Private Security Contractors at War; Ending the Culture of Impunity

[4], 117, [1] pages. Format 8.5 inches by 11 inches. Illustrations. Glossary. Case Studies. Endnotes. Cover has some wear and soiling. This report examines the role of private security contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan. It describes the failure of the U.S. government to effectively control their actions, and in particular the inability or unwillingness of the Department of Justice to hold them criminally responsible for their illegal actions. While some of these contractors have been fired or received other employment sanctions, practically none have been prosecuted for serious misconduct that have resulted in death or serious injuries. Although the primary focus of this report is on private security contractors (PSCs), we also examine the role of private contractors in the interrogation process, specifically at Abu Ghraib. This report is based on information gained from meetings with: representatives from industry and trade associations; the military, other federal agencies and Congress; international organizations and the nonprofit community; academia; the legal community; and the media. It also is based on court records, government reports, declassified documents and other documentary sources. In general the operations of PSCs are far less transparent than those of the military services whose functions the PSCs increasingly are taking on. Human Rights First (formerly known as the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan human rights organization based in New York City and Washington, D.C. Human Rights First is governed by a board of directors composed of 67 members, including a 34-person Board of Advocates and a six-person Emeritus Board. Human Rights First is an independent advocacy and action organization that challenges America to live up to its ideals. The organization states. "We believe American leadership is essential in the global struggle for human rights, so we press the U.S. government and private companies to respect human rights and the rule of law. When they fail, we step in to demand reform, accountability and justice. Around the world, we work where we can best harness American influence to secure core freedoms. "We know it is not enough to expose and protest injustice, so we create the political environment and policy solutions necessary to ensure consistent respect for human rights. Whether we are protecting refugees, combating torture, or defending persecuted minorities, we focus not on making a point, but on making a difference. For almost 40 years, we've built bipartisan coalitions and teamed up with frontline activists and lawyers to tackle global challenges that demand American leadership." Human Rights First is a non-profit, nonpartisan international human rights organization based in New York, Washington D.C., Houston, and Los Angeles. Inside the report it states: Human Rights First believes that building respect for human rights and the rule of law will help ensure the dignity to which every individual is entitled and will stem tyranny, extremism, intolerance, and violence. Human Rights First protects people at risk: refugees who flee persecution, victims of crimes against humanity or other mass human rights violations, victims of discrimination, those whose rights are eroded in the name of national security, and human rights advocates who are targeted for defending the rights of others. These groups are often the first victims of societal instability and breakdown; their treatment is a harbinger of widerscale repression. Human Rights First works to prevent violations against these groups and to seek justice and accountability for violations against them. Human Rights First is practical and effective. We advocate for change at the highest levels of national and international policymaking. We seek justice through the courts. We raise awareness and understanding through the media. We build coalitions among those with divergent views. And we mobilize people to act. Human Right.…