HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS TO UNITE TO CONDEMN NEW MEASURES
Human rights groups unite to condemn new measures
By Valerie Robinson
HUMAN rights groups last night voiced disquiet at proposed security measures aimed at cracking down on dissident groups in Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Four groups - Amnesty International, the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), British Irish Rights Watch and Liberty and Human Rights Watch - issued a joint statement expressing their concerns about new legislation.
The groups said they were "deeply concerned about the threat to respect for human rights posed by legislative measures which both the United Kingdom and Irish governments are proposing".
Both governments prepared today to consider the 'Draconian' legislation announced by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair in the wake of the Omagh bombing.
The human rights groups said it was "undoubtedly incumbent upon governments to take steps to protect society from criminal acts and to bring those responsible to justice".
But the groups' statement warned that legislation introduced immediately after an atrocity was "rarely effective".
"The lack of adequate discussion about the proposals before their consideration by parliament is itself a cause for alarm."
The groups believed the proposals being considered were not only Draconian but "will, if enacted, violate the governments' human rights obligations under international law".
Meanwhile, the Belfast-based Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights (SACHR) said it has received a draft copy of the proposed legislation and has "grave concerns".
"Some of the measures, which the prime minister described as 'Draconian and fundamental', appear incompatible with the international conventions on human rights by which the United Kingdom is bound.
"The commission considers that such a bill, with its serious implications should, notwithstanding the present circumstances, be given more detailed scrutiny and consultation before being rushed into law.
"The commission will be examining the bill in detail and will tender its advice to the secretary of state," read the statement by the independent statutory body.
By Valerie Robinson
HUMAN rights groups last night voiced disquiet at proposed security measures aimed at cracking down on dissident groups in Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Four groups - Amnesty International, the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), British Irish Rights Watch and Liberty and Human Rights Watch - issued a joint statement expressing their concerns about new legislation.
The groups said they were "deeply concerned about the threat to respect for human rights posed by legislative measures which both the United Kingdom and Irish governments are proposing".
Both governments prepared today to consider the 'Draconian' legislation announced by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Prime Minister Tony Blair in the wake of the Omagh bombing.
The human rights groups said it was "undoubtedly incumbent upon governments to take steps to protect society from criminal acts and to bring those responsible to justice".
But the groups' statement warned that legislation introduced immediately after an atrocity was "rarely effective".
"The lack of adequate discussion about the proposals before their consideration by parliament is itself a cause for alarm."
The groups believed the proposals being considered were not only Draconian but "will, if enacted, violate the governments' human rights obligations under international law".
Meanwhile, the Belfast-based Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights (SACHR) said it has received a draft copy of the proposed legislation and has "grave concerns".
"Some of the measures, which the prime minister described as 'Draconian and fundamental', appear incompatible with the international conventions on human rights by which the United Kingdom is bound.
"The commission considers that such a bill, with its serious implications should, notwithstanding the present circumstances, be given more detailed scrutiny and consultation before being rushed into law.
"The commission will be examining the bill in detail and will tender its advice to the secretary of state," read the statement by the independent statutory body.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0202
Published Date: 02-Sep-98
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