ACTING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER CONDEMNS MADRID BOMBINGS

11 March 2004


Acting United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Bertrand Ramcharan condemned the terrorist bombings in Madrid this morning as "unconscionable and monstrous".

"The one thing terrorists all over the world have in common, whatever their claims, is an utter disregard for life and all human rights", Mr. Ramcharan said.

"Terrorists must know that with attacks such as the monstrous and unconscionable bombings in Madrid today they will not succeed in destroying the edifice of international law and human rights the international community has been building for so many years", the acting High Commissioner went on.

"The best way to respond to their attacks", he said, "is to bring them to justice within the human rights standards that help bind our societies together and that they constantly assail".

The acting High Commissioner conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Spain.


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