A/HRC/16/51/Add.4 ADVANCE UNEDITED VERSION

Transcripción

1 ADVANCE UNEDITED VERSION Distr.: General 4 March 2011 A/HRC/16/51/Add.4 Original: Arabic/English/French/Russian/Spa nish Human Rights Council Sixteenth session Agenda item 3 Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin Addendum Written submissions by Governments to the questionnaire of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights related to the annual report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, containing ten areas of best practices in countering terrorism * * Owing to its length, the present report is circulated as received, in the languages of submission only. GE.

2 Contents Paragraphs Page I. Introduction... 4 II. Questionnaire... 4 III. Written submissions by Governments... 5 Argentina... 5 Australia... 5 Azerbaijan Bahrain Belgium Bolivia (Plurinational State of) Bulgaria Canada Colombia Cuba Cyprus Ethiopia Finland Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Georgia Greece Guatemala Guyana Honduras Hungary Indonesia Iraq Japan Jordan Latvia Lebanon Lithuania Malaysia Mauritius Mexico

3 Moldova Monaco Morocco Norway Pakistan Poland Portugal Qatar Russian Federation Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sudan Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Togo Turkey United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

4 I. Introduction This addendum is submitted to the Human Rights Council by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, pursuant to Council resolution 15/15. Chapter III of the annual report to the Human Rights Council (A/HRC/16/51) contains the Special Rapporteur s compilation of ten areas of best practice in countering terrorism. Among its sources it includes written submissions from Governments received before the submission of the annual report by the Special Rapporteur on 10 December 2010, which is also the cut off date for consideration of the Government s submissions by the Special Rapporteur in his annual report. This addendum reproduces all Government submissions received up to 7 February The substantive part of the Government responses is reproduced in this addendum in full as received by the Secretariat. II. Questionnaire The following questionnaire was sent by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to all Governments on 21 June 2010: 1) According to your Government s assessment, what are good practices and measures in your country that ensure respect for human rights while countering terrorism? 2) In the field of definitions of terrorism, terrorist crimes or terrorist associations, are you able to report on good practice, in particular reflecting the principles of the rule of law and legality in the field of criminal law? 3) Is there a separate legislative framework setting out your country's measures against terrorism? If so, is that framework of a temporary or permanent nature? Are there sunset clauses in the legislation? What other mechanisms are in place to secure the periodic review of the continued need for such legislation? 4) Does the law and practice of your country represent the principle of normalcy in the fight against terrorism, or are terrorist crimes subject to special rules in respect of arrest, interrogation, detention, trial, conviction or serving of sentences? 5) What mechanisms or policies are in place to address the rights and rehabilitation of victims of terrorism? Do programs to support victims of terrorism include elements that address tensions in society that might result in conditions conducive to the recruitment to terrorism? 6) What mechanisms or policies are in place to combat conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism? 7) What technical assistance activities have been undertaken in your country, or by your country elsewhere, for the purpose of promoting the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism? Have such activities increased or decreased over the past five years? Are such activities part of, or additional to, development cooperation? 8) Can you report on measures to include a gender dimension in your counterterrorism efforts? 4

5 The initial deadline for written submissions of 31 July 2010 was extended to 10 August 2010 by note verbale of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights dated 28 July III. Written submissions by Governments Argentina Al respecto, informo a usted, que como es de su conocimiento, el Congreso Nacional sancionó el 13 de junio de 2007, la Ley La misma modifica el Código Penal introduciendo las figuras penales de, "Asociaciones ilícitas terroristas" y "Financiación del terrorismo". En consonancia, se incorpora en el Código Penal, el artículo 213 ter, que señala que: "Se impondrá reclusión o prisión de CINCO (5) a VEINTE (20) años al que tomare parte de una asociación ilícita cuyo propósito sea, mediante la comisión de delitos, aterrorizar a la población u obligar a un gobierno o a una organización internacional a realizar un acto o abstenerse de hacerlo, siempre que ella reúna las siguientes características: (a) o político; (b) Tener un plan de acción destinado a la propagación del odio étnico, religioso Estar organizada en redes operativas internacionales; (c) Disponer de armas de guerra, explosivos, agentes químicos o bacteriológicos o cualquier otro medio idóneo para poner en peligro la vida o la integridad de un número indeterminado de personas. Para los fundadores o jefes de la asociación el mínimo de la pena será de DIEZ (10) años de reclusión o prisión." Por su parte, el Artículo 213 quáter, sanciona con penas de cinco a quince años, al "que recolectare o proveyere bienes o dinero, con conocimiento de que serán utilizados, en todo o en parte, para financiar a una asociación ilícita terrorista de las descriptas en el artículo 213 ter, o a un miembro de éstas para la comisión de cualquiera de los delitos que constituyen su objeto, independientemente de su acaecimiento". Asimismo, se recuerda que nuestro país ratificó la Convención de las Naciones Unidas contra la Delincuencia Organizada Transnacional el 19 de noviembre de Australia Question 1 Various safeguards and accountability measures are included in Australia s counterterrorism and national security framework to ensure that government authorities are accountable in exercising their powers under such legislation. These measures include strict legislative requirements, judicial oversight provisions, reporting obligations, sunset clauses, 1 La misma ley, modifica la ley N' de Encubrimiento y Lavado de Activos de origen delictivo, estableciendo funciones a la Unidad de Información Financiera, la cuál será la encargada del análisis, el tratamiento y la transmisión de información a efectos de prevenir e impedir diferentes tipo de delitos, como delito de layado de activos, delitos de tráficos de armas, delitos relacionados con el tráfico y comercialización ilícita de estupefacientes, entre otros. 5

