Human Rights Protections in Global Anti-Terrorism Laws and Practices

Natalia Kushevska; Yuliia Каmardina; Oleksandr Haidak; Yuliia Tatarkina; Oksana Kabitska

doi:10.57125/FS.2025.06.20.08

Authors

Natalia Kushevska Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, Kyiv https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9379-0915
Yuliia Каmardina Mariupol State University, Kyiv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2295-5559
Oleksandr Haidak Private higher educational institution "European University", Kyiv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2571-5036
Yuliia Tatarkina Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, Kharkiv, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5975-7636
Oksana Kabitska Training for Criminal Police Units of the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs, Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9906-1120

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57125/FS.2025.06.20.08

Keywords:

Anti-terrorism laws, Human rights, Civil Liberties, Judicial Oversight, Surveillance, Community Engagement

Abstract

Given the increasing number of terrorist acts, it is pertinent to examine the primary legal mechanisms for their prevention. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of modern anti-terrorist legislation adopted in various countries worldwide since 2019 on the protection of human rights. The type of research is qualitative. The research methodology is based on a thematic qualitative analysis of 35 sources (published between 2019 and 2024), including scientific articles, international reports, legal publications, UN analytics, regional agreements, and national legislation from countries with a high level of terrorist threats. The primary method is thematic analysis. Quantitative results showed that in 2023, the number of deaths from terrorism increased by 22%, and the mortality rate per incident by 56%. At the same time, more than 15,000 human rights violations were recorded in states that have adopted several anti-terrorist laws (for example, Turkey, Russia). A comprehensive analysis of the most relevant anti-terrorist treaties, including the UN Conventions and regional treaties, will be undertaken, and their potential impact on human rights will be assessed. It highlights the tension between national security and civil liberties. The research highlights the need for judicial oversight, accountability structures, and community engagement to ensure counter-terrorism measures do not threaten citizens’ fundamental freedoms. The study stresses the urgent need to advocate for reforms and compliance with international human rights law as critical components of legitimate and effective counter-terrorism strategies. The scientific novelty of the study lies in its cross-country comparison of legislative trends and the development of an analytical model for assessing the effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures, based on three key components: judicial control, transparency, and community participation. These findings provide crucial guidance for aligning counter-terrorism efforts with global human rights standards.

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Human Rights Protections in Global Anti-Terrorism Laws and Practices

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