The “war on terror” has made the world a more dangerous place and created divisions which make conflict more likely, says Amnesty International.
The campaign group used its annual report on Wednesday to accuse governments of trampling over human rights in the name of fighting terrorism. People around the world feel more insecure now than they have done at any time since the end of the Cold War, says Amnesty. The human rights watchdog also warns about dangers in the way Iraq is being reshaped in the wake of the war. The report says: “The ‘war on terror’, far from making the world a safer place, has made it more dangerous by curtailing human rights, undermining the rule of international law and shielding governments from scrutiny.” Launching the report, Amnesty secretary general Irene Khan criticised the UK’s Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act. The measure has allowed the UK to intern 11 foreign nationals without charge in what Amnesty calls “inhuman and degrading conditions”. Ms Khan said: “In the name of security, politics and profit, human rights were trampled the world over by governments, armed groups and corporate activity. “What would have been unacceptable on September 10, 2001, is now becoming almost the norm. “What would have been an outrage in Western countries during the Cold War – torture, detention without trial, truncated justice – is readily accepted in some countries today for some people.” Full Story