In this book, it is explained that despite a current drop in the number
of deaths, terrorism should still be considered a serious and widespread
problem. However, the responses to this phenomenon are often more
problematic from a long-term perspective. With the human rights
framework under serious pressure, this edited volume offers a timely,
important and critical in-depth analysis of human dignity and human
security challenges in the lead-up, and in the responses, to current
forms of terrorism. It aims to map how human dignity and human security
can be secured and how law can constitute a source of trust at a time
when Europe and the rest of the world continue to be plagued by
terrorism.
The authors are both established names and upcoming talent in this
fastchanging and exciting field of law. They thoroughly analyse a
variety of topical subjects, in more conceptual chapters-for example
calling for the humanisation of the security discourse-and in highly
practical contributions, in which for instance the Kafkaesque situation
in which rendition and torture victim Abu Zubaydah still finds himself
today is considered.
This book, which focuses on, but is not limited to the situation in
Western countries, aims to inspire not only academics-through further
theorisation on the sometimes elusive but important concepts of human
dignity and human security-but also practitioners working in the field
of countering terrorism. It will hopefully convince them (even more)
that following a human rights approach will be indispensable in securing
human dignity and human security for all. Even-or in fact:
especially-in times of terrorism.
Christophe Paulussen is a Senior Researcher in the Research
Department of the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague, The Netherlands
and Martin Scheinin is Professor of International Law and Human
Rights in the Department of Law of the European University Institute
(EUI) in Florence, Italy.
