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May 29, 2013

U.N. Rights Chief Criticizes Drone Warfare, Guantánamo 
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In her most forceful comments to date on the use of armed drones, the
U.N.'s top human rights official, Navi Pillay, called their use
"profoundly" disturbing.

Navi Pillay: "I also continue to be profoundly disturbed at the human
rights implications of the use of armed drones in the context of
counterterrorism and military operations, with an increasing number of
states seeking to acquire such weapons. I urge all states to be
completely transparent regarding criteria for deploying drone strikes,
and to ensure that their use complies fully with relevant international
law. Where violations do occur, states should conduct independent,
impartial, prompt and effective investigations, and provide victims with
an effective remedy."

Pillay's comments came during her opening address to the U.N. Human
Rights Council in Geneva. During her remarks, she also renewed her call
for the United States to close the military prison at Guantánamo Bay.

Navi Pillay: "I have repeatedly urged the government of the United
States of America to close Guantánamo Bay in compliance with its
obligations under international human rights law. I therefore
acknowledge President Obama's statement last Thursday outlining
practical steps towards closing the detention facilities, such as the
lifting of the moratorium on transferring relevant detainees to Yemen. I
encourage the United States to ensure that all such measures are carried
out in compliance with its obligations under international human rights
law."

 

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