Facts About Extraordinary Rendition and Torture

Extraordinary rendition means the forcible transfer of a person from one country to another without any judicial or administrative oversight. Since September 11th, 2001, extraordinary rendition has been used for covertly transporting persons to countries for detention and interrogation where there is a danger of facing torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

This practice is already prohibited by numerous provisions of international law, including the Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which have been ratified by the U.S. Extraordinary rendition is also morally indefensible and breeds hostility towards the U.S. throughout the world. It is designed to evade public and judicial scrutiny, to hide the identity of the perpetrators and the fate of victims.

Read these resources to learn more:

Amnesty International USA: Fact Sheet on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Amnesty International USA: Interview with Maher Arar, filmed in Canada in November 2005

Amnesty International USA: United States Must Stop the Practice of "Extraordinary Rendition"

Torture Abolition Support and Survivors Coalition: Immunizing Torture: An Evaluation of the McCain/ Graham Legislation

Torture Abolition Support and Survivors Coalition: Questions and Answers About U.S.-Sponsored Torture and U.S. Security

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Facts About Extraordinary Rendition and Torture

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