This module is a resource for lecturers

Introduction

Non-discrimination and fundamental freedoms, together with other human rights examined throughout this course, play a central role in ensuring open, tolerant societies that respect the rule of law. In turn, respect for these principles and their fundamental underpinning values, such as human dignity and equality, play a central role in many critical aspects of counter-terrorism, notably here in international efforts to counter violent extremism (see further Module 2), as well as to further other international agendas including the Sustainable Development Goals (of especial relevance here, Goal 5 gender equality; Goal 10 reduced inequalities; and Goal 16 peace, justice and strong institutions). Therefore, this Module examines both the key principles of non-discrimination and fundamental freedoms existing in international and regional law, together with important examples of how these principles can be undermined by terrorism and, in some circumstances, by counter-terrorism efforts respectively, together with how States and the international community are responding to erosions of the rule of law.

Learning outcomes

• Understand key principles governing non-discrimination and fundamental freedoms existing within international and regional legal frameworks.
• Examine ways in which these principles can come under strain through the criminal acts of non-State terrorist actors and approaches of States in their counter-terrorism responses respectively.
• Consider some of the negative impacts of erosions of these fundamental principles.
• Examine efforts by States and the international community more generally to prevent discrimination and violations of fundamental freedoms in terrorism and counter-terrorism contexts.

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