United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (1990)
United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (1990)
The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (1990) provide international standards for the responsible use of force by law enforcement.
- Principle 9 – Law enforcement officials shall not use firearms unless strictly unavoidable to protect life.
- Principle 4 & 5 – Use of force must be proportionate, necessary, and a last resort.
🚫 Violation: The use of indiscriminate or excessive force — including "shoot on sight" or "shoot in the leg" orders — constitutes a clear breach of these principles, especially when directed at unarmed or peaceful protesters.
These principles reinforce the obligation of states and their security agencies to uphold human rights, particularly the right to life and the right to peaceful assembly.