6 parliamentary oversight processes and scrutiny of intelligence and security agency operations. Further details about these accountability measures are provided in the responses below. In addition, Australia s counter-terrorism laws are confined in their ambit to ensure that the Australian community is protected from the threat of terrorism without unnecessarily encroaching on the individual rights and liberties that are fundamental to our democratic system. Strictly defined offences The safeguards in the Commonwealth Criminal Code, which are contained in the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995, and the strict legislative requirements which apply to the terrorism offences contained in the Criminal Code are designed to ensure that in individual cases fundamental human rights, such as freedom of association and freedom of expression, will only be restricted in accordance with the allowable limitations in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Australia s counter-terrorism and national security legislation also provides particular powers for Australia s law enforcement and security agencies to deal with a terrorist threat. The need for these powers is balanced by legislative safeguards to ensure that the powers are used appropriately and in defined circumstances. In applying Australia s counterterrorism and national security laws, investigative and law enforcement agencies are required to comply strictly with the legislative requirements in accordance with the existing safeguards and accountability mechanisms discussed below. This ensures that appropriate oversight is maintained. Safeguards in relation to designation of persons for terrorist asset freezing purposes As required by international obligations arising from decisions of the United Nations Security Council to freeze certain assets, Australian law provides for offences related to dealing with assets by persons listed under the asset freezing regime under the Commonwealth Charter of the United Nations Act Safeguards incorporated into the Charter of the United Nations Act include: specified grounds for listing individuals the right for an individual to have their listing judicially reviewed, and provision that the listed person may be given access to frozen assets for medical and other necessary expenses. Training for Australian Federal Police An important aspect of ensuring that the counter-terrorism and national security legislation is applied in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner is to provide those involved in its implementation with cultural sensitivity training. For example, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) delivers a cultural diversity program to all new recruits and provides a booklet on cultural diversity which offers guidance to police on how religious affiliation can affect their contact with the public. A Practical Reference to Religious and Spiritual Diversity for Operational Police is accessible electronically at: < 0Diversity%20Reference%203rd.pdf>. The AFP also provides training to its members through Counter-Terrorism Investigation Workshops. These workshops ensure that all participants receive training on Part IC of the Commonwealth Crimes Act 1914, which concerns the investigation of Commonwealth offences. This training particularly focuses on the rights of those under 18 and those of 6

7 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, along with other requirements such as the right for the arrested person to communicate with a lawyer. A component of the Counter-Terrorism Investigation Workshops is the provision of training from the AFP Community Engagement Team. This includes training on topics such as cultural traditions and how to interact with those of Islamic faith. Recent reforms to Australia s National Security Legislation In March 2010, the Commonwealth Independent National Security Legislation Monitor Act 2010 was passed to establish a new Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. The Monitor will review the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia s counter-terrorism and national security legislation to ensure it contains appropriate safeguards, remains consistent with Australia s international human rights obligations and remains necessary. The Monitor will be an independent statutory officer who will be required to report findings and recommendations regarding counter-terrorism and national security legislation to the Prime Minister each year. The Monitor will be appointed on the Prime Minister s recommendation (in consultation with the Leader of the Opposition). Future possible reforms to Australia s National Security Legislation In 2009, the Australian Government engaged in extensive public consultation to review Australia s national security legislation. Following this review, the Australian Government introduced the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement Bill 2010 into the Australian Parliament in September These Bills are currently being considered by Parliament. The National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 will implement the recommendations of several independent and bipartisan parliamentary committee reviews of Australia s national security and counter-terrorism legislation. The proposed amendments are broadly designed to clarify the operation of the laws and improve their practical application. The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement Bill 2010 will establish a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement that will replace and extend the functions of the current Parliamentary Joint Committee on the Australian Crime Commission to also include broad oversight of the AFP. This will provide an additional oversight mechanism for this law enforcement agency. A further review of counter-terrorism laws by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), which is expected to commence in December 2010, will also take into account Australia s human rights obligations. Question 2 It is important that Australia s legislative framework effectively protects Australia, its people and its interests, while instilling confidence in the community that national security and counter-terrorism laws will be exercised in a just and accountable way. This requires ensuring Australia has strong national security laws which properly protect democratic rights and freedoms, consistent with the principle of the rule of law. The national security and counter-terrorism laws contain applicable safeguards and are subject to accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure they operate compatibly with Australia s international human rights obligations. Appropriately drafted laws, precisely formulated powers and sufficient safeguards and accountability mechanisms aim to ensure that the laws operate in accordance with the principles of the rule of law. 7

