Distrust has increased
Recently Amnesty International released its annual report on the conditions of human rights worldwide. The distrust created by the actions of powerful governments and armed groups has increased throughout the past year. These actions have instilled fear, encouraged division and reduced the capacity for tolerance.
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The US’s ill-conceived “counter-terrorism” strategies have done little to reduce the threat of violence or to ensure justice for victims of attacks, and much to violate human rights and the rule of law. This far-reaching approach to the threat of terrorism has bred mistrust among many while doing little to reduce the threat of violence or ensure justice for victims of terrorism. As a criminal justice major I have learned the importance of Habeas Corpus, a writ by which detainees can seek relief from unlawful imprisonment. According to the AI report there are thousands of detainees that continue to be held in US custody without charge or trial in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantánamo Bay. My major has also taught me the importance of fair and prompt trials. AI reported that China has at least 30 wrongful convictions each year due to false confessions obtained by the use of torture. China has also restricted the ability of lawyers to represent groups of victims or to participate in collective petitions for human rights. The hypocrisy of politics of fear is that governments denounce certain rights but refuse to protect those escaping them.
The United States, along with other countries from Iran to China to Syria, must end this reckless game of fear mongering that has only succeeded in polarizing a world that is starved for cooperation. The United States must take charge, for the future of human rights is threatened by the current state. The sustainability of human rights depends on inciting hope not fear.
Melissa Provanzo
Amnesty International York
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