ODIHR holds UK training course on protecting human rights in fight against terrorism

LONDON, 8 March 2007 - The need to protect human rights in the fight against terrorism will be the focus of a training course for senior officials beginning in London today.

The two-day event is organized by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

"These training courses are part of our assistance to OSCE participating States to ensure that human rights are not eroded by the introduction of new measures to combat terrorism," said Ambassador Christian Strohal, ODIHR Director.

Similar training courses have been conducted in Austria and Serbia, as well as in the Caucasus and Central Asia. They were designed to help officials, including senior police officers, who develop anti-terrorist strategies.

Participants will discuss real-life scenarios taken from cases that have been brought before the European Court of Human Rights or other high-level tribunals.

"The protection of human rights is fundamental to the UK's counter-terrorist effort, and to our engagement with other countries and international organizations on counter-terrorism issues. The OSCE's work in this area is extremely valuable," said Ian McCartney, Foreign Office Minister.

"I am pleased that this training course is being offered to UK officials."