Washington tries to prevent UN debate on mass surveillance

The White House issued instructions to its permanent mission to the UN to sabotage Brazil’s attempt to introduce a debate on mass surveillance  [1]. Strong pressure was exerted to stop the draft resolution from being presented in the General Assembly.

The United States argued that they have no obligation outside their borders and that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights does not apply to espionage.

The same line of argument had been used to deny all responsibility in the sequestration and torture at the hands of the US Navy on the Guántanamo Military Base (officially on lease by the Cuban Government).

Both the European Court of Human Rights (including Russia) and the International Criminal Court have ruled that States have an obligation to respect Human Rights outside their borders.