STM Human Rights Standards in The Use of Force and Firearms

HumanRightsStandardsintheUseof
Force
TableofContents
PreparatoryNotestoInstructor ........................................................................ 1
SessionNotes .................................................................................................. 5
LegalBasisonUseofForce..............................................................................6
LearningActivity:PLAN ................................................................................. 9
ProceduresfortheUseofFirearms.................................................................12
LearningOutcomeAssessment ..................................................................... 16
OptionalLearningActivity:CaseStudies ....................................................... 19
UNPeacekeepingPDTStandards,SpecializedTrainingMaterialforPolice1st edition2009
HumanRightsStandardsintheUseofForce
PreparatoryNotestoInstructor
Background
UnitedNationsPeacekeepingOperationsarefrequentlymandatedtoassistin
thereforming,restructuringandrebuildingofahostcountrypoliceservice.In
past conflicts, police often have been directly involved in hostilities and/or
associated with human rights violations. Due to this, thepopulation generally
has little or no confidence in the capacity of the State to provide for their
individual safety and security. Effective law enforcement not only restores
publiclaw and order but also assistsin reestablishing the confidence of the
populationinthecapacityoftheStatetogovern.
In order to reestablish confidence in the rule of law UN Police have a great
responsibility to ensure that law enforcement is exercised lawfully and
effectively.
In exercising their functions, UN Police must fully adhere to United Nations
human rights norms and standards. Making sure that human rights are
respected is central to the work of UN Police components, whose role can
vary from mentoring and advisingand training the national police services to
actuallawenforcement.
Problems related to abuse of power can arise where police misuse force
and/or fail to follow the internationally accepted procedures for the use of
firearms and protection of human rights. Therefore, it is essential for the UN
Police to have a clear understanding of international human rights standards
regulating the use of force and firearms so that steps are taken to prevent
abuses and to provide for effective investigations and sanctions in case of
humanrightsviolations.
Aim
The aim of this module is to provide participants with an understanding of
human rights implications related to the use of force by law enforcement
officials.
Themodulewillalsofamiliarizeparticipantswiththeprocedurestofollowonce
human rights violations, as a result of the use of force, have been detected
andwithactionstopreventthemfromoccurring.
LearningOutcomes
OncompletionofHRintheUseofForceModule,participantswillbeableto:
1. List and explain the principles on use of force based on the relevant
internationalhumanrightsstandards
2. Explainthepermissiblecircumstancesfortheuseoffirearms
3. Explaintheprocedurewhenuseofforceandfirearmsisunavoidable
4. Determinetheappropriatemeansofforceand/orfirearmsindifferent
situationsonthebasisofcasestudies
This training module sets out obligations in the use of force of UN police as
derived from international law. These are the minimum standards to be
observed. National law of host countries may provide for higher standards,
whichmustthenbeobserved.
TrainingSequence
Itissuggestedthatthematerialcontainedinthismodulebedeliveredovertwo
training units, depending on the number of learning activities the instructor
decides upon. The module however is designed in such a way it can be
condensedaccordingtotheneedsofindividualnationstrainingrequirements.
This module provides an overview of the overall human rights standards
applicable to the use of force and refers to reporting procedures for human
rightsviolations.ItisbestdeliveredafterDifferentLegalSystemsandshould
be linked to the modules on human rights standardsin arrest and detention,
andmentoringandadvising.
Duration
Lecture/Presentation
Questions/Assessment
SessionActivities
30min
15min.
45 min.activity
Additional
Options
MissionSpecific
OptionalFilm
OptionalActivity
45minutes
asneeded
Minimum
SessionTime
90minutes
45min.
Methodology
This module contains a variety of suggested learning activities to keep adult
learners engaged. The facilitation team should use as many of the learning
activities as time allows and keep them tailored to the target audience. The
aimisforthelearningexperiencetobeasinteractiveaspossible.Participants
invariablybringtothecoursesomeexperiences,whichmustbeactivelydrawn
upontoenhancethelearningexperience.Participantsshouldbefullyinvolved
in the learning process through practical exercises, brainstorming sessions,
discussionofcasestudies,workinginsmallgroupsonspecifictasks,etc.
The instructor should inform participants of the content, format and timing.
Knowingwhattoexpect,participantscanimprovetheirabilitytofocusonthe
subjectandbenefitbetterfromthesession.
Legalbasisfortheuseofforce
Basicprinciplesintheuseofforce
Differentmeansofforce
Principlesandproceduresforusingforceandfirearms
Accountabilityforuseofforceandfirearms
Summary
*PleaseNote:Itisuptothelearninginstitutiontodecidewhetherthe
learningassessmentquestionsareusedinformallyinagroupquestionand
answersession,oriftheyareprovidedtotheparticipantsasawrittenquiz.In
eithercase,itisrecommendedthatthecorrectanswersareprovidedatthe
endoftheassessmentinordertoensureparticipantsareclearonthekey
messages.
Instructorsareencouragedtoaddexamplesandmissionspecificinformation
relatedtothespecificdeploymentofparticipants,ifknown.
InstructorProfile
Thismoduleisbestpresentedbyaninstructorwhohasexperiencein
internationalhumanrightslawandpractice,whocouldsharehis/her
experiencewiththegroup.
InstructorPreparations
RequiredReadings
Forfurtherguidance on police implementation of standards,and suggestions
for discussions and exercises, trainers delivering the module are also
encouraged to refer to the relevant chapters of the OHCHR training
publications(seereferencesbelow).
BasicPrinciplesontheUseofForceandFirearmsbyLawEnforcement
Officials(1990)[http://www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/h_comp43.htm]
CodeofConductforLawEnforcementOfficials
(1979)[http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/codeofconduct.htm]
OHCHRTrainingSeriesN.5,HumanRightsandLawEnforcement:A
ManualonHumanRightsTrainingforthePolice,pages8490
[http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/training5en.pdf]
GeneralPreparations
Equipment:
1. ComputerandPowerPointslides
2. ProjectorandScreen
3. FlipCharts
Materials:
1. Copiesofhandoutsetc.
SymbolsLegend
F
[
NotetotheInstructor(Somebackgroundinformationforconsideration)
SpeakingPoints(Themainpointstocoveronthetopic.Ideallythe
speakingpointsarepresentedintheinstructorsownwordsversusbeing
readtoparticipants)
MissionSpecific(Apointwherethesessionwillbenefitfrommission
specificinformation)
Example(Storiesthatillustrateapointorkeymessage)
Samplequestions(Alistofpotentialquestionstoposetoparticipants)
Handout(Indicatesahandoutisprovidedtoparticipantsatthispoint)
Film(Afilmthatisrecommendedasacorepartofthetrainingoran
option)
CoreLearningActivity(Anactivitythatisstronglyrecommendedfor
inclusion)
OptionalLearningActivity(Anactivitythatcanbeusedifthereistime
anditisappropriatefortheparticipantgroup.Guidelinesforthese
activitiesareprovidedattheendoftheunit,sectionorpartasindicated
inthetext)
Keysummarypoints(Keymessagesthatareworthrepeatingattheend
ofthesession.Alternatively,theinstructorcanaskparticipantswhatare
themainmessagestheyaretakingfromthesession.Instructorscan
thenfillinanypointsthathavebeenmissed.)
SessionNotes
Slide1
FNotetoInstructor:Givetheparticipantsabriefexplanationwhytheyshould
payspecialattentiontothismodule.Referto:BackgroundinthePreparatory
NotestotheInstructor
Aim
Slide2
The aim of this module is to provide participants with a

