Press Release
















(Halbergman via Getty)











Responding to the reported circulation of a draft resolution in the U.S. Congress to authorize the use of military force against alleged drug traffickers, Amnesty International USA’s Director of Security and Human Rights, Daphne Eviatar, said: 



“If Congress authorized using military force against suspected drug traffickers, it would not change the fact that such lethal strikes amount to extrajudicial executions and have no legal justification whatsoever under international human rights law. 



“Congress must not rubber stamp further unlawful strikes and should instead work to hold the administration accountable for its illegal actions.” 



Background 



U.S. media reported that a draft resolution has circulated in Congress to authorize military force against “groups that the executive branch designates as terrorists and that Mr. Trump determines, in consultation with Congress, have either trafficked in drugs to finance terrorist activities or used terrorist tactics to advance narcotics-related enterprises.” 



On September 3, the U.S. claimed it bombed a boat allegedly departed from Venezuela, killing 11 people. On September 15, President Trump claimed responsibility for another lethal airstrike opens in a new tab on a boat in the Caribbean, reportedly killing three people. A third case remains unconfirmed. Trump has vowed to conduct more strikes.  



Under international human rights law, intentional lethal force can only be used when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat, and when no less harmful means, such as capture, are available. Moreover, any use of lethal force must be proportionate to the threat faced in the prevailing circumstances, particularly with a view to minimizing risks posed to human life and personal integrity. 



Contact: media@aiusa.org opens in a new tab