OSCE trains Kazakh officials to observe human rights in the fight against terrorism
ASTANA, 5 September 2006 - How to ensure basic human rights are protected in the fight against terrorism will be the focus of a training course for Kazakh officials that began in Astana today.
The three-day event, organized by the OSCE Centre in Almaty and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), brought together 20 participants from the Kazakh Supreme Court, the Office of the Prosecutor General, and the Foreign, Defence and Interior Ministries.
"In pursuing the objective of eradicating terrorism, it is essential that OSCE participating States abide by their obligations to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms," said Kirsten Mlacak, Head of ODIHR's Human Rights Department.
"Security and human rights are not opposing terms. The fight against terrorism can only succeed in a tolerant and democratic society that respects and protects human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Independent experts and experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and OSCE/ODIHR will discuss with participants the necessity to prohibit torture, as well as the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, association and assembly, and religion.