A/HRC/12/22 page 4 I. INTRODUCTION 1. Achieving global security objectives would be impossible without concerted efforts towards the realization of all human rights. In my previous reports on the protection of human rights while countering terrorism, I focused primarily on the impact of counter-terrorism measures on civil and political rights. In this report, I will focus on the issue of economic, social and cultural rights. 2. It is becoming clear that terrorism, and measures adopted to combat terrorist acts, are both influenced by and have a great impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as on civil and political rights. The links between counter-terrorism measures and economic, social and cultural rights were highlighted by Member States through the adoption of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and Plan of Action, by the General Assembly in resolution 60/288 and reaffirmed in resolution 62/272. Member States reaffirmed that the promotion and protection of all human rights for all, as well as respect for the rule of law are essential to all components of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They recognized that effective counter-terrorism measures and the protection of all human rights are not conflicting goals, but complementary and mutually reinforcing. 3. In the Strategy, Member States also recognized the need to deal with the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism. These include: “… prolonged unresolved conflicts, dehumanization of victims of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, lack of the rule of law and violations of human rights, ethnic, national and religious discrimination, political exclusion, socio-economic marginalization and lack of good governance ...”.1 This cannot be read outside the context of the need for States to respect, protect and fulfil their obligations regarding economic, social and cultural rights. 4. The Human Rights Council in its resolution 10/15 urged States, while countering terrorism, “to protect all human rights, including economic, social and cultural rights, bearing in mind that certain counter-terrorism measures may have an impact on the enjoyment of these rights”.2 Efforts to understand and address the linkages between counter-terrorism measures and the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights must be continued.3 5. This report draws on the discussions that took place during an expert seminar organized by my Office on “The impact of terrorism and counter-terrorism measures on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights” in Geneva on 5-7 November 2008. The meeting took place in the context of the work of the Working Group on Protecting Human Rights While Countering Terrorism, of the Secretary General’s Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF). My Office chairs this Working Group. 1 Resolution 60/288, annex, part I, first paragraph. 2 Paragraph 6. 3 See for example the report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, A/HRC/6/17.