Human rights watchdog slams Australia and allies: "Amnesty International has launched a scathing attack on Australia and its allies, accusing them of sacrificing human rights in a blind pursuit of security. The human rights watchdog warned the failure to protect people's rights was a dangerous concession to terrorists.

"Amnesty International Secretary-General Irene Khan said violence by terrorists and violations by governments had combined to produce the most sustained attack on human rights and humanitarian law in 50 years. She blamed United States President George Bush and the coalition of the willing, of which Australia is a part, for encouraging a new wave of human rights abuses. She said the principles of international law, which could protect citizens from terrorist attacks were being undermined, marginalised and destroyed by powerful governments.

"'Governments are losing their moral compass, sacrificing the global values of human rights in a blind pursuit of principle,' she said at the launch of Amnesty International's annual assessment on human rights in London.

"'The global security agenda promoted by the US Administration is bankrupt of vision and bereft of principle. Violating rights at home, turning a blind eye to abuses abroad, and using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses has damaged justice and freedom and made the world a more dangerous place.'"

Human rights watchdog slams Australia and allies: "Amnesty International has launched a scathing attack on Australia and its allies, accusing them of sacrificing human rights in a blind pursuit of security. The human rights watchdog warned the failure to protect people's rights was a dangerous concession to terrorists.

"Amnesty International Secretary-General Irene Khan said violence by terrorists and violations by governments had combined to produce the most sustained attack on human rights and humanitarian law in 50 years. She blamed United States President George Bush and the coalition of the willing, of which Australia is a part, for encouraging a new wave of human rights abuses. She said the principles of international law, which could protect citizens from terrorist attacks were being undermined, marginalised and destroyed by powerful governments.

"'Governments are losing their moral compass, sacrificing the global values of human rights in a blind pursuit of principle,' she said at the launch of Amnesty International's annual assessment on human rights in London.

"'The global security agenda promoted by the US Administration is bankrupt of vision and bereft of principle. Violating rights at home, turning a blind eye to abuses abroad, and using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses has damaged justice and freedom and made the world a more dangerous place.'"