Dhaka: The US-led war on terrorism violates international law and justice, and has encouraged various Governments to ignore Human Rights in the name of national security, the Amnesty International has said.

"The war on terrorism has actually worsened global security. Far from making the world a safer place, the global security doctrine promulgated by the US has made it more dangerous," Irene Khan, the general secretary of London-based Human Rights watchdog said in Dhaka yesterday (Dec 28, 2003).

Addressing a seminar on 'Global Peace and Security', she said Western nations, in order to ensure their own security, are increasingly threatening the security of underdeveloped countries, following which the people of these nations are becoming victims of Human Rights violations.

She also accused the United States of undermining the "best systems of collective security" in the world - the United Nations and the International Criminal Court.

She called for a "paradigm shift" in the global security perspective through recognition of the fact that insecurity and violence are best tackled by upholding Human Rights.

Quoting the World Bank, she said war on terrorism was shifting resources away from developmental issues.

The Bangladesh-born rights activist said democracy in the country is devoid of respect for rule of law and justice.

"If I was to think of one single thing that is missing here, I would say it is lack of accountability and the rule of law and justice that enables violators to get away."