Justice Shri K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, NHRC attended, as a distinguished guest, the International Conference of Jurists, organised by the International Council of Jurists in London, (UK) from 24th - 25th June, 2013. He also presented a paper in the working session on "Human Rights and Terrorism".
Justice Shri Balakrishnan said that terrorism has a real and direct impact on human rights with devastating consequences for enjoyment of life, liberty and physical integrity of the victims. Besides, it also threatens to destabilize Governments, jeoperdise peace and security and socio-economic development. At the same time, the measures adopted by States, in recent years, to counter terrorism have often posed serious challenges to human rights and the rule of law.
The legal community must uphold the right to fair trial for all individuals, irrespective of how heinous their crimes may be. The legal fraternity should not accept dilution of this right. They must not confuse between what distinguishes the deliberations of a mature democratic society from the misguided actions of a few. Therefore, the impact of terrorism on human rights deserved a thorough study and in this context, it was equally essential to first define terrorism for successful reduction or elimination thereof.