clear understanding of human rights implications related
totheuseofforcebylawenforcementofficials.
The module will also familiarize participants with the
procedures to follow once human rights violations in
regards to the useof force have been detected and with
actionstopreventthemfromoccurring.
LearningOutcome
Slide3
Oncompletionofthismoduleparticipantswillbeableto:
Listandexplaintheprinciplesonuseofforcebased
ontherelevantinternationalhumanrightsstandards
Explainthepermissible circumstancesfortheuseof
firearms
Explaintheprocedurewhenuseofforceandfirearms
isunavoidable
Determinetheappropriatemeansofforceand/or
firearmsindifferentsituations onthebasisofcase
studies
StructureofthePresentation
Legalbasisfortheuseofforce
Humanrightsrelatingtouseofforce
Basicprinciplesintheuseofforce
Differentmeansofforce
Proceduresforusingforceandfirearms
Accountabilityforuseofforceandfirearms
Summary
DefiningForce
Slide4
Slide5
Anyverbalcommandorphysicalactiontogainsubjectcontrol.
FNote to the Instructor : Before showing the slide, brainstorm with

participants on a definition of force and complement with the expected
outcome
FExpectedOutcome:
Force:Anyverbalcommandorphysicalactiontogainsubjectcontrol.
Thereisnointernationallydefinedconceptofforceanddefinitionsfoundin
main dictionaries usually refer to a variety of terms such as strength,
power,violence.Someonecanbei.e.againsttheuseofforceintended
inamilitarywaybutdeterminedtouseforcetoavoidthatapersonwillhurt
another person. The police itself are often referred to as police force
focusing on the power aspect of the institutional cohesion. UN Police are
often familiar with the ways in which force has been defined under their
owndomesticlawsandcodesandthatrepresentscertainlyagoodstarting
pointfordiscussions
LegalBasisforUseofForce
Internationalmandates,SOPs,ROEs/DUF
(executive/notexecutive?)
HostCountryLaw
Internationalcustomaryandtreatylaw
Internationalnontreatystandardsonpolicing
Slide6
[
Internationalmandates
TheauthorityforUNPolicetouseforcedirectlyand/orcarryoutother
functionssuchasmentoringandadvisingwillderive,ineachspecific
situation,fromthemandateestablishedbytheUNSecurityCouncil.
The instructor should emphasise that, in addition to the mandate,

