International Committee of the Red Cross Access to Detainees
Should Be Guaranteed by Law

We are laying the groundwork to ensure that Congress passes legislation to require government agencies to provide the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with access to all detainees. ICRC access is critical to preventing torture and other abuses. The President allowed the ICRC access to all detainees in his executive order on Jan. 22, 2009, but that is only a temporary measure. Congress must make it permanent by passing legislation.

SEND AN EMAIL TO CONGRESS
NRCAT has prepared a sample email that you can personalize and send to your Members of Congress through our e-advocacy system. We need as many Members of Congress as possible to support granting the ICRC access to all detainees. You can help!

POSTCARDS TO CONGRESS
During June's Torture Awareness Month, ask people to complete postcards calling for legislation that will assure that the International Committee of the Red Cross has access to all detainees held by the U.S. The post cards can be taken to the offices of Members of Congress or mailed to their offices. More information about the postcards.

Organize a small delegation to deliver signed postcards to local congressional office(s), arranging to meet with a local staff member to lobby for a Commission of Inquiry and legislation guaranteeing access to all detainees by the International Committee of the Red Cross. You could also join with other congregations in your congressional district that have collected postcards. Resources: 1) General suggestions for securing and holding an effective Congressional visit and 2) Specific talking points for this June.

LETTER FROM NATIONAL AND STATE FAITH GROUP LEADERS
On May 25, 2010, a letter signed by 50 heads of national faith groups and state religious bodies was sent to Congress – read the letter.

BACKGROUND
On January 22, 2009, President Obama issued an executive order that, among other things, requires all government agencies to provide the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with access to detainees. This was a huge step toward protecting detainees from abuse, because detainees are much less likely to be abused when there is an independent agency monitoring their treatment. Because this step was taken by executive order, however, it is not permanent. A future President can revoke it by issuing a new executive order.