8 Definition of a terrorist act Under section of the Criminal Code, terrorist act means an action or threat of action where: and (a) the action falls within subsection (2) and does not fall within subsection (3); (b) the action is done or the threat is made with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause; and (c) the action is done or the threat is made with the intention of: (i) coercing, or influencing by intimidation, the government of the Commonwealth or a State, Territory or foreign country, or of part of a State, Territory or foreign country; or (ii) intimidating the public or a section of the public. (2) Action falls within this subsection if it: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) public; or causes serious harm that is physical harm to a person; or causes serious damage to property; or causes a person's death; or endangers a person's life, other than the life of the person taking the action; or creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the (f) seriously interferes with, seriously disrupts, or destroys, an electronic system including, but not limited to: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) an information system; or a telecommunications system; or a financial system; or a system used for the delivery of essential government services; or a system used for, or by, an essential public utility; or a system used for, or by, a transport system. (3) Action falls within this subsection if it: (a) (b) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) is advocacy, protest, dissent or industrial action; and is not intended: to cause serious harm that is physical harm to a person; or to cause a person's death; or to endanger the life of a person, other than the person taking the action; or to create a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public. The definition of a terrorist act under s 100.1(2) of the Criminal Code reflects good practice as it focuses on the intent associated with a terrorist act that distinguishes such violence from other non-terrorist acts. The definition provides that actions or threats of action must be made with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause and with the intention of coercing or intimidating an Australian or foreign government or the public. It includes actions or threats of action involving serious harm to people, damage to 8

9 property, endangerment of life, serious risk to the public s health or safety, or seriously interfering with an electronic system including telecommunications, financial and essential government services systems, essential public utilities and transport providers. Action which is advocacy, protest, dissent or industrial action, not intended to cause serious harm, death, endangerment of life, or serious risk to the health or safety of the public, is expressly excluded from being a terrorist act, to ensure the definition is appropriately targeted to terrorist activity. There is a high level of rigor associated with satisfying the components of the definition. The prosecution must satisfy, beyond reasonable doubt, two levels of intention in relation to the definition of terrorist act that there was an intention to advance a political, religious or ideological cause by the action or threat of action and, further, that there was an intention to coerce or intimidate a government or to intimidate the public. This tightly circumscribed definition of terrorist act in Australian law demonstrates consistency with the principles of the rule of law and legality in the field of criminal law. Terrorist organisation listing process Division 102 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code sets out the process for listing terrorist organisations and the offences in relation to terrorist organisations. There are two ways for an organisation to be identified as a 'terrorist organisation' for the purposes of the Criminal Code: a court may find the organisation to be a terrorist organisation as part of the prosecution for a terrorist organisation offence, or the organisation may be specified (listed) in the Commonwealth Criminal Code Regulations Before an organisation can be listed as a terrorist organisation, the Commonwealth Attorney-General must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not a terrorist act has occurred or will occur) or advocates the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not a terrorist act has occurred or will occur). The Criminal Code provides that, before the Governor-General makes a regulation listing an organisation as a terrorist organisation, the Attorney-General must arrange for the Leader of the Opposition to be briefed in relation to the proposed regulation. Under the Inter-governmental Agreement on Counter-terrorism Laws (June 2004) (IGA), a regulation listing an organisation as a terrorist organisation may only be made if a majority of the States and Territories do not object to the listing within a specified timeframe. The IGA also requires that consultations on the making of such a regulation must occur between the Prime Minister and the Premiers and Chief Ministers of the States and Territories. A copy of the regulation must be provided along with a briefing outlining the reasons for the proposed listing. The Criminal Code also provides that the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (PJCIS) may review the listing, and may report comments and recommendations to each House of the Parliament before the end of the applicable disallowance period for that House (15 sitting days). As part of its review, the PJCIS may hold public hearings and invite submissions from the public. A regulation listing an organisation as a terrorist organisation ceases to have effect two years after its commencement. However, if at any time the Attorney-General ceases to be satisfied that the organisation is directly or indirectly engaged in, preparing, planning, assisting in or fostering the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not a terrorist act has 9

