This document is a fax from Eric Schwartz, CEO of OHCHR to Amb. Moley forwarding a Letter from Betrande Ramcharan (CHR) to Lorne Craner requesting information re: juvenile detainees at Guantanamo including ages, nationalities and measures being taken to provide appropriate treatment. Concerns are also raised about three juveniles who had been released to Afghanistan and could face reprisal from al Qaeda or the Taliban.
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DATE/CASE ID: 10 DEC 2004 200303827 UNC IS?0"PIED
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17 February 2004
Dear Assistant ^Aary Craner,
I write in reference to the reported release by the United States, on 29 January 2004, of three juvenile detainees from the naval facility at Guantaneeno Bay, Cuba. I very much welcome this decision by the United States.
Reports indicate that there are more juvenile detainees being held at Guantanamo. I would very much appreciate any further information your Government could provide, including the ages and nationalities of any juveniles still being held, and of measures being taken to provide them with appropriate care and treatment. In this respect, I note and welcome the Information your Govertuncie has already provided, including the statement by the Department of Defense (news release of 29 January) that "every effort was made to provide the juvenile detainees a secure environment free from the influences of the older detainees, as well. as providing for their special physical and emotional care". I would also be very grateful for information on the prospects for release of other minors, and the process by which these decisions arc made.
In addition, and as reported on the website of the United States Department of Defense, I understand there are fears that the three released juveniles, upon return to their home country (reported in the media as being Afghanistan), may be at risk of some form of reprisal from al Qaida, the Taliban, or their sympathizer's. It further appears that Thumedia have been able to identify a number of these juveniles. Thus, I would be very grateful for any information you could provide with respect to measures that have been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of these three young persons upon their return to their homes.
I appreciate your consideration of this request, and look forward to hearing from you.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE
REVIEW AUTHORITY: FRANK E SCHMELZER
DATE/CASE ID: 10 DEC 2004 200303827
Bertrand G. Ramcharan A-Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights
Assistant Secretary Lorne Craner
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Department of State
Washington D.C.
UNCLASSIFIED7DOS-000500