CAUT has created a new web site to provide public access to the growing list of "war on terrorism" measures taken by governments in Canada, the United States and Europe.

The site, www.WarOnTerrorismWatch.ca, includes links to government legislation and policy as well as analysis of these measures.

"With the flood of government initiatives in the aftermath of Sept. 11, sweeping new powers have been placed in the hands of police, security intelligence agencies, customs and immigration officials and other authorities," said James Turk, executive director of CAUT. "But these new anti-terrorism powers have been introduced with little public awareness of their impact on civil liberties, privacy, sovereignty and basic human rights."

Turk said the site is part of CAUT's contribution to the work of the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, a broad Canadian coalition which includes, along with CAUT, the Canadian Bar Association, Amnesty International, the Canadian Labour Congress, CARE Canada, La Ligue des droits et libertés, World Vision Canada and dozens of other national organizations.

"CAUT has long been an advocate for civil liberties and human rights. It's part of our commitment to academic freedom," Turk said.

"We feel academic freedom can only exist in societies where civil liberties and human rights are valued and protected."