State Department memo discussing a recent petition filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) against the U.S.. The CCR's petition alleges that the U.S. government's treatment of Guantanamo detainees was in contravention of international law. Memo mentions that the Commission’s findings are not legally binding, but can prove politically embarrassing.
UNCLASSIFIED
21 2-7
United States Department of State 5 )42
)
P
Washington, D.0 20520
Revised - LI 6 2 0 4 2 3
FEB 2 6 2002
INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
S/ES_a WY°.Oti
UNCLASSIFIED
\/2/
TO: The Secretary 2 4
RELEASED IN PART
FROM: WHA - Otto J. Reich
USOAS - Roger F. Noriega B5
Potential Guantanamo Detainees Case at Inter-
American Commission on Human Rights
SUBJECT:
The Center for Constitutional Rights filed a petition before the
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) on February 25
alleging that U. S. treatment of detainees at Guantanamo
violates international law.
B5
IThe Commission's findings and
recommendations are not legally binding, but can prove
politically embarrassing.
Background:
The IACHR was established by the Chartar of the Organization of
American States (OAS) and is located in Washington. The IACHR
investigates cases of alleged human rights abuse in the Americas
by considering petitions, conducting site visits, issuing
country reports, and requesting precautionary measures in cases
of potential violations. The Commission's role has evolved
under the American Convention on Human Rights, which we signed
in 1979 but have not ratified.
The United States is the subject of several petitions per year,
most involving the death penalty. Once filed, the content of
the petition and subsequent responses are confidential until the
Commission issues a final ruling. We respond to petitions
brought against us before the Commission. Any response to a
petition on Guantanamo detainees would be drafted by L with
interagency clearance.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK E SCHMELZER
UNCLASSIFIED
DATE/CASE ID: 30 SEP 2004 200303827
DOS-000238
UNCLASSIFIED
Drafted: WHA/USOAS - Mary P. Stickles; X79916; 2/25/2002
F:\searoas\sticklesmp\human rights\info memo - potential gitmo
detainees case
Cleared: WHA - LGutierrez
WHA/USOAS - PdeShazo
WHA/USOAS - CFuller
WHA/PPC - ASherinian
WHA/CCA - JCarragher
L/HRR - ASurena
PM - GSuchan
S/WCI - MNewton
P - MHammer
D - RGilchrist
S/P MZarin
-UNCLASSIFIED
DOS-000239