UN counter-terrorism rapporteur warns world has entered 'new dark age of abuses'

Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, stated during a press conference in Geneva on March 12 that the world has entered a "new dark age of abuses" under the guise of counter-terrorism efforts.

Saul said the use of counter-terrorism slogans has become a pretext for "new aggression and imperialism." He added: "We have entered a new dark age of abuses in the name of counter-terrorism. This trend has led to attacks and actions that violate the right to life and make the world more insecure."

The rapporteur criticized a recently adopted UN Security Council resolution for failing to condemn attacks by the United States and Israel while only addressing Iran's response. He noted that past U.S. military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya have typically resulted in greater instability.

Saul warned that ongoing trends could lead to widespread regional instability, increased insurgencies, internal political divisions, and new waves of refugees in neighboring countries. He expressed concern over the silence of many nations regarding these attacks, stating: "The more the international community remains silent, the bolder the oppressors become."

The expert urged countries to promptly adopt a clear international definition of terrorism to prevent the misuse of counter-terrorism laws.