June 28, 2023
Cited article by Al Jazeera
HRRC supports the United Nations in calling for the immediate shut down of Guantánamo Bay Prison. The United States must take action to not only end operations at the facility, but to begin the reparations and reconciliation process for those who suffered grave human rights abuses as inmates in the prison.
Article Summary
In a new report, UN Special Rapporteur Fionnuala Ni Aolain called for the U.S. to apologize for the torture and serious human rights abuses that have occurred since the opening of Guantánamo Bay Prison in Cuba in 2002. Ni Aolain further pushed for the immediate closure of the detention facility and to begin remedying the violations against the inmates, ensuring accountability. On International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26th), U.S. President Biden verbally committed to supporting survivors of torture, including those from Guantánamo.
At its peak, the prison held 800 inmates, all allegedly tied to the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. and involved with known terrorist groups. Currently, there are 30 prisoners, 16 of whom will be released soon. However, the UN report states that the abuses are ongoing with “structural shortcomings and systematic arbitrariness including in training, operating procedures, and the fulfillment of detainees’ rights to health care, family council and justice”.