Introduction 

Governments around the world are dealing with evolving threats and challenges, which makes it crucial to critically assess the legitimacy of security measures and their impact on civil liberties. This session offers insights into the principles, practices, and ethical considerations of the assessment of legitimate aims and proportionality in national security, exploring the delicate balance between protecting the public interest and upholding fundamental human rights.  

Key questions and objectives 

• What criteria are used to evaluate the legitimacy of aims pursued in the name of national security? 
• What are the safeguards in place?  
• How are proportionality and democratic oversight ensured? 
• How do emerging technologies impact the assessment of legitimate aims in national security?