US-Run "Black Jails" in Afghanistan Continue to Violate Human Rights

The New York Times has revealed today that US-run jails in Afghanistan continue to violate international humanitarian conventions by refusing to allow the International Red Cross access to detainees. The jail - and another like it in Iraq - are run by US Special Forces to detain and interrogate high-value detainees. US officials say they have no plans to close the facilities. Detainees can be held for weeks without external contact or without their families knowing if they are alive or dead. The US says it now hands over names of all detainees to the International Red Cross within two weeks of capture, but it does not allow direct contact.

Obviously, such a policy runs in direct contradiction to President Obama's stated policy of improving US detention and interrogation procedures to be in line with international human rights norms. Holding prisoners incommunicado was a highly criticized policy of the Bush Administration, one that many hoped would be overturned. Obama's decision to give his commanders high flexibility on the battlefield is one factor leading to the continuation of the "black jails."

One can only hope that President Obama will see the light and reverse the continuation of Bush Administration abominations. Preventing Red Cross access has no use as an interrogation tool and can only serve to heighten suspicion of American intentions. If the Obama Administration is serious about improving relations with the rest of the world, improving America's image, and making real changes for the better regarding the human rights of those in our detention facilities, then he must allow detainees access to the Red Cross. Absolutely no ifs, ands, or buts, as my grandma used to say. Just do it.