Targeted Killing

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The U.S. government should square the drone program with respect for human rights.

So-called “targeted killing” has become central to U.S. counterterrorism efforts. However, there is ample evidence that the program does not comport with respect for human rights and international law. So we’re pressing the U.S. government to make the program more transparent and to bring it onto firm legal footing. Photo: AP.

10 Steps to Improve Transparency & Accountability

The Strategic Benefits of Minimizing Civilian Harm

Coalition Letter on Drone Strikes

NGO Statement: Changes to US Drones/Lethal Force Policy

Latest News and Press Releases

April 17, 2018

Senator Corker Releases Dangerously Overbroad Authorization for Use of Military Force

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today expressed serious concern over the proposal from Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) for a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). The proposal would...

March 08, 2018

Administration Urged to Provide Transparency on Use of Force, Civilian Casualties

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today, urged President Trump to use congressionally-mandated reporting requirements as an opportunity to provide much-needed transparency on the United...

December 12, 2017

President Trump Signs NDAA with Important Accountability Provisions

Today, President Trump signed into law two important new provisions that will strengthen congressional oversight, transparency, and accountability for the “War on Terror.” The provisions,...

October 30, 2017

As Administration Testifies on War Authorization, Congress Urged to Set Meaningful Limits

Washington, D.C.—As Congress considers a war authorization for military force following the deaths of U.S. service members in Niger, Human Rights First urges representatives to only...

June 01, 2017

McMaster Urged to Strengthen, Not Weaken, Use of Force Standards

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today called on General H.R. McMaster, national security advisor to President Donald Trump, to strengthen, not weaken, existing standards for the use of force in...

April 13, 2017

Military Action in Syria Should Comply with Domestic and International Law

New York City—Following this week's release of a four-page declassified analysis of the recent chemical attack in Syria, Human Rights First called on the Trump Administration to...

December 06, 2016

President Obama Outlines Counterterrorism Approach Rooted in Human Rights

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today welcomed President Obama’s speech on his administration’s approach to counterterrorism, noting that the policies outlined protect the United States’ national...

Resources

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Letter | 2017

Statement by Former U.S. Government Officials on Use of Force

March 10, 2017

The Honorable James Mattis

Secretary of Defense

Department of Defense

1000 Defense Pentagon

Washington, DC 20301-1000

Dear Secretary Mattis:

Letter | March 08, 2018

NGO Statement on Reported Changes to U.S. Policy on Use of Armed Drones and Other Lethal Force

We, the undersigned non-governmental organizations, are deeply concerned about the reported changes to the United States’ policy on the use of lethal force overseas, including through armed...

Letter | March 07, 2018

Letter to President Trump on NDAA Reporting Requirement

President Donald Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: I write to urge you to provide Congress and the American people with as much...

Factsheet | October 30, 2017

Statement for the Record on the Authorization for the Use of Military Force

Download The recent deaths of 4 U.S. service members in Niger have prompted members of Congress to give renewed attention to the scope of war authorities that govern U.S. counterterrorism military...

Letter | June 01, 2017

Letter to National Security Advisor McMaster on Possible Changes on the Use of Force in Counterterrorism Operations

June 1, 2017 Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, Jr., USA Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20500...