KIRSTEN AIKEN: The London-based think-tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, has a more optimistic outlook. In its annual report released this week, the Institute claims the threat from terrorism decreased slightly during 2004, despite what it calls counter-productive tactics to combat insurgents.
The think-tank says its optimism is down to the determination of the US to establish democracy in Iraq, as well as renewed hopes for peace in the Middle after the death of Yasser Arafat.
Reporter: Kirsten Aiken
TONY EASTLEY: Amnesty International says the pursuit of a new security agenda by governments, including Australia's, is encouraging terrorist attacks and fuelling instability around the world.
The human rights group claims that the "war on terror" appears more effective in eroding international human rights principles than in countering international "terrorism". A spokesman for the US Government branded the allegations, contained in Amnesty's 2005 annual report, as ridiculous and unsupported.
From London, where the report was released, Kirsten Aiken reports.
KIRSTEN AIKEN: Almost four years after the devastating 9/11 attacks in the United States, Amnesty International has again accused Australia, along with the US, of abdicating its human rights obligations under the guise of waging a war against terrorism.
According to Secretary-General Irene Kahn, both countries are pursuing a security agenda which advocates a selective disregard for international law and is sending a message of permissiveness to others.
IRENE KAHN: We can see the results right now in Uzbekistan which has been touted as an ally in the war on terror and look what terror they're actually unleashing on their own people now.
KIRSTEN AIKEN: Irene Kahn claims politically convenient counter-terrorism laws, such as arbitrary detention, have failed to prevent an upsurge in violence. Instead, she says, many measures employed in the war against terrorism have provided insurgents with a reason to strike.
IRENE KAHN: From our perspective we actually see human rights as an antidote to terror, because one should not make perpetrators into martyrs. By applying human rights governments can create confidence.
By applying human rights governments can actually create a safer world, and it is possible – within the framework of human rights – to promote a strategy to deal with terrorism and violence.
KIRSTEN AIKEN: It's not western governments that are beheading hostages. It's not western governments that are taking hundreds of school children captive. What options do they have but to crack down?
IRENE KAHN: Well, I think if you look, there are governments, western governments that are actually arresting people, charging them and trying them in accordance with the law.
There are a number of European countries where that is happening, and when you look at what happened in Beslan, then you need also to look at what is happening in Chechnya and the behaviour of the Russian security forces there, which is creating a fruitful ground for recruiting terrorists.
This is not to justify terrorism, not at all, but this is to understand the causes so that the same mistakes are not repeated in terms of developing a strategy.
KIRSTEN AIKEN: The London-based think-tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, has a more optimistic outlook. In its annual report released this week, the Institute claims the threat from terrorism decreased slightly during 2004, despite what it calls counter-productive tactics to combat insurgents.
The think-tank says its optimism is down to the determination of the US to establish democracy in Iraq, as well as renewed hopes for peace in the Middle after the death of Yasser Arafat.
Whatever the reality, Amnesty International's Secretary-General, Irene Kahn, says there's a long way to go.
IRENE KAHN: I would say that the jury is still out on Iraq. Democracy does not only mean elections. I think we all know that. Democracy means promoting the rule of law, promoting respect for human rights, building institutions for justice, creating a free media, building a dynamic, civil society.
And we would like to see the United States, Australia and other governments promoting those concepts around the world. But what we actually see is a very selective approach to that form of democracy.
TONY EASTLEY: Amnesty International Secretary-General Irene Khan speaking there with Kirsten Aiken in London.
