The United States’ reliance on private security and other contractors in war zones is at an unprecedented level in both size and scope. In Iraq and Afghanistan, contractors equal, and at times, have outnumbered U.S. military forces there. Many of them are armed and carrying out military and security functions. With this increased reliance on contractors has come an increase in serious criminal conduct, including violence against local civilian populations.

Despite warning calls in the Abu Ghraib scandal and Blackwater shootings in Nisoor Square, the U.S. government has failed to establish an effective system of accountability and oversight over U.S. contractors fielded abroad.

Human Rights First has issued two reports outlining the issue and putting forth recommendations to establish accountability and oversight for private security and other contractors in conflict zones.

Private Security Contractors Resources»

U.S. Government Upholds Accountability for Contractors Who Torture

Today, the U.S. government exercised moral leadership when it argued before a full panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of…

Contractor Accountability Four Years after Nisoor Square Incident

Four years ago this Friday, September  16, Blackwater private security contractors working for the State Department in Iraq killed 17…

Wartime Contracting Report Makes Clear Case for Reforms

As Nisoor Square Anniversary Approaches, CEJA Legislation Lingers in Congress Washington, D.C.—Today, as the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq…

Iraqis Aren’t Satisfied with U.S. “Justice” and Americans Shouldn’t Be Either

Upon the early release of Charles Graner, the so-called American “ringleader” of the Abu Ghraib detainee abuse scandal, Iraqis are reportedly…

House and Senate Introduce Bill on U.S. Civilian Contractor Accountability Abroad

Washington, D.C.—Today, Congress takes a significant step in closing an alarming accountability gap over civilian contractors who commit serious crimes…