WASHINGTON (June 16, 2006)—Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, FL.,
Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB)
International Policy Committee, expressed concern in a letter to Secretary
of Defense Donald Rumsfeld about a new directive regarding treatment of
detainees being considered by the department.
“These reports suggest that the new directive might not incorporate the
standards of Common Article 3, which prohibits “cruel treatment and
torture” as well as “outrages upon personal dignity, in particular
humiliating and degrading treatment… Our own troops and citizens benefit
from the protections of this standard. We strongly urge you to ensure that
these important protections are in the new directive on the treatment of
detainees,” Bishop Wenski wrote in his June 13 letter.
“As events continue to unfold in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, we
recognize that combating terrorism remains a top priority for Congress and
the Administration. We also recognize, however, that any report of
prisoner mistreatment by members of the armed forces of the United States
or its allies could seriously undermine U.S. efforts to defeat terrorism.
More importantly, such violations also compromise human dignity.”
The complete text of Bishop Wenski’s letter follows.
The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Secretary Rumsfeld:
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I urge you
to make sure that the Defense Department upholds the highest ethical
standards and U.S. commitments to observe international law in its
treatment of detainees here in the United States or abroad.
Last year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops encouraged
Congress to adopt provisions in the FY 2006 Defense Appropriations Act
prescribing uniform standards for the interrogation of persons under
detention of the Department of Defense and prohibiting cruel, inhuman and
degrading treatment or punishment of persons under custody or control of
the United States government. We welcomed President Bush’s endorsement of
those provisions. When Congress adopted them with his support, the United
States began to turn the corner on the profound moral question of how we
should treat detainees. This issue also has a major impact on the way the
United States is viewed abroad.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is writing now to express
its concern over reports regarding a directive on the treatment of
detainees under consideration by your Department. These reports suggest
that the new directive might not incorporate the standards of Common
Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. As you know, the United States has
long supported Common Article 3, which prohibits “cruel treatment and
torture” as well as “outrages upon personal dignity, in particular
humiliating and degrading treatment…” Our own troops and citizens benefit
from the protections of this standard. We strongly urge you to ensure that
these important protections are in the new directive on the treatment of
detainees.
As events continue to unfold in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere, we
recognize that combating terrorism remains a top priority for Congress and
the Administration. We also recognize, however, that any report of
prisoner mistreatment by members of the armed forces of the United States
or its allies could seriously undermine U.S. efforts to defeat terrorism.
More importantly, such violations also compromise human dignity. 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. U.S. ratifications of the Convention on
Civil and Political Rights and the Convention Against Torture and
long-standing adherence to the Geneva Conventions embody our nation’s
commitment to establishing standards of conduct prohibiting torture and
other acts of inhumane treatment of persons in U.S. custody or prisoners
rendered by the U.S. to its allies. Tragically, reported abuses of enemy
combatants held in military prisons in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo
Bay mar our nation’s moral record and public image abroad. The lack of
clarity regarding the procedures governing treatment of prisoners makes it
necessary to adopt more specific and stringent guidelines.
We share the concern of lawmakers and citizens for the safety of U.S.
soldiers and civilians serving 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. international
law.
In a time of terrorism and great fear, our individual and collective
obligations to respect dignity and human rights, even of our worst
enemies, gains added importance. Reaffirming the standards contained in
Common Article 3 of the Geneva Accords would reflect the conviction that
our nation must treat its prisoners as we could expect our enemies to
treat our own military personnel. We urge your Administration to include
an explicit adoption of Common Article 3 in the new directive. Doing so
would continue your efforts to restore 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 Thomas G. Wenski
Bishop of Orlando
Chairman, International Policy Committee
cc: Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley