The UN Should Mandate Compensation for Those Affected by Drone Attacks

In his report, U.N. Special Rapporteur on Counter Terrorism and Human Rights Ben Emmerson said that the number of drone attacks in Pakistan has decreased, and there have been no drone attacks in the current year. The decrease has occurred in response to requests from Pakistan’s government.

Emerson further said that there is a need to investigate the deaths occurring from drone attacks. While the U.S. was targeting wanted extremists, innocent Pakistani citizens, including women and children, were also victims. This is acknowledged by U.S. officials, too.

The increased hatred of the American and Pakistani governments, which has also lead to increased terrorism, was a natural consequence of the killing of innocent people. It is a good thing that the U.S. has put an end to drone attacks. The United Nations’ demand for an investigation is justified.

Transparent investigations should be undertaken to investigate the deaths of innocent people, and the U.N. should secure compensation from the U.S. to pay to the victims’ families.