Features

March 9, 2009

ICTJ U.S. Senate Testimony on Investigating the ‘War on Terror’

Since Sep. 11, 2001, the United States government has authorized and carried out policies in pursuit of its "war on terror" that have led to the systematic abuse of human rights. ICTJ has called on President Barack Obama to appoint a nonpartisan commission of inquiry into these abuses as a crucial step toward instituting accountability and ensuring future respect for the rule of law, human rights, and the U.S. Constitution.

On March 4, ICTJ's U.S. Accountability Project Director Lisa Magarrell presented written testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the need to form such a commission. Citing ICTJ's experience around the world, Magarell said the commission should be non-partisan, independent, and transparent. It should also have an expansive mandate, aim to engage the public through outreach efforts and an accessible final report, and be a way to deepen accountability for past crimes rather than a way to sidestep it.

Read the full testimony here (PDF).