Campaign Against Torture

Areas of Focus

Detainee Deaths

The deaths of detainees in US custody raise several serious concerns about their treatment, from questions about the quality of medical care to the prospect of extraordinary brutality in interrogations, and more. The number of detainees who have died in US Custody remains unknown. A review of 112 detainee deaths published in Medscape General Medicine revealed at least 11 of the 43 homicide cases involved blunt trauma or asphyxiation. At least three of the homicides reported have resulted in murder charges. Another three have resulted in charges of voluntary manslaughter. The 36 deaths caused by enemy mortar attacks, many of which occurred at Abu Ghraib, suggest clear violations of Geneva prohibitions against placing detainees in range of enemy attack. In light of the findings, PHR has called on Defense Secretary Robert Gates to promptly authorize an independent investigation of possible military negligence and take action to ensure that the United States is living up to its obligations under the Geneva Conventions.

PHR’s recommendations:

1. The U.S. must reinstate a standard of care for detainees that is equivalent to U.S. personnel in the theatre.
2. Detention facilities must not be established in combat areas or areas vulnerable to attack.
3. Personnel charged with detainee care should be trained in the use of non-lethal force in the handling of riots and other disturbances.
4. Detention centers must be appropriately staffed with well-trained medical professionals who have clinical autonomy in the delivery of health care to detainees.
5. End the use of torture.
6. End health care professional participation in interrogation.
7. Restore Habeas Corpus.

Related PHR Documents