Research Paper
Preventive Counter-Terrorism Measures and Non-Discrimination in the European Union: The Need for Systematic Evaluation
02 Jul 2011
As a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the bombings in Madrid and London, a prevention focussed counter‐terrorism approach has developed across the European Union (EU). While the majority of these laws, regulations and policies recognise the importance of the rule of law and human rights, it remains relevant to examine whether in theory and in practice certain security measures that were implemented have had disproportionate effects on ethnic and religious minorities and thereby violate non‐discrimination standards. This Research Paper briefly discusses the concept of preventive counter‐terrorism, after which it will go on to consider the use of preventive counter‐terrorism measures in the EU as well as their potential discriminatory side‐effects. A case study will be presented of two of the member states: the Netherlands and the UK. In the conclusion, the need for systematic evaluation of the effect of preventive counter‐terrorism measures in relation to compliance to non‐discrimination standards is discussed.
How to cite: Eijkman, Q. and B. Schuurman. "Preventive Counter-Terrorism Measures and Non-Discrimination in the European Union: The Need for Systematic Evaluation", The International Centre for Counter-Terrorism - The Hague 2, no. 5 (2011).
