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 two 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 and Shadow Company – 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 new 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. Join us for a National Day of Action on October 10, when groups across the country will plan screenings of the film followed by a national call-in with the filmmakers and experts from Amnesty who will discuss more ways that you can take action. 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.
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.
