rights – UN expert (UN Human Rights, link)

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