US Transfers 11 Guantánamo Bay Detainees; Spotlight on Abu Zubaydah's Case
The United States military announced on Monday the transfer of 11 long-term detainees from Guantánamo Bay to Oman, following an agreement reached with the Omani government for their relocation and resettlement. This latest transfer leaves only 15 detainees at the facility, a stark contrast to its peak in 2002 when the prison housed over 600 prisoners under the supervision of more than 2,000 military and civilian staff.
The Case of Abu Zubaydah
Among those still held at Guantánamo is Abu Zubaydah, a detainee whose imprisonment has drawn significant international attention. Captured in March 2002 in Faisalabad, Pakistan, following the September 11, 2001, attacks, Zubaydah was placed in CIA custody and moved through various secret detention facilities. During this time, he was reportedly subjected to torture, prompting severe condemnation from human rights advocates.
Despite being detained for nearly 20 years, he has not been formally charged with any crimes, raising concerns about the lack of due process.
A Call for Immediate Release
On Wednesday, independent human rights experts reiterated their demand for Zubaydah’s immediate release, describing it as “long overdue.” In a press release, they made an “exceptional request” for a Presidential pardon, citing the abuse he endured in detention and the absence of legal proceedings since his capture.
“His immediate release and relocation to a third safe country are long overdue,” the experts emphasized.
The experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, also highlighted Zubaydah’s severe health issues, including injuries sustained during torture that have reportedly worsened due to inadequate medical care. They further raised concerns over restricted communication between Zubaydah and his legal counsel.
Human Rights Violations
Various international and regional human rights mechanisms have reviewed Zubaydah’s case, concluding that he has been subjected to numerous human rights violations under the US rendition and secret detention programs. These include allegations of torture, enforced disappearance, and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
The experts called for Zubaydah not only to be released but also to be granted an enforceable right to compensation and comprehensive reparations, as mandated by international law.
Responsibility Beyond the US
The experts underscored the psychological and physical trauma Zubaydah has endured, stating that joint responsibility applies to all states involved in the violation of his human rights. They urged countries to step forward and offer their territory for his prompt relocation to ensure his safety and rehabilitation.
“We call on States to proactively offer their territory for the prompt relocation of Mr. Abu Zubaydah,” they said.
Ongoing Concerns at Guantánamo
The experts also expressed unease over the continued detention of 14 other individuals at Guantánamo Bay. These detainees are at various stages of legal proceedings and reportedly face ongoing human rights abuses.
Independent Experts and Their Role
It is notable that these independent human rights experts are not considered UN staff, receive no salary for their work, and function independently of any government or organization. Their findings and recommendations aim to uphold international human rights standards and advocate for justice in cases of human rights violations.
As the number of detainees at Guantánamo Bay continues to dwindle, the plight of individuals like Abu Zubaydah serves as a stark reminder of the controversial legacy of the detention facility and the urgent need for accountability and justice.
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