Private security contractors at war : ending the culture of impunity

Product Description This report examines patterns of private security contractor operations and the civilian casualties linked to them; the inadequate response of the U.S. government, principally the Department of Justice, to crimes committed by contractors; and the current legal framework governing private security contractors deployed abroad by the United States. Human Rights First concludes that the vigorous enforcement of laws already in force today would provide a solid foundation for prosecuting violent crime involving contractors, but that the federal government needs to provide the necessary resources and properly prioritize law enforcement involving the contractor community in order to end the impunity of private security contractors. Review Human Rights First s report is an incredibly comprehensive study of the culture of impunity that has surrounded the private military industry for too long. Hopefully, our leaders will finally listen and, even more importantly, demonstrate the will to act. --P. W. Singer, Author, Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military IndustryPrivate Security Contractors at War clearly demonstrates how the Department of Justice has systematically failed to hold private security contractors legally accountable for their actions. Human Rights First unequivocally bares the facts so that from here forward we, as a country, cannot say that we did not know, but only that we did not act. --Rear Admiral (Ret.) John D. Hutson, former Navy Judge Advocate General (1997-2000)As Human Rights First s report proves, much can and should be done to improve contractor accountability in contingency operations. The industry fully supports such efforts. --Doug Brooks, President, International Peace Operations Association (IPOA)