Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights: The Impact of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Abbreviations
Acknowledgments

Executive Summary
Recommendations
Methodology

1. Introduction: Counter-Terrorism, Human Rights, and the SCO
2. Overview of the SCO
   1. SCO structure and decision-making bodies
   2. Economic cooperation among SCO member states
   3. Expansion of SCO influence internationally
      1. Membership
      2. Role in regional security and stability
      3. Role in addressing Afghanistan conflict
      4. Cooperation in non-security sectors 
      5. Cooperation with multilateral organizations
3. The International Counter-Terrorism Framework and Human Rights
   1. The international counter-terrorism framework
   2. International counter-terrorism bodies and human rights inputs
4. SCO Compliance with the International Framework for Promotion and Protection of Human Rights
   1. Defining terrorism
   2. Structural and rhetorical challenges
      1. Lack of transparency and oversight mechanisms
      2. Regional and international frameworks
      3. National conditions and relativism
   3. Human rights records of SCO member states
   4. China’s influence and impact within the SCO
      1. The Three Evils doctrine: Counter-terrorism with Chinese characteristics
      2. The Three Evils doctrine in practice: Targeting of and impact on Uyghurs
   5. Harmonization of legislation in SCO member states
   6. SCO policies, operations, and practices: The fourth pillar meets the Three Evils
      1. Impact of exchange of individual information on the right to privacy and due process
         1. Blacklists
         2. RATS Database
      2. Impact of extradition and denial of asylum on security of the person, due process rights, and non-refoulement
      3. Chilling messages sent by military cooperation
5. The SCO’s Engagement with the UN and the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
6. Conclusion

Appendices [PDF, 7MB]

1. Key Normative Documents of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [PDF, 1.3MB]
   1. Declaration on the Establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – June 15, 2001
   2. The Shanghai Convention on Combating Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism – June 15, 2001
   3. Agreement between the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure – June 7, 2002
   4. Protocol on Amendments to the Agreement between Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure – August 16, 2007
   5. Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – June 7, 2002
   6. The Regulations on Observer Status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – April 24, 2004
   7. Agreement on the Database of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – June 28, 2004
   8. Concept of Cooperation Between SCO Member States in Combating Terrorism, Separatism, and Extremism – June 5, 2005
   9. Protocol on Establishment of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group between the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – November 4, 2005
   10. Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – August 16, 2007
   11. Regulations on the Status of Dialogue Partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – August 8, 2008
   12. Agreement on the Procedure for Organizing and Conducting Joint Anti-Terrorist Exercises by Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – August 28, 2008
   13. The Convention on Counter-Terrorism of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization – June 16, 2009
2. Assessing the Implementation of International Human Rights Obligations of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [PDF, 1.8MB]
   1. Key International Human Rights Obligations Relevant to SCO Practices
   2. Human Rights Records of SCO Member States: Concluding Observations of UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies
3. People’s Republic of China Domestic Law and Official Statements [PDF, 1.3MB]
   1. Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Regulations
   2. Ministry of Public Security Official Statements
4. Reported or Suspected Extraditions or Forcible Returns of Individuals between Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [PDF, 2MB]
   1. Matrix
   2. Case Chart
5. Military and Law Enforcement Cooperation between Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization [PDF, 1.2MB]
   1. Military and Law Enforcement Cooperation Chart
6. Select Bibliography [PDF, 0.6MB]

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