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UN Human Rights Chief: Investigate Trayvon Martin Killing Immediately

Navi Pillay: "It calls into question the delivery of justice in all situations like this."

The United Nations human rights chief has called for an "immediate investigation" into the killing of Trayvon Martin.

Navi Pillay, the UN human rights chief, made the comments at a press conference in Barbados.

Trayvon Martin Protest - Sanford

She also expressed concern over Florida's controversial "Stand Your Ground" law, which has come under scrutiny since the killing of Martin by "neighborhood watchman" George Zimmerman.

"As High Commissioner for Human Rights, I call for an immediate investigation," Pillay told reporters.

"Justice must be done for the victim. It's not just this individual case. It calls into question the delivery of justice in all situations like this."

"The law should operate equally in respect of all violations. I will be awaiting an investigation and prosecution and trial and of course reparations for the victims concerned," Pillay said.

The ACLU has also called for an investigation into Martin's killing. Dennis Parker, director of the ACLU Racial Justice Program, stated, "Trayvon's family and the nation deserve a full and fair investigation of the killing, as well as a thorough examination of the fatal effects that racial discrimination has in our country. The failure to take decisive steps now will only ensure that this tragedy will be repeated."

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Agence France-Presse: UN rights chief calls for Trayvon Martin probe

BRIDGETOWN -- UN rights chief Navi Pillay on Thursday called for an "immediate investigation" into the circumstances surrounding the February death of an unarmed black US teen, shot by a neighborhood watchman.

Pillay made the comments about the controversial Trayvon Martin case at a press conference in Barbados, as she wrapped up a three-day visit to the Caribbean island nation. [...]

The case has unleashed a national uproar over race relations and the right to self-defense in the United States.

Pillay expressed shock that Zimmerman was not arrested right away, and expressed concern about Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, which allows the use of deadly force in situations where there is a belief of a threat.

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