Amnesty after the 'war on terror'

Take for instance the post Iraq-invasion scenario around the world. We have already witnessed several suicide bombers' attacks that killed many innocent people and seriously injured even more. In Iraq itself, law and order has been in its worst ever situation. Iraqis have been living without basic necessity like water and electricity for days, weeks and months. And there is no sign of improvement either. As Amnesty said in its report, millions of Afghans are still facing an uncertain future even 18 months after the war had ended. Similar fate seems awaiting for the Iraqis as well. Unless the human rights problems are addressed in these areas, 'war on terror' will bring little success.

Amnesty also rightfully exposed the double standards of the western world. The observation by Irene Khan, secretary general of the organisation that 'what would have been unacceptable before September 10, 2001, is now becoming almost the norm' should provide enough thoughts for evaluating the world politics. Why should torture, detention without charge and trial, repression be accepted as normal for some citizens of some countries? Why should some people face discrimination while others would enjoy the luxury of 'security and protection?' Billions are being spent in the name of strengthening national security in the west, but millions of people around the world continue to suffer from poverty, malnutrition, corruption etc for lack of fund. We earnestly hope that rights groups around the world would not get subdued by this overt emphasis on 'national security' and 'war on terror.'

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source