there are specific mission Directives of Use of Force (DUF) or
Directive on Detention, Searches and Use of Force for United
Nations Police Officers on Assignment with the United Nations and
the Rules of Engagement for UNPOL Formed Units of the United
Nations (ROE). These specific DUF and/or ROE (which are
confidential) will be provided once the participant arrives to his/her
mission.Uponarrivalinthemissionitistheparticipantsresponsibility
tomakehim/herselffamiliarwiththesedocuments.
HostCountryLaw
The basic principle for legitimacy is the national law of the host
country. UN Police using force and firearms will assume that the
local law is applicable to them and the local population being
policed. In training, mentoring and advising local police, UN Police
will also need to know the national legal framework for law
enforcement.Thelawsofthehostcountryareveryimportantbothin
the implementation of executive and non executive mandate since
theyconstitutethesettingforthelawenforcementinthatcountry. In
caseofcontradiction,UNPolicewillhavetofollowtheinternational
rules, unless the national law provides for human rights standards
which exceed international legal requirements. Mission guidance
shouldbesought.
InternationalLaw
International instruments such as the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights, the International Covenant of Civil and Political
Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment contain very
importantprovisionsrelevanttopolicingfunctions,includingtheuse
offorce.
UN Police must comply with both treaty based and customary

international human rights. When there is a discrepancy between
nationallawandtheinternationallawthatbindsthatcountryorthe
UNmission,UNPolicewillhavetoobserveinternationallaw(except
ofcourseifnationallawprovidesforbetterhumanrightsprotection).
Obviously, UN Police are not expected to check every piece of
relevantlegislationforcompliance,andUNPoliceleadershipshould
make sure that the SOPs and DUFs regulating those policing
functions are consistent with applicable international law and that
proper training is provided If carrying out policing functions, UN
Police must observe the international rules when mentoring,
advisingandtraininghostcountrypoliceofficerstheyhavetomake
surethatthoserulesareunderstoodandobserved.
Therearealsoregionalinstruments(AfricanCharter,InterAmerican
Convention, European Convention) which regulate respect of
humanrightsputatriskbytheuseofforce.
OtherInternationalStandardsonPolicing
There are numerous and detailed international human rights non
treaty standards dealing specifically with the work of law
enforcement officials such as the Basic Principles on the Use of
Force andFirearms by Law Enforcement Officials and the Code of
Conduct for Law enforcement officials. These provide detailed
guidelines for the conduct of law enforcement functions, covering
issues such as use of force and firearms, arrest and detention,
specialrulesforwomenandforchildren.
HumanRightsAffectedbytheUseofForce
Righttolife,libertyandsecurityofperson
Prohibitionoftortureorothercruel,inhumanor
degradingtreatmentorpunishment
Respectfortheinherentdignityofthehumanperson
Slide7
FNotetoinstructor:Beforeshowingtheslide,brainstormwithparticipantson
whichHumanRightaffectedbytheUseofForceandcomplementwiththe
expectedoutcome.
FExpectedOutcome:
The exercise of the power to use force may violate the most basic human
rightssuchastherighttolife,libertyandsecurityofpersonandtherespect
for his/her inherent dignity. Police use of force which adds to a violation of
the right to life represents a clear defeat of one of the prime purposes of
policing,thatofmaintainingthesafetyandsecurityofthepersons.
Article3oftheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsstates:
Everyonehastherighttolife,libertyandsecurityofperson.
Art.6oftheInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,
statesthatEveryhumanbeinghastheinherentrighttolife.This
rightshallbeprotectedbylaw.Nooneshallbearbitrarilydeprived
ofhislife.
Prohibition of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or

