Published: 17:19, June 16, 2025
UN rights chief urges US to not use military force in anti-Trump protests
By Reuters
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk delivers a speech at the opening of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, on Feb 24, 2025. (PHOTO / AFP)

GENEVA - The UN human rights chief on Monday urged US authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and refrain from using military force in the context of large protests against President Donald Trump's actions while in office.

READ MORE: 'No Kings' protests target Trump policies amid military parade

"I urge the authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and to uphold human rights in law enforcement, including by refraining from any resort to military force when civilian authorities are capable of maintaining public order," Volker Turk told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in a broad opening speech.

His comments come after Trump sent US marines to Los Angeles to square off against protesters as part of a rare use of military force to support domestic police.