UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (1979)
UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (1979)
The United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979, sets out international standards for ethical behavior and the use of force by law enforcement personnel. As a member state, Kenya is expected to uphold these standards through its policing institutions.
- Article 2: "In the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials shall respect and protect human dignity and maintain and uphold the human rights of all persons."
- Article 3: "Law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty."
🔴 Violation: So-called "shoot-to-kill" or excessive force orders violate the principle of minimum force and demonstrate a clear disregard for the value of human dignity and life, especially when applied to unarmed civilians or peaceful protesters.