Statement regarding the UN report on the Guantanamo detention centre

Berne, 17.02.2006 - The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has taken note of the UN expert report regarding the legal situation of the detainees at the US military base at Guantanamo. It shares on the whole the concerns expressed by the experts. The detention of persons is governed by international law and, in case of armed conflict, by international humanitarian law. International law is also applicable in the vital and difficult fight against terrorism undertaken by the international community. Like the Secretary-General of the UN, Switzerland wishes that the problems existing with regard to the detention camp at Guantanamo are resolved as quickly as possible.

In a memorandum, which Switzerland has – as is well known – presented to the US authorities in June 2005, the status question as well as the issues of the continued detention without legal protection and due process of law were taken up in particular.


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