Review and Disposition of Individuals Detained At Guantánamo Bay
Jan 27, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jan 22, 2009
Published on: Jan 27, 2009
Jan 27, 2009
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jan 22, 2009
Published on: Jan 27, 2009
Summary
Closes the Guantánamo Bay prison and creates a process to review each person held there to decide what should happen to them.
What problem does this solve?
Hundreds of individuals have been held at the Guantánamo Bay detention center for many years, raising legal and international concerns. This order closes the facility and requires a full review of each case to decide if individuals should be released, moved, or put on trial.
What does this order do?
Closure of Guantánamo detention facilities
Orders the detention facilities at Guantánamo Bay to be closed as soon as possible, and no later than one year from the date of the order.
Immediate review of all detainee cases
Starts an immediate review of every individual detained at Guantánamo to determine if they can be released, transferred, prosecuted, or handled in another lawful way.
Halts military commission proceedings
Immediately stops all military commission proceedings for detainees until the full review of their cases is complete.
Ensures humane standards of confinement
Requires that all detainees be held according to U.S. laws and the Geneva Conventions, and orders a review of detention conditions within 30 days.
Who does this affect?
- Individuals detained at Guantánamo Bay
- U.S. military and intelligence personnel
What is the real world impact?
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Strengthens national security and foreign policy
Closes the detention facility to address significant concerns raised both within the United States and internationally, which helps improve America's global standing and relationships.
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Ensures humane treatment and legal rights
Requires that all detainees be held according to U.S. laws and the Geneva Conventions, and halts military commission proceedings to allow for a full review of each case.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately on January 22, 2009, and sets several deadlines for action.
Review of detention conditions
A review of the conditions of detention at Guantánamo must be completed within 30 days of January 22, 2009.
Closure of detention facilities
The detention facilities at Guantánamo must be closed no later than one year from January 22, 2009.