WASHINGTON (October 5, 2005) – Combating terrorism remains a government
priority, but respect for human dignity should not be undermined in the
process, according to the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ International
Policy Committee, who today urged support for legislative guidelines for
interrogations of enemy prisoners as well as a prohibition on inhuman
treatment.
“We believe that a respect for the dignity of every human person, ally or
enemy, must serve as the foundation of the pursuit of security, justice,
and peace,” said Pensacola-Tallahassee Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ. “There
can be no compromise on the moral imperative to protect the basic human
rights of any individual incarcerated for any reason.”
Bishop Ricard made his comments in a letter to U.S. Senators, urging them
to support two amendments offered by Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and John
Warner (R-VA) to the Defense Authorization Act. The first amendment would
prohibit cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment of persons
under custody or control of the United States government. The second would
provide uniform standards for the interrogation of individuals detained by
the Defense Department.
The full text of Bishop Ricard’s letter follows:
Dear Senator:
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I urge you
to support the McCain-Warner amendments numbers 1556 and 1557 to S. 1042,
the FY 2006 Defense Authorization Act. The first amendment, number 1556,
would prohibit cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment of
persons under custody or control of the United States government. The
second amendment, number 1557, would provide uniform standards for the
interrogation of persons under detention of the Department of Defense.
As events unfold in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places, we recognize that
combating terrorism remains a top priority for Congress and the
Administration. We also recognize, however, that the reported instances of
prisoner abuse by members of the U.S. armed services could seriously
undermine that effort and compromise human dignity. We believe that a
respect for the dignity of every person, ally or enemy, must serve as the
foundation of the pursuit of security, justice and peace. There can be no
compromise on the moral imperative to protect the basic human rights of
any individual incarcerated for any reason.
The United States has a long history of leadership and strong support for
human rights around the world. Ratifications of the Convention on Civil
and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture embody our
nation’s commitment to establishing standards of conduct and prohibiting
torture and other acts of inhumane treatment of persons in U.S. custody.
Tragically, our nation’s record has been marred by reported instances of
abusive treatment of enemy combatants held in military prisons in Iraq,
Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The lack of clarity regarding the
procedures governing the treatment of prisoners makes it necessary to
adopt more specific and stringent guidelines. The McCain-Warner amendments
to the Defense Authorization Act would confirm our nation’s resolve to
ensure that these serious abuses cease and never recur.
We share the concerns of lawmakers and citizens for the safety of U.S.
soldiers and civilians abroad in these times of great uncertainty and
danger. In the face of this perilous climate, our nation must not embrace
a morality based on an attitude that “desperate times call for desperate
measures” or “the end justifies the means.” The inherent justice of our
cause and the perceived necessities involved in confronting terrorism must
not lead to a weakening or disregard of U.S. and international law.
In a time of terrorism and great fear, our individual and collective
obligations to respect basic human dignity and human rights, even of our
worst enemies, gains added importance. The guidelines and mechanisms
contained in these amendments reflect a conviction that our nation must
treat our prisoners as we would expect our enemies to treat our own
military personnel. Congress’ adoption of these amendments would represent
a significant step in restoring the moral credibility of the United States
at a crucial time.
Thank you for your consideration of our views on the just treatment of
prisoners and detainees.
Sincerely yours,
Most Reverend John H. Ricard, S.S.J.
Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee
Chairman, Committee on International Policy