Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
October 28, 2005
Invitation to UN Special Rapporteurs to Visit Guantanamo Bay Detention FacilitiesThe Department of Defense has extended an invitation to United Nations Special Rapporteurs to visit detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station, Cuba. The invitation was extended in an effort to broaden understanding of U.S. detention operations and to demonstrate that detainees at Guantanamo are treated humanely. The Rapporteurs will be permitted to observe operations at the facilities at Guantanamo and ask questions of accompanying Command Staff and U.S. officials. The visit will include briefings by senior command staff, medical staff, and interrogation staff; visits to cells housing detainees; and observation of operations, including recreation, religious, cultural, medical, and nutritional practices. U.S. policy is to treat all detainees in accordance with its international obligations and in a manner consistent with the principles of the Third Geneva Convention. Detainees are provided with proper shelter, clothing, three meals per day that meet cultural dietary requirements, and medical care. Each detainee is allowed to exercise his religious beliefs, and those requesting them have been issued prayer beads, rugs, and copies of the Koran. The United States strives for transparency in our operation to the extent possible in light of security and operational requirements.
2005/994
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