ABSTRACT
The relationship between human rights and international terrorism is complicated. The entire basis for human rights is to ensure the security of the individual, and what this translates to, among other things, is that people are not to be kidnapped, beaten, or killed. On the other hand, common Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes the principle of self-determination. This article provides: “All peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.” Perhaps like most other political conflicts, where one stands on the Palestinian-Israeli issue depends on whether one places a premium on self-determination (Palestine) or on security (Israel).