punishment
Art.7ofInternationalCovenantonCivilandPoliticalRights,which
bothread:Nooneshallbesubjecttotortureorcruel,inhumanor
degradingtreatmentorpunishmentand
Article2oftheUNConventionAgainstTorture,whichreads:
1. Each State Party shall take effective legislative, administrative,
judicial or other measures to prevent acts of torture in any territory
underitsjurisdiction.
2.Noexceptionalcircumstanceswhatsoever,whetherastateof
warorathreatorwar,internalpoliticalinstabilityoranyotherpublic
emergency,maybeinvokedasajustificationoftorture.
3.Anorderfromasuperiorofficerorapublicauthoritymaynotbe
invokedasajustificationoftorture.
Article1oftheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsstates:
Allhumanbeingsarebornfreeandequalindignityandrights.They
areendowedwithreasonandconscienceandshouldacttowards
oneanotherinaspiritofbrotherhood.
BasicPrinciplesintheUseofForce
Slide8
Principlesalwaystoobserve(PLAN)
P Proportionality
L Legality
A Accountability
N Necessity
LearningActivity:PLAN
Thepurposeofthisgroupdiscussionactivityisforparticipantsto
understandthePLANprinciples.
LearningActivityTimeRequired:
5minutes
foractivityintroductionandinstructions
10minutes
forworksmallgroupsdiscussions
10minutes
forsmallgroupreportsinlargegroup*
Totaltime: 25minutes
*totaltimedependentnumberofgroups
10
FActivityGuidelines:
1. Dividetheparticipantsintosmallgroups.
2. Askthem tolistwhichessentialelementshavetobeconsideredbefore
usingforcebasedonPLAN.
3. Askparticipantstopresenttheirresultsintheplenary(thelargegroup).
4. Complementtheresultswiththeexpectedoutcome
FExpectedOutcome:
TheresponseshouldbebasedonthePLANprinciples.
1. Proportionality:
Useofforceisunavoidable
Useofforcetobeproportionalinallcasestolawfulobjectives
Damageandinjurytobeminimized
Rangeofmeansfordifferentiateduseofforcetobemadeavailable
2. Legality:
Forcetobeusedonlyforlawfulenforcementpurposes
Noexceptionsorexcusesforunlawfuluseofforce
3. Accountability:
Incidentstobeimmediatelyreportedandreviewedbysuperiors
Superiorofficialstobeheldresponsiblefortheactionsofpoliceunder
their command if the superior official knew or should have known of
abusesbutfailedtotakeconcreteaction
Immunityshouldbegiventopoliceofficialwhorefuseunlawfulorders
Noexcuseforabuses!
Noexcusesforfollowingunlawfulorders!
All officers to be trained in the use of various means for the

differentiateduseofforce
Allofficerstobetrainedintheuseofnonviolentmeans
4. Necessity:
Forcetobeusedonlywhenstrictlynecessary
Nonviolentmeanstobeattemptedfirst
Restrainttobeexercisedintheuseofforce,onlytheminimumlevel
requiredandonlyforthetimenecessary
11
In general when applying force, every officer or commander must constantly

observe the development of the situation whether it is stable, it escalates or
deescalatesandgraduatethemeansofforceaccordingly.
DifferentMeansofForce
Slide9
Nonviolentmeans:
Presenceofauthority
Verbal
Showofforce
Violentmeans:
Physicalhumanforce
Handcuffs
Baton/Gas/Water
Lessthanlethalfirearms
Lethalfirearms
FNotetoInstructor:Basedonthementionedexamplesofdifferentmeansof
force,discusshowtheparticipantsapplythemintheirownnationalcontext
inordertosensitisethemtoUNstandards.
PermissibleCircumstancesfortheUseofFirearms
Slide10
Onlyinextremecircumstanceswhenstrictly
unavoidablefor:
Selfdefenceordefenceofothersagainstimminent
threatofdeathorseriousinjury
Preventingaparticularlyseriouscrimethatinvolvesa
severethreattolife
Arrestingorpreventingtheescapeofapersonposing
suchathreatandwhoisresistingeffortstostopthe
threat,ineverycase,onlywhenlessextreme
measuresareinsufficient
FNotetoinstructor:Beforeshowingtheslide,brainstormwithparticipantson
thepermissiblecircumstancesfortheUseofFirearmsandcomplementwith
theexpectedoutcome.
12
FExpectedOutcome:
Firearmstobeusedonlyinextremecircumstances
Firearmstobeusedonlyinselfdefenceordefenceofothersagainst
imminentthreatofdeathorseriousinjury or
topreventaparticularlyseriouscrimethatinvolvesagravethreatto
lifeor
toarrestorpreventtheescapeofapersonposingsuchathreatand
whoisresistingeffortstostopthethreatand
Ineverycase,onlywhenlessextrememeasuresareinsufficient
Intentionallethaluseofforceandfirearmsshallbepermittedonly
whenstrictlyunavoidableinordertoprotecthumanlife.
ProceduresfortheUseofFirearms
Slide11
Officertoidentifyhimself/herselfaspoliceofficial
and
Officertogiveaclearwarning
and
Officertoallowadequatetimeforwarningtobe
obeyed
FNotetotheInstructor: Beforeshowingtheslide,brainstormwith
participantsontheproceduresandtheexceptionfortheUseofFirearms
andcomplementwiththeexpectedoutcome.
FExpectedOutcome:
Officertoallowadequatetimeforwarningtobeobeyed
Thisshallnotberequiredif:
the delay would result in death or serious injury to the officer or

others,or
itisclearlypointlessorinappropriateinthecircumstancestodoso.
ProceduresAftertheUseofFirearms
Providemedicalaidtoallinjuredpersons
Notifyrelativesorfriendsofthoseaffected
Allowforinvestigationwhererequestedorrequired
Provideafullanddetailedreportoftheincident
13
Slide12
FNotetoInstructor:Beforeshowingtheslide,brainstormwithparticipantson
theproceduresaftertheUseofFirearmsandcomplementwiththeexpected
outcome.
FExpectedOutcome:
Afterusingfirearmsitisimportanttominimizedamageandinjury.
Wheneverthelawfuluseoffirearmsisunavoidableandindividualsarehurt,
thefollowingactionshouldbetaken:
Medical assistance to any injured persons at the earliest possible

