Independent UN rights expert calls on United States to re-examine gun laws

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to education has called on the United States to consider reforming its gun laws in the wake of last week’s shooting rampage at a university campus where a man killed 32 others and then himself.

Voicing his “profound sadness” following the massacre on 16 April at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Vernor Muñoz Villalobos issued a statement yesterday saying he was confident that US authorities would undertake a thorough investigation.

“Given the fact that similar incidents occurred in educative establishments on other occasions, I hope that the renewed reflection and debate that this sad event has triggered in the United States on the implications of the legislation related to the possession of arms by the general public will encourage the society to consider the possibility to revise it,” he said.

Mr. Muñoz Villalobos reiterated that everyone has the right to a safe and protected learning environment.

“As I have stated before, the targeting of schools, universities, students, teachers and other civilians for any reason is unacceptable,” the statement said.

Extending condolences, he added: “My thoughts are with the parents, families and friends of all those who were victims in the attack.”

Mr. Muñoz Villalobos, who serves in an independent, unpaid capacity, reports to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.