Combating biological terrorism in human rights law

Abstract

This research aims to address the phenomenon of biological terrorism from a human rights law perspective. It analyzes how international and national legal systems deal with this highly dangerous threat and examines the extent to which human rights rules can protect the rights to life, health, and security against the use of biological agents as weapons. The research is significant because it addresses a rapidly evolving scientific and technological issue that threatens all of humanity. Simultaneously, it reveals legislative and regulatory gaps that necessitate the development of more effective legal mechanisms to balance security requirements with the need to respect human rights. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, examining international agreements such as the Biological Weapons Convention to assess their effectiveness in addressing this threat. The analysis yielded several findings, most notably that the international legal framework remains incomplete and suffers from weak verification mechanisms. Furthermore, national legislation in many countries fails to keep pace with rapid biological advancements. The integration of human rights principles into policies for combating biological terrorism provides a fundamental guarantee against abuse and protects freedoms. Finally, international cooperation, the development of early warning systems, and the promotion of public awareness are essential pillars for ensuring effective protection against this type of terrorism. The research also concludes that confronting biological terrorism cannot rely solely on security measures, but requires building a comprehensive legal framework based on prevention, accountability, and international cooperation, while adhering to international human rights standards. The research emphasizes the importance of developing national and international legislation and oversight mechanisms to ensure an effective response to biological threats while simultaneously preserving human dignity and fundamental freedoms. Furthermore, the research highlights the need to strengthen the role of specialized international and national institutions in monitoring the handling of biological materials and agents.