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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.

Terms of reference: UK Government policy on use of drones for targeted killing

Work news

Government has ducked central question about lethal drone strikes

Joint Committee on Human Rights is disappointed Government has refused to clarify its position

19 October 2016

Government must clarify legal case for lethal drone strikes outside armed conflict

Joint Committee on Human Rights publishes report on use of drones for targeted killing

Defence Secretary questioned on use of drones for targeted killing

Joint Committee on Human Rights questions Defence Secretary on UK's policy for use of drones for targeted killing

16 December 2015

Committee requests clarification of drone policy and invites witnesses

Joint Committee on Human Rights has written to Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Defence

5 November 2015

UK policy on use of drones for targeted killing inquiry

Joint Committee on Human Rights examines decision-making process and legal framework of drone use

29 October 2015

Contact us

The Committee is unable to look into individual cases

Email: jchr@parliament.uk
Phone: 0207 219 2793 (general enquiries) | 020 7219 8430 (media enquiries)
Address: Joint Committee on Human Rights, Houses of Parliament. London. SW1A 0AA