Human Rights and Military Conduct: A Progress Report
Abstract
Increased awareness of human rights over the last 30 years has led to new standards for state actors in peace and war. Human rights concerns have been particularly salient in the Western Hemisphere, where military dictatorships overthrew civilian regimes in much of the Southern Cone and Andes in the 1960s and 1970s, and where U.S. policies supported regimes in Central America that were opposed by Marxist-inspired guerrillas during the 1980s. Since the Cold War, democratic governments have promoted constitutional reforms aimed at subordinating the military to civilian control and preventing human rights abuses. Latin American militaries also have undergone a self-examination to adapt their roles and missions to the changing strategic environment. By and large they have endorsed democratic principles and human rights. Reflecting changes in national security strategy, the U.S. military has played a critical role in promoting democracy and human rights. This has been accompanied by operational changes in the role and mission of the forces deployed in the hemisphere. Human rights training has been intensified and efforts to reform military justice in Latin America have been introduced. While these initiatives have lowered the decibel level between human rights advocates and the military, there is no consensus on their effectiveness. Two crucial dilemmas arise in attempting to harmonize such efforts with other objectives. First, training has met obstacles that limit its impact. The backgrounds of many militaries have afforded them considerable freedom from civilian control while portraying them as guarantors of the state. Another dilemma involves threats such as drug trafficking, organized crime, and terrorism. This article reviews evolving programs and policies of the U.S. military regarding human rights training, particularly those implemented by the Southern Command in Latin America. (9 photographs, 2 maps)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA426735
Entities
People
- George R. Vickers
Organizations
- National Defense University