Amnesty welcomes Obama's step in right direction

Amnesty welcomes Obama's step in right direction for human rights

President Obama's announcement to suspend the military courts at Guantanamo Bay gives a ray of hope for Omar Khadr and the other 250 prisoners held illegally at the detention centre, says Amnesty International New Zealand.

"This is a positive first step from the new administration. We hope it will be the first of many in turning around the seven-year stain on the United States' human rights record," says Amnesty's spokesperson Rebecca Emery.

Amnesty also welcomes the postponement of the military trial for Omar Khadr, due to begin on 26 January. The Canadian national was captured at the age of 15 for allegedly committing war crimes and has been held in US military custody for six and a half years - almost a third of his life.

"Kiwis have recognised the huge injustice dealt to Omar and have played a strong role in calling for his release or fair trial. We now hope they will add their voices towards our 100-day challenge for Obama to deliver his human rights promises," adds Emery.

In New Zealand, Amnesty is urging the NZ Government to join countries like Switzerland and Portugal which have offered to accept detainees who cannot safely return to their home countries.

"If they have been fairly tried and cleared for release, then New Zealand should do what they can to offer protection to the 50 to 60 detainees who face further human rights violations should they be returned to their home countries," says Emery.

To see more about our 100-day challenge to Obama and join nearly 8,000 voices asking him to close Guantanamo, ban torture and set up an investigation on the "War on Terror" abuses, visit http://obama100days.amnesty.org/

Background: Amnesty was one of the first organisations to call for the closure of Guantanamo Bay since its establishment seven years ago. Many governments and organisations have since shown widespread condemnation for the unlawful custody and torture of people denied the right to fair trial.

Amnesty has also opposed Guantanamo's Military Commissions Act as it fails to comply with international fair trial standards and also contains no juvenile justice provisions.

Omar Khadr's prolonged detention at Guantanamo is a direct violation of the United States' obligations to international law. He was detained for over two years before given access to a lawyer, and more than three years before being charged by the military commission.

Amnesty believes the military charges against Omar and the other remaining detainees must be transferred to the U.S federal system or repatriated.

ENDS