 Evidence and testimony shows that countries are using torture and ill-treatment under the auspices of the "war on terror". These countries include Egypt, Syria, Afghanistan and the United States.
There are other key countries that, through their alliances will be important targets of the campaign. These include the UK and other European states.
The so-called "war on terror" has led to an erosion of fundamental human rights, highlighted by the increasing use and acceptance of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
Amnesty International campaign against torture has three objectives.
- All states and individuals engaging in torture, or the infliction of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment to be fully investigated and held accountable
- The facilities where detainees are subjected to such treatment to be closed and detainees to be given access to full and fair trial procedures or released. No person is to be transferred to any country where they are likely to be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- All evidence extracted by these means never to be used or relied upon in legal proceedings
Torture and other cruel treatments are never justifiable.
- All torture and ill treatment perpetrated under the auspices of the “war on terror” must stop.
- The use of torture does not increase our security. Torture only serves to perpetrate violence and is a form of terror.
- There should be no redefinition of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment.
- Facilities holding “war on terror” detainees should be closed and all persons held to have access to full and fair trial proceedings or released.
- All claims of torture and ill treatment to be fully and fairly investigated by impartial bodies and those found responsible to be held accountable
Take action
Write to President Bush urging him to support the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the detention and interrogation policies and practices in the “war on terror” and the appointment of a special counsel to prosecute any officials involved in torture and ill-treatment. Take action now...
Guantánamo Bay
Despite a major international outcry and expert condemnation of US government policy, over 500 people for around 35 different nationalities remain held without charge or fair trial at the US Naval Base in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
Secret detention and the ‘disappeared’ USA / Jordan / Yemen
Amnesty International delegates visited two Yemeni detainees said to have recently been transferred from Guantánamo Bay. Their accounts described another US detention regime just as sinister.The men appear to have been victims of the US administration’s policy of secret detentions around the world. For over a year and a half they had effectively “disappeared”.
Further information
For more information about the campaign and to take action, please visit www.amnesty.org/stoptorture
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