The role of national human rights structures as regards counter-terrorist measures, Padua, 9-11 June 2009

Workshop programme

Tuesday, 9 June 2009

Opening session

Words of welcome and presentation of issues addressed by the workshop
by Stefano Valenti, P2P Project manager, Interdepartmental Centre on Human Rights and the Rights of Peoples of the University of Padua

Counter-terrorist measures and protection of human rights: issues at stake
by Professor Paolo De Stefani, Interdepartmental Centre on Human Rights and the Rights of Peoples of the University of Padua

Wednesday, 10 June 2009

Working session 1 – Counter-terrorist measures and the rights of members of the public at large:

• Arbitrary procedures for terrorist black-listing and violation of the right to privacy, the right to property, the right of association, the right to travel or freedom of movement;
• Correlation between counter-terrorist measures and the protection of the freedom of the media;
• Correlation between counter terrorist measures and freedom of expression: the crime of apology of terrorism and incitement to terrorism.

Introductory presentation: the protection of the rights of the public at large and the Council of Europe's activities in the field of the fight against terrorism
by Alexandre Guessel, Council of Europe’s Anti-Terrorism Co-ordinator

Overview of the pertinent case law of the European Court of Human Rights
by Silvia Di Martino, Head of Division, Registry of the European Court of Human Rights

Discussion and exchange of experiences
with contributions namely from the NHRSs of France, Estonia

Working session 2 – The protection of the rights of victims of terrorism:

• Protection and compensation of victims of terrorism;
• Protection of witnesses and collaborators of justice;
• Effectiveness of national judicial system in their responses to terrorism.

Introductory presentation
by Albina Ovcearenco, Co-Secretary of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Terrorism (CODEXTER)

Overview of the pertinent case law of the European Court of Human Rights
by Silvia Di Martino, Head of Division, Registry of the European Court of Human Rights

Discussion and exchange of experiences
with contributions namely from the NHRSs of Dagestan Republic (Russian Federation)

Thursday, 11 June 2009

Working session 3 – The protection of the rights of suspected or convicted terrorists:

• Absolute prohibition of torture also in connection with extradition and expulsion
• Arrest and detention
• Right to a fair hearing
• Penalties

Introductory presentation
by Professor Paolo De Stefani, Interdepartmental Centre on Human Rights and the Rights of Peoples of the University of Padua

Overview of the pertinent case law of the European Court of Human Rights
by Silvia Di Martino, Head of Division, Registry of the European Court of Human Rights

Discussion and exchange of experiences
with the contributions namely from the NHRSs of Ireland and Montenegro

Winding-up of the workshop
by Stefano Valenti, P2P Project Manager, Interdepartmental Centre on Human Rights and the Rights of Peoples of the University of Padua

Close of the workshop