Michael Moor -Victory of Anti War Campaign.

Report 2004: War on global values -- attacks by armed groups and governments fuel mistrust, fear and division

(London) Governments and armed groups have launched a war on global values, destroying the human rights of ordinary people, Amnesty International said today as it released its annual assessment of human rights worldwide. Launching the Amnesty International Report 2004, the organization said that violence by armed groups and increasing violations by governments have combined to produce the most sustained attack on human rights and international humanitarian law in 50 years. This was leading to a world of growing mistrust, fear and division.

"Callous, cruel and criminal attacks by armed groups such as al-Qa'ida, pose a very real threat to the security of people everywhere. We condemn them in the strongest possible terms as serious crimes under international and domestic law, amounting at times to war crimes and crimes against humanity," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

Amnesty International strongly condemned armed groups responsible for atrocities such as the March 11 bombing in Madrid and the bomb attack on the United Nations building in Iraq on 19 August 2003, which killed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Sergio Vieira de Mello.

It said that violent attacks on civilians and on institutions established to provide solutions to conflict and insecurity - such as the United Nations and International Committee of the Red Cross - represented a significant new threat to international justice.

"But it is also frightening that the principles of international law and the tools of multilateral action which could protect us from these attacks are being undermined, marginalized or destroyed by powerful governments," said Irene Khan.

"Governments are losing their moral compass, sacrificing the global values of human rights in a blind pursuit of security. This failure of leadership is a dangerous concession to armed groups."

"The global security agenda promoted by the US Administration is bankrupt of vision and bereft of principle. Violating rights at home, turning a blind eye to abuses abroad and using pre-emptive military force where and when it chooses has damaged justice and freedom, and made the world a more dangerous place."

The report details unlawful killings of civilians by Coalition troops and armed groups in Iraq. Reports of torture and ill-treatment underline the vulnerability of hundreds of prisoners, not only in Iraq but also at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba, Afghanistan and elsewhere, incarcerated by the United States and its allies without charge, trial, or access to lawyers or protection of the Geneva Conventions. "By failing to protect the rights of those who may be guilty, governments endanger the rights of those who are innocent, and put us all at risk."

The "war on terror" and the war in Iraq has encouraged a new wave of human rights abuse and diverted attention from old ones. Hidden from the eyes of the world, Report 2004 documents festering internal conflicts in places like Chechnya, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Nepal which have become a breeding ground of some of the worst atrocities. Violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories has deepened, while elsewhere many governments are openly pursuing repressive agendas.

"While governments have been obsessed with the threat of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, they have allowed the real weapons of mass destruction-- injustice and impunity, poverty, discrimination and racism, the uncontrolled trade in small arms, violence against women and abuse of children -- to go unaddressed," said Irene Khan.

"The world is crying out for principled leadership based on the global values of human rights."While underlining abuse and impunity, hypocrisy and double standards of governments, Amnesty International highlighted the emerging power of civil society to turn the tide in favour of human rights.

There are unequivocal signs of a global justice movement -- the millions of citizens who took to the streets around the world in solidarity with the Iraqi people, Spaniards who marched in the name of humanity after the attacks in Madrid, global citizens who gathered at the World Social Forum in Brazil.

"Governments need to listen. In times of uncertainty the world needs not only fight against global threats, but to fight for global justice," said Irene Khan. Globally, despite the crusade by the United States to undermine international justice and ensure global immunity for its citizens, the International Criminal Court appointed its prosecutor and began its work in earnest. Slowly the courts in the United States and the United Kingdom have begun to scrutinise the executive power to restrict human rights."Human rights matter because they offer a powerful and compelling vision of a better and fairer world, and a concrete plan of how to get there. These global values of justice are the most effective route to security and peace," said Irene Khan.

