States and some organisations have expressed their views about the utility, purpose, scope and process of the legal review of weapons in various different contexts. Some of these views have been recorded domestic documents, such as military manuals on the law of armed conflict. Increasingly, however, States and organisations have articulated their positions in a range of international fora, either through written submissions or oral interventions.
This database compiles and organises publicly expressed views in relation to legal reviews, without prejudice to their relative significance or effect (for example, in terms of the development of customary international law). The database aims to comprehensively reflect the views of states but only covers the positions of a small number of selected organisations.
This database currently contains 379 positions and is continuously updated. Any corrections, or suggestions to add material, are welcome.
1 position OEWG Cyber 2021–2025 (remove filter)
2023
Costa Rica’s Position on the Application of International Law in Cyberspace
56. The legality of all new weapons, means and methods of warfare, including cyber capabilities, must be systematically assessed by all States. IHL requires that in the study, development, acquisition or adoption of any new weapon, means or method of warfare, States must determine whether …