Washington, D.C., June 6, 2025 – Today, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (“RFK Human Rights”), submitted a detailed report to the Special Rapporteur, an independent expert appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council, highlighting emerging trends and patterns in U.S. law enforcement’s use of lethal force. 

Submitted ahead of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, set to take place September 2025 in New York, the RFK Human Rights report details the disproportionate use of lethal force against Black people in the United States, the widespread funneling of military-grade weapons to police departments, and law enforcement’s brutal repression of civic space. The report includes three emblematic examples of these issues through the cases of Mike Brown, Rekia Boyd, and Manuel Esteban Paez Terán. RFK Human Rights currently represents the families of these victims before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. These cases are still pending before the international tribunal. 

“Killings by police and impunity are unfortunately still rampant in the United States,” said Delia Addo-Yobo, attorney at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. “While we welcome progress, like the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in Barnes v. Felix to abide by the ‘totality of the circumstances’ standard when reviewing excessive force cases, there is still much to be done to end police violence.”

The RFK Human Rights report was submitted in response to the Special Rapporteur on summary, extrajudicial or arbitrary executions request for input on the contexts and instances in which law enforcement arbitrarily use lethal force, the challenges to hold the police accountable for civilian deaths, how impunity for killings by police impacts society and communities—including long-term effects on social trust—and good practices that lead to effective accountability. 

About Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights:
We are a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that has worked to realize Robert F. Kennedy’s dream of a more just and peaceful world since 1968. In partnership with local activists, we advocate for key human rights issues—championing change makers and pursuing strategic litigation at home and around the world. And to ensure change that lasts, we foster a social-good approach to business and investment and educate millions of students about human rights and social justice.