Counterterrorism

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Effective counterterrorism is rooted in respect for human rights.

After 9-11, Congress authorized military force against those responsible. But the war morphed into an ever-expanding conflict that has enabled human rights abuses. Torture, indefinite detention, unjust military commissions, and legally dubious drone strikes threaten national security as terrorists use them to win supporters and U.S. credibility crumbles. American ideals are a national security asset: the U.S. government best protects Americans when it protects human rights. It’s time to protect national security and fight terrorism in a smart, tailored, rights-respecting way.

Assessing the AUMF Proposals

Issue Brief: Drafting an Effective AUMF

Letter to Trump on Transparency for Use of Force

AUMF Problems and Fixes

Latest News and Press Releases

April 16, 2019

Guantanamo’s Sole High-Value Cooperator Faces Contested Sentencing

By Holly Bauer Last week I traveled to Guantanamo Bay to observe the military commission pre-sentencing hearings for Maryland resident Majid Khan. Most of the proceedings covered classified...

March 15, 2019

Guantanamo Hearings Stalled by Continuing Medical Concerns

By Ingrid Schultz Last week pre-trial hearings briefly resumed for the military commission prosecution of Abd al Hadi al-Iraqi. Pre-trial hearings have been continuously constrained by his spinal...

February 28, 2019

Another GTMO Detainee Refuses to Participate in PRBs

By Alexa Potter Tuesday morning, I attended the Periodic Review Board (PRB) hearing for Guantanamo detainee Sharqawi Abdu Ali Al Hajj, a 44-year-old Yemeni detained since September 2004. But it...

August 13, 2018

Defense Authorization Strengthens Protections for Civilians Harmed in U.S. Military Operations

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today applauded two new measures in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act that will enhance national security by strengthening...

June 08, 2018

Experts Agree: Corker-Kaine AUMF Allows Congress to "Completely Abdicate" its Constitutional Duty

By Daniel Bergmann On Wednesday, during a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing led by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), senators from both sides of the aisle called for Congress to reassert its...

June 01, 2018

Pentagon Civilian Casualties Report Contains Glaring Gaps

Washington, D.C.—In response to today’s report submitted to Congress by the Department of Defense on civilian casualties, Human Rights First’s Rita Siemion issued the following statement: "The...

May 23, 2018

Senator Merkley Releases Tailored Authorization for Use of Military Force

Washington, D.C.—Human Rights First today praised the proposal from Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) for a new Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) that is tailored to current conflicts,...

Related Event

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October 10, 2016

Responding to the Needs of Yazidi Women and Girls Captured by Da’esh

The Permanent Missions of France, Iraq, and the United States Have the honor to invite you to a briefing

Featuring remarks by Iraqi, Yazidi Activists

Ameena Saeed Hasan and Khaleel Aldakhi

Recipients of the 2016 Human Rights First Award

Ms. Hasan and Mr. Aldakhi work courageously in northern Iraq to free Yazidi women and girls from Da’esh captivity and to provide support to survivors of enslavement and abuse.

Resources

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Issue Brief | 2019

Detaining and Prosecuting Terrorism Suspects

Introduction

As the armed conflict with various organized terrorist groups stretches into its sixteenth year, the United States continues to wrestle with the most effective way to handle captured terrorism suspects consistent with American values and the rule of law.

Issue Brief | January 22, 2019

The Strategic Benefits of Minimizing Civilian Harm in Counterterrorism Strikes

In the fight against terrorism, minimizing and addressing civilian harm resulting from U.S. strikes is one of our most powerful weapons for successfully defeating terrorist organizations. In...

Issue Brief | January 04, 2019

Detaining and Prosecuting Terrorism Suspects

Introduction As the armed conflict with various organized terrorist groups stretches into its sixteenth year, the United States continues to wrestle with the most effective way to handle captured...

Testimony | May 15, 2018

Testimony of Rita M. Siemion

Thank you, Chairman Corker and Ranking Member Menendez, for the invitation to be here today to discuss Senate Joint Resolution 59. After nearly 17 years of war, it is appropriate for Congress to...

Issue Brief | May 15, 2018

Drafting an Effective Authorization for Use of Military Force

Within days of the 9/11 attacks, Congress passed an authorization for use of military force (AUMF) against those who “planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on...