A/RES/56/160 Recalling in particular that, in its resolution 52/133, it requested the Secretary-General to seek the views of Member States on the implications of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations for the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Recalling previous resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights, and taking note in particular of Commission resolution 2001/37 of 23 April 2001, 8 as well as the relevant resolutions of the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, in particular its resolution 2001/18, adopted unanimously on 16 August 2001, 9 Bearing in mind all other relevant General Assembly resolutions, Bearing in mind also relevant Security Council resolutions, Aware that, at the dawn of the twenty-first century, the world is witness to historic and far-reaching transformations, in the course of which forces of aggressive nationalism and religious and ethnic extremism continue to produce fresh challenges, Alarmed that acts of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations aimed at the destruction of human rights have continued despite national and international efforts, Bearing in mind that the right to life is the basic human right, without which a human being can exercise no other right, Bearing in mind also that terrorism creates an environment that destroys the right of people to live in freedom from fear, Reiterating that all States have an obligation to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms and that every individual should strive to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, Seriously concerned about the gross violations of human rights perpetrated by terrorist groups, Profoundly deploring the increasing number of innocent persons, including women, children and the elderly, killed, massacred and maimed by terrorists in indiscriminate and random acts of violence and terror, which cannot be justified under any circumstances, Expressing its deepest sympathy and condolences to all the victims of terrorism and their families, Noting with great concern the growing connection between terrorist groups and other criminal organizations engaged in the illegal traffic in arms and drugs at the national and international levels, as well as the consequent commission of serious crimes such as murder, extortion, kidnapping, assault, the taking of hostages and robbery, Alarmed in particular at the possibility that terrorist groups may exploit new technologies to facilitate acts of terrorism, which may cause massive damage, including huge loss of human life, _______________ 8 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 2001, Supplement No. 3 (E/2001/23), chap. II, sect. A. 9 See E/CN.4/2002/2-E/CN.4/Sub.2/2001/40, chap. II, sect. A. 2