Human Rights Watch Urges UN to Launch Probe into ‘Summary Killings’ by Government Forces
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the United Nations to launch an investigation into the ‘summary killings’ carried out by government forces in January. The human rights organization has raised concerns about the extrajudicial killings of civilians by security forces in several countries, including Nigeria, the Philippines, and Venezuela.
The term ‘summary killings’ refers to the unlawful and deliberate killing of individuals without due process of law. These killings are often carried out by state actors, such as police or military forces, and are a violation of international human rights law. HRW has documented numerous cases of summary killings in recent years, including the targeting of activists, journalists, and political opponents.
In Nigeria, HRW has raised concerns about the extrajudicial killings of civilians by security forces during protests against police brutality in October 2020. The organization has called on the Nigerian government to hold those responsible for the killings accountable and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
In the Philippines, HRW has documented thousands of extrajudicial killings as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘war on drugs.’ The organization has called on the Philippine government to end its campaign of violence and hold those responsible for the killings accountable. HRW has also called on the International Criminal Court to investigate the situation in the Philippines as a possible crime against humanity.
In Venezuela, HRW has raised concerns about the extrajudicial killings of civilians by security forces as part of President Nicolas Maduro’s crackdown on dissent. The organization has called on the Venezuelan government to end its campaign of repression and hold those responsible for the killings accountable. HRW has also called on the UN Human Rights Council to establish an independent investigation into the situation in Venezuela.
HRW’s call for a UN investigation into the ‘summary killings’ carried out by government forces in January comes amid growing concerns about human rights abuses around the world. The organization has urged the UN to take action to address these abuses and hold those responsible accountable.
In a statement, HRW said, “The UN must launch a prompt and impartial investigation into the summary killings carried out by government forces in January. These extrajudicial killings are a violation of international human rights law and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
HRW has called on the UN Security Council to take action to address the situation and ensure justice for the victims of summary killings. The organization has also called on member states to support efforts to hold those responsible for the killings accountable and prevent future abuses.
In conclusion, HRW’s call for a UN investigation into the ‘summary killings’ carried out by government forces in January highlights the need for action to address human rights abuses around the world. The organization has urged the UN to take a stand against these violations and ensure justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings. It is essential that the international community comes together to condemn these abuses and hold those responsible accountable.