UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Photo from the archive UN human rights chief: US airstrikes in Caribbean and Pacific violate international law International Law
Airstrikes carried out by the United States in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean against vessels “allegedly involved in drug trafficking” violate international human rights law. This was stated on Friday by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.
“Since early September, US forces have reportedly carried out a series of strikes on shipping in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, killing more than 60 people. These actions are indefensible under international law,” the High Commissioner said.
“Such attacks and the growing number of victims are unacceptable. The United States must stop these strikes and take all necessary measures to prevent extrajudicial executions of people on board these vessels, regardless of the alleged criminal acts on their part,” he added.
American authorities argue that these operations are carried out as part of the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism and fall under the rules of international humanitarian law. The fight against drug trafficking across international borders has long been recognized by States as a law enforcement task and is subject to the strict limits on the use of lethal force established by international human rights law, Turk emphasized. “Under international human rights law, the intentional use of lethal force is permissible only as a last resort against persons who pose an immediate threat to the lives of others.” discussed rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela in the Caribbean
“Based on the extremely limited information released by U.S. authorities, none of those on the vessels that were targeted appeared to pose such an imminent threat that could justify the use of lethal force in accordance with international law,” the Supreme Commander said Commissioner.
Turk called for immediate, independent and transparent investigations into these attacks.