Book Description

Torture is firmly prohibited by international law. It is a crime in all places and at all times. Indeed, torturers are considered 'hostis humani generis' (enemies of all humanity). When someone is tortured, it is an affront to human dignity. When torturers are not held accountable for their actions, it is an affront to justice. Impunity occurs when perpectrators of human rights abuses are not held accountable for their actions. It occurs when perpetrators refuse to acknowledge the wrongfulness of their conduct. It occurs when states refuse to accept responsibility for the acts of government agents. And it occurs when the international community allows perpetrators to go unpunished. Impunity is a problem in all countries, including the United States. For decades, the United Staes has condemned torture and other human rights abuses committed abroad. Yet it has failed to bring to justice the perpetrators of such abuses when they have entered the country. Accordingly, this report, which is part of Amnesty International's Campaign to Stop Torture, sets forth a multi-track strategy to ensure that the United States is not a safe haven for torturers.