Review of new weapons

Parties to an armed conflict are limited in their choice of weapons, and in the means and methods of warfare they use, by the rules of international humanitarian law. When developing or acquiring new weapons, States should determine whether they comply with these rules. Current advances in new technologies mean that it continues to be vitally important to assess the legality of new weapons. Read full overview

Highlights

Treaty Law

Protocol I additional to the Geneva Conventions, 1977 – art. 36

Publications More publications

A Guide to the Legal Review of New Weapons, Means and Methods of Warfare

Measures to Implement Article 36 of Additional Protocol I of 1977

Analysis

Reviewing the legality of new weapons, means and methods of warfare

Parties to an armed conflict are limited in their choice of weapons, means and methods of warfare by the rules of international humanitarian law (IHL) governing the conduct of hostilities. This article goes back to the relevant rules.

31-12-2006 | International Review of the Red Cross | Kathleen Lawand
New wars, new weapons? The obligation of States to assess the legality of means and methods of warfare

30-06-2002 | International Review of the Red Cross | Isabelle Daoust, Robin Coupland, Rikke Ishoey