10 occurred or will occur) or advocates the doing of a terrorist act (whether or not a terrorist act has occurred or will occur), the organisation must be de-listed. Offences relating to terrorist organisations Offences relating to terrorist organisations, such as membership, training or receiving training, providing support to or associating with terrorist organisations, are also properly circumscribed to comply with the rule of law. The elements of each of the offences must be proven beyond reasonable doubt and appropriate safeguards are in place to ensure that legitimate activities will not be criminalised. For example, if a person is accused of a membership offence, a defence is available if the person proves, on the balance of probabilities, that they have taken all reasonable steps to cease to be a member after finding out the organisation is a terrorist organisation. The inclusion of the defence ensures that the least restrictive approach is taken by excluding those who have consciously taken steps to disengage themselves from terrorist organisations and their activities. The association offence is also appropriately targeted and contains a number of exemptions, including contact with family members, religious worship, and the provision of humanitarian aid. Asset freezing listing process Part 4 of the Charter of the United Nations Act provides that the Minister of Foreign Affairs must list a person if the Minister is satisfied of prescribed matters. The Minister may also list an individual s asset/s if the Minister is satisfied of prescribed matters. The prescribed matters are provided in the Commonwealth Charter of the United Nations (Dealing with Assets) Regulations 2008 (the Regulations). The Minister must list a person if he or she is satisfied that the person is mentioned in UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (which contains a requirement to freeze assets of persons who commit, or attempt to commit, terrorist acts or participate in the facilitation of terrorist acts). Once a person is listed by the Minister it is an offence for any person to use or deal with the assets or to give an asset to a listed person. The Minister must provide public notification of listings through the Commonwealth Public Gazette. Under the Regulations, the Department of Foreign Affairs is required to maintain a publically available record that sets out all persons currently listed. Amendments to the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill will add a requirement for the Minister of Foreign Affairs to be satisfied on reasonable grounds of the prescribed matters prior to listing an individual. Appropriate safeguards have also been built into the Charter of the United Nations Act and Regulations to ensure legitimate activities will not be criminalised. Listed individuals have the right to apply in writing to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to have their listing revoked. The Charter of the United Nations Act and Regulations provide for authorised dealings by listed persons with frozen assets necessary for basic expenses, including for foodstuffs, rent or mortgage, medicines or medical treatments, taxes, insurance premiums, public utility charges, professional fees, and reimbursement for legal services. Question 3 The existing legislative framework that sets out Australia s measures against terrorism encompasses Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code, Division III of the Commonwealth Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979, Division 3A and Part 1C of the Crimes Act, the Commonwealth Crimes (Foreign Incursions and Recruitment) Act 1978, the Commonwealth National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004, the Charter of the United Nations Act and the recently passed Commonwealth Independent 10

11 National Security Legislation Monitor Act. There are mechanisms in place within this framework to ensure the periodic review of the laws, including sunset clauses and annual reporting requirements. Furthermore, the Australian Government has dedicated considerable effort to undertaking continual review of Australia s national security legislative framework, as evidenced by its responses to various independent and bipartisan parliamentary reviews of the national security and counter-terrorism legislation as well as its commitment to participation in the upcoming COAG review of various aspects of the legislative framework. Sunset clauses and annual reporting Although there is no sunset provision which applies to Part 5.3 of the Criminal Code generally, sunset clauses are contained within the Criminal Code in relation to certain legislative measures relating to terrorism. For example, the control orders and preventative detention orders enacted in 2005 are subject to sunsetting in In addition, the Australian Attorney-General is required to report annually to Parliament in relation to the use of control orders and preventative detention. The terrorism-related Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) questioning and detention powers (located in Part III, Division III of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act) enacted in 2006 have a sunset provision of July These provisions are also required (by section 29(1)(bb) of the Commonwealth Intelligence Services Act 2001) to be reviewed by the PJCIS prior to the sunset provision taking effect. COAG review In 2005, COAG agreed to conduct a review of certain counter-terrorism laws (including the control order and preventative detention order regimes and certain emergency stop, question and search police powers). As indicated in the response to question 1, the review is expected to commence in December Responses to independent reviews and inquiries A range of independent and bipartisan parliamentary committee reviews of Australia s national security and counter-terrorism legislation have been conducted from 2006 to These include the: Inquiry by the Hon John Clarke QC into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef (November 2008) Inquiry into the proscription of terrorist organisations under the Australian Criminal Code by the PJCIS (September 2007) Review of Security and Counter-Terrorism Legislation by the PJCIS (December 2006), and Review of Sedition Laws in Australia by the Australian Law Reform Commission (July 2006). In August 2009, the Government released a Discussion Paper to seek public comment on proposed legislative reforms to Australia s national security legislation. The Discussion paper contained proposed amendments which implemented the Australian Government s response to a number of the recommendations made by these reviews as well as extensive explanatory commentary. Developing these amendments afforded an opportunity to reexamine key aspects of the legal framework to promote greater clarity, bolster existing safeguards and ensure the laws are appropriately accountable in their operation. 11

12 Following this review, the National Security Legislation Amendment Bill 2010 and the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement Bill 2010 were introduced into the Australian Parliament in September Independent National Security Legislation Monitor As noted above, legislation was passed in March 2010 to establish a new Independent National Security Legislation Monitor to review the operation, effectiveness and implications of Australia s counter-terrorism and national security legislation. The appointment of the Monitor will add to the existing oversight and accountability mechanisms that apply to the counter-terrorism and national security law framework. As noted in the answer to question 1, the Monitor has not yet been appointed. Question 4 Australia s terrorism offences do not deviate from the conventional requirements of the criminal law in terms of principles such as prosecutorial burdens of proof and the content of applicable fault elements. The prosecution bears a legal burden of proving beyond reasonable doubt every element of an offence relevant to the guilt of the person charged before he or she can be convicted of a terrorist offence. In recognition of the complexities involved in terrorism investigations and the particular investigative requirements necessary to combat terrorism the following terrorism-specific legislative provisions have been enacted: Counter-terrorism powers to prevent and investigate terrorism The AFP has primary responsibility for investigating the terrorism offences in the Criminal Code. Part IC of the Crimes Act provides a framework for how a person can be detained and questioned once they have been arrested for a Commonwealth offence. There are special provisions in this Part that apply when a person has been arrested for a terrorism offence. In relation to terrorism offences, the powers allow the AFP to question a person for a maximum investigation period of 24 hours as opposed to 12 hours for a non-terrorism offence. However, there are certain categories of time that do not count towards the investigation period, so long as they are reasonable. These categories include time to allow authorities outside Australia to collect information that is relevant, or to translate material. Part IC also contains important investigatory safeguards. Before a person can be questioned under Part IC of the Crimes Act, the person has a right to communicate with a lawyer and have the lawyer present during questioning. The person also has a right to inform a relative or friend of his or her whereabouts. If the person has difficulties with English, an interpreter must be provided. If the person is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, special representatives, which can include the person s lawyer, relative, or a representative of an Indigenous legal aid organisation, must be present during the questioning. If the person is under 18, the person s lawyer, parent, guardian or relative must be present during the questioning. If the person is not an Australian citizen, he or she must be given the opportunity to communicate with the consular office of his or her country. A person who is arrested under Part IC must be treated with humanity and must not be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Preventive detention The Commonwealth preventative detention regime allows the AFP to detain a person for a maximum period of up to 48 hours if there are reasonable grounds to suspect the person 12

