A senior U.N. official expressed
serious concern Tuesday over the erosion of human rights in the
wake of the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Mary Robinson, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, told
delegates that some countries -- which she refused to identify by
name -- are introducing measures in apparent violation of core
human rights safeguards.
Non-violent activities are being considered as terrorism in some
countries while "excessive measures" are being taken to suppress
or restrict individual rights, Robinson said. These restrictive
measures cover rights to privacy, fair trial, asylum, political
participation, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly.
"We should be mindful of such fundamental principles as the
presumption of innocence, non-discrimination and due process of
law," she said.
Since Sept. 11, the United States has detained more than 1,000
people, largely Muslims or those of Middle Eastern origin, in its
ongoing investigation of the terrorist attacks.
Several human rights organizations have complained that the