Aiban, head of the Human Rights Commission (HRC), has said that terrorism is a threat to human rights and “basic freedoms”, but that measures to tackle it should not be at their expense. Speaking at the conference on terrorism at Madina's Islamic University Tuesday, Al-Aiban described terrorism as a human rights' issue in terms of its various methods, forms and objectives. “International agreements, conferences and rulings have all dealt with terrorism as a violation of human rights and as threatening economies since funds are taken away from development projects in order to combat terrorism, which in turn affects cultural, economic and social life,” Al-Aiban said. “Terrorism threatens the right to life, the right to freedom and security, and the protection of rights requires extraordinary measures, but they should not include the removal of human rights or be at the expense of human rights,” he added. According to Al-Aiban, the Kingdom, despite being a victim of terrorism, has not impinged on human rights in its bid to protect security and enforce justice. “All measures have been taken within the framework of the law, and even special courts to look at terrorist cases have been set up with full judicial rights ensured and lawyers available along with other rights, which clearly shows the independence of the judiciary and respect for human rights,” he said. Describing the Kingdom's fight against terrorism as having had “tangible results”, Al-Aiban noted the “intellectual and dialogue programs” and reserved special mention for the Al-Munasaha terrorist rehabilitation program. “The program has enjoyed global praise, and a number of other countries have learnt from it,” he said. Al-Aiban also cited the request from King Abdullah for an international center to combat terrorism to be set up through the United Nations. “The Kingdom has signed up to most international agreements on combating terrorism through its conviction that fighting extremism and terrorism requires international cooperation to tackle the root causes,” he said. The HRC chief was speaking at the conference's seventh session ahead of its final day on Wednesday.
