The US Department of Defense (DoD) on Dec. 8 announced the transfer of six detainees from the Guantánamo Bay detention center to Uruguay. This move is the result of a 2009 Executive Order issued by President Obama instructing the Guantánamo Bay Review Force to review these cases. The decision to transfer the detainees was unanimous amongst all parties constituting the inter-agency task force (PDF): the DoD, Department of Justice, State Department, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Joint Chiefs of Staff. The six detainees are Ahmed Adnan Ahjam, Ali Hussain Shaabaan, Omar Mahmoud Faraj, Jihad Diyab, Abdul Bin Mohammed Abis Ourgy and Mohammed Tahanmatan. The men comprise four Syrians, a Tunisian and a Palestinian, and they will be granted refugee status by the Uruguayan government. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel informed Congress of the US' intent to transfer and its accordance with statutory requirement. After this transfer, there will be 136 detainees left at Guantánamo Bay.

The detention facilities at Guantánamo have continued to face international scrutiny. In a report last month, the UN Committee Against Torture found that the US has fallen short of full compliance with the Convention Against Torture. The committee raised particular concern regarding Guantánamo, urging the US to cease the indefinite holding of suspects without official charge or trial, to "appropriately prosecute those responsible" for detainee mistreatment and to "ensure effective redress for victims."

From Jurist, Dec. 8. Used with permission.