Security Assistance: Lapses in Human Rights Screening in North African Countries Indicate Need for Further Oversight
Abstract
Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia are important U.S. allies in the war on terrorism. The United States provides these countries with security assistance, however, Congress restricts funding when credible evidence exists that foreign security units have committed gross human rights violations. GAO (1) describes the goals of U.S. security assistance to these countries and examines U.S. agencies assessment of this assistance, (2) assesses U.S. agencies implementation in Morocco and Tunisia of States policy to screen foreign security forces to ensure compliance with congressional human rights funding restrictions, and (3) examines agencies efforts to monitor the use of U.S.-origin defense articles provided through U.S. security assistance programs in the three countries, including Western Sahara, to ensure that they are not misused or diverted. GAO visited U.S. posts in Morocco and Tunisia and analyzed trainee files to determine compliance with human rights vetting policy. GAO recommends that the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, strengthen the process for human rights vetting of foreign security forces by establishing a systematic monitoring mechanism that will ensure that States vetting procedures are carried out at overseas posts. State concurred with our recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2006
- Accession Number
- AD1166930
Entities
People
- David Dornisch
- Howard Cott
- James Krustapentus
- Joseph A. Christoff
- Lynn Cothern
- Mary Moutsos
- Muriel Forster
- Sidney Schwartz
- Victoria Lin
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office