UN asks US to suspend attacks on vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific

High Commissioner classifies US actions as unacceptable

The United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called on the United States to stop “unacceptable attacks” against vessels “allegedly linked to drug trafficking” in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

“More than 60 people have reportedly been killed in a continuous series of attacks carried out by US armed forces against vessels in the Caribbean and the Pacific since the beginning of September, in circumstances that find no justification under international law”, declared this Friday (31), in a note, the UN.

Violation of rights

According to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, the attacks carried out by the Donald Trump government on vessels violate international human rights law.

“These attacks – and their growing human cost – are unacceptable. The US must stop such attacks and take all necessary measures to prevent the extrajudicial execution of people aboard these vessels, regardless of the criminal conduct alleged against them”, warned the OHCHR member.

The note recalls that, according to arguments presented by the United States, the actions are part of necessary operations to combat drugs and terrorism and constitute actions governed by international humanitarian law.

“However, combating the serious problem of illicit drug trafficking across international borders is – as has long been recognized among states – a matter of law enforcement, governed by the strict limits on the use of lethal force established by international human rights law,” said Volker Türk.

Lethal force is a last resort

“Under international human rights law, the intentional use of lethal force is only permitted as a last resort against individuals who pose an imminent threat to life,” he added.

According to Türk, “based on the scant information publicly released by US authorities, none of the individuals aboard the targeted vessels appeared to pose an imminent threat to the lives of others or justify the use of lethal armed force against them under international law.”

Considering recognizing “the challenges involved in combating drug trafficking”, Türk urged the US government to respect international law, “including that established in applicable anti-drug treaties, of which the US is also a signatory”.

Investigations

Against this backdrop, the high commissioner called for rapid, independent and transparent investigations into these attacks.

In this regard, he called on authorities to maintain the use of “well-established law enforcement methods to respond to alleged illicit trafficking, including the lawful interception of vessels and the detention of suspects, in accordance with applicable standards of criminal law.”

The OHCHR statement ends by suggesting that the US, if necessary, continue with investigations, but that the prosecution and punishment of those accused of serious crimes must be carried out in accordance with the fundamental principles of the rule of law, due process and fair trial, “for which the US has always stood out”.

Originally published by Agência Brasil on 10/31/2025

By Pedro Peduzzi – Reporter at Agência Brasil – Brasília

Editing: Kleber Sampaio