OSCE/ODIHR Guantanamo report identifies human rights violations, calls for swift closure

WASHINGTON, D.C., 10 November 2015 – A report issued today by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) called on the United States to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay and to either bring the remaining detainees to trial or free them.

The 280-page report, on the Human Rights Situation of Detainees at Guantanamo, also calls for the full investigation of past human rights violations, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, as well as the prosecution of those responsible.

“As Director of ODIHR, I strongly welcome United States President Barack Obama administration's intention to develop a concrete plan to close down the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay,” said Michael Georg Link, Director of ODIHR. “No person should be subject to indefinite detention without trial. As one of the oldest democracies in the OSCE, the United States of America should lead by example, by making it crystal clear that everyone has the right to a fair trial. The detainees should either be charged or released.”

The report, in providing a comprehensive analysis of the situation at Guantanamo, examines a broad range of human rights issues, identifies violations of OSCE commitments and other international human rights standards, and offers recommendations to address them. 

“There is a clear need for full transparency and accountability in addressing the violations of the human rights of detainees, including torture, that have occurred at the Guantanamo detention facility, and as part of the CIA rendition programme,” said Omer Fisher, Deputy Head of ODIHR’s Human Rights Department. “Detainees have a right to redress, including access to justice, to compensation, and to medical rehabilitation.”

The report is based on interviews with United States government officials, military and civilian lawyers, non-governmental organizations and former detainees, as well as extensive desk research. ODIHR was not granted access to interview detainees currently held at Guantanamo. 

The report on The Human Rights Situation of Detainees at Guantanamo is available at: www.osce.org/odihr/198721

For further information, please contact:

Thomas Rymer (ODIHR spokesperson): +48-609-522-266 (mobile) or thomas.rymer@odihr.pl.