Terrorism & Rule of Law / Working Paper
The United Nations: responsibility towards victims of terrorist acts
11/11/2005 By Irune Aguirrezábal Quijera
Terrorism is a crime against all humanity: it constitutes one of the most serious violations of international law and attacks against peace and the values of human dignity.
The international community must – while fully respecting international standards of human rights and the rule of law – respond firmly and effectively to the phenomenon of terrorism.
In past years, the rights of victims of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law have been steadily recognised. For instance, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has provided a unique framework for victims of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
This framework regulates these particular victims’ rights to participate in criminal proceedings, integral reparation (including restitution, compensation and rehabilitation) and protection. The rights given to the victims of these crimes should be applied mutatis mutandis for victims of terrorist acts.
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Keywords
International Criminal Court Terrorism War on terrorRelated publications
Bio author: Irune Aguirrezábal Quijera
Irune Aguirrezábal Quijera is an independent consultant. Until August 2005, she was the European Coordinator in Brussels of the NGO Coalition for an International Criminal Court. (Brussels)
