U.K./Jordan: Torture Risk Makes Deportations Illegal

[NNN0LHI]

http://hrw.org/english/docs/2005/08/16/jordan11628.htm

(London, August 16, 2005) – The United Kingdom cannot deport security suspects to Jordan without violating the international prohibition against sending persons to countries where they face a serious risk of torture, Human Rights Watch said today.

Human Rights Watch said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Jordan and the U.K. on August 10 promising that transferred persons will not be mistreated does nothing to reduce that risk or to change the obligation not to expose people to torture.

“There is still torture in Jordan, especially with regard to security suspects,” said Joe Stork, deputy director of Human Rights Watch’s Middle East division. “All the good reasons that prevented the U.K. from deporting people to Jordan before August 10 remain unchanged by this agreement.”

The U.K. and Jordan are both parties to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which prohibits torture, and the transfer, return (refoulement) or expulsion of persons to countries where there are substantial grounds for believing that they would be in danger of being subjected to torture. Under international law, the prohibition against torture and refoulement is absolute and cannot be waived under any circumstances.

[bullimiami]

1. they call it a 'risk' now?

**ring**

blair: hey can you torture the shit out of some guys for me?

abdullah: sure. you want us to do take care of it or your guys gonna pitch in.

blair: oh, our guys want to be there for sure. you bet.

abdullah: ok. hey by the way how is cherie?

blair: oh fine, how is the queen? did she get the pretty shoes we sent for her birthday?

abdullah: yes, wonderful. thank you. well be seeing you soon.

blair: ok. looking forward to it. good night then.

abdullah: good night.

**click**