13 will engage in or prepare for a terrorist act and the preventative detention order would substantially assist in preventing a terrorist act occurring. A person could also be detained under a preventative detention order immediately after a terrorist act has occurred and where it is likely vital evidence will be lost in the aftermath. Questioning of the person in preventative detention is prohibited. If the police formally intend to question a person about an offence, they are required to release the person from preventative detention, and arrest the person and use the detention and questioning powers under Part IC of the Crimes Act. The person must be treated with humanity and dignity and not subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. The person must be given an opportunity to contact a lawyer as well as being entitled to contact a family member and employer to let them know they are safe. An interpreter will be provided where necessary. The person must be advised of their right to contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is notified of the making of the order, given a copy of the initial preventative detention order and notified when the person is taken into custody. Offences apply for officers breaching these safeguards. Preventative detention cannot apply to people under 16 and special rules apply for people between the ages of 16 and 18 and people incapable of managing their own affairs. A preventative detention order, as well as the treatment of the person detained, is subject to judicial review, and can be subject to investigation by the Commonwealth Ombudsman and merits review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Attorney-General must report annually to the Parliament on the use of preventative detention. States and Territories have legislation allowing for preventative detention for up to 14 days. Apart from allowing a person to be detained for a longer period, the State and Territory legislation is very similar to the Commonwealth preventative detention legislation. No preventative detention orders have been issued to date under the Commonwealth or State or Territory preventative detention regimes. ASIO questioning and detention regime ASIO also plays a significant role in the investigation of terrorism matters through its intelligence gathering powers contained in the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act. ASIO may apply to a federal magistrate or judge for a warrant to question, and in very limited circumstances to detain, a person where there are reasonable grounds for believing that this will substantially assist the collection of intelligence that is important in relation to a terrorism offence. Strict time limits apply to the period of questioning and the length of detention that is permitted. A person can be questioned for a maximum of 24 hours or 48 hours if an interpreter is required. An independent person with judicial experience is required to supervise the questioning. A person can be detained for a maximum of 168 hours (and must be released as soon as all questioning under the warrant has concluded). A person has the right to humane treatment during their detention or questioning, and the right to access a lawyer. At any time during their detention or questioning, a person can contact the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, the Commonwealth Ombudsman, or other relevant complaints bodies, to make a complaint about ASIO or the AFP. A person can also seek a remedy in a federal court at any time. There are special requirements for young persons between 16 and 18 years of age. It is a criminal offence to breach any of the safeguards provided by the questioning and detention regime. ASIO is subject to various forms of scrutiny, including by the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security and the PJCIS, and it must exercise its powers in accordance with the law. 13

14 Disclosure of national security information in criminal and civil proceedings The National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act provides a procedure for courts to follow where information that relates to, or the disclosure of which may affect, national security is sought to be introduced during a federal criminal proceeding or civil proceeding before a State, Territory or Federal Court. It contains mechanisms for the protection of sensitive information in court proceedings in addition to protection of information under public interest immunity. It addresses the problem in national securityrelated cases (for example, espionage and counter-terrorism) where the Commonwealth may otherwise be faced with a choice between discontinuing prosecutions or risking prejudice to national security from disclosure of information. The Act provides that the court may order that the information not be disclosed, or that it be disclosed in an edited or summarised form. In making its decision, the court must balance the risk to national security against any substantial adverse effect on the defendant s right to receive a fair hearing, giving greatest weight to the risk of prejudice to national security. Importantly, the court retains an overriding discretion to stay proceedings permanently where the court believes that protection of national security information will have a substantial adverse effect on a defendant s right to receive a fair hearing. Conviction and serving of sentences No special provisions are provided in relation to the conviction of offenders and the serving of sentences for terrorist offences. Rather, these occur in accordance with legislative requirements and conventional criminal law practice and procedure. Question 5 Australia has consistently provided tailored assistance to Australian victims of terrorist acts committed either in Australia or overseas. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for coordinating the whole of government, including consular, response to any incident overseas that affects the safety and welfare of Australians. The response effort can involve a wide range of government agencies. The response has in the past included: arranging medical care, repatriation assistance (including medical evacuation if necessary), accommodation assistance and counselling services. Assistance has also been provided through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. Furthermore, the Government has previously put together ex gratia assistance packages based on the particular needs of victims and their families. These ex gratia packages have included financial assistance for family support, funeral and bereavement costs, travel costs or to recognise foregone wages, caused as a result of the terrorism event. The Australian Government has provided assistance to victims of international terrorist attacks in Bali in 2002 and 2005, London in 2005, Mumbai in 2008 and Jakarta in In addition, each State and Territory has its own compensation scheme for victims of crime. Apart from South Australia, the State and Territory schemes are only available where a person suffers harm in that jurisdiction. Under the South Australian scheme, the South Australian Attorney-General has discretion to make payments for injuries incurred outside South Australia. In relation to the second part of the question, see response to question 6 below. 14

