Today marks the 10th anniversary of its release. Heavily edited 500 page executive summary The U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee's landmark report following its investigation into the CIA's post-9/11 detention and interrogation program.
The report, also known as the “Torture Report,” is over 6,000 pages long. adam driver I starred in a movie about it. But virtually no one has read this. It remains classified and protected from public scrutiny and accountability.
This is one of the most important admissions that the United States uses torture. But that lesson clearly remains ignored.
The release of the 2014 brief was a shocking moment, offering a glimpse into the systematic brutality of a program justified in the name of counter-terrorism. Confirmed Widespread use of torture techniques such as waterboarding, mock executions, and rectal feeding on detainees.
Also, the program failure. Contrary to the CIA's claims, so-called “enhanced interrogation” techniques yielded no actionable information. Nevertheless, no one involved in, authorizing, or concealing torture was prosecuted. No compensation was provided to the victims.
Overview anniversaries mark important moments. Tomorrow is the 40th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or PunishmentThe Convention reaffirms the absolute prohibition of torture under all circumstances, including during war. is also enshrined survivor's rights For correction and rehabilitation.
President Barack Obama at the time It's finished the use of enhanced interrogation techniques; said“One of the strengths that makes America exceptional is our willingness to face our past openly, to face our imperfections, to make changes, and to do better.”
However, when it comes to post-9/11 torture, the United States has persistently evaded its obligations. Survivors of torture in the United States, including those released without charge after years of detention, face barriers to receiving the relief to which they are entitled.
Former detainee report permanent trauma Freed from treatment but often remains confined legal ambiguityunable to receive appropriate medical care. some continue to weaken He is being held indefinitely at Guantanamo Bay. For survivors, justice is a receding horizon.
So far, the only semblance of justice for survivors has come from their own efforts.
Last month, in a historic ruling Al Simari et al. v. CACIa federal jury found government contractor CACI Premier Technologies liable for the torture of three Iraqi men at Abu Ghraib prison and awarded $42 million in damages. The ruling came after more than 16 years of litigation and more than 20 attempts by the contractor to terminate the company. it is first case It's like going to court.
However, in cases brought against the government by survivors, the government initiated legal action. national secret privilege to protect national security information or other requests; immunity. Furthermore, the United States has failed to hold the architects of the torture program accountable. Former President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and other officials are not subject to legal repercussions.
This responsibility vacuum has global implications.
Torture flourishes in the absence of accountability. By refusing to consider its own actions, the United States undermines its credibility when condemning human rights abuses abroad. damage human relationships with allies. China called the report proof that the U.S.complete hypocrisy“Iran labeled the U.S.''symbol of oppression” Russia cited it as evidence.systematic human rights violations. ”
It also encourages other countries to similarly justify torture and other ill-treatment under the pretext of national security. From 2006 to 2010, the then United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture Manfred Nowak reported Challenges in addressing countries' human rights records with U.S. policy. He said:clear statement“Jordan's parliament speaker said that if the United States officially condones torture, other countries will feel justified in doing the same. successor noticed Similar challenges.
After his release, the former special rapporteur on torture Juan MendezBen Emerson, former UN special rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights, called for this. prosecution of US officials.
This lack of responsibility comes with significant moral and strategic costs. Unable to face the truth of its actions since 9/11, the United States perpetuates a culture of impunity.
The most significant action taken following this outline was bipartisan legislation in 2015. McCain-Feinstein AmendmentIt prohibited torture and all forms of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment during interrogations by U.S. government agents and made the U.S. Army Field Interrogation Manual the single standard for all U.S. government interrogations. But no changes were more meaningful than that.
The United States needs to take concrete steps to address its failure to consider torture programs. First, we must declassify the full Senate report and give survivors, their families, and the public the transparency they deserve. Second, survivors should be provided with redress and reintegration, as required by the Convention Against Torture. Third, those responsible for authorizing and carrying out torture must be held criminally responsible.
You cannot claim the moral high ground without facing the truth. Ten years after the torture report was exposed, the clock is still ticking. Will the United States rise to this challenge? Or will this anniversary pass as another missed opportunity to confront the past and protect the future?
The answer will shape not only America's legacy but the rest of America's commitment to the rule of law and human rights.
Yumna Rizvi is Senior Policy Analyst At the Torture Victims Center.
