PHR marks the tenth anniversary of September 11, 2001, by remembering the victims of the brutal terrorist attacksand thanking all those who continue to fight for human rights.
The assaults on September 11, 2001, represented a base attackon the most universal and elementary human right—the right to life, liberty, and security of person, as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Unfortunately, reflecting on the decade since 9/11 callsinto question our collective commitment to human rights, accountability, andjustice.
In the aftermath of the attacks, fear drove many of ouractions. Almostimmediately, the Bush Administration began dismantling USanti-torture law and policy and violating principlesenshrined in the US Constitution.
During this dark moment in our history, brave voices calledfor the US to honor its longstanding commitment to the principles ofinternational human right laws: the right to be free from torture, arbitrary arrest,and indefinite detention; the right to a fair and public hearing by anindependent and impartial tribunal; and the right to a social and internationalorder in which these rights can be fully realized.
September 11 will always be a day to remember those who werekilled or lost loved ones. Today, PHR also thanks the defenders of basic humanrights who seek torestore the US commitmentagainst torture, to ensure humane treatment of detainees, and to protect US healthpersonnel from complicity in mistreatment and harm.