DRONE STRIKES TO FALL UNDER THE SCRUTINY OF THE U.N.
courtesy United Nations
The office of High Commissioner of the United Nations has ordered an investigation of drone attacks which might have resulted in civilian deaths. The announcement has come only days after an announcement from the US executive branch of a new policy allowing drone strikes against US citizens abroad that might be proven to be involved in terroristic activity.
Such inquiry was put in place following complaints from Russia, China and Pakistan.
The inquiry aims at examining reports of civilian deaths due to drone strikes. The evidence of such casualties would prove that the strikes are killing innocent people in violation of Human Rights International law.
The secondary aim of the inquiry is to establish the lawfulness of drone strikes itself. The Commissioner's office has stated that the inquiry is not targeting a State in particular, but the form of technology and its employment.
Drone technology in fact seems to be ubiquitous, and the escalation of its use poses some serious privacy and human rights concerns. While older drones were highly inaccurate, new technology seems to allows a greater visual refinement of images before an order of striking is issued. This should diminish civilian mortality in the future.
The inquiry has also requested release of before and after video evidence in past drone strikes, which would be matched to the internal reports of those killed, including civilians.
The inquiry will look at 25 specific drone strikes in separate countries. Ultimately the inquiry also seeks to find evidence needed for the formulation of a body of international laws that would regulate the worldwide use of drones in the future.
Source: Al Jazeera, 2.8.13
No comments:
Post a Comment