Victims of human rights violations derived from politically motivated violence

The Basque Region has experienced politically motivated violence in different forms for decades. However, public policies and legal tools utilized in addressing this  violence  have centered on counterterrorism  strategies, while  by passing,  or even covering  up,  the  occurrence  of serious human  rights violations  committed by,  or  in  collusion  with, State  representatives.  This contribution identifies different forms of politically motivated violence that have  taken place from  the period of the civil war in Spain onwards, offering an up to date map of the most serious  violations  of  human  rights  related  to  the  Basque  Country. Thereafter, it briefly presents the   legal   framework addressing   human   rights   violations, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.  The central thesis points out that double standards are being applied when legally acknowledging victims of human rights violations resulting from political violence.  It  leads  to victims  of terrorism being adequately and fairly considered, while other victims of the State or  actors  connected  to  the  State are  subject  to non-recognition  and  even discrimination.

Journal/Publisher: Basque Government

Publication type: Book

Number of pages/Page range: 812

Language/s (content): English

Date of publication: 02-01-09

Personal data

Full name Jon-Mirena LANDA

Current occupation Member

University/Institution University of the Basque Country

Address Sarriena s/n Leioa

Postal code E-49940, Bizkaia

Telephone 0034 946013146

Email jonmirena.landa@ehu.eus