Deluxe hotel to open late 2004 in Abu Dhabi Beach resort and spa targets new market niche

(Abu Dhabi, May 2004): The National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) in Abu Dhabi has announced it will open the emirate's first luxury boutique resort in autumn this year. The Al Raha Beach Hotel will have 86 rooms and 13 suites, as well as 24 chalets, and will target both European and regional visitors, offering a full range of resort facilities including a professional spa.

Located close to the airport and golf courses on the Al Raha corniche - currently under development adjacent to a newly developed shopping mall offering international retail shops, restaurants and other family entertainment facilities - the hotel will feature a private beach and sea-facing accommodation as well as a luxurious spa.

Abu Dhabi authorities are currently investing heavily in its tourism infrastructure in a bid to establish the emirate as a destination on the global travel map, and NCT&H is leading this development with a range of new products and plans for the future.

According to a spokesperson, the company has identified the need for further resorts catering to the distinct requirements of the GCC and overseas tourist market, including a 109-room five-star hotel at Jebel Dhanna on the west coast of Abu Dhabi emirate - also due to open later this year, next to the existing Dhafra Beach Hotel.

Other NCT&H properties include the 66-room Liwa Hotel, overlooking an oasis in the Liwa dunes, plus the 50-room Mirfa Hotel and the 120-room Mafraq Hotel and Dhafra Beach Hotel.The corporation also operates transport, tours and catering divisions to provide a full range of hospitality services for the emirate of Abu Dhabi.The National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCT&H) was formed in 1996 in response to the need to develop both tourism and commerce in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially Abu Dhabi.

The Corporation was formed as a semi-government organisation. NCT&H's primary objective is to promote Abu Dhabi as an international destination, supervise and manage hotels and provide transportation and catering services. It provides comprehensive services and facilities through destination management services, hotels, catering and national transport. (KM Bureau Dubai)

Iraq: Civilians killed by UK Armed Forces and armed groups

UK Armed Forces in Iraq have shot and killed Iraqi civilians, including an eight-year-old girl and a guest at a wedding celebration, in situations where there was no apparent threat to themselves or others, says a new report from Amnesty International.

The report also details political and so-called 'moral' killings in the UK-administered south, by armed groups and individuals: former Ba'athists, professionals, alcohol sellers and shopkeepers selling music and videos have reportedly been killed, yet no prosecutions have been brought.

Many cases of civilian killings by UK Armed Forces have not even been investigated. Investigations by the Royal Military Police (RMP) have been secretive, with families given little or no information about their progress. Amnesty International is calling for a civilian-led investigation into all killings by UK Armed Forces, with the findings made public."Far from being liberated, the people of Iraq continue to live in fear and insecurity," Amnesty International said.

"Armed groups strike with seeming impunity. Killings by UK armed forces, in situations where they should not be using lethal force, are examined in secrecy and behind closed doors. Instead of the UK Armed Forces deciding whether to investigate themselves when people are killed, there must be a full, impartial and civilian-led investigation into all allegations of killings by UK troops."

The report, Killings of Civilians in Basra and al-'Amara, is based on research carried out by Amnesty International delegates in February and March of this year. The organization interviewed families of the deceased and eyewitnesses to the killings, Iraqi police officers and Coalition Provisional Authority officials responsible for law and order.

It details numerous killings by UK armed forces and armed groups. One such case is that of eight-year-old Hanan Saleh Matrud, reportedly shot by a soldier from B Company of the First Battalion of the King's Regiment in August 2003. An eyewitness disputes the UK army's claim that she may have been hit accidentally by a warning shot. He told Amnesty International that Hanan was killed when a soldier aimed and fired a shot at her from around 60 metres away.

In January this year Ghanem Kadhem Kati' a 22-year-old unarmed man, was reportedly shot in the back outside his front door while celebrating a family wedding. UK soldiers -- responding to the sound of bullets fired into the air in celebration -- fired five shots at him from 50 yards away, despite reportedly being told by a neighbour not to fire and that the earlier shots were in celebration. An RMP investigation is ongoing, but relatives have not been informed about the procedures for claiming compensation.

