State Department cable to Washington stating: "Mission has received a letter from the Special Rapporteur on Torture of the Commission on Human Rights requesting, for a second time, information on 'allegations of torture or ill-treatment' of persons detained at the Guantanamo Nava base." The cable then includes the letter from Theo van Boven, the Special Rapporeur of the Commission on Human Rights on Torture, requesting information on the "system of military justice applied to the detainees, including controls, regulations and procedures, as well as information on how the authorities had to deal with allegations of torture or ill-treatment." Finally, the Mission recommends that the Department provide guidance as soon as possible for a response to Mr. van Boven's requests.
UNCLASSIFIED
Crock, Jonathan M
Heading: Geneva 3873 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED PRIORITY
SUBJECT: COMMUNICATION FROM SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE: REQUESTS RESPONSE TO EARLIER COMMUNICATION ON GUANTANAMO DETAINEES
REF: A) GENEVA 3824 B) GENEVA 3499
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY. NOT
FOR INTERNET POSTING.
1.
(U) This is an action request. See para 4
2.
(U) Mission has received a letter from the Special Rapporteur on Torture of the Commission on Human Rights requesting, for a second time, information on "allegations of torture or ill-treatment" offationals detained at the Guantanamo Nava ase. a reported the first communication.
3.
(U) Begin text of letter.
"Excellency,
I refer to the meeting I had with Mr. De Laurentis and Mr. Peay of the US Mission on 22 October 2003. I presented them with a letter dated 22 October 2003 containing allegations of torture or ill-treatment of the followingj f!nationals
detained at the Guantanamo Bay military base, Cubai
f Il kindly repeat my request to your Government to clarify the substance of these allegations.
At the meeting, Mr. De Laurentis and Mr. Peay had undertaken to provide me with information on the system of military justice applied to the detainees, including controls, regulations and procedures, as well as information on how the authorities had to deal with allegations of torture or ill-treatment. 1 would be most grateful if this information could also be provided to me.
Finally, I have received information that the US authorities may be preparing to release aroun etainees of different nationalities, notably also persons oclFd /origins, from Guantanamo Bay. While the release of the detainees is welcome, concern has been expressed that some detainees may face human rights abuses, including torture and execution, upon return to their countries. I would appreciate receiving the comments of your Government on these concerns.
Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Theo van Boven Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on Torture"
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE REVIEW AUTHORITY: ARCHIE M BOLSTER
RELEASED IN PART B7(A), B7(C), B6
B7(A), B7(C)
B7(A), B7(C)
B6, B7(A), B7(C)
B7(A), B7(C)
DOS-001444
DATE/CASE ID: 12 NOV 2004 200303827
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED
.ti
End of text.
4.
(SBU) Action request. Per requests in reftels, Mission recommends that the Department provide guidance as soon as possible for a response to Mr. van Boven's requests. Per ref b, he originally requested a response by November 28, as rapporteurs must submit their reports before the end of the year, in preparation for the 60th session of the Commission on Human Rights.
5.
(U) Mission has faxed a copy of the latest communication (dated December 8, 2003) to 10/SHA, attention June Carter Perry. Moley
UNCLASSIFIED
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DOS-001445
2
UNCLASSIFIED