What do you want to know about the Red Cross' involvement at
Guantanamo Bay
 
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Q1: What do we call the people held by the U.S. government and being taken to Guantanamo Bay-prisoners of war or terrorists?
A1:
The terms prisoners, prisoners of war (POW), detainees, terrorists and criminals have all been used when referring to these individuals. For the time being, the American Red Cross refers to individuals being held by the U.S. government in connection with the hostilities in Afghanistan as detainees. There are complex legal issues relating to their status and the use of other terminology might convey unintended legal or political messages, incompatible with Red Cross impartiality and neutrality.

Q2: What is the general role of the Red Cross in regards to prisoners and detainees?
A2:
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a legal mandate under the Geneva Conventions to visit individuals detained in connection with an armed conflict. ICRC standard working procedures include meeting with the detainees in private to discuss their treatment and the conditions under which they are held, as well as registering them and giving them the opportunity to write personal messages to their relatives.

Q3: Will the Red Cross visit the detainees on the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo?
A3:
The ICRC has been given access to all detainees being held by the U.S. military in Afghanistan in connection with the conflict. Although there is no specific information available at this time, it is likely that the ICRC will continue visits to these same detainees, if and when they are transferred to Guantanamo.

Q4: How does international humanitarian law apply to this situation?
A4:
The United States is engaged in an international armed conflict (war) in Afghanistan. International humanitarian law (IHL), including the Geneva Conventions, provides certain protections for persons not taking an active role in an armed conflict. Protected persons include civilians, wounded, sick and shipwrecked combatants, and those held in connection with the hostilities, such as POWs. Types of protection provided include the overall requirement of humane treatment as well as the registration of prisoners by the ICRC. Further protections for POWs are detailed in the 143 articles of the Third Geneva Convention, which address such issues as food, medical care and communication with family members.

Q5: What is the role of the American Red Cross?
A5:
A specific role for the American Red Cross has not yet been determined and will depend upon the needs identified. Under the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC is responsible for visiting detainees and taking the lead to ensure that they receive treatment in accordance with those treaties. As an auxiliary in humanitarian service to the U.S. government as provided for by its Congressional Charter, the Geneva Conventions and the Statutes of the Red Cross Movement, the American Red Cross will also provide appropriate humanitarian assistance to detainees during armed conflict in situations where the authorities call upon us for help. In keeping with the provisions of the Geneva Conventions, the American Red expects to support any ICRC tracing and Red Cross Message services between detainees and family members.



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