These days, the United States only listens to the United Nations when we need a resolution to start a war. But, the U.N. has other roles -- like monitoring torture. We've now reached a new low in our international relations. The United States of Ameica has to be told not to torture. Seems George Bush isn't quite complying with the Convention Against Torture:
The United States should close its prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and avoid using secret detention facilities in the war on terror, the U.N. panel that monitors compliance with the world's anti-torture treaty said Friday.Did you ever think you'd see the day when the United Nations had to admonish the United States on torture? Seriously. Bush, Cheney, Rummy, Powell and Condi must be so proud.
The Committee Against Torture also said detainees should not be returned to any country where they could face a "real risk" of being tortured.
The criticism, contained in an 11-page report, followed a hearing in Geneva this month on U.S. adherence to the 1984 U.N. Convention Against Torture. The criticism carries no penalties beyond international scrutiny, but human rights observers say it could influence U.S. public opinion and hence the government.
