Counter terror with justice
Amnesty International UK held a mass demonstration in Downing Street, calling on the UK Government not to turn a blind eye to torture

Counter Terror with Justice

Government responses to the threat of terrorist attacks have led to a weakening of the framework of international human rights. States are resorting to practices which have long been prohibited by international law, and have sought to justify them in the name of national security.


Amnesty International has commissioned an external and independent review of our work with other organizations and individuals. The report of the reviewers contains welcome recommendations for strengthening our work in this area.

News and Updates

Yemen abandons human rights in the name of countering terrorism

25 August 2010

The Yemeni authorities must stop sacrificing human rights in the name of security as they confront threats from al-Qa’ida, Zaidi Shi'a rebels in the north, and address growing demands for secession in the south.

UK violates rights of terror suspects with ‘unfair’ control orders

12 August 2010

Amnesty International accuses the UK government of developing a "shadow justice system" that imposes severe restrictions on the rights of individuals suspected of terrorism-related activity.

Human rights suffer as Libya stalls on reform

23 June 2010

A new Amnesty International report documents floggings used as punishment for adultery, indefinite detentions and abuses of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Millions suffer in 'human rights free zone' in northwest Pakistan

10 June 2010

A new Amnesty International report says that nearly 4 million people are subject to abuses by the Taleban and have no protection from the government.

UK must hold inquiry to end secrecy over abuse involvement

23 March 2010

Amnesty International has released a new briefing outlining its call for a full, independent and impartial inquiry into UK involvement in human rights abuses post-11 September 2001.

Appeals for action

USA: Abandon military commissions, end indefinite detention without criminal trial

30 April 2010

The decision as to which forum will be chosen for trials of five Guantanamo detainees could be just a few weeks away, and the US administration is already seeking congressional support for the continuing use of indefinite detention without criminal trial.

Video and Audio

Living without rights in northwest Pakistan

Civilians tell how they are abused by the Taleban and how they feel abandoned by the government.

Video: Obama's first 100 days

20 January 2009

We are not expecting the impossible from President Obama's first 100 days in office. Watch this video and take action.

Video: Protest launches tour against enforced disappearance in Pakistan

3 September 2008

Amnesty International called on the Pakistan government to reveal the fate and whereabouts of hundreds of disappeared people, amid international protests to mark the

Video: Observing Guantánamo's hearings

6 August 2008

Matthew Pollard, Amnesty International's legal advisor, observed the first trial to take place before a military commission at Guantánamo Bay. 

Video: Torture can never be justified

26 June 2008

Don’t let arguments for torture go unchallenged. Watch this video where former US President Carter, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and others raise their v