- "Protecting human rights in the context of counter-terrorism has continued to be problematic, as with the failure to close the United States' Guantanamo Bay detention facility...Armed drone strikes have also raised deep concern, particularly regarding transparency, accountability and redress for victims. My Rule of Law colleagues and the Special Rapporteurs on Extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions, and on protection of human rights while countering terrorism, are addressing this topic."
In 2011 Pillay also questioned the U.S. on legality of Osama bin Laden killing. "This was a complex operation and it would be helpful if we knew the precise facts surrounding his killing. The United Nations has consistently emphasized that all counter-terrorism acts must respect international law," Pillay said in a statement.