The international media ran hot & fast this week with claims that former US President, Jimmy Carter had called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay, following-up with reports that President George Bush would ‘consider’ that possibility.

 

On the back Bush’s noisy dissembling came today’s announcement by US Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, confirming that Guantanamo Bay will NOT be closed.

 

A review of the original joint statement made by the Carter Center & Human Rights First demonstrates how easily the media hares are outwitted by the political hounds.

 

 

‘With regard to the United States, despite President George W. Bush's bold reminder that America is determined to promote freedom and democracy around the world, the U.S. continues to suffer terrible embarrassment and a blow to our reputation as a champion of human rights because of reports concerning abuses of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantánamo.

 

To demonstrate clearly our nation's historic commitment to protect human rights, our government needs to:

 

·                    Close down Guantánamo and the two dozen secret detention facilities run by the United States as soon as practicable;

 

·                    Reaffirm the United States' commitment to fundamental principles of due process and to international law and give unequivocal assurances that all provisions of the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners and the Convention Against Torture and Cruel, Inhuman, and Degrading Treatment, including during interrogations, will be strictly enforced;

 

·                    Assure that no detainees will be held incommunicado and that all will know the charges against them and be insured of international standards for fair trials;

 

·                    Terminate the policy of "extraordinary rendition" (the transfer of detainees to foreign countries where torture has been reported);

 

·                    Establish an independent, blue ribbon commission with authority to investigate places where terrorism suspects are held in U.S. custody and make a full report to the world, as called for by bipartisan congressional leaders, and

 

·                    In its policies towards other nations, the United States should look to multilateral mechanisms when seeking to advance freedom and democracy, especially the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which is a willing partner in this endeavour.

 

It is not fair to single out the United States for sole criticism because there are many serious abuses in other countries. All free nations should unite in condemnation of those countries guilty of such abuses, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as the standard.’

 

The Carter Center

June 7, 2005

Recommendations from The Carter Center and Human Rights First