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Israeli judge discusses human rights

9 November 2005

A judge of the Supreme Court of Israel discussed the importance of protecting human rights in times of conflict at a public lecture hosted by the Monash Law School last week.

Law dean Professor Arie Freiberg (left) and Justice Rivlin.

Justice Eliezer Rivlin said there should be no difference in the legal process between times of calm and times of war.

"Only by maintaining an unwavering devotion to freedom of expression, even in the face of grave risks to state security, will humanity ensure this basic right is properly protected during peace," Justice Rivlin said.

He said Israel's war against terror presented a difficult challenge for a democratic state -- the need to balance the fight against terrorism with safeguarding democratic principles.

"The challenge is particularly acute in the area of human rights, with conflicting needs to ensure national security while protecting the individual, including the terrorist, from the tyranny of the state," he said.

"Traditionally, one of the first fundamental rights to be sacrificed during such threats is the freedom of expression."

More than 170 people, including several senior judges, attended the lecture, at Monash's Law Chambers in Melbourne.

Justice Rivlin has been a Justice of the Supreme Court of Israel since 2000. He has worked in private practice, served as a judge in the Traffic Court, Magistrate's Court and the District Court of Israel.