Terrorism and Human Rights: A Critical Analysis of the United Nations Security Council's Counter-Terrorism Policies in the Light of International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

Terrorism, as one of the most serious contemporary threats to international peace and security, has had a wide-ranging impact on fundamental human rights and the global legal order. This phenomenon not only directly violates rights such as the right to life, liberty, and personal security, but also the response of governments and international institutions in the form of counter-terrorism policies sometimes leads to restrictions on freedoms and violations of human rights. The United Nations Security Council, especially after the September 11 attacks, has played an active role in legislating and coordinating global measures against terrorism by adopting resolutions such as 1373 and establishing monitoring mechanisms. However, there are serious criticisms of the transparency, selective nature of decisions, and the lack of sufficient guarantees for fair trial in the Council's actions. This study, using a descriptive-analytical method and utilizing international documents, resolutions, and procedures of the Security Council, examines the relationship between security and freedom in counterterrorism policies. Emphasizing the principles of international humanitarian law, it explains the necessity of creating a balance between effectively confronting terrorism and respecting human rights obligations. The findings show that the success of counterterrorism strategies requires adherence to the rule of law, avoidance of discriminatory practices, and strengthening human rights monitoring at the national and international levels.