UN Human Rights Chief: Guantanamo 'Clear Breach' of International Law

On April 5, Navi Pillay, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay represents a “clear breach” of international law and should be closed immediately. 

Pillay pointed to the “continuing indefinite incarceration” and “arbitrary detention” of many of the detainees to bolster these claims. She said that nearly half of the 166 detainees at the prison “have been cleared for transfer to either home countries or third countries for resettlement,” yet nothing has been done to see the transfers through. 

She said the prison represents a “systematic abuse of individuals’ human rights year after year.” 

Pillay expressed disappointment that President Obama had not taken serious action to close the prison, but said she is encouraged that Obama continues to say he is committed to closing the prison.