Unsurprisingly, the release of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence's summary report on CIA detention, rendition, and interrogation has sparked renewed debate in the United States over the use of torture.
Much of the discussion over the past week has focused on whether the use of so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques" produces actionable intelligence or useful information.
As a humanitarian, I would argue that this discussion is misguided.
Let's not confuse what works or doesn't work with what is right and what is wrong.
The fact of the matter is that torture is illegal. The prohibition of torture, and all forms of ill-treatment, is absolute -- everywhere and at all times. It is strictly forbidden by international human rights law, U.S. jurisprudence, the United Nations Convention against Torture, and the Geneva Conventions -- a body of law embraced by the U.S. and its military since the 19th Century.
Importantly, torture is morally reprehensible and it should be permanently repudiated by all nations.
Torture and other forms of cruel or humiliating treatment are an affront to humanity, and the physical and psychological scars can last a lifetime.
It is morally wrong because it dehumanizes the victims, the perpetrators, and the society that surrounds them.
Torture can destroy the social fabric of communities, degrade a society's institutions, and undermine the integrity of its political systems.
I know that no country on Earth is entirely immune to what amounts to an ages-old temptation, and some people reading this might think, "That's easy for you to say. Sometimes you have to make tough choices in the name of national security."
I would argue that those who believe that perceived, near term tactical gains are worth risking long term and potentially dangerous consequences, are shortsighted. Experience shows that the reliance on illegal, immoral, and inhumane interrogation techniques is universally a very poor choice.
The International Committee of the Red Cross visits roughly half a million detainees in nearly 100 countries each year. It's our job to try to prevent and put an end to torture and ill-treatment.
During my time as president of the ICRC, I have met in person with detainees, who have experienced ill-treatment at the hands of their captors, and I know for a fact that abuse only grows hatred. It sows the seeds of revenge, and nothing justifies the use of such tactics. I have also observed that torture has a corrupting effect on its perpetrators and the institutions they serve.
Wherever it takes place and whatever the stakes involved, it's simply wrong.
In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the ICRC actively engaged with the U.S. on issues related to the treatment of detainees held in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
Very early on, we decided to invest in a constructive and sustained dialogue with the American authorities. Even when discussions were sometimes tense over the past 12 years, the ICRC's commitment to the detainees never wavered. We remain committed to visiting them, monitoring their treatment, connecting them with their families, and consistently reminding the U.S. of their obligations under international humanitarian law. Today, our relationship with the government is strong.
The bottom line is that decisions taken in Washington resonate across the globe. The U.S. has a major influence on the world stage and American detention practices can, for better or for worse, have an impact on the actions of officials, prison directors, guards, and interrogators in even the most far-flung places on the planet.
That's why this moment in history offers an opportunity to reaffirm clearly, and for the whole world to hear, that torture and ill-treatment are fundamentally wrong, and that unconditionally rejecting such tactics -- now and forever -- is the right thing to do.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.