Camp Bucca, Iraq: Operating a Detainment Camp

Camp Bucca is a large detainment facility operated by the United States military in southernmost Iraq. The camp is currently being enlarged to a capacity of 30,000 detainees, though in March of 2008 the camp was reported to house 26,000 military, civilian employees and detainees in total.

The United States military reports that it released about 8,000 people from Camp Bucca in 2007 and about 4,000 so far in 2008. The current focus at the camp is on education and rehabilitation.

Upon arrival at Camp Bucca, a detainee is evaluated to determine their educational and training levels. Many detainees have been discovered to be poorly educated, without job skills and with only a basic understanding of their religion, Islam. A 40 percent illiteracy rate was found among the detainees and these programs serve to change that situation.

Classes are offered in a variety of subjects, including languages, math and science. Vocational courses are also taught. Regular maintenance and new construction in the camp are used to provide training for detainees learning marketable skills.

Camp Bucca is divided into a number of compounds. Within each compound, the detainees live in huts. The camp has been struck by terrorist rockets or mortar attacks several times and detainees have been killed in those attacks. During the most recent fighting in the region, against criminal elements in Basra and other local cities, there were no attacks on the camp.

In January 2008, a new visitors' center was opened. It was constructed in large part by detainees. It was necessary as daily visits by family members had increased to around 1,900 per day. Its amenities include heat and air conditioning, and a large playground for children.

Release ceremonies are held about once a month. Every detainee has the opportunity to appear before a review board, and to address it personally. Before release, a detainee must appear before and Iraqi judge and swear to maintain "peace and good conduct" in the future.