An Expert Seminar To Tackle Human Rights Challenges Related to the Use of Less-Lethal Weapons

Persons at a desk and typing on their computer Persons at a desk and typing on their computer

19 June 2018

Our annual seminar, held in the context of the Geneva Human Rights Platform and its focus on current human rights challenges related to the use of force, will discuss the use of less-lethal weapons (LLW) in the context of law enforcement, management of assemblies and crowd control.

During two days, around 40 participants – academics, law enforcement experts from different regional and legal backgrounds, medical experts dealing with the negative effects of LLW, representatives from international organizations and civil society – will discuss a draft document to guide practice concerning the use of LLW and other equipment in law enforcement.

This document has been drafted by a working group of academics made of leading academics, law enforcement experts and practitioners and representatives from international organizations and civil society.

‘Our hope is that this document, once finalized, will build on, and in no way challenge or update, the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials’ underlines Kamelia Kemileva, Executive Manager at the Geneva Academy.

‘This annual seminar allows us to identify and discuss topical issues and challenges related to the use of force and how these are addressed by the UN Human Rights Council or the UN Human Rights Committee’ stresses Kamelia Kemileva.

Next steps will include a revised draft after the meeting that will integrate comments from participants and a follow-up meeting before the end of 2018.

About the Geneva Human Rights Platform and Its Focus on Use of Force

The Geneva Human Rights Platform (HRP) provides a dynamic forum in Geneva for all stakeholders in the field of human rights – experts, practitioners, diplomats and civil society – to discuss and debate topical issues and challenges. Relying on academic research and findings, it enables various actors to become better connected, break down silos and, hence, advance human rights.

The HRP fosters interactions and discussions on topical issues and challenges through regular events, conferences, expert roundtables and private meetings. It informs ongoing processes via solid academic research and publications.

The HRP notably focuses on the use of force in relation to law enforcement, management of assemblies, crowd control, the right to life or the use of specific security devices and how these issues are addressed at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Human Rights Committee or at the Conference on Disarmament.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

GHRP EU News News

Bridging Geneva and Europe: advancing human rights in the digital age

2 June 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform has taken its work on strengthening the international human rights system to the heart of European policymaking.

Read more

GTI Logo News

In Highlight: Global Torture Index

26 June 2025

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the current highlight of the directory: Global Torture Index

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

10-14 November 2025

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

Madagascar, Miarinarivo district. Women transplanting rice. Project

The Rights of Peasants

Started in May 2008

After having provided academic support to the negotiation of the UN Declaration for ten years, this research project focuses on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas.

Read more

surveillance image of people Project

Human Rights in a Digitalized World: Mapping Risk, Strengthening Regulation and Promoting the Development of International Human Rights Law

Started in August 2023

To unpack the challenges raised by artificial intelligence, this project will target two emerging and under-researched areas: digital military technologies and neurotechnology.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more