15 Question 6 The Australian Government is developing and implementing a national approach to counter violent extremism, to build a strong and resilient community able to resist the development of violent extremism and terrorism domestically. This approach will combat conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism through a combination of security and law enforcement responses, and broader strategies to enhance social cohesion and resilience that lessen the appeal of extremist ideologies. In July 2010, the Australian Government commenced discussions with community groups to identify their needs and gain ideas for addressing the long-term causes of extremism at the grassroots level. The Australian Government is also undertaking a review of literature on countering violent extremism, both domestically and internationally to inform the development of targeted countering violent extremism projects. Question 7 Australia provides a range of technical assistance to strengthen regional and international counter-terrorism capabilities and frameworks. Promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms are key principles in the planning and implementation of Australia's capacity-building activities. For example, the Australian Attorney-General s Department provides technical legal assistance to countries in South and South-East Asia to develop and strengthen legal frameworks to counter terrorism. In providing this assistance, Australia uses the United Nations counter-terrorism instruments as a benchmark so that international legal responses to terrorism are consistent with the rule of law and respect human rights. Australia s involvement in this work has been generally consistent over the past five years (that is, it has not increased or decreased). For the most part, these activities are considered to form part of Australia s development cooperation with countries in the region. Question 8 Australia recognises that counter-terrorism measures can have an adverse gender-based human rights impact. The Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act 1984 prohibits discrimination against persons on the ground of sex in the administration of Commonwealth laws or programs. This includes Federal counter-terrorism legislation. As Australia s counter-terrorism laws are defined strictly enough to prevent them from having an unintended adverse gender-based impact. Australia also considers that its counter-terrorism legislation is sufficiently circumscribed to prevent the use of these laws to punish individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles or suppress social movements that seek gender equality in the protection of human rights. In addition, the AFP provides training on the topic of gender awareness to a number of AFP personnel. For example, the Counter Terrorism Investigators Workshop, which is used to train counter-terrorism investigators and support staff within the AFP, includes a genderawareness component. The AFP s Family Investigative Liaison Officers and Community Engagement Teams also brief investigative teams and warrant teams on the considerations required when dealing with culturally diverse communities. These considerations also form part of the AFP s ongoing Operational Planning, including the need to have representation of both genders within warrant and investigation teams. 15

16 Azerbaijan Questions 1-3 Law No. 687-IQ "On the Fight against Terrorism" of 18 June 1999 is the main domestic legal document for combating terrorism. This law determines the legal and organisational guidelines for combating terrorism in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the mechanism for interagency co-operation between the state bodies in charge of anti-terrorism operations, as well as the rights and duties of those bodies and individual citizens. It has 5 sections and 22 articles. The law contains and interprets definitions of "terrorism", "terrorist", "terrorist group", "terrorist organisation", "terrorist activity", "international terrorist activity", "financing of terrorism", "fight against terrorism", "operations against terrorism" etc. This law defines "terrorism" as the ''perpetration of explosions or fires or commission of other acts which threaten to endanger the lives of people, injure their health, cause substantial damage to property or give rise to other socially dangerous consequences with the aim of disturbing public order, sowing panic among the population or influencing the adoption of decisions by the organs of State power or international organisations, and also the threat of committing such acts with the same aim". 2 According to the law, the fight against terrorism in the Republic of Azerbaijan is carried out for the following purposes: (1) to ensure human rights and liberties, the security of society and the state; (2) to discover and prevent terrorism and minimize possible harmful; (3) to disclose and eliminate the reasons and conditions for the emergence and existence of terrorism, as well as the financing and provision of other support to terrorism. 3 The law sets out the following principles of the fight against terrorism: rule of law; inevitability of punishment; coordination of overt and covert methods; complex use of legal, political, socio-economic and organizational preventive action; priority of protecting the rights of people subjected to the terrorist threat; independence of command over the forces involved in anti-terrorist operations; and minimum disclosure of the staff, technical equipment and tactics used in anti-terrorist operations. 4 To carry out the obligations deriving from the international antiterrorist conventions and protocols it has signed and to bring its domestic criminal legislation into conformity with those documents, the Republic of Azerbaijan has introduced criminal prosecution not only for terrorism (article 214), the financing of terrorism (article 214-1) and deliberate disinformation about terrorism (article 214), but also for other acts of a terrorist nature. Such crimes include: attacks on persons and organisations enjoying international protection (serious crime); 5 2 Law No. 687-IQ of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Fight Against Terrorism" of 18 June 1999; Article 1. 3 Law No. 687-IQ of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Fight Against Terrorism" of 18 June 1999; Article 3. 4 Law No. 687-IQ of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Fight Against Terrorism" of 18 June 1999; 5 Article 4. Article

