30 October 2005
U.S. Invites U.N. Representatives to Visit Guantanamo Facilities, October 28, 2005 (Officials hope visit will broaden understanding of U.S. detention operations)
The U.S. Department of Defense has extended an invitation to United Nations Special Rapporteurs to visit detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba, according to an October 28 statement released by the Department of State.
The invitation has been extended "in an effort to broaden understanding of U.S. detention operations and to demonstrate that detainees at Guantanamo are treated humanely," the statement says. "U.S. policy is to treat all detainees in accordance with its international obligations and in a manner consistent with the principles of the Third Geneva Convention."
See also Washington File Series on Camp X-Ray.
For more information on U.S. policy, see Detainee Issues and Response to Terrorism.
Following is the text of the statement:
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U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 28, 2005
Invitation to UN Special Rapporteurs to Visit Guantanamo Bay Detention Facilities
The Department of Defense has extended an invitation to United Nations Special Rapporteurs to visit detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba. The invitation was extended in an effort to broaden understanding of U.S. detention operations and to demonstrate that detainees at Guantanamo are treated humanely. The Rapporteurs will be permitted to observe operations at the facilities at Guantanamo and ask questions of accompanying Command Staff and U.S. officials. The visit will include briefings by senior command staff, medical staff, and interrogation staff; visits to cells housing detainees; and observation of operations, including recreation, religious, cultural, medical, and nutritional practices.
U.S. policy is to treat all detainees in accordance with its international obligations and in a manner consistent with the principles of the Third Geneva Convention. Detainees are provided with proper shelter, clothing, three meals per day that meet cultural dietary requirements, and medical care. Each detainee is allowed to exercise his religious beliefs, and those requesting them have been issued prayer beads, rugs, and copies of the Koran. The United States strives for transparency in our operation to the extent possible in light of security and operational requirements.
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