Do US missile strikes in the Caribbean infringe on human rights?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- US missile strikes are criticized for violating international law.
- Venezuela claims minimal involvement in drug trafficking.
- Brazil expresses concern over potential conflict.
- International humanitarian law is at the center of the debate.
- Calls for peace in South America are urgent.
Caracas, Nov 27 (NationPress) The recent missile strikes by the United States targeting vessels in the Caribbean are deemed a violation of international law and human rights, according to Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab.
"These actions have breached international law," Saab stated on Wednesday, referencing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and various human rights treaties concerning the US assaults in international waters.
Saab further clarified, "If a ship does not present an immediate threat, employing lethal force is a breach of international humanitarian law."
He emphasized that Venezuela does not cultivate cocaine or marijuana, pointing out that, per United Nations statistics, "less than 5 percent of the drugs intended for the United States" transit through Venezuela, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Over the past eight years, the Attorney General's Office has initiated 60,820 drug trafficking prosecutions against Venezuelan citizens, leading to 21,370 convictions and the confiscation of over 370 tonnes of illegal drugs.
Earlier on Sunday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed significant concern regarding the US military's presence in the Caribbean Sea and intends to discuss the matter with US President Donald Trump to avert potential conflict with Venezuela.
Lula remarked that South America should remain a zone of peace, devoid of nuclear arms, asserting that "there is no justification for conflict." He emphasized the senselessness of war, stating, "It's easy to initiate conflict; we must strive for a solution before escalation occurs."
Given Brazil's pivotal role in South America, sharing a border with Venezuela, Lula expressed the country's responsibility in this matter.
In recent weeks, the US military has heightened its presence in the Caribbean Sea following Washington's announcement to intensify efforts against drug trafficking, which allegedly contributes to the deaths of millions of Americans.