National Security
The US has frequently invoked national security as a justification for policies that violate international law. These include the torture of detainees in the US “war on terror,” secretive targeted killings abroad, and indefinite detention without trial at Guantanamo Bay. Within the US, the government has conducted unfair terrorism investigations that in some cases have effectively entrapped indigent and mentally ill persons. Large-scale surveillance by the National Security Agency is hampering the ability of journalists and lawyers to do their work and corroding US democracy. We have consistently called for the US to provide fair trials in civilian courts to all terrorism suspects, ensure accountability for past abuses, including at the highest levels of government, and bring all national security policies in line with US obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law.
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Terrorism / Counterterrorism
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National Security
Videos
Videos-
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US: Ex-Detainees Describe Unreported CIA Torture
Electric Chair Threats, Baton Beatings, Various Water Tortures
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News
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Human Rights and Security Coalition Submission to the UN Human Rights Committee Review of the United States of America
139th Session, September 2023
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US: Significant Plan by Pentagon to Protect Civilians
New Effort Needs Focused Attention from US Military to Reduce Deaths
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US: Flawed Military Review of Civilian Casualties in Syria
Missteps Show Need for Congressional Oversight to Catalyze Change
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Senate Hearing on "Targeted Killing' and the Rule of Law"
Human Rights Watch Statement for the Record
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Where are the Detailed Pentagon Reports Like the One on the Kabul Bombing for Civilian Casualties?
The U.S. Military Kills Civilians, Announces an Investigation, and Finds No One Responsible.
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Joint Letter from Civil and Human Rights Organizations Regarding United States Compliance with the Convention against Torture
Groups Urge the Biden Administration to Re-commit the US to Full Compliance with its Treaty Obligations
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When Targeted Killings Become ‘Tragic Mistakes’
Since the 9/11 attacks, U.S. forces fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere have carried out targeted killings that frequently kill and injure civilians.
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