标签： North America

The United Nations’ human rights chief, Volker Türk, has strongly criticized the United States for its military strikes on vessels allegedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Pacific. Türk labeled these lethal attacks as violations of international law, describing them as ‘extrajudicial killings.’ Since early September, more than 60 people have reportedly been killed in these strikes. Türk called the actions ‘unacceptable’ and urged Washington to immediately halt the operations and conduct independent, transparent investigations. The US has defended its actions, with President Donald Trump asserting that the strikes are necessary to curb drug trafficking into the country and that he has the legal authority to continue targeting boats in international waters. Türk acknowledged the challenges of combating drug trafficking but emphasized that the deadly strikes ‘find no justification in international law.’ He stressed that countering illicit drug trafficking is a law-enforcement matter, governed by strict limits on the use of lethal force under international human rights law. Türk noted that based on the limited information provided by US authorities, none of the individuals on the targeted boats appeared to pose an imminent threat to life. He called on the US to employ law enforcement methods such as intercepting boats, detaining suspects, and prosecuting individuals when necessary. The strikes, primarily occurring off the coast of South America in the Caribbean, have also extended to the Pacific, where at least 18 people were killed this week. The US has deployed troops, aircraft, and naval vessels to the region, including the world’s largest warship, the USS Gerald R Ford. The actions have sparked condemnation across the region, with experts questioning their legality. Members of the US Congress, from both parties, have raised concerns and challenged the president’s authority to order such strikes. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed disagreement with the attacks and called for meetings with the US ambassador, insisting on the respect of international treaties. The US actions have also heightened tensions with Colombia and Venezuela. The US has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of failing to curb drug trafficking, while Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization. Venezuela’s attorney general accused the US of attempting to overthrow the government and seize its natural resources. The US does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader following the widely disputed 2024 election.

President Donald Trump has intensified his call for Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster rule, aiming to resolve the prolonged government shutdown, now in its 30th day. The filibuster, a longstanding Senate procedure, mandates a 60-vote supermajority for most legislative actions. With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, abolishing the rule would enable them to pass a funding bill without Democratic backing. Trump took to social media, urging his party to deploy the ‘Nuclear Option’ and immediately discard the filibuster. The shutdown, initiated on October 1, has disrupted essential services for millions, with over 40 million low-income households at risk of losing access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Federal workers have missed paychecks, and concerns are mounting over potential flight delays as air traffic controllers and airport staff continue working without pay. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has previously opposed altering the filibuster, citing its role as a safeguard for minority rights. Despite Trump’s push, most senators have left Washington for the weekend, with no clear progress toward reopening the government. The ‘nuclear option’ remains uncertain, as many Republicans fear its long-term consequences if Democrats regain control. The shutdown ensued after Democrats rejected a stopgap funding measure unless Republicans extended healthcare subsidies for low-income Americans, a demand Republicans dismissed as unrelated policy leverage.

During International Law Week at the United Nations headquarters in New York, a side event was held to introduce the newly established International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the organization and encouraging broader participation among member states. Initiated three years ago by China and like-minded countries, the IOMed aims to promote the peaceful resolution of international disputes and foster global cooperation. The Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed was signed in May, entered into force in August, and began operations in Hong Kong in October. As the initiator and host country, China co-hosted the event to present the IOMed as a new intergovernmental legal organization. Geng highlighted that the IOMed aligns with the UN Charter’s principles and China’s Global Governance Initiative, offering a complementary mechanism to existing dispute resolution methods. The organization focuses on autonomy, flexibility, and efficiency in mediation, aiming to support developing countries through capacity-building initiatives. Sun Jin, deputy secretary-general of the IOMed, described the organization as an ‘open, inclusive, affordable, and efficient’ platform designed to enhance global mediation efforts. Representatives from Pakistan and Nicaragua praised the IOMed for its principled and impartial approach to resolving disputes, emphasizing its potential to strengthen international law and global economic governance.