U.N. Violations in Iraq

A senior U.N. official has accused the U.S. of violating its U.N. mandate for detaining suspects without due process of law. In addition, The U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) head for human rights John Pace has accused the Iraqi government of major human rights abuses including holding people without charge in secret jails. Pace criticized the U.S. and Iraqi noting that:

"There is no question that terrorism has to be addressed. But we are equally sure that the remedies being applied ... are not the best way of eliminating terrorism...More terrorists are being created than are being eliminated."

While Pace was talking about conduct in Iraq, the statments equally apply to other U.S. actions in the war on terrorism. In particular, it is relevant in considering the use of secret CIA detention and the process of rendition. The U.N. should (and very well may) investigate to determine what should be done about the violations of the U.N. mandate by the U.S. and Iraqi governments.