Summary
Our analysis of the CIA 'rendition' programme has revealed
a network that resembles a 'spider’s web' spun across the globe.
The analysis is based on official information provided by national
and international air traffic control authorities, as well as on
other information. This 'web' is composed of several landing points,
which we have subdivided into different categories, and which are
linked up among themselves by civilian planes used by the CIA or
military aircraft.
Analysis of the network’s functioning and of ten individual
cases allows us to make a number of conclusions both about human
rights violations – some of which continue – and about the responsibilities
of some Council of Europe Member states, which are bound by the
European Convention on Human Rights and the European Convention
for the Prevention of Torture.
The United States, an observer state of our Organisation,
actually created this reprehensible network, which we criticise
in light of the values shared on both sides of the Atlantic. But
we also believe having established that it is only through the intentional
or grossly negligent collusion of the European partners that this
“web” was able to spread also over Europe.
Whilst hard evidence, at least according to the strict meaning
of the word, is still not forthcoming, a number of coherent and
converging elements indicate that secret detention centres have
indeed existed and unlawful inter-state transfers have taken place
in Europe. It is not intended to pronounce that the authorities
of these countries are ‘guilty’ for having tolerated secret detention
sites, but rather it is to hold them ‘responsible’ for failing to
comply with the positive obligation to diligently investigate any
serious allegation of fundamental rights violations.
The draft resolution and recommendation propose different
measures so that terrorism can be fought effectively whilst respecting
human rights at the same time.
