Topic: 2024-Balancing Human Rights
Country: Switzerland (UNSC)
Delegate Name: Ryon Schmidt
Switzerland acknowledges the constant challenge of balancing human rights protections with counterterrorism efforts. In 2005, the United Nations Commission for Human Rights enacted Resolution 2005/80, appointing a special rapporteur to understand human rights and basic freedoms in the context of counterterrorism. Renewed periodically, most recently in 2022, this mandate shows the ongoing concerns regarding potential rights violations in counterterrorism throughout the world’s many nations. Certain counterterrorism strategies have demonstrated limited effectiveness, often at the cost of human rights intrusions and causing rather than mitigating terrorism risks. For instance, broad surveillance initiatives and strict detention practices jeopardize damaging civil liberties without substantial security gains. Switzerland advocates for targeted, proportionate, and evidence-based approaches that address terrorism’s underlying drivers while respecting human rights.
Humanitarian organizations play a pivotal role in counterterrorism by aiding vulnerable populations and tackling the root causes of radicalization. Implanting humanitarian principles into counterterrorism frameworks can lessen human rights violations and promote a complete security model. Switzerland advocates for initiatives prioritizing civilian protection and ensuring counterterrorism actions align with international humanitarian law. Evaluating counterterrorism effectiveness necessitates a holistic assessment encompassing traditional methodologies and emerging technologies. Conventional metrics, like attack prevention rates, offer limited insight. Switzerland stresses the importance of assessing counterterrorism impacts on human rights, including privacy, free speech, and due process. Integrating emerging technologies must be coupled with constant oversight to deny abuse and ensure accountability.
Switzerland reiterates its commitment to upholding human rights while countering terrorism. Switzerland continues to advocate for a balanced approach, where security imperatives conform with individual liberties and the rule of law. Re-developing this system helps enable effective counterterrorism without risking the basic values of our societies.
