Guantánamo Bay, a detention camp established by the United States in January 2002, stands as a haunting symbol of over two decades of injustice and human rights violations. Initially created by President George Bush in response to the 9/11 attacks, it was intended to house suspected ‘enemy combatants’. This site became notorious for its unlawful detention practices, with the US government often operating outside of both domestic and international legal frameworks.
Inside the confines of Guantánamo, 35 detainees remain, yet only seven have faced convictions, many under conditions lacking basic fair trial protections. A 2023 UN report criticises the indefinite detainment of nearly 780 individuals, highlighting that most have endured severe human rights abuses and torture. Shockingly, only one individual has been transferred to a civilian court in the US, while 16 detainees, despite being cleared for release, languish in the camp.
Shaker Aamer, one of Guantánamo’s earliest detainees, spent 13 years without charge or trial before being released in 2015. His lawyer alleges his prolonged imprisonment was due to his witnessing of torture conducted by US and UK agents. In response to ongoing injustices, the British House of Commons has initiated a group advocating for the closure of the detention centre.
Many detainees have resorted to hunger strikes, believing this to be their only avenue for protest against the deplorable conditions and indefinite detentions. Videos recount the harrowing experiences of inmates undergoing force-feeding during strikes. From the outset, organisations like Amnesty International have campaigned for the rights and freedom of those detained at Guantánamo.
Despite promises from former President Barack Obama to close the facility and continued advocacy for justice, over 30 detainees still await their fate. The call to action remains loud and clear for President Biden: it is time to rectify these wrongs and ensure humane treatment for all detainees.
Guantánamo Bay has been a site of extensive human rights abuses for over 20 years, housing 35 detainees, most of whom were never charged with crimes. A recent UN report criticises the camp’s legal and ethical standards, urging for closure. Shaker Aamer’s story exemplifies the injustices faced by inmates. Despite promises to close the facility, it remains open, with ongoing campaigns advocating for the rights of those detained.
In closing, Guantánamo Bay represents a dark chapter in America’s approach to counterterrorism, marked by unlawful detentions, inadequate legal protections, and widespread human rights violations. With 35 men still imprisoned and numerous calls for closure, the pursuit of justice remains essential. Advocates insist that neither safety nor security should justify depravity and injustice. It is imperative for the current administration to act and correct these longstanding grievances.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org.uk