17 deliberate homicide, under aggravating circumstances, as well as related to terrorism (particularly serious crime); 6 violations of the customs borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan for illicit trafficking in radioactive substances, explosive substances and devices, military weapons and machines, nuclear, chemical, biological and other weapons of mass destruction, as well as materials and equipment for the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction (less serious or serious crimes); 7 hostage taking (serious or particularly serious crime); 8 creation of a criminal community (organisation) (serious or particularly serious crime); 9 hijacking of an aircraft, maritime vessel or railroad train (serious or particularly serious crime); 10 sea piracy (serious or particularly serious crime); 11 illegal handling of radioactive materials, theft of radioactive materials or obtaining them through intimidation (serious or particularly serious crimes); 12 illegal manufacture, possession, transfer, sale, storage, transportation of firearms, ammunition, explosives substances and devices Or obtaining them through intimidation (less serious or serious crimes); 13 attempts on the lives of state officials or public actors (terrorist attack) (particularly serious crime); 14 creation of armed units or groups unforeseen by legislation (serious or particularly serious crime); 15 sabotage (particularly serious crime); 16 Question 4 According to Article 209 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the preliminary investigator, investigator or prosecutor in charge of supervising the preliminary investigation must immediately start a criminal case on the basis of the facts of the terrorist crime. A person who has committed a terrorism-related crime can be arrested or restrained by other means. 17 Court decisions to extend the period of detention or on waiver thereof can be appealed against by filing a complaint or protest to the court of appeal. The decision of the court of appeal on this issue has the ultimate power. 6 Article Article Article Article Article Article Articles Articles and Article Article Article Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article

18 If the court decides to take a person charged with a terrorism-related crime into custody as the means of constraint during the investigation of the case and before it brought to trial, it determines the maximum term of detention as 3 months for such persons. 18 Depending on the complexity of the case, the court can prolong the period of detention for another term not exceeding 3 months the first time, and 3 months for the second time in cases related to crimes of financing of terrorism and deliberate disinformation about terrorism; and not exceeding 4 months for the first lime, and 5 months for the second time in cases related to crimes of terrorism, and attempts on the lives of state officials or public actors (terrorist acts). 19 In extraordinary cases where the investigation is delayed or encounters other difficulties, such as the emergence of a large volume of investigation materials or a great number of accused persons, the court may decide to prolong the final limit of detention by up to a maximum of 3 months in cases of financing of terrorism and deliberate disinformation about terrorism, and 6 months in cases related to crimes of terrorism, and attempts on the lives of state officials or public actors (terrorist acts). If the time limit for the period of detention (9 and 12 months), 20 of an accused person caught outside the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan expires before his/her transfer to the authority of the agency in charge of the criminal process in the Republic of Azerbaijan and there is a need to continue the preliminary investigation, the court may decide to prolong the period of detention by up to 6 months. The preliminary investigation of a criminal case must be completed within a maximum term of 3 months after the start in cases of financing of terrorism and deliberate disinformation about terrorism, and 4 months in cases related to crimes of terrorism, and attempts on the lives of state officials or public actors (terrorist acts). The preliminary investigation starts on the date the criminal case is opened and ends on the date of its submission to court or the decision on its cancellation. Any period of suspension of the preliminary investigation of the criminal case does not count towards its total duration. On a well-grounded request from the investigation officer or the prosecutor in charge of supervising the preliminary investigation on the complex nature of the criminal case, authorised prosecutors (senior officials) may decide to prolong the period of preliminary investigation for another term not exceeding 3 months for the first time, 3 months for the second time, and 3 months for the third time in cases of financing of terrorism and deliberate disinformation about terrorism, and not exceeding 4 months for the first time, 4 months for the second time, and 6 months for the third time in cases related to crimes of terrorism, and attempts on the lives of state officials or public actors (terrorist acts). 21 The Prosecutor General may prolong the term of the preliminary investigation in cases of unresolved crimes several times until they are resolved. Once a crime has been disclosed, 18 Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 159. The general rule is that the final limit of detention for the period of investigation up until the trial may not exceed 9 months in cases of financing of terrorism and deliberate disinformation about terrorism, and 12 months in cases related to crimes of terrorism, and attempts on the life of state officials or public actors (terrorist act). 20 Article of the Criminal Procedure Code. 21 The general rule is that the final limit for the period of preliminary investigation in cases brought under the clauses of the Criminal Procedure Code must be completed within 12 months in cases of financing of terrorism and deliberate disinformation about terrorism, and 18 months in cases related to crimes of terrorism, and attempts on the lives of state officials or public actors (terrorist act). 18

