Calls for Congress to hold hearings on the death of Trayvon Martin don’t go far enough for Jesse Jackson: He’s demanding international oversight. The reverend wants the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate the case as well.

“And it’s time to call on the United Nations Human Rights Commission for an in-depth investigation of whether the U.S. is upholding its obligations under international human-rights laws and treaties,” Jackson said. (CNS.com notes that the Human Rights Commission was actually replaced by the Human Rights Council in 2006.)


U.N. officials, including the council’s top official, weighed in on the case when it first began to unfold. High Commissioner Navi Pillay called for an investigation last year. Other committees associated with the council pointed to the case in terms of race as well and criticized Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” laws.

The HRC is often criticized for being composed of nations notable for their own human-rights violations. Last year the terms of China, Cuba, and Saudi Arabia expired, but Pakistan and Venezuela remain members.

Jackson also voiced support for a congressional investigation. Illinois Democrat Luis Gutiérrez called for Judiciary Committee hearings on the case earlier this week.