Theme Resolution:
Freedom and Security
Theme Resolution “Freedom and Security” as adopted by the 53rd Liberal International Congress in Sofia on 14 May 2005
1) Noting the Theme Report “Freedom and Security” which discusses the need for a balance between security and civil liberties;
2) Noting the Theme Resolution “Islam and the West” (adopted by the Liberal International Congress meeting in Dakar, Senegal, on 23-25 October 2003);
3) The Liberal International:
4) Emphasizes that a free society is the best framework to guarantee human dignity and human rights. Free societies achieve the best results to improve welfare, equality, education and respect for diversity of culture and art, and create the best chances for all human beings. Free and open societies and the values they are based on are therefore the core target of terrorism;
5) The defense of a free society requires a careful balance between the respect for individual rights and freedoms and the effective fight against terrorism to protect society at large. It is precisely during times of crisis and war that the protection of human rights must stand its test. Liberals should take the lead in defining their political strategy in this respect and should not avoid clear choices;
6) Recognizes that security and the rule of law is a pre-requisite for the development of a free and democratic society, which requires firm and enhanced efforts to counter terrorism and its consequences;
7) Is concerned by the threat created by the link between the proliferation of weapons of all types, transnational organized crime and international terrorism;
8) Emphasizes that combating terrorism should take place under the condition that civil liberties can only be curtailed on the basis of proportional temporary measures in accordance with the rule of law;
9) Emphasizes that the fight against terrorism must be carried out in compliance with national and international law, the respect of human rights and the Geneva Convention, and the principles of the UN declarations on Human Rights;
10) Resolutely condemns all terrorist activities as well as activities, including those by Governments, whose purpose it is to organize, finance or incite acts of terrorism or to harbour terrorists;
Calls upon all member states of the United Nations to ratify, implement and report on the twelve UN Conventions relating to terrorism, e.g. the 1999 UN Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Financing, as well as abide with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and especially Resolutions 1267, 1373 and 1456;
Noting that they on the one hand oblige the UN member states to take several effective measures in the fight against terrorism, and on the other hand, underline that the steps in that respect must not be at the expense of human rights, of refugees need for protection or of humanitarian duties ;
Urge the Counter Terrorism Committee of the UN Security Council to check very carefully that counter-terrorist measures in the member states are not misused to prevent opponents from organizing or from expressing themselves;
11) Calls for appropriate sanctions against countries offering safe havens to terrorists or providing financial and moral support to them, and supports actions to deprive terrorism of all sources of funding;
12) Recognizes that in exceptional circumstances or where terrorism is endemic individuals might be detained for security-related reasons, without immediate charge, but only with judicial process and compelling evidence, but that at the same time the name (unless that endangers the individual), number, nationality, legal status and place of detention of those so detained should be published and that charges have to be brought within a reasonable time frame;
13) Demands regular checks and reviews of detainees, including access and inspection by the International Committee of the Red Cross;
14) Welcomes the increased international co-operation between states, notably their special services, police and justice systems, in preventing terrorism but at the same time demands that such cooperative exercises should always in the end be subject to parliamentary or judicial scrutiny;
15) Stands firm against the violation of the right to data protection and privacy linked to the increased collection of personal information on individuals, not only suspects;
16) Is concerned that fear of terror has increased self-censorship in public debate and the arts preventing criticism of illiberal practices upheld by particular movements. Freedom of expression also applies to information, opinions, ideas that are controversial, offensive, shock or disturb the population;
17) Re-emphasizes that freedom of expression also carries with it duties and responsibilities when it comes to upholding the rule of law;
18) Is convinced that deep rooted causes – poverty, exclusion, illegal occupation, inequality, despair, humiliation, impunity for human rights violations and crimes, and blatant disregard of the rights of minorities – are purposely and successfully exploited in recruiting new members to terrorist networks and thus must be addressed and removed;
Is, however, at the same time equally convinced that the circumstances mentioned may never be used as a pretext to condone terrorism, or to fail to act against terrorists;
19) Believes that the promotion of inter-cultural and inter-confessional dialogue for the purpose of removing the development of terrorism can contribute to peace and security;
20) The liberal principles of the neutrality of the state and freedom of belief, very much the target of fundamentalist terrorism, should thus be upheld in the face of religious fundamentalism fostering terrorism;
21) Advocates the rule of law as the first defence against arbitrary power, summary executions and extra-judicial killings, torture and inhumane or degrading punishment;
Stresses that evidence extracted under torture should be inadmissible in a court of law;
And commends the establishment of the International Criminal Court as a milestone in the consolidation of international law;
22) In seeking to overcome the threat of terrorism liberals must be firm in upholding the basic values of freedom and human rights;
Stresses the need to use appropriate force and measures to counter terrorism on a national, regional and international basis.
