Concern about detainees in Afghanistan
- Published on 3/09/2008
Amnesty International has expressed concern at recent reports about the treatment of detainees in Afghanistan during an incident on 29 - 30 April 2008.
A Defence Force inquiry was conducted into an incident in which it is alleged four Afghan men detained by Australian soldiers were held in 'accommodation previously used for dogs' and mistreated. The inquiry found that the men were not mistreated.
International legal standards dictate all detainees must be treated with respect due to their inherent dignity and value as human beings.
This means that detainees have the right to be held in humane conditions of detention that are culturally sensitive. All detainees have the right to be free from torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.
All detainees should be accorded these basic rights, irrespective of what they have or have not done.
Amnesty International consistently calls for any allegations that these rights have been violated to be publicly, independently and impartially investigated.
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