New in National Security
UN to Discuss Terrorism without Definition of Terrorism. Click here to read more.
Tit for Tat at the Security Council. Click here to read more.
One World, One Dream? Olympics Raise Doubts about Global Governance. Click here to read more.
Resources
Click here to view resource material for this and other GGW pillars.
LOGIN
Click here to receive automatic email updates on the most recent developments of your favorite GGW topic.
Issues of Enemy Combatant Detention
The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention is a UN-mandated body of independent human rights experts that investigates cases of arbitrary detention that may be in violation of international human rights law. It was established in 1991 by the former Commission on Human Rights, and is currently under the purview of the UN Human Rights Council.
After verifying information from a variety of sources, including non-governmental organizations, inter-governmental agencies and victims' families, the Working Group sends urgent appeals to governments to ascertain the whereabouts and condition of those allegedly detained. It can also conduct fact-finding visits to countries that have extended an invitation to the Working Group. The Working Group is made up of human rights experts who are chosen for their expertise in legal matters, and for their independence.
In 2005, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights established the position of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. The Human Rights Council has assumed the work of the Special Rapporteur. The Special Rapporteur is mandated to develop a regular dialogue and to cooperate with all relevant actors, including Governments, to exchange information, make recommendations and to identify and promote best practices on measures to counter terrorism that respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
On May 29, 2007, the Special Rapporteur published his Preliminary Findings on his visit to United States. In his report, the Special Rapporteur provided his preliminary findings on such topics as Guantánamo Bay detainees; the possible closure of the Guantánamo Bay detention facility; the status of detainees in Afghanistan and Iraq; the use of military commissions to try terrorist suspects; the interrogation of terrorist suspects; rendition and detention in “classified locations;” immigration and refugee issues; profiling and community outreach; and surveillance measures.
A JOINT PROGRAM OF
