UN experts urge U.S. to investigate human rights violations in Guantanamo

A group of six United Nations human rights experts on Friday urged U.S. President Barack Obama to ensure proper investigations and full accountability for human rights violations as part of his plans to close the Guantanamo Bay detention center.

"It is not just about closing the detention facility and dealing with the current group of detainees," they said in a joint statement issued on Friday.

The UN experts said that in order to turn the page completely, U.S. authorities must ensure independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions into all credible allegations of violations carried out.

According to the experts, the possible human rights violations in Guantanamo include extraordinary rendition, torture and secret detention.

"The findings should be made public, and those responsible must be brought to justice," they noted.

The experts expressed hope that plans to close the Guantanamo detention facility are implemented without delay so all detainees can be transferred to regular mainland detention facilities.

"Above all, the closure of Guantanamo is an absolute necessity and must be a fundamental priority of both the president and Congress," they said.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday unveiled a long-stalled closure plan of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, a move which set off a fierce clash with Republican lawmakers.

Obama said out of the 91 detainees currently held in Guantanamo Bay, some would be transferred and some identified for military trials. Endit