Interactive Dialogue with Morris Tidball-Binz,
Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered By Charlie Trumbull
Human Rights Council – 50th Session
Thank you, Mr. President. We would also like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his work, report, and presentation.
The United States abhors any use of summary executions; it is a moral affront that contravenes established international human rights law and every notion of humanity. We reject any justification for such horrendous violations of human rights and stand with those who seek justice for victims and their families.
Unfortunately, on the 40th anniversary of this mandate, extrajudicial killings and summary executions continue to be reported in countries such as the DPRK, Mali, the Philippines, Russia, and Venezuela. These ongoing human rights violations around the world underscore the necessity and relevancy of your mandate.
We call particular attention to disturbing reports of retaliatory killings perpetrated by the Taliban against former members of the government and civil society since its takeover last year. We condemn these actions in no uncertain terms and call on the Taliban to respect the human rights of all people in Afghanistan.
Mr. Rapporteur, we agree with your assessment that an integral part of ensuring prevention is the cooperation of governments in maintaining and promoting actions that emphasize respect for human rights from the outset.
Our hope is that this mandate will continue to be a driver for change in governments’ laws, policies, and practices in the fight against extrajudicial killings.
Mr. Rapporteur: What best practices should be included to ensure we view the problem of summary executions through a more inclusive gender lens?
Thank you.
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