Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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October 31, 2025 International law
Airstrikes carried out by the United States in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean against vessels "allegedly linked to drug trafficking" violate international human rights law, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated on Friday.
"Since early September, US forces have reportedly carried out a series of attacks on shipping in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, resulting in the deaths of more than 60 people. These actions are unjustifiable under international law," the High Commissioner said.
"Such attacks and the growing death toll are unacceptable. The United States must cease these strikes and take all necessary measures to prevent extrajudicial executions of people aboard these vessels, regardless of their alleged criminal activities," he added.
American authorities claim that these operations are being carried out as part of the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism and fall under the norms of international humanitarian law.
The United States must stop these strikes and take all necessary measures to prevent extrajudicial killings of people.
"However, combating drug trafficking across international borders—as states have long recognized—is a law enforcement task and is governed by strict limits on the use of lethal force established by international human rights law," Türk emphasized. "Under international human rights law, the intentional use of lethal force is permissible only as a last resort against individuals who pose an immediate threat to the lives of others."
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“Based on the very limited information released by the US authorities, none of those on the targeted vessels appeared to pose an imminent threat that would justify the use of lethal force under international law,” the High Commissioner noted.
Türk called for prompt, independent and transparent investigations into these attacks.
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