ICFTU Condemns Prisoner Abuse

ICFTU Condemns Prisoner Abuse

Brussels The ICFTU today condemned acts of abuse and violence by coalition forces against prisoners detained in Iraq. Allegations of violence, humiliation and even killing of prisoners must be fully and openly investigated, and any persons responsible for carrying out such extreme violations of international law must be brought to justice, according to the world's largest international trade union confederation.

Inhuman and degrading treatment of this sort is totally unacceptable, and discredits not only the perpetrators, but also those in positions of responsibility, who must bear the consequences for acts committed by persons under their authority.

The ICFTU calls for full cooperation by all parties with the investigation being undertaken by the UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC). The Confederation also fully supports Acting UNHRC Commissioner Bertrand Ramcharan's appeal last month for greater scrutiny of the situation in Iraq.

The ICFTU represents over 151 million workers in 233 affiliated organisations in 152 countries and territories. ICFTU is also a member of Global Unions: http://www.global-unions.org

© Scoop Media