Features

November 2008

Introducing the U.S. Accountability Project

Visit the U.S. Accountability Project's program page for a complete description.

It is now widely acknowledged that since September 11, 2001, in its pursuit of a "war on terror," the U.S. administration has authorized and carried out policies involving the systematic abuse of human rights, including the widespread use of torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and secret and arbitrary detention. President Barack Obama has promised to put an end to torture and close the U.S. prison at Guantánamo. These will constitute important first steps in closing a shameful chapter in the history of American security policy in which laws, both domestic and international, were blatantly flouted, and administration policy operated behind a veil of secrecy and in disregard of basic democratic checks and balances.

In 2007 ICTJ initiated its U.S. Accountability Project. ICTJ first reviewed the range of reported serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations and assessed the existence and extent of an "accountability gap." Since June 2008 the Center has developed and made available pragmatic policy advice on accountability, grounded in practical experience and international standards, and attuned to the political realities of the United States.

In particular, the research and advice is focused on a series of measures -- truth commissions, prosecutions, reparations, and security system reform -- that are important mechanisms for achieving the desired change. Research and advice is aimed at equipping both the new administration and U.S. advocacy groups with a greater understanding of what policy choices exist, what benefits and risks attach to those policies and what considerations should guide decision-making. 

Lisa Magarrell, senior associate for U.S. programs and director of ICTJ's Reparations Program; and Carolyn Patty Blum, senior project consultant, lead the U.S. Accountability Project.

More information is available at the U.S. Accountability Project program page.