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Group: Terror War Has Hurt Human Rights
I guess perspective depends on which side you're on, huh?
The U.S.-led war on terror has produced the most sustained attack on human rights and international law in 50 years, Amnesty International said in its annual report Wednesday. Irene Khan, secretary general of the human rights group, condemned terrorist assaults by groups such as al-Qaida, saying they posed a threat to security around the world.
| Okay. Got that out of the way. Now on to the meat... |
But she criticized the response of the U.S.-led "coalition of the willing," saying its powerful governments were ignoring international laws by sacrificing human rights in the "blind pursuit" of security. "The global security agenda promoted by the U.S. administration is bankrupt of vision and bereft of principle," Khan said in a statement. "Violating rights at home, turning a blind eye to abuses abroad, and using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses have damaged justice and freedom, and made the world a more dangerous place."
| "All to get at a few thousand head-choppers and boomers!" |
Amnesty said the U.S.-led war on terror continued to be waged using indiscriminate and disproportionate means. The report cites the hundreds of foreign nationals who remain in indefinite detention without charge or trial in U.S. custody at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It also details alleged unlawful killings of civilians by coalition troops in Iraq and allegations of abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers. The recent publication of photographs of U.S. troops torturing and humiliating Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad was met with international condemnation.
| And by U.S. action to clear up the problem... |
"By failing to protect the rights of those who may be guilty, governments endanger the rights of those who are innocent and put us all at risk," Khan said. The report criticized several governments, including those of Spain, France and Uzbekistan, which it said have introduced "regressive" anti-terrorist legislation and restrictions on freedom since the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
| Could have something to do with the corpses, but I could be wrong... |
Britain was singled out for holding 14 foreign nationals under anti-terrorism laws that allow indefinite detention without charge of trial. The laws have been criticized by lawmakers, civil rights groups and Muslim associations.
| I can't really think of a greater violation of human rights that chopping somebody's head off. Killing them by other means is a close second, though. But Amnesia International did make their proforma mention of al-Qaeda, so I guess they're covered. |
Posted by: Fred 2004-05-26 |
