Weapons reviews
A normative and operational framework
- Should acknowledge that national legal weapon reviews provide an important framework to determine whether a new weapons system, means or method of warfare can be used in compliance with international law. In accordance with States’ obligations under international law, in the study, development, acquisition, or adoption of a new weapon, means or method of warfare, determination must be made whether its employment would, in some or all circumstances, be prohibited by international law.
- Should promote the sharing of information, where appropriate, regarding the modus operandi and underlying principles of national legal weapon reviews and Article 36 [AP I] procedures to address any challenges posed by new technologies in the area of LAWS.
Written Contribution on Possible Consensus Recommendations: Submitted by the European Union (June 2021)
