On the 23rd anniversary of Guantanamo Bay detention camp, its legacy continues to spark vital conversations about justice and accountability. Opened in 2002, the camp faces global condemnation for human rights abuses and indefinite detentions. To mark this anniversary, the School of Law at Queen’s University Belfast recently hosted Mansoor Adayfi, a writer, human rights advocate, and former Guantanamo prisoner, for a public lecture titled Restoring Justice and Demanding Accountability: Reflections from Guantanamo and Beyond. During his talk, Mansoor shared insights from his 15 years of detention without charges or trial, his journey towards rehabilitation, and his ongoing work with the Guantanamo Survivors Fund, which he founded to support the reintegration of former detainees into society.

While visiting Queen’s, Mansoor also joined Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, former UN Special Rapporteur on Counterterrorism and Human Rights, for a special LawPod episode. Recorded during his visit, the episode explores Mansoor’s experiences at Guantanamo, his memoir Don’t Forget Us Here, his advocacy for human rights, and his campaign to close the camp. Through stories of resilience and creativity, Mansoor highlights the enduring struggles of former detainees and the pressing need for justice and accountability. These events underscore the School’s commitment to fostering critical discussions on human rights and the rule of law.