The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned recent U.S. airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, calling them clear violations of international human rights law. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed since early September in these attacks, which the United States claims were aimed at vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Türk stated that such actions lack any justification under international law and urged the U.S. to immediately halt the operations to prevent further extrajudicial killings.
The U.S. government has defended the strikes as part of broader anti-drug and counter-terrorism efforts, arguing that they fall under the framework of international humanitarian law. However, Türk countered that drug trafficking is a law-enforcement issue that must comply with the strict limits on lethal force established under international human rights law. He emphasized that intentional lethal force can only be used as a last resort against individuals posing an imminent threat to life.
Türk pointed out that, based on limited public information, none of the individuals on the targeted boats appeared to present such a threat that would justify the use of deadly force. He called for prompt, independent, and transparent investigations into the incidents to ensure accountability.
While acknowledging the complexities of fighting international drug trafficking, the High Commissioner urged the U.S. to follow international law and relevant counter-narcotics treaties. He recommended that the authorities rely on lawful enforcement methods such as intercepting boats and detaining suspects in accordance with criminal law procedures. Türk concluded that individuals accused of serious crimes should be investigated and prosecuted under due process and fair trial principles — long-standing values the U.S. has historically supported.