Families are frequently given no information on how to lodge a compensation claim for the killing of their relatives. In some cases they are given wrong information, including that responsibility for compensation would rest with a new Iraqi government. The Area Claims Officer, to whom claims must be submitted, is situated in an area difficult to access for ordinary civilians (Basra airport) and there is little explanatory information provided on the claims process in English or in Arabic. As a result, people interviewed had little confidence in the compensation system.

The report reveals killings of people, mainly Christians, involved in the alcohol trade. Licensed liquor sellers have been killed and their stores closed down. Sources report that around 150 Christian families have fled Basra. On 15 February 2004 a gang of 13 masked men opened fire with machine guns in the main street, in an area where alcohol was frequently sold, killing at least nine people.

"All armed groups and individuals in Iraq must respect the right to life and cease these killings immediately. The rule of law must prevail," Amnesty International said. "If there is to be true security in Iraq, it is essential that justice be done."

Amnesty International welcomes efforts by the UK and other governments to strengthen the capacity of the Iraqi police force. Yet this must be matched by a willingness of the police to act in all cases of law-breaking. Not a single prosecution has been brought for 'political' killings and some police officers told Amnesty International that they felt the killing of former Ba'athists was justified. (KM Bureau Dubai)

WORLD RENOWNED SEATING COMPANY TAPS INTO MARKET POTENTIAL IN THE MIDDLE EAST

First project secured in the UAE, 7,000 seats for Dubai Autodrome & Business Park

Seating for the Dubai Autodrome and Business Park, when completed by Camatic Middle East will be an addition to the significant international Camatic client list that includes the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Main Stadium, USA.

Dubai, UAE, 26 May, 2004: Australian-based seating manufacturers, Camatic has established a branch in the Middle East to capitalise on the growing demand for theatre, stadium and performing arts seating products in the region.Camatic was the first company in Australia to manufacture commercial seating from design concept right through to finished product in a single location and has chosen the UAE as its official base in the Middle East region.

Since establishing the UAE branch, Camatic Middle East has already secured the job of supplying and installing 7,000 seats for the Dubai Autodrome & Business Park which was officially inaugurated in Dubai last month.It was Camatic's prolific international client list, reputation for fast track development and ability to consistently meet client deadlines that pinned down the prestigious Dubai Autodrome contract.

"The Dubai Autodrome and Business Park is the first development to be officially opened in the Dubailand project," said Simon E. Azzam, chief executive officer, Union Properties and director of the Dubai Autodrome & Business Park development."The aim of the Autodrome is to provide the highest standards of facilities and to this end, Camatic Middle East was one of the most logical choices available."

The company has completed many internationally acclaimed Australasian and international performing arts, stadium, cinema, theatre and commercial executive seating projects since its inception in the 1950s.

Camatic's team of leading engineers, designers, ergonomists, plastic technicians, upholsterers and installers has been responsible for many assignments including the Sydney Opera House, Olympic Stadium Melbourne, Multi Purpose Area - Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Stadium, USA, Memphis Baseball Stadium Tennessee, USA, Village Force Recolletta Complex, Argentina and the Warner Village Taipei Complex, Taiwan.

Camatic has a reputation for creating and manufacturing seating to the highest possible standards. Their innovative design and manufacturing excellence make them the largest manufacturer of theatre and stadium seats in Australia.