moment
Notify victims relatives/friends: ensure that relatives or close friends

of the injured or affected person are notified at the earliest possible
moment
Allowandcooperatewiththenecessaryinvestigation
Reportpromptlyincidenttosuperiors
UNPoliceResponsibilitiesunderaNonExecutive
Mandate
IfaUNPolicewitnesses,discovers,orinanyother
wayismadeawareofahumanrightsviolation,theUN
Policeofficeristo:
Putanendtotheviolationand/orpreventfurther
violations
Provideassistancetothevictimasnecessary
Mentorandadviseaccordingly
Reportthehumanrightsviolationtohis/herimmediate
supervisor
ReportthehumanrightsviolationtotheHumanRights
componentofthemissionandconsultonfurther
necessaryaction
Slide13
14
FNotetoInstructor: Useanexamplefromacurrentnonexecutivemission,
Sudan/Liberia.
[
In a nonexecutive mission, UN Police have a responsibility to ensure

thatthehostcountrypoliceuseforceandfirearmsinfullcompliancewith
internationalhumanrightsstandards.
Highlight that despite the difference in the authority given to UNPolice,

by the mandate human rights standards related to the use of force and
firearmshavetobeappliedregardless.
When witnessing or being informed about a human rights violation
relatedtotheuseofforceandfirearms,UNPolicewill:
Intervene with local police or other state officers in view of putting a

stoptothehumanrightsviolation(typeandlevelofengagementwill
dependonthespecificsituationandmandate)
Ensure assistance to the victim as necessary (the person may be

wounded and requiring medical assistance or seek help to file a
complaintforreparation)
Determine on what and how to mentor/advise local police to avoid

furtherviolations
Documenttheviolationproperly
Promptly share the information and report the violation to Human

Rights components in the mission through appropriate mission
procedures
Support Human Rights components monitoring, investigations and

advocacyactivities
RemaininformedonstepstakenbyUNPoliceleadershipandHuman
Rightscomponents
UNPolicesroleisalsocrucialtopreventhumanrightsviolationsbythe
localpolice:
By knowing the international standards and mentoring, advising and

training the host country police accordingly, UN Police can limit the
occurrenceofviolations
By reporting on human rights violations, UN Police can help to

determine responsibilities through investigations and sanctions.
Accountabilityisaneffectivedeterrentagainsthumanrightsviolations
By actively collaborating with mission partners such as human rights

officers,judicialaffairsandcorrectionofficers,UNPolicecanfacilitate
coordinatedactionbythemissioninsupportofhumanrightsandthe
ruleoflaw
UNPoliceResponsibilitiesunderanExecutiveMandate
15
Slide14
UnderanexecutivemandateUNPoliceare
responsiblefortheuseofforce.
Anyuseofforcehastobecarriedoutinaccordance
withthelawofthehostcountryandfullrespectfor
internationalhumanrightsstandards.
FNotetoInstructor:Useanexecutivemission(TimorLeste)asanexample.
Let them read the mandates of those missions and discuss the
responsibilitiesofUNPolice.
[
Incarryingoutpolicingfunctions,UNPolicemustrespectthelegislation
applicable in the host country insofar as it is not in conflict with United
Nations human rights norms and standards or United Nations rules,
regulationsandotherissuances.
Insituationswhenuseofforceandfirearmsarecarriedoutdirectlybythe
UN Police, they are required to fully respect human rights. Abuse of
authority,excessiveuseofforceandotherseriousmisconductspossibly
committedbyUNPolicehavetobereportedtotheHeadofMissionwho
willstartapreliminaryinvestigation.
It should be emphasized that, in addition to the mandate, there are
specific mission Directives of Use of Force and Firearms (DUF) or
Directive on Detention, Searches and Use of Force for United Nations
Police Officers on Assignment with the United Nation and the Rules of
Engagement for UN Police Formed Units of the United Nation (ROE).
ThesespecificDUFand/orROE(whichareconfidential)willbeprovided
oncetheparticipantarrivestohis/hermission.Uponarrivalinthemission
itistheparticipantsresponsibilitytomakehim/herselffamiliarwiththese
documents.
SummaryofKeyMessages
HumanRightsaffectedbyuseofforce
Formalproceduresforuseoffirearms
Policepowersunderinternationallawinregardsto
useofforce
Mentorandadvisehostcountrypoliceinregardtouse
offorce
Slide15
FNote to Instructor: If time allows divide class in groups and hand out the
exercises in the Optional Learning Activity: Fleeing Thief and Unplanned
Demonstrations.
16
LearningOutcomeAssessment
It is up to the learning institution to decide whether the learning assessment
questions are used informally in a group question and answer session, or if
they are provided to the participants as a written quiz. In either case, it is
recommended that the correct answers are provided at the end of the
assessmentinordertoensureparticipantsareclearonthekeymessages.
Attheendoftheentireunitand/ortheconclusionoftheSTMsinstructorsmay
wanttochoosesomeofthefollowingquestionsforreview.
Questions
1. Listandexplaintheprinciplesonuseofforceinrelationtothehuman
rightsstandards.
2. ListthedifferentlegalbasisfortheuseoffirearmsforUNPolice.
3. Whatarethehumanrightsrelatingtotheuseofforce?
4. Whatarethepermissiblecircumstancesfortheuseoffirearms?
5. Whataretheproceduresfortheuseoffirearmsandexceptionsto
theseprocedures?
6. Whataretheproceduresaftertheuseofforce?
FExpectedOutcome
1. Theprinciplesonuseofforceandfirearmsinrelationtothehuman
rightsstandardsare:
TheresponseshouldbebasedonthePLANprinciples.
Proportionality:
Useofforceisunavoidable
Useofforcetobeproportionalinallcasestolawfulobjectives
Damageandinjurytobeminimised
Rangeofmeansfordifferentiateduseofforcetobemadeavailable
Legality:
Forcetobeusedonlyforlawfulenforcementpurposes
Noexceptionsorexcusesforunlawfuluseofforce
Accountability:
Incidentstobeimmediatelyreportedandreviewedbysuperiors.
17
Superiorofficialstobeheldresponsiblefortheactionsofpoliceunder
theircommandifthesuperiorofficialkneworshouldhaveknownof
abusesbutfailedtotakeconcreteaction
Immunityshouldbegiventopoliceofficialwhorefuseunlawfulorders
Noexcuseforabuses
Noexcusesforfollowingunlawfulorders!
Allofficerstobetrainedintheuseofvariousmeansforthe
differentiateduseofforce
Allofficerstobetrainedintheuseofnonviolentmeans
Necessity:
Nonviolentmeanstobeattemptedfirst
Forcetobeusedonlywhenstrictlynecessary
Restrainttobeexercisedintheuseofforce,onlytheminimumlevel
offorcerequiredandonlyforthetimenecessary
2. ThedifferentlegalbasisfortheuseofforceandfirearmsforUNPolice
Internationalmandates,SOPs,ROEs/DUF(executive/notexecutive?)
HostCountryLaw
Internationalcustomaryandtreatylaw
Internationalnontreatystandardsonpolicing
3. Thehumanrightsrelatingtotheuseofforceandfirearms
Prohibition of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment

orpunishment
4. Thepermissiblecircumstancesfortheuseoffirearmsareonlywhenless
extrememeasuresareconsideredinsufficient.
Firearmstobeusedonlyinextremecircumstances
Firearmstobeusedonlyinselfdefenceordefenceofothersagainst
imminentthreatofdeathorseriousinjury
or
topreventaparticularlyseriouscrimethatinvolvesagravethreatto
life
or
toarrestorpreventtheescapeofapersonposingsuchathreatand
whoisresistingeffortstostopthethreat
18
5. Theproceduresfortheuseoffirearmsandexceptionstothese
proceduresare:
and
and
Officertoallowadequatetimeforwarningtobeobeyed
Thisshallnotberequiredif:
the delay would result in death or serious injury to the officer or

others,or
itisclearlypointlessorinappropriateinthecircumstancestodoso.
6. Theproceduresaftertheuseofforceandfirearmsare:
Rendermedicalaidtoallinjuredpersons
Notifyrelativesorfriendsofthoseaffected
Allowforinvestigationwhererequestedorrequired
Provideafullanddetailedreportoftheincident
19
OptionalLearningActivity:CaseStudies
Thepurposeofthisactivityisforparticipantstolearnaboutpoliceofficers
andFPUproceduresthroughrealcasescenarios.Thetwoexercisesare:
FleeingThiefandUnplannedDemonstrations.
LearningActivityTimeRequired:
10minutes
foractivityintroductionandinstructions
15minutes
forworksmallgroupsdiscussions:exercise1or
2
20minutes
debriefinthelargegroup*
Totaltime: 45minutes
*totaltimedependentnumberofgroups
F ActivityGuidelines:
1. Dividetheparticipantsintotwogroupsandgiveeachgroupan
Exercise.
2. ForExercise1,participantsareaskedtoidentifyifthepoliceacted
appropriatelyinascenario.
3. ForExercise2,participantsareaskedtodeterminetheFPU
proceduresareappropriateinarealcasescenario.
Exercise1:FleeingThief
YouarecolocatedwithhostcountryPolicestationinasensitiveareawith
asignificantminoritypopulation.Thepolicearemainlyrecruitedfrom the
majoritygroupandassuchconsideredbiasedbytheminority.One
afternoonaninhabitantbelongingtotheminoritybreaksintothestation
andstealsaportablecomputerandaradioset.Heattemptstoexitthe
frontgate.Comingbacktothestationafterajointhostcountry/UNpolice
footpatrolyourtwoarmedhostcountrypolicecolleagueschallengethe
thief.Hepullsoutaknife,takingasteptowardsthepoliceofficer,beforehe
turnedandranoutofthegateandacrossadirtroadintoanopenfield.The
twohostcountryofficersassumethatthecomputerhassensitivefiles,and
anywaytheyareangryasthisisthethirdthiefthisweek.Whilerunning
afterhim,oneofthehostcountryofficersshootsthethief.
Heisbadlyinjuredbutalive.Localbystandersofminorityoriginwitnessed
theeventsandstartshoutinginthelocallanguage.Acrowdbeginsto
gatherandanotherthreehostcountryofficersjointheirtwocolleagues.
20
Thethiefisbleedingprofuselyandcriesout.Thehostcountryofficersare
talkingamongstthemselves,andpreventingthepeoplefromhelpingthe
man.Somevillagersraceupwithavantotaketheinjuredmantothe
hospital,butasthevehicleapproachestheofficerstheyfireafewshots
deflatingthefronttires.Itisbarely5minutessincetheshootingthecrowd
isbuildingthethiefstopsbreathinganddies.
1. Dividetheparticipantsintosmallgroupsandaskthemtoreadthe
exercise.
2. Askthemtodeterminethepoliceofficersproceduresandaction
towardsthethief.
Wastheattempttoarrestthesuspectedthieflegal?
Whatwouldhavebeentheappropriateaction,whenthethiefpulled
hisknife?
What would have been the appropriate action when the thief
escapedintothefield?
After having shot the thief, what would have been the appropriate
actions?
Whatshouldhavebeendoneinregardstotheangrycrowd?
WhatisyourroleasUNPoliceduringandafterthesituation?
F ExpectedOutcome:
1. Wastheattempttoarrestthesuspectedthieflegal?
Theattempttoarrest mustbeconsideredlegal,assumingthesuspect
