U.N. Investigator Highlights Ongoing Cruel Treatment at Guantanamo Bay

U.N. Investigator Finds Ongoing Cruel Treatment at Guantanamo Bay Detention Center

In a groundbreaking report released on Monday, the first United Nations independent investigator to visit the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Irish law professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, stated that the 30 men held there are subject to ongoing cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment under international law. Ní Aoláin’s 23-page report, presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council, highlighted the violations of international human rights law committed by the United States in the aftermath of the 2001 attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.

While acknowledging that the attacks were crimes against humanity, Ní Aoláin condemned the U.S. use of torture and rendition against alleged perpetrators and their associates, stating that these practices violated international human rights law. She further emphasized that the use of information obtained through torture prevents victims and survivors from obtaining justice, as such evidence cannot be used in trials.

Ní Aoláin’s visit to Guantanamo Bay marked the first time a U.N. investigator has been allowed access to the facility since its opening in 2002. She commended the Biden administration for opening up Guantanamo and addressing human rights issues, urging other countries to follow suit and grant U.N. access to their detention facilities. During her visit, Ní Aoláin was given access to everything she requested, including meetings with both “high-value” and “non-high value” detainees.

The United States, in its submission to the Human Rights Council, stated that the findings of the special investigator were solely her own and disagreed with many factual and legal assertions in her report. However, Ní Aoláin highlighted the significant improvements made to the confinement of detainees while expressing serious concerns about the continued detention of the 30 men. She cited examples of near constant surveillance, forced removal from cells, and unjust use of restraints.

Ní Aoláin observed that after two decades of custody, the suffering of the detainees is profound and ongoing. Many detainees she met showed

What measures does Professor Ní Aoláin suggest should be taken to address the ongoing human rights violations at Guantanamo Bay

A report released by Irish law professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, the first United Nations independent investigator to visit Guantanamo Bay, has revealed ongoing cruel treatment at the U.S. detention center. Ní Aoláin’s 23-page report, presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council, outlines the violations of international human rights law committed by the United States following the 2001 attacks.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the attacks, Ní Aoláin strongly condemns the U.S. use of torture and rendition against alleged perpetrators and their associates, stating that these actions are in violation of international human rights standards. She also points out that the use of evidence obtained through torture hinders victims and survivors from obtaining justice, as such evidence is inadmissible in trials.

Ní Aoláin’s visit to Guantanamo Bay marks the first time a U.N. investigator has been granted access to the facility since its establishment in 2002. She commends the Biden administration for allowing her access and addressing human rights concerns, and calls on other countries to do the same by granting U.N. access to their own detention facilities. During her visit, Ní Aoláin was given full access to the facility and had meetings with both “high-value” and “non-high value” detainees.

The United States, in its submission to the Human Rights Council, disputes many of the findings and assertions made by the special investigator, stating that they are solely her own. However, Ní Aoláin points out the significant improvements made in the confinement of detainees while expressing serious concerns about the continued detention of the 30 individuals held at Guantanamo. She highlights instances of constant surveillance, forced removal from cells, and unjust use of restraints.

Ní Aoláin notes that after two decades of custody, the detainees continue to suffer profoundly. The report sheds light on the ongoing mistreatment at Guantanamo Bay and raises urgent calls for immediate action to address these human rights violations.