No strangers to projects of a substantial size, the company supplied and installed 50,000 permanent and 37,000 temporary seats for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Main Stadium, 56,000 seats for the Melbourne Docklands Stadium, 65,000 seats for the Seattle Seahawks Stadium and nearly 10,000 seats for the Coors Amphitheatre/Universal Studios, San Diego. Camatic Middle East will be based in Dubai, UAE and joins other international Camatic branches located in the United States and Canada. (KM Bureau Dubai)

GCC Finalizes Plan for Unified ID Cards

RIYADH, 26May 2004 — The Gulf Cooperation Council is planning to introduce unified Identity card for the GCC nationals, reported Arab News from Riyadh. The report said the cards will be readable in all Gulf states. The cards will use smart card technology and have common security features and accessing devices.Saudi Arabia and Oman have started working on the ID project, the report said. Bahrain will be issuing the ID cards with all the features incorporated from day one. Bahrain will start issuing the cards to its citizens in the next two months, Arab News said quoting a statement from the GCC General Secretariat. The common GCC ID card will also store fingerprints and details of passport, driver’s license and medical records. It is slated to facilitate movement of GCC nationals among member states for work and business purposes. Plans are also under way to ease travel restrictions for foreigners, which have been hampering the movement of hundreds of thousands of expatriates living in the six Gulf countries.(KM Bureau Dubai)

U.S., Britain Still Responsible for Security After June 30

(New York, May 24, 2004) -- The United States and Britain will retain ultimate responsibility for security and human rights in Iraq following the proposed “transfer of sovereignty” on June 30, Human Rights Watch said today. U.S. President George W. Bush is expected to announce today his plan for an interim Iraqi government until elections can be held next year.

There is no such thing as ‘sovereignty lite.’ If the new Iraqi government doesn’t have ultimate authority and responsibility for the security of the Iraqi people, then it is not truly sovereign.

Statements by the Bush administration and the Coalition Provisional Authority have indicated that the proposed transitional government will not have full authority to govern Iraq. The United States will continue to have final say on matters of Iraqi security. The interim Iraqi government also will not be able to enact new legislation or overturn laws imposed during the occupation.

“There is no such thing as ‘sovereignty lite,’” said Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, “Being sovereign is like being pregnant, you either are or you aren’t. If the new Iraqi government doesn’t have ultimate authority and responsibility for the security of the Iraqi people, then it is not truly sovereign.”

The international law of occupation in the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the Hague Regulations of 1907 place responsibility for the security of an occupied population on the occupying power. So long as the United States and Britain retain ultimate responsibility for the actions of Iraqi police and military personnel and the treatment of persons in Iraqi detention facilities, they will continue to bear the legal duties of occupying powers. A government that is not sovereign cannot give its “consent” to the occupying powers.

The United States today submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council that endorses the formation of a “sovereign interim government” that would “assume the responsibility and authority for governing a sovereign Iraq.” However, the application of the Geneva Conventions does not depend on formal declarations by states, but on an objective assessment of the situation on the ground. So long as ultimate authority on security and related legislative matters in Iraq effectively rests with the United States and Britain, so too will ultimate responsibility for adherence to the law on occupation, including ensuring, as far as possible, public order and safety in the occupied territory.

Even after sovereignty has been transferred, U.S., British and other military forces in Iraq will be bound to respect and protect the rights of persons under their effective control. This includes respecting international prohibitions on torture and other ill-treatment of persons in custody. “The U.S. government is learning the painful lesson of the importance of following the international laws of war,” said Roth. “It should not try to shortchange the Geneva Conventions yet again.”

USA: Pattern of brutality and cruelty -- war crimes at Abu Ghraib

In an open letter to US President George W. Bush today, Amnesty International said that abuses allegedly committed by US agents in the Abu Ghraib facility in Baghdad were war crimes and called on the administration to fully investigate them to ensure that there is no impunity for anyone found responsible regardless of position or rank.

Amnesty International said that it has documented a pattern of abuse by US agents against detainees, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, stretching back over the past two years.

Despite claims this week by Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld to be "stunned" by abuses in Abu Ghraib, and that these were an "exception" and "not a pattern or practice", Amnesty International has presented consistent allegations of brutality and cruelty by US agents against detainees at the highest levels of the US Government, including the White House, the Department of Defense, and the State Department for the past two years.

