REVIEW OF LAWS. IMPLEME NTATION OF TREATIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL INSTRUMENTS OF HUMAN RIGHTS in respect of the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, 2001 is in continuation of the Commission's earlier opinions, and the Commission's views on such a measure remain unchanged. Undoubtedly, national security is of paramount importance. WTithout protecting the safety and security of the nation, individual rights cannot be protected. However, the worth of a nation is the worth of the individuals constituting it. Article 21, which guarantees a life with dignity, is nonderogable. Both national integrity as well as individual dignity are core values in the Constitution, and are compatible and not inconsistent. The need is to balance the two. Any law for combating terrorism should be consistent with the Constitution, the relevant international instruments and treaties, and respect the principles of necessity and proportionality. The National Human Rights Commission, therefore, reiterates its earlier view in respect of the Ordinance also.' 5.4 For ease of reference, the Opinion of the Commission on the Prevention of Terrorism Bill 2000, is also being attached to the present report in full, as Annexure 4. 5.5 Subsequent to the promulgation of the Prevention ofTerrorism Ordinance, 2001, an effort was made to replace it by a Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2001. That Bill, however, could not be introduced and considered by the Lok Sabha during its winter session before Parliament was adjourned sine die on 19 December, 2001. The Prevention of Terrorism (Second) Ordinance, 2001 was therefore promulgated on 30 December, 2001. Thereafter, on 26 March 2002, the Prevention of Terrorism (Second) Ordinance, 2001 was enacted into a Law following a Joint Session of Parliament. 5.6 The Commission would like to observe that it respects and honours the constitutional process leading to the adoption of this Act, even if it has made known its opposition to the contents of the Act. The Commission retains, however, the responsibility under its own Statute to ensure that the Act is not implemented in a manner that is violative of the Constitution and the treaty obligations of the coimtry. The Commission will, therefore, monitor the use of this Act carefully. ANNUAL REPORT 2001-2002 49