AS DELIVERED

The United States expresses concern about extrajudicial killings, even in countries that have made great strides in overcoming a history of human rights violations.

The United States is concerned that impunity for extrajudicial killings has become common in many nations around the world.

In Nicaragua, as part of the Ortega Murillo regime’s crackdown on dissent, mobs acting on the orders of the President have attacked peaceful protesters in concert with the National Police, have killed over 350 innocent people

The United States remains concerned about ongoing reports of extrajudicial killings by or at the behest of government authorities in the Philippines, particularly in the country’s fight against illegal drugs.

The United States expresses concern about the increasing number of allegations of extrajudicial killings by Malian security forces.

The United States is concerned by increasing violence against civilians in Cameroon. Armed separatists have also engaged in violence against civilians. This includes allegations of extrajudicial killings by security forces in the Northwest, Southwest, and Far North regions.

On the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the United States government continues to seek all relevant facts and is consulting with Congress and other partners to hold accountable those responsible for killing Mr. Khashoggi; the United States does not tolerate the ruthless violence to silence Mr. Khashoggi.

We urge the governments of these states to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into all reports of extrajudicial killings and to ensure that all law enforcement efforts are conducted in a manner that respects human rights under domestic and international laws.

How can countries best implement effective mechanisms to reduce the occurrence of extrajudicial killings?