Kelly Billingsley
U.S. Deputy Representative to the Human Rights Council
New York, New York
October 20, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Chair. We thank the Special Rapporteur for his work.
The United States reiterates its unequivocal rejection of extrajudicial executions. We remain deeply concerned that impunity for extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary killings, including those committed by individuals acting on behalf of a state in another state’s territory, continues to persist globally.
Extrajudicial killings often target members of marginalized and vulnerable communities – communities whose options for justice are limited. The continued efforts to obstruct accountability are deeply troubling, and we urge a fundamental shift from these punitive measures. Attacks on journalists and others that try to pierce this culture of impunity must stop.
Promoting accountability is also critical to transitional justice. If these efforts are to bear fruit, governments must work to eliminate the gap in trust between victims and the authorities. That begins with transparency.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, what policy reforms have been most successful in rebuilding trust with communities and in aiding transitional justice efforts?
I thank you.
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