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»

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…

Report Urges Congress to Clarify U.S. Jurisdiction Over Civilian Contractors

Washington, DC – Today, the independent Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan issued its second interim report to…

Human Rights First Welcomes Senate Report On Private Security Contractor Reform

The Senate Armed Services Committee published a report detailing concerns with oversight and accountability of private security contractors. The Senate…

State of Affairs: Three Years After Nisoor Square

Accountability and Oversight of U.S. Private Security and Other Contractors Full Report Available (PDF) State of Affairs: Three Years After…