Last July, the organization raised allegations of torture and ill-treatment of Iraqi detainees by US and Coalition forces in a memorandum to the US Government and Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Iraq. The allegations included beatings, electric shocks, sleep deprivation, hooding, and prolonged forced standing and kneeling. It received no response nor any indication from the administration or the CPA that an investigation took place.

Despite repeated requests, Amnesty International has been denied access to all US detention facilities.

"If the administration has nothing to hide, it should immediately end incommunicado detention and grant access to independent human rights monitors, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, to all detention facilities," said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

"The US administration has shown a consistent disregard for the Geneva Conventions and basic principles of law, human rights and decency. This has created a climate in which US soldiers feel they can dehumanize and degrade prisoners with impunity.

"What we now see in Iraq is the logical consequence of the relentless pursuit of the 'war on terror' regardless of the costs to human rights and the rules of war."

Amnesty International has expressed concern about the mixed messages which the US government has sent regarding its commitment to international human rights standards.

Abuses have not been restricted to Abu Ghraib. Numerous people held in the US Air Bases in Bagram and Kandahar in Afghanistan say they were subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in US custody, and the administration has failed to comply with the Geneva Conventions with regard to the Guantánamo detainees.

Former Guantánamo detainee Wazir Mohammad told Amnesty International of excessive and cruel use of shackles and handcuffs, sleep deprivation, and of being forced to crawl on his knees from his cell to the interrogation room during his detention in Afghanistan.

At Bagram and Kandahar, he was held incommunicado, with no opportunity to challenge the lawfulness of his detention, no lawyer, and no access to his family. He never met a delegate from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In over a year in Guantánamo he says he met an ICRC delegate once, on the first day.

Former Guantánamo prisoner, Walid al-Qadasi, was held in a secret detention facility in Kabul. He said prisoners termed the first night of interrogation by US agents "the black night". He said that: "They cut our clothes with scissors, left us naked and took photos of us ... handcuffed our hands behind our backs, blindfolded us and started interrogating us ... threatened me with death, accusing me of belonging to al-Qa'ida." He alleged that detainees were subjected to sleep deprivation, including through use of loud music.

An individual who worked in Guantánamo told Amnesty International that most if not all detainees he had contact with there claimed to have been physically abused in Kandahar or Bagram. This person expressed no surprise at the evidence from Iraq, and stated that abuse in Afghanistan appeared to be part of softening up detainees for interrogation and detention.

Amnesty International is concerned that the investigation headed by Major General Antonio Taguba, which found "systematic and illegal abuse of detainees" in Abu Ghraib, was not intended for public release, and that the administration's current response only came once the report and photographic evidence became public.

Apparently attempting to downplay the seriousness of the allegations at a news briefing on 4 May, Secretary Rumsfeld suggested that: "what has been charged so far is abuse ... technically different from torture". In fact the "numerous incidents of sadistic, blatant, and wanton criminal abuse" found by Taguba constitute acts of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and are war crimes.

Incidents include punching and kicking detainees; jumping on their naked feet; forcibly arranging detainees in various sexually explicit positions for photographing; positioning a naked detainee on a box with a sandbag on his head, and attaching wires to his fingers, toes, and penis to simulate electric torture; and placing a dog chain or strap around a naked detainee's neck and having a female soldier pose for a picture.

Those responsible for what Taguba concluded are "proven abuse ... inflicted on detainees" should be brought to justice in accordance with the USA's obligations under international and US law. Investigations should cover the higher chain of command responsibility as well as direct perpetrators.

Comments this week by Major General Geoffrey Milller, in charge of detainee operations in Iraq, that sleep deprivation and stress positions could be used against detainees show that the US administration still has not learnt that ill-treatment and abuse are a slippery slope to torture and should be totally prohibited.

Restraining detainees in very painful positions, hooding, threats, and prolonged sleep deprivation violate the prohibition on torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.Amnesty International calls on President Bush to ensure impartial and transparent investigations into torture and deaths in US custody and that anyone found responsible be brought to justice.