Plan a House Party Film Screening
Private Military Contractors in the "War on Terror"
No one can forget the horrifying images: photos of Iraqis kept at Abu Ghraib prison naked, bleeding, humiliated, and some dead. Since the first reports of abuse at Abu Ghraib became public in 2004, subsequent military investigations have found that contractors and employees of private companies contracted by the U.S. government were involved, along with US soldiers, in the torture and abuse of the detainees.
What you may not know is that the use of these private military contractors (PMCs) in the "war on terror" is expanding, as they fulfill even sensitive military functions, like interrogation and translation services, in addition to logistical support and security services in conflict zones in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.
As the Bush administration continues its assault on human rights in the "war on terror", so must we continue to educate the public and demand accountability for grave human rights violations.
Plan a House Party and Raise Awareness
Amnesty has partnered with three films to help raise awareness about human rights abuses associated with private military companies. Plan house party events throughout the Fall to screen Iraq for Sale, Shadow Company or Force Provision – host a discussion about the issues and take action to hold these companies accountable.
Still from the movie "Shadow Company."
"Shadow Company," by Nick Bicanic and Jason Bourque, is a documentary film that explores the history of mercenaries, the PMC industry and regulation of it - with exclusive interviews with security contractors, journalists, historians and owners of contracting companies. With tens of thousands of armed contractors in Iraq alone, it is clear that the rules of war have changed - and it is up to everyone to learn how these rules have changed and why.
Visit the Shadow Company website to download the trailer or view some web-only clips from the film, then contact us at corpaction@aiusa.org to request a copy of the DVD - limited copies are available for loan on a first come, first served basis.
If you want to buy your own copy of the DVD you can do so directly from the Shadow Company website here.
- Shadow Company House Party Kit
Still from the movie "Iraq for Sale."
"Iraq for Sale," a release from Brave New Films by producer/director Robert Greenwald, addresses the lack of oversight and accountability of companies contracted by the U.S. government and military, and documents some of the grave human rights abuses that contractors have engaged in while operating in Iraq. Visit the Iraq for Sale website to learn more about the film, list your house party, or find a house party near you! Check out the Iraq for Sale action guide then get in touch with us at corpaction@aiusa.org to find out how you can borrow a copy of the DVD for free. Or, even better, buy a copy of the DVD here and 5$ will be automatically donated to Amnesty International USA.
"Force Provision" is an in-depth look at the industry, and is a useful education and awareness raising tool. It covers key issues, such as the historical emergence of the industry, the extent of the state’s monopoly over the control of the use of force, and mercenaries past interference in developing nations in Africa and elsewhere. The privatization of military functions is examined with an eye towards assessing what this trend means for democratic control over the military. A number of academics, industry experts, and staff of various think tanks and non-governmental organizations, including former Business and Human Rights director Mila Rosenthal, share their views, including whether regulation and oversight of the industry is sufficient and systems of accountability are in place for when contractors commit human rights violations. Rep. David Price is also featured. AIUSA supported his legislation, the MEJA Expansion and Enforcement Act, which extended jurisdiction of U.S. civilian courts to contractors operating overseas accused of criminal acts. Copies of the film can be borrowed by contacting us at corpaction@aiusa.org.
We are looking forward to your participation in this campaign as we continue to demand justice and corporate accountability for human rights victims in the "war on terror."
Learn more about Amnesty's campaign on PMCs. »
Please feel free to contact us at corpaction@aiusa.org if you have questions.
