HL Deb 08 April 2003 vol 647 cc18-9WA
Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they believe that the United States is treating the prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay in accordance with the Geneva Convention. [HL2286]

Baroness Amos

The question of the status of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay under international humanitarian law is complex and has to be considered in the light of the facts relating to each individual detainee. Their treatment under the Geneva Conventions would depend on their precise status. We have made clear our position that, whatever their status, the detainees are entitled to humane treatment, and, if prosecuted, a fair trial.

The US has assured us that it is treating the detainees humanely and in accordance with the principles of the Geneva Conventions. British officials have visited the detainees on four occasions to check on their welfare, raising some issues which the detainees have asked them to with the US authorities. The International Committee of the Red Cross has access to the detainees and we understand can, if necessary, raise any issues of concern with the camp authorities.

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they believe that the prisoners currently held by the United States Government at Guantanamo Bay are being treated with dignity; and whether their human rights are being respected. [HL2317]

Baroness Amos

We are conscious of the importance of safeguarding the detainees' welfare and have visited them on four occasions to check on this. The physical conditions of their detention appear to be satisfactory in broad terms. However, we have raised with the US authorities a number of issues of concern which the detainees or their families have asked us to. The International Committee of the Red Cross has access to the detainees and can, if necessary, raise any issues with the US authorities.

The issue of the detainees' rights under international law is linked, at least in part, to the question of their status. It is not possible to determine the detainees' status without access to all the facts of the individual cases. We believe that, whatever their status, the detainees are entitled to humane treatment and, if prosecuted, a fair trial. We have made this clear to the US. The US has assured us it will treat the detainees humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva Conventions.