The US State Department has eliminated its online portal, the Human Rights Reporting Gateway (HRG), which served as a channel for reporting human rights violations by foreign military units equipped with American weapons. This portal was established in 2022 to comply with the Leahy Law, which mandates the government to gather information on alleged human rights abuses. Critics, including a former congressional aide involved in drafting the law, have condemned the removal, arguing it undermines the ability to monitor and address such violations. While the State Department maintains it is still adhering to its legal obligations, the closure comes amidst a broader restructuring and a perceived shift in focus on human rights within the department.
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The U.S. State Department’s $6 million payment to El Salvador for housing deported immigrants in CECOT, a maximum-security prison, raises concerns about Leahy Law compliance. Critics argue that the prison’s conditions, including allegations of torture and denial of due process, violate the law prohibiting U.S. funding of foreign security forces with credible human rights abuse allegations. The Trump administration defends its actions, citing a partnership with El Salvador to address immigration, but the legality of the payments and the treatment of detainees remain highly contested. Despite the State Department’s denial of any wrongdoing, experts and former officials express serious concerns, emphasizing the lack of access to CECOT and the consistent reports of abuse within El Salvador’s prison system.
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The recent revelation by the US State Department that five units of the Israeli military have been implicated in gross violations of human rights does not come as a surprise to many. The lack of detailed information provided on the specific incidents, the units involved, or the effectiveness of remediation efforts leaves much to be desired. It appears that even when accusations are made, there is a reluctance to hold the Israeli army directly accountable for their actions.
The Leahy law, which prohibits the US government from providing assistance to foreign security forces involved in gross human rights violations, is a critical tool to address such atrocities.… Continue reading
It’s truly disheartening to see the current stance that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken in regard to rejecting any potential US sanctions on specific army units. The fact that Netanyahu is willing to flat out refuse any repercussions for army units involved in gross human rights violations is not only alarming but also sets a dangerous precedent.
The Leahy Law, established in 1997 by then-Senator Patrick Leahy, aims to prevent US funding or training from being utilized by foreign military units involved in severe human rights abuses. The fact that the Netzah Yehuda battalion, an ultra-orthodox Haredi unit, has come under scrutiny for allegations of unaddressed human rights violations should be cause for concern, not outright denial.… Continue reading
The recent statement by the Pentagon claiming that there is no evidence of unfolding genocide in Gaza has sparked a flurry of reactions and opinions from various quarters. While some may view this as a comprehensive investigation, others are quick to dismiss it as a mere attempt to cover up grave human rights violations. The Leahy Law, designed to prevent US foreign aid from reaching security forces involved in human rights abuses, seems to be conveniently sidestepped in this scenario. It raises the question of whether the US’s foreign policy priorities align more with safeguarding interests rather than upholding human rights.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker