4.9 Military action and human rights

Give an example of military interventions being justified by humanitarian interests instead of national interests.

In 2011, the UN approved the use of force to counter the actions of the Libyan government as they cracked down on protests in favour of democracy. Although realistic reasons like a desire for regime change and energy security existed, there was instead a human rights argument

What are the arguments that strategic alliances and valuable trade deals carry more weight with governments than human rights concerns?

The UK trained military personnel from 17 of 30 countries where torture and sexual violence still occur, which critics argue shows an ignorance of abuses

What is a potential justification for countries sending military aid to governments with poor human rights records?

That by continuing with the military aid, they can pressure the recipient nations to improve their human rights records

What do critics of countries that send military aid to governments with poor human rights records argue?

That ignoring human rights abuses is in effect condoning them, and continuing to support a government that represses its citizens undermines the basic principle of human rights protection. Some aid can also end up being used to commit further human rights abuses

What is included in Colombia;s human rights abuses?

‘Widespread and systematic’ use of torture by the country’s military and paramilitary forces

What is the argument for the USA giving military aid to Colombia?

That it helps to maintain peace, tackle illegal armed groups and fight criminal organisations involved in illegal people or drug trafficking

What was the ‘war on terror’?

A global military, political and legal battle against terrorist organisations and any governments that supported them.

What were some of the justifications for the ‘war on terror’?

That military action was required against Saddam Hussein and Iraq, particularly a supposed ‘weapon of mass destruction’ illegally possessed by Iraq

What is extraordinary rendition?

The secret transfer of a terror suspect, without legal process, to a foreign government for detention and interrogation

What is the UK accused of in relation to extraordinary rendition and the DHR?

The UK allowed American aircraft to stop for refuelling at UK airports more than 1600 times

How has the USA’s national security and global reputation been damaged by its use of extraordinary rendition and torture techniques?

American citizens and military personnel are now at greater risk of being treated more harshly if captured. The level of trust between the US government and community based organisations working to prevent terrorism has been eroded

What factors have allowed detainees to be held at Guantanamo Bay for an indefinite time without access to legal representation or trial?

The fact that it is in Cuba, which means they are not covered by US laws. The detainees also have ‘enemy combatant’ status, which means that they could be denied some legal protections