States have different approaches to countering and preventing the spread of terrorism, however, underpinning all actions is the need to uphold the right to life of their people. Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights explicitly articulates States’ obligations to protect the right of life of individuals under its territory, and it is this obligation that must remain central to the actions of Member States when responding and preventing acts of terrorism.
Prevention is important because it includes an operational duty for the State, consistent with its human rights obligations, to take all reasonable measures to prevent an immediate risk to life from occurring. Appropriate actions can be taken by States to safeguard the lives of individuals in its territory based on recognised international, regional, and national legal standards.
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