Summary
The U.S. State Department has taken down a website used for reporting alleged human rights abuses by foreign military units armed by the U.S. This site, known as the Human Rights Reporting Gateway, allowed individuals and organizations to report such incidents directly. The removal of the site has been criticized by human rights advocates and some lawmakers.
Key Facts
- The U.S. State Department removed an online portal for reporting human rights abuses by foreign military units supported by the U.S.
- The site, called the Human Rights Reporting Gateway, was the only publicly accessible channel for reporting these abuses.
- Human rights activists and a congressional aide have criticized the site's removal.
- The portal had been created to align with the Leahy Law, which requires the U.S. government to accept information on human rights violations by foreign forces they equip.
- Reports of excessive force during protests in Colombia and potential cases involving the Israeli Defense Forces in the West Bank were submitted through the site.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a State Department reorganization, affecting human rights monitoring.
- Critics argue that the restructuring weakened the department's ability to address human rights issues.
