Guantanamo: Detaining authorities must adapt to the needs of a rapidly aging population

2023-04-21 15:15:00

The last time I visited Guantanamo Bay was twenty years ago, in 2003, when I was working as a Pashto interpreter early in my career at the ICRC. Upon returning to Guantanamo recently, during one of the ICRC’s regular visits, I was particularly surprised to see that those still held there to this day are exhibiting signs of accelerated aging, which is aggravated by the cumulative effects of their experiences and the time they have spent in detention. More than twenty years later, their situation remains unresolved. Their physical and mental health needs are getting bigger and more complicated.

While current authorities are offering some stopgap solutions, a more comprehensive approach is needed should the United States continue these detentions for years to come. All detainees must have access to adequate health care that responds to the deterioration of both their mental and physical conditions, whether at the Guantánamo Bay naval base or elsewhere. This assistance covers cases of medical emergencies. At the same time, the adaptation of the infrastructure should be considered according to the changes in the needs and disabilities of detainees, as well as the regulations that govern their daily lives.

Another aspect of a comprehensive approach would be to improve the quality of contact with family members, particularly in terms of the frequency and duration of calls, taking into account the total absence of face-to-face visits.

Clearly, the sooner the United States can overcome the political and administrative deadlock to responsibly transfer eligible detainees and determine what happens to all the rest, the better that country can make whatever plans are necessary to that end.

We urge the US Government and Congress to work together to find suitable and sustainable solutions to address these issues. The adoption of measures is a priority. If there is a chance that even a small number of people will be confined for longer in this place, planning around population aging cannot be delayed any longer.

More information:

Elizabeth ShawICRC, Washington, DC (English) [phone] [email protected]