Although Türkiye is not party to the Additional Protocol I to the [1949] Geneva Conventions (Additional Protocol I) relating to the protection of the victims in international armed conflicts, it fulfils its liabilities by investigating whether it is prohibited, according to the international law, as stated in Article 36 of this Protocol, before the employment or study, development, procurement or adoption of a new weapon, means or method of warfare.
In the light of Martens Clause, we consider in all of its activities that not prohibiting a weapon system under international law cannot be interpreted as a permission to use it. Legal reviews may guide state’s applications by becoming a source of international law they may have an obligatory or regulatory function against the use of weapon systems that violate humanitarian and ethical rules.
Statement by Türkiye (27 July 2022)