19 the Prosecutor General may prolong the term of the preliminary investigation of that case only once. The Prosecutor General may also prolong the terms of the preliminary investigation in relation to an indictment when an established participant in the crime has not been charged, where this is for objective reasons and until he/she is found guilty. Question 5 The Law provides for the possibility of dropping charges against any person who has participated in the preparation of an act of terrorism who assists in the prevention of such crime through giving a timely warning to the authorities or in any other way and there is no other corpus delicti in his/her actions. Damage incurred as a result of terrorist attacked to property of natural persons and legal entities shall be compensated at complete value by state budget funds, and then this amount is withdrawn from persons responsible. Under social rehabilitation of victims of terrorist attack shall be meant the legal, psychological, medical and professional aid, provision of jobs or living space.22 Question 6 The Decree was followed by the adoption of Law No. 712-IIQ On National Security of 29 June 2004, which establishes the legal basis for the national security strategy and policy with a view to the development of the Republic of Azerbaijan as an independent, sovereign, democratic state. It includes conceptual articles concerning terrorist threats and the carrying out of effective antiterrorist activities. This law regards international terrorism as a major threat to the national security of the Republic of Azerbaijan; 23 multilateral co-operation in combating international terrorism and transnational organised crime is regarded as one of the main methods for ensuring national security. 24 The physical and operative protection of Azerbaijan s borders, control over passport and registration regimes and verification procedures at border check-points have been strengthened. At the same time, the necessary steps are being taken to prevent the illegal influx of aliens into Azerbaijan and for the repatriation of illegally settled persons to their native countries. A complex series of preventive and operative actions are carried out to strengthen the security of important buildings, transit oil and gas pipelines, energy infrastructure, terminals, air and sea ports, warehouses, embassies, international organisations and representations, foreign companies and religious institutions. Additional action is being taken to identify and expose members of international terrorist organisations, groups engaged in transnational and trans-regional organised crime, their close contacts and persons inclined to religious extremism. In accordance with the law, Azerbaijan's law-enforcement agencies take operative search actions for the identification, disclosure and arrest of terrorist groups and individual terrorists, as well as to prevent any activities related to terrorism. 22 Law No. 687-IQ of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Fight Against Terrorism" of 18 June 1999: Article Law No. 712-IIQ of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On National Security" of 29 June 2004: Articles 6.2.6, 7.5.8, Law No. 712-IIQ of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On National Security" of 29 June 2004: Articles ,

20 Question 7 In accordance with the international agreements it has signed, the Republic of Azerbaijan co-operates in combating terrorism with foreign countries, their law-enforcement agencies and relevant international organizations. To implement UN Security Council Resolutions 1368 of 12 September 2001, and 1373 of 28 September 2001, the Republic of Azerbaijan acceded to all of the UN conventions and protocols on the fight against terrorism. The Republic of Azerbaijan plays an active role in the consultations on the drafting of the "Comprehensive Convention against Terrorism" in the framework of the Sixth Committee of the UN GA. Azerbaijan will study the issue of accession to that Convention as soon as the final text has been adopted. As a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Republic of Azerbaijan has acceded to instruments containing the fundamental principles of that organisation, including the Final Act of Helsinki, the Paris Charter for New Europe, the OSCE Charter for the European Security and other important documents reflecting the principles of the fight against terrorism. To intensify the relations of the Republic of Azerbaijan with the European Union and to ensure effective and coordinated work for the development of the Plan of Action for Azerbaijan in line with the EU's policy of New Neighbourhood, the President issued a Decree of 1 June 2005 on the establishment of a State Commission for integration with Europe. The above-mentioned Plan of Action is expected to contribute significantly to cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime. Since its admission to the Council of Europe ( ), the Republic of Azerbaijan has accomplished its obligations undertaken before the Council of Europe, in accordance with PACE Resolution 222 (2000). The Republic of Azerbaijan has acceded to the majority of the European conventions and protocols on fight against terrorism and organised crime. The Republic of Azerbaijan took part in the activities of the Council of Europe Multidisciplinary Group on International Action against Terrorism (GMT), 25 and now participates in the work of the Council of Europe's Committee of Experts on Terrorism. In May 2004, the Republic of Azerbaijan submitted the Presentation Document of the Individual Partnership Action Plan to the NATO Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. On 27 May 2005, the NATO EAPC approved the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), including concrete actions for the achievement of the goats set out in the Presentation Document. On 3 August 2005, the President signed Decree No. 937 giving necessary instructions to the relevant state bodies for the execution of the Republic of Azerbaijan's obligations under the IPAP. As a country taking an active part in the international efforts to combat terrorism, Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the NATO Partnership Action Plan against Terrorism (PAP-T). Significant actions in the sphere of combating terrorism have been carried out by Azerbaijan since the adoption of the PAP-T. The Republic of Azerbaijan is a signatory to the following Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) documents on co-operation in the fight against terrorism and organised crime: Agreement of the Commonwealth of Independent States member states on cooperation in the fight against crime ( ); Agreement of the Commonwealth of Independent States member states on cooperation in the fight against terrorism ( ); 25 Developments at National Level - Azerbaijan, GMT (2002) Inf 27. Strasbourg. 25 September