Committees

Government's policy on use of drones for targeted killing

Inquiry

The Government has not published any formulated policy on the use of drones for targeted killing. As a result there is a lack of clarity about the policy; about whether and how the legal frameworks of international humanitarian law, international human rights law and ordinary criminal law apply; and about the relevant legal tests and principles that apply to the use of lethal force in such circumstances.

It is not clear how the relevant decision-makers test the sufficiency of evidence, who checks that the tests are satisfied, and what the framework of accountability is. The uncertainty not only makes accountability difficult, it potentially exposes front line personnel to criminal liability for the unlawful use of lethal force.

Upcoming events

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Past events

Wednesday 16 December 2015
3:30pm Public
Government's policy on use of drones for targeted killing - Oral evidence 16 December 2015
Not available
Wednesday 9 December 2015
4:00pm Public
Government's policy on use of drones for targeted killing - Oral evidence 9 December 2015
Not available

Contact us

We receive a significant number of emails each day. All requests and invitations are considered but we do not respond directly to everyone. Please be aware, the committee does not look at individual cases or specific complaints.

  • Email: jchr@parliament.uk
  • Address: Joint Committee on Human Rights, Houses of Parliament. London. SW1A 0AA