was seen leaving police premises with the computer and handset. At
least,inthelightoftherecentthefts,thepolicehadtherighttoaddress
the suspect and inquire into his reasons for his presence and the
possessionoftheitems.
2. Whatwouldbetheappropriateaction,whenthethiefpulledhisknife?
Trytofreezethesituationandtoverballyencouragethesuspecttoput
downtheknifeandsurrender.Atthesametimepreparatoryactionsin
regard to use of force could be taken in order for self defense and if
necessarytoenforceanarrest.
3. Whatwouldbetheappropriateactionwhenthethiefescapedintothe
field?
Againuseverbalmeanstostopthesuspect.
With due consideration of own safety pursue the suspect with the
purposeofmakinganarrest.
21
4. Afterhavingshotthethief,whatwouldhavebeentheappropriate
actions?
Inordertominimizedamageandinjury
Medical assistance to any injured persons at the earliest possible

moment
Notifyvictimsrelatives/friends:ensurethatrelativesorclosefriends
oftheinjuredoraffectedpersonarenotifiedattheearliestpossible
moment
Allowandcooperatewiththenecessaryinvestigation
Reportpromptlyincidenttosuperiors.
5. Whatshouldhavebeendoneinregardstotheangrycrowd?
Thepoliceshouldhaveapproachedthecrowdinordertotrytocalmthe
situation
6. WhatisyourroleasUNPoliceduringandafterthesituation?
ReporttoyoursupervisorandtotheHumanRightscomponent
Ensurethattheincidentisinvestigatedproperly
Informationtothelocalcommunityandvictimsaboutactiontaken
Communicatewithlocalofficialsandcommunityleadersinorderto
encourage better relations with the host country police and crime
preventionmeans
Exercise2:UnplannedDemonstrations
1. Newsspreadsofthepeacekeeperswhoinaroadsideaccidentkilleda
motherandachild.Anangrycrowdofabout50peoplegathersatthe
UNHQmaingateandprotestsangrily.Thecrowdwithin20minutes
growstoabout200men,womenandchildrenthrowingstones.
WindowsandvehiclesinsidetheHQcompoundarebeingdamaged.
Tiresaresetonfireoutsideinthestreets.
2. OneFPUplatoonarmedwithautomaticriflesformsupoutsidethegate
andordersthedemonstratorstodisperse.Ayoungmaleprotestor
throwsabottle,hittingoneoftheFPUmembers.ThreeotherFPU
memberschasetheprotesterwhoresistsarrest,punchingandkicking
theofficers.UsingriflebuttstheFPUmembersknockthemantothe
groundandhandcuffhim.Theprotesteralthoughhandcuffedrefusesto
holdstillandmanagestospitintothefaceofanofficer.Inamomentof
ragetheofficerorderstodragthemantothefrontgateandhandcuffs
himtothebarricadeinfullsightofthecrowd.Thevillageleaderarrives
onthescenebuttheFPUignorehispresence.
3. BynowthecrowdisreallygettingviolentandtheFPUplatoonstartsto
retreatbackintothecompound.Rocksandbottlesarehittingthe
22
officerswhoareorderedtoformalineatthecompoundgateandaim
theirweaponsattheprotesters.OneFPUmemberishitbyarockand
fallstotheground.Reinforcementarrives,andsurroundsthe
protesters.Someprotestersdroptothegroundclutchingchildrenand
friendsotherscontinuetoadvanceontheFPU.Asthesituation
disintegrates,severalofficersopenfireandfourprotesterscollapsewith
gunshotwounds.Thecrowdfleesandthedustsettles.
1. Dividetheparticipantsintosmallgroupsandaskthem toreadthe
exercise.
2. AskthemtodeterminetheFPUproceduresandactiontowardsthe
incident.
Wasthedeploymentoftheunitcorrectandsufficient?
Whatotheractionscouldbetaken?
Wastheconductofthearrestlegalandappropriate?
Whichactionsshouldbetakeninthecaseoftheexcessforceused
againsttheprotester?
Whatshouldhavebeendoneinregardstotheangrycrowd?
HowshouldtheFPUhavedealtwiththevillageleader?
Wastheuseoffirearmsagainstcrowdappropriate?
What is your role as UN (individual) Police during and after the

