"It has been suggested in some quarters that human rights considerations must take a back seat in the struggle against terrorism," said United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson. "I can not share in that line of thinking. Human rights must be observed, especially in times of crisis. We can, and must, fight terrorism while observing human rights."

In a statement released from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Robinson reminded States of their obligations under international law to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11.

"In the aftermath of 11 September and the international response to terrorism, this anti-discrimination agenda is even more crucial. It should be an integral part of efforts to safeguard against any erosion of human rights standards that might flow as an unintended consequence of measures to counter terror."

Only three days before the events of September 11 the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance concluded in Durban, South Africa. At this event the world confronted complex human rights issues of the past and present and renewed a global alliance against racism and discrimination. It is this alliance that Robinson wants to remain strong.

"The Declaration and Plan of Action of the Durban Conference offer us tools to renew commitment to the eradication of both poverty and racism, "said Robinson. "My message is clear: we must work in partnership to implement the Durban commitments in full, starting now."

Robinson said her office is committed to taking the lead in the follow-up to the Durban Declaration. She celebrated Human Rights Day in Addis Ababa where she participated in a panel entitled "Poverty and Racism: Challenges for Human Rights and Development in Africa." Robinson believes that fighting poverty and human rights are one and the same.

"I believe the greatest challenge to the building of a real human rights culture in any society," said Robinson, "lies in tackling discrimination and the endemic poverty that continues to dominate the social landscape of many parts of the world."

"Extreme poverty means a denial of the exercise of all human rights and undermines the dignity and worth of the individual."

In addition, a statement was issued today by 17 independent experts of the Commission on Human Rights representing groups such as the Commission on Human Rights on Violence against Women, it Causes and Consequences, the Secretary General on Internally Displaced Persons and the Commission the Human Rights on the Right to Education.

"We deplore human rights violations and measures that have particularly targeted groups such as human rights defenders, migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees, religious and ethnic minorities, political activists and the media," read the statement.

The independent experts acknowledged the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and insisted that the fight against terrorism not result in violations of human rights.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out ideals and targets calling for recognition and respect for all human rights- civil, political, economic, social and cultural, for all human beings in the world. The declaration reflects a vision of the world in which "all might enjoy all rights and freedoms without discrimination."