Human Rights and the Battle against Terrorism

The terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001, brought about a radical change in the activities of the international community. From this moment on, the States shared a sense of solidarity that demanded justice and cooperation in the battle to combat and eradicate a powerful, unforeseen enemy if they were to provide their citizens with the necessary protection and security. As Alday rightly points out, the challenge has been to meet these objectives, while complying with the rules and regulations that govern international coexistence, especially in the area of human rights. The author analyzes the resolutions adopted by the UN and the OAS as a result of the terrorist attacks of 2001 and describes the measures Mexico has proposed at these forums to link the anti-terrorism activities of the States and international organizations with our obligation to respect human rights, the rights of refugees and international humanitarian law. Alday believes that Mexico has taken full advantage of the opportunity to promote and offer viable solutions within the framework of international regulations. Moreover, these solutions do not imply surrendering absolute universal values, a sacrifice that would be too high a cost to pay even when the goal is to eradicate terrorism. It is only though solutions of this nature that the protection of universal values can be reaffirmed as an inalienable obligation.