{"id":10712,"date":"2011-03-14T00:00:05","date_gmt":"2011-03-13T23:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/?p=10712"},"modified":"2011-03-11T02:18:51","modified_gmt":"2011-03-11T01:18:51","slug":"obama%e2%80%99s-guantanamo-policy-condemned-by-phr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2011\/03\/obama%e2%80%99s-guantanamo-policy-condemned-by-phr\/","title":{"rendered":"Obama\u2019s Guantanamo Policy Condemned by Physicians for Human Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"

For Immediate Release<\/strong><\/p>\n

Indefinite detention can cause psychological harm and should not be formal US policy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Cambridge, Mass. \u2013 March 10, 2011 \u2013 PHR condemns President Barack Obama\u2019s recent announcement that military trials would resume for detainees being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The decision formalizes the use of indefinite detention and marks a stark reversal from the President\u2019s initial promise to close the controversial prison.<\/p>\n

Upon entering office, the President called for the closure of Guantanamo Bay. However, soon after, Obama began to advocate for a new law of \u201cpreventive detention,\u201d which allows the United States to imprison people indefinitely and without charges.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo formalize this appalling policy of holding people forever without ever telling them why goes against American values of justice,\u201d said Frank Donaghue, CEO of Physicians for Human Rights. \u201cWe are not only denying these detainees due process, but engaging in policies that can cause serious psychological harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Research increasingly indicates that indefinite detention causes lasting psychological harm in healthy individuals. Without proper information regarding the terms of their confinement or release, detainees tend to develop debilitating depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, severe anxiety, despair, and depression.<\/p>\n

\u201cPresident Obama had it right when he was a candidate running for office: This damaging policy must not be allowed to continue,\u201d said Donaghue.<\/p>\n

As reported in numerous accounts by media and human rights organizations, including PHR, many of the detainees held over the years at Guantanamo have been subjected to various forms of ill-treatment, including torture. Until the abuses which occurred at Guantanamo are fully investigated and those responsible are held accountable, the standing of the United States as a nation fully committed to human rights will remain in question.<\/p>\n

\u201cEspecially for those that have already been tortured, indefinite detention is an inexcusable continuation of abuse,\u201d said Donaghue.<\/p>\n

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Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is an independent, non-profit organization that uses medical and scientific expertise to investigate human rights violations and advocate for justice, accountability, and the health and dignity of all people. We are supported by the expertise and passion of health professionals and concerned citizens alike.<\/em><\/p>\n

Since 1986, PHR has conducted investigations in more than 40 countries around the world, including Afghanistan, Congo, Rwanda, Sudan, the United States, the former Yugoslavia, and Zimbabwe.<\/em><\/p>\n