situation?
F ExpectedOutcome:
1. Wasthedeploymentoftheunitcorrectandsufficient?
Reflecting the deployment of the FPUit should be emphasised thatin
ordertomeetinternationalstandardstheFPUhastotakeagraduated
approachandtheriskofescalationofviolencehastobeminimized.A
moredeescalatingwaytorespondtothissituationmighthavebeento
position the FPU inside the compound, which could have served the
purposeofincreasingtheirownsecurityandreducingtheneedforself
defence.
Consideration must be given to sufficient equipment of the FPU. Also
consideration is needed on dispatching other tactical units to be
engaged,andeventuallytoshowofforcetodeterfurtherescalation.
2. Whatotheractionscouldbetaken?
Trytoidentifytheleaderandestablishcontactinordertoexplainthe
situation,theUNcourseofactiontoinvestigatethetrafficaccidentand
23
therebymakeanattempttocalmdownthesituationcallhostcountry
authorities,especiallythehostcountrypolice,askingtointervene.
3. Wastheconductofthearrestlegalandappropriate?
In principle the arrest was legal and justified. The tactic to chase the
man is however questionable since his actions did not pose a
significantthreattotheFPU.Strategiestodiffuseratherthanincreasing
tensionsshouldbeprivileged.
Considerationhasalsotobemadeastoconsequencesofthearrest.In
aunitundercommand,sucharrestsmustbeplannedandcoordinated.
4. Whichactionsshouldbetakeninthecaseoftheexcessforceused
againsttheprotester?
The acts of excess use of force should be stopped immediately. The
same applies for the protester being handcuffed to the barricade. It is
bothexposinghimtodangerandtoviolatinghumanrightsstandardsfor
handling arrested persons. The protestor should have been given
medicalassistanceimmediately.
5. Whatshouldhavebeendoneinregardstotheangrycrowd?
Negotiations with the village leader should have been initiated verbal
warnings and encouragement to disperse should have been given to
thecrowd.
6. Wastheuseoffirearmsagainstthecrowdappropriate?
It could have onlybeen justified in response to a serious threat to the
lifeofaperson.Thescenariodoesnotgiveanyindicationthatthiswas
the case. Therefore the use of firearms was not justified. In addition
none of the mandatory procedures before using firearms has been
applied.
7. WhatisyourroleasUN(individual)Policeduringandafterthe
situation?
Your role as individual police is mainly to observe. A general role of
anybodyistostoptheabuseofpowerimmediately,ifpossible.Afterthe
action,reporttheincidenttotheappropriateauthoritiesandfollowupon
thecaseby:
ReporttoyoursupervisorandtotheHumanRightscomponent
Ensurethattheincidentisinvestigatedproperly
Informationtothelocalcommunityandvictimsaboutactiontaken
Communicatewithlocalofficialsandcommunityleadersinorderto
encourage better relations with the host country police and crime
preventionmeans

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HumanRightsStandardsintheUseof

The aim of this module is to provide participants with a

FNote to the Instructor : Before showing the slide, brainstorm with

The instructor should emphasise that, in addition to the mandate,

International instruments such as the Universal Declaration of

UN Police must comply with both treaty based and customary

Prohibition of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or

All officers to be trained in the use of various means for the

In general when applying force, every officer or commander must constantly

the delay would result in death or serious injury to the officer or

Medical assistance to any injured persons at the earliest possible

Notify victims relatives/friends: ensure that relatives or close friends

In a nonexecutive mission, UN Police have a responsibility to ensure

Highlight that despite the difference in the authority given to UNPolice,

Intervene with local police or other state officers in view of putting a

Ensure assistance to the victim as necessary (the person may be

Determine on what and how to mentor/advise local police to avoid

Promptly share the information and report the violation to Human

Support Human Rights components monitoring, investigations and

By knowing the international standards and mentoring, advising and

By reporting on human rights violations, UN Police can help to

By actively collaborating with mission partners such as human rights

Prohibition of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment

the delay would result in death or serious injury to the officer or

Medical assistance to any injured persons at the earliest possible

What is your role as UN